Siteground vs Justhost: guide for 2024

Siteground vs Justhost: Final verdict

Looking over SiteGround vs. JustHost, SiteGround stands out for its exceptional performance and comprehensive feature set, whereas JustHost offers competitive pricing and user-friendly options suitable for beginners.

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  SiteGround (Overall grade: 8.8)
  
  
  delivers outstanding uptime and speed, powered by Google Cloud infrastructure and advanced caching technologies, making it ideal for WordPress and ecommerce sites. Its extensive range of features, including managed WordPress hosting, daily backups, and high security standards, cater well to developers and businesses needing reliability and performance. Users appreciate SiteGround’s quick migration tools, efficient customer support, and environmentally friendly practices. However, the higher price point and renewal rates are noted downsides, which could be less appealing for budget-conscious users.
  
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  JustHost (Overall grade: 7.4)
  
  
  is favored for its simplicity, appealing introductory prices, and user-friendly drag-and-drop site builder, making it suitable for beginners and small businesses. It provides essential features like a free domain for the first year, unmetered disk space, and solid performance. While its uptime is reliable, the server response times and lack of advanced caching may fall short of more demanding needs. JustHost’s support is robust but lacks the advanced, AI-driven assistance found in SiteGround. Its straightforward pricing structure and comprehensive marketing credits are significant draws. Nonetheless, its mixed user reviews and lesser feature depth make it less suitable for high-traffic or resource-intensive sites.
  

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner SiteGround: Excellent uptime and fast response times.

Section 2: SiteGround guarantees an impressive 99.9% uptime with only 7 minutes of downtime over nearly two months, achieving an actual uptime of 99.99%. It offers a strong compensation policy and has consistently fast response times, averaging 0.207 seconds. Customers benefit from high-performance speeds and 24/7 customer support through various channels, making it a solid choice for web hosting.

Section 3: JustHost holds a respectable 99.95% uptime without offering compensation for downtime. Their server response time averages 971ms, which is slower than recommended. Despite having 24/7 support, only dedicated hosting customers get phone support, and general customer reviews are mixed. Unlike SiteGround, automatic backups are limited to premium plans, reducing convenience for entry-level users.

🏆 Winner
SiteGround: When comparing SiteGround and Just Host, there are several key areas to consider. SiteGround leverages premium Google Cloud infrastructure with SSD persistent storage, which ensures fast load times and a higher PageSpeed score. Its custom implementation of PHP and MySQL enhances performance, while built-in plugins like the Speed Optimizer further optimize site speed. SiteGround offers a free CDN service with 170+ edge locations, enhancing global reach. The hosting provider has numerous data centers located in strategic locations globally. Just Host, on the other hand, offers high-performance quad processor servers and reliable uptime backed by UPS power generators, but lacks some advanced caching methods. It also features a free domain and cPanel control panel, but its CDN is not as expansive as SiteGround’s.

SiteGround takes the lead in website speed due to its ultrafast server setup, which reduces the time to first byte (TTFB) and leads to 30% faster page loads on average. It supports static and dynamic caching for significantly faster site performance and utilizes technologies like NGINX Direct Delivery and SuperCacher for efficient caching. In contrast, Just Host provides basic performance plans but improves caching and performance in its higher-end plans like VPS and Dedicated Hosting. Overall, SiteGround’s consistent use of cutting-edge technologies ensures superior website speed.

Website Speed

SiteGround takes the lead in website speed due to its ultrafast server setup, which reduces the time to first byte (TTFB) and leads to 30% faster page loads on average. It supports static and dynamic caching for significantly faster site performance and utilizes technologies like NGINX Direct Delivery and SuperCacher for efficient caching. In contrast, Just Host provides basic performance plans but improves caching and performance in its higher-end plans like VPS and Dedicated Hosting. Overall, SiteGround’s consistent use of cutting-edge technologies ensures superior website speed.

Scalability

Regarding scalability, SiteGround offers flexible scaling options such as automated updates for WordPress and WooCommerce and seamless transitions between plans. Its Cloud plans start at $100.00/mo, offering high power for growing sites. Just Host provides instant provisioning for VPS and Dedicated Hosting, ensuring rapid scalability. With Just Host, you also benefit from root access and the option to add high-performance SAN storage. However, SiteGround’s higher scalability and streamlined plan upgrades make it a more versatile choice as your site grows.

🏆 Winner SiteGround: It offers robust security measures and regular updates to ensure website safety.

