A2 Hosting vs Web.com: guide for 2024

A2 Hosting vs Web.com: Final verdict

Comparing A2 Hosting vs. Web.com reveals unique strengths and areas for improvement in both.

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  A2 Hosting (Overall grade: 8.1)
  
  
  offers a wide array of hosting options like shared, WordPress, VPS, and dedicated hosting, focusing on speed, reliability, and comprehensive features. The platform stands out with its advanced speed technologies such as up to 20x Faster Turbo option, Turbo Cache, and NVMe Drives, significantly enhancing load times and performance. A2 Hosting provides robust customer support through multiple channels, including their highly praised Guru Crew Support. While slightly higher priced initially, A2 offers excellent value with features such as free site migration, enhanced security measures, and an extensive help center for troubleshooting. Its highly customizable user roles through Plesk and a hassle-free anytime money-back guarantee also bolster its overall appeal.
  
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  Web.com (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  excels in its user-friendly approach with a drag-and-drop website builder, making it a viable option for beginners without coding experience. Its plans come with useful inclusions like a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year, and unmetered bandwidth. Web.com is a solid choice for ecommerce, offering essential tools and reliable customer support available 24/7. However, it falls short in some advanced features such as SFTP/SSH access and detailed user role management. The lack of VPS and dedicated hosting options can be a limitation for growing businesses needing more scalable solutions. Despite these drawbacks, Web.com maintains a strong presence through ease of use and essential hosting solutions catering chiefly to smaller-scale websites and novices.
  

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
A2 Hosting: Exceptional uptime performance and reliability.

A2 Hosting has consistently provided excellent uptime over the past three years, with percentages of 99.99% in 2020 and 2022, and 99.98% in 2021. Their uptime guarantee stands at 99.9%, but third-party tests have shown perfect 100% uptime during certain periods. A2 Hosting’s reliability makes it a strong option for those who prioritize website availability.

Web.com offers a respectable 99.9% uptime guarantee and a range of useful features like unmetered bandwidth, SSL security, and automatic backups. Despite this, their actual uptime from third-party tests over a month was recorded at 99.83%, with some instances of downtime. While Web.com provides extensive customer support and a variety of tools, their renewal rates are significantly higher compared to initial offers.

🏆 Winner: A2 Hosting: For users who prioritize speed and advanced technological infrastructure, Sitrground is more suitable for high-demand websites that require reliable and fast global access.

A2 Hosting and Web.com both offer competitive services, but A2 Hosting edges out with its advanced speed technology, diverse variety of hosting plans, and extended feature set. A2 Hosting provides faster load times, increased reliability, and a broader selection of capabilities. Additionally, A2 Hosting supports its users better with 24/7/365 Guru Crew Support, and it’s committed to exceptional website speed and uptime.

Website Speed

A2 Hosting boasts impressive speed features including its up to 20x Faster Turbo option, Turbo Cache & APC/opcache, NVMe Drives, and up to 40% faster AMD EPYC CPUs. These attributes result in lower bounce rates, better SEO rankings, and higher conversion rates. Additionally, A2 provides a LiteSpeed Speed Enhanced Web Server for optimized hosting performance. Web.com also offers faster server response times and upgraded to PHP 8.0, opcache, and MySQL 8 for improved speed. However, it doesn’t measure up to A2’s extensive speed optimization options and additional performance-enhancing features.

Scalability

Both hosting providers offer scalability options tailored to varying needs; however, A2 Hosting provides scalable plans that grow with your website’s demands. Whether you need Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, or Dedicated Server Hosting, A2 provides plans starting as low as $2.99/month for shared hosting and up to $79.99/month for dedicated server hosting. Web.com can support more than 99.5% of customers’ bandwidth demands and offers scalable solutions for customers outgrowing shared architecture, but specific costs and details about automatic scaling aren’t provided. A2’s range of plans and dedicated server options give users more flexibility to scale.

🏆 Winner
Web.com: Offers a comprehensive suite of security measures for different business needs.