Both SiteGround and Just Host, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

SiteGround exceeds with its custom Smart Web Application Firewall (WAF) that is updated continuously with in-house written rules, along with an AI anti-bot system preventing millions of threats daily. It ensures 24/7 system administration and multi-layered security through Google Cloud infrastructure. On the other hand, Just Host uses SiteLock for daily vulnerability scanning, malware removal, and offers a Web Application Firewall. Both provide free SSL certificates, but SiteGround automates issuance and renewal, adding convenience.

Operational security measures:

SiteGround implements daily automated backups, maintaining up to 30 copies and offering on-demand backup for certain plans. Automatic updates for WordPress & WooCommerce add an extra layer of security against exploits. Just Host provides alerts, email notifications on detected threats, and expert services for site cleanup. Both have their operational strengths, but SiteGround’s multi-layered approach and continuous system monitoring put it ahead.

Compliance and certifications:

SiteGround ensures encryption in transit through Google Cloud’s infrastructure but lacks explicit PCI compliance. Just Host offers GDPR compliance with domain masking and Whois Privacy, and provides SSL certificates which are essential components for PCI compliance though not explicitly mentioned. Neither host specifies HIPAA compliance in their offerings.

🏆 Winner
SiteGround: A feature-rich hosting provider with exceptional customer support and extensive WordPress optimization.

SiteGround and Just Host both offer a range of features suited for various website needs, but each provider brings unique strengths to the table. SiteGround impresses with its comprehensive managed WordPress hosting, which includes out-of-the-box caching, staging environments, and a commitment to renewable energy. Notable extras like WP-CLI, SSH access, and a host of free migration tools make it particularly attractive for developers and more advanced users. While SiteGround’s plans may be pricier, they boast a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring customers have peace of mind. Just Host, on the other hand, lures users with the promise of a free domain for a year, unmetered disk space, and a user-friendly drag-and-drop site builder. The inclusion of $200 in marketing credits can be a great draw for new businesses looking to boost their online presence.

When it comes to user-friendliness, both providers offer website builders designed to simplify the creation process. SiteGround includes a free SiteBuilder that integrates smoothly with its other features, while Just Host’s drag-and-drop builder caters to those needing a quick, easy setup without deep technical knowledge. However, SiteGround’s tools, like SuperCacher technology and priority support, are geared towards users looking for high performance and security, often presenting a better value in the long run. Just Host’s free domain and extensive range of 1-click apps support a variety of other CMSs beyond WordPress, from Joomla to Moodle, adding to its appeal for general users and small businesses.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both SiteGround and Just Host offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

Both SiteGround and Just Host provide robust email hosting capabilities, including the ability to set up POP3/IMAP accounts. While SiteGround emphasizes managed services with free email accounts and a reliable migration tool, Just Host supports extensive third-party services and includes auto-responders and spam protection. However, SiteGround’s email services often stand out due to their enhanced security features and integration with collaboration tools, making it advantageous for larger teams and businesses.

🏆 Winner Just Host: Just Host provides a spectrum of competitively priced plans with robust features suited for a variety of hosting needs.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

Comparing the pricing plans of SiteGround and Just Host reveals differences in their approach. SiteGround offers attractive introductory prices with numerous features, essential for website optimization and security. However, its regular prices are significantly higher. In contrast, Just Host offers simpler pricing structures with the inclusion of Free Domain Name and automated backups in higher plans. Just Host’s higher-rated hosting plans—the Choice Plus and Pro—include unlimited websites, unmetered storage and bandwidth, and enhanced performance at promotional prices, making it a cost-effective choice for a broader range of users.

Enterprise plans

Both SiteGround and Just Host offer comprehensive options for enterprises. SiteGround’s cloud hosting plans present high-powered configurations with scalable memory and CPU capabilities, ideal for resource-heavy applications. Just Host offers dedicated hosting plans that stand out with a competitive promotional pricing structure, including enhanced processor performance, substantial storage, and inclusive free domain name registration—an efficient choice for dedicated resource needs.

🏆 Winner: SiteGround: Known for its exceptional setup ease and highly responsive support.

Both SiteGround and Just Host offer user-friendly admin panels, but they cater to different user needs. SiteGround provides a custom control panel, designed for simplicity and effectiveness. It includes an Automated Site Setup Wizard, a WordPress Starter Plugin, and free WordPress Migrator Plugin, making it easy for users to set up and optimize their sites with minimal effort. The custom panel’s layout is intuitive, enabling both technical and non-technical users to navigate easily. On the other hand, Just Host employs the standard cPanel, known for its comprehensive features and ease of use. The cPanel interface simplifies website management tasks such as email configurations, domain handling, and database administration via a well-organized dashboard. Though cPanel is highly functional, it can be overwhelming for absolute beginners compared to SiteGround’s more guided approach.

SiteGround on the other hand, offers a dual interface that combines a custom dashboard with full cPanel access, catering to both beginners and technically advanced users. The platform includes a comprehensive help center filled with a wide variety of guides and tutorials, aimed at assisting users in managing and optimizing their websites effectively.

Both SiteGround and Just Host offer migration services for websites, but their approaches and costs differ. SiteGround provides free automated migrations for WordPress sites specifically within the first 30 days after purchasing a new shared hosting plan. For non-WordPress sites, however, SiteGround charges $149 for migration services, although users have the option to undertake manual migrations, which demand considerable technical expertise. On the other hand, Just Host offers both automated and manual migration options for WordPress and non-WordPress or custom sites alike. Their paid migration service is considerably more affordable at approximately $30.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. SiteGround offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Justhost also boasts a detailed help center with an intuitive search function and around-the-clock support via live chat, phone, and ticketing, ensuring comprehensive user support.

🏆 Winner: SiteGround: A versatile hosting provider well-suited for comprehensive user management.

SiteGround offers a highly flexible user management system that allows you to add collaborators with individual logins and the ability to manage sites or contact support. You can provide customizable roles and permissions, fine-tuning access levels to different site tools. The option to offer white-label client access without exposing the SiteGround brand is a significant advantage for branding purposes. On the other hand, JustHost primarily utilizes the cPanel control panel, focusing on multi-account management through a single login and providing enhanced control of VPS hosting via root access. Its user role capabilities are not as detailed in customization options compared to SiteGround.

When managing user interfaces and tools, SiteGround employs a clear and straightforward system for adding and managing users directly through its Client Area. Users can create, manage, and assign roles effortlessly, providing a highly organized way to handle user permissions. JustHost’s cPanel interface is widely recognized for its user-friendly design and extensive feature set, including domain management, email account setups, and database administration. However, JustHost’s lack of role-specific customization makes its interface somewhat less flexible in comparison to SiteGround’s customizable roles.

Access control measures are critical for site security and efficient management of users, and SiteGround excels in this area. SiteGround allows for detailed role assignments and easy access management through a dedicated Client Area. These features enable efficient handling of user roles as the number of collaborators grows. JustHost provides comparable multi-account management features through cPanel, but its primary strength lies in VPS control through root access. The interface and overall user management capabilities may not scale as effectively in environments that require highly controlled and varied user access levels.

SiteGround User Roles Table:

JustHost User Roles Table:

🏆 Winner
SiteGround: Exceptional customer service with a focus on empowering clients and quick resolution times.

SiteGround offers a comprehensive range of customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, phone support, helpdesk tickets, an AI assistant, and priority support for their GoGeek plan users. Its support team is highly trained, friendly, and fast in resolving issues, providing a high satisfaction rate among users. The availability of various support channels ensures customers can get timely help regardless of the complexity of their issues.

JustHost also provides 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email, ensuring customers can reach out at any time. However, it lacks the advanced support features of SiteGround, such as an AI assistant and priority support. JustHost’s straightforward support infrastructure, coupled with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, makes it a decent choice, though it falls short of the more extensive support ecosystem offered by SiteGround.

Siteground vs Justhost: User feedback

SiteGround garners consistently high praise for its exceptional customer support and user-friendly tools, frequently being described as reliable and straightforward to use. Users commend the fast and knowledgeable technical assistance, which is available through various channels like chat and phone, often highlighting the effectiveness and patience of support representatives. Despite these positive aspects, some users find renewal pricing relatively expensive and note that navigating to the support section can be cumbersome. Issues with specific features, such as webmail interface and certain plugins, are also mentioned, but overall, SiteGround is recommended for its strong support and ease of use, especially for beginners and small businesses.

JustHost is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great option for beginners wanting to learn more about hosting and cPanel. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and reliable performance with minimal outages. The introductory pricing is highly attractive, offering significant savings for long-term commitments. However, some users feel that the regular pricing after the initial period can be steep, though still competitive.

Siteground vs Justhost: FAQ