Both A2 Hosting and Web.com, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

A2 Hosting offers robust technical security measures, including free SSL certificates, support for numerous PHP versions, and a comprehensive suite like Imunify360 for real-time protection. Web.com, on the other hand, provides several types of SSL certificates, including Essential, Premium, and Extended Validation, suited for different levels of security requirements. Both providers actively support recent PHP versions, with Web.com boasting PHP 8.0 for better performance. While A2 Hosting employs ModSecurity, Virus Scanner, and Patchman, Web.com relies on SiteLock for malware scanning, removal, and performance enhancements through CDN integration.

Operational security measures:

A2 Hosting features multiple operational security measures such as Two-Factor Authentication, SSH for secure file transfers, and proactive alerts for unused themes and plugins. Web.com, in contrast, utilizes SiteLock to display a security seal, offering malware detection and automatic removal. Both providers ensure GDPR compliance, with Web.com adding PCI compliance scanning via SiteLock. A2 Hosting excels in real-time threat detection through ModSecurity but does not incorporate automatic WordPress updates, which Web.com offers to maintain the site’s security posture.

Compliance and certifications:

Both A2 Hosting and Web.com are GDPR compliant, ensuring the protection of user data according to EU regulations. A2 Hosting suggests using third-party APIs for PCI compliance while Web.com includes PCI compliance scanning in its offerings. A2 Hosting does not support HIPAA compliance, and neither provider is SSAE 16 compliant. For handling multiple sites and directories securely, Web.com offers tools like directory pointers and multisite control.

🏆 Winner
A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting excels in a variety of hosting features suitable for different user needs, making it a solid choice for web hosting services.

A2 Hosting and Web.com both provide a wide array of hosting services with unique benefits tailored to different user requirements. A2 Hosting is notable for its diverse hosting options, such as shared, managed WordPress, VPS, dedicated server, and reseller hosting. Their offerings include a free website migration service, 24/7/365 support, and Turbo Servers promising up to 20x faster page loads. A2 Hosting also provides a comprehensive set of security features, including a free SSL certificate, Imunify360 Security Suite, and CloudLinux OS, which are included in their packages. Additional tools like the cPanel control panel and Softaculous for 1-click software installations make managing websites straightforward.

Web.com, on the other hand, emphasizes user-friendliness with its included drag-and-drop website builder, ideal for beginners without coding experience. They offer varied storage and bandwidth based on different plans, alongside unmetered bandwidth. Web.com’s hosting also comes with a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year. While Web.com provides critical features such as unmetered bandwidth and business email, the lack of SFTP/SSH access could be a concern for more advanced users who require a secure file transfer method or remote server management. Though their customer support is available around the clock, the omission of some advanced features like Git and SSH access might make it less appealing to users with more complex needs.

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 A2 Hosting and Web.com 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:

Email services at A2 Hosting offers email hosting powered by Titan, providing features like multi-account access and configurable webmail & mobile apps. This service allows users to manage their emails effectively and even aides small businesses in establishing their email campaigns. Web.com includes business email in their hosting plans, which is suitable for essential email needs but lacks the expansive capabilities like those provided by A2 Hosting’s Titan service. Neither appears to resell third-party email services such as Google Workspace or Outlook, focusing instead on their integrated solutions.

🏆 Winner: A2 Hosting provides a wide range of features and reliable performance.

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.

A2 Hosting offers a variety of plans, including shared, WordPress, VPS, and dedicated hosting, each packed with features such as SSD storage, free site migration, and 24/7 support. While Web.com provides more essential plans with competitive introductory prices, renewal rates are significantly higher. Web.com’s plans include a free domain for the first year, business email, and unmetered bandwidth. When comparing similar plans, A2 Hosting often provides more advanced features at a comparable or slightly higher price, giving it an edge in terms of value for money.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, A2 Hosting’s dedicated server option starting at $79.99/month includes a powerful Intel Xeon CPU, 16GB RAM, and 2X1 TB SSD storage, along with comprehensive support and security features, making it well-suited for heavy workloads. Web.com does not offer comparable dedicated hosting plans, thereby limiting its options for enterprises.

🏆 Winner A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting offers a superior setup experience with a range of user-friendly features.

A2 Hosting utilizes the highly popular cPanel, which is well-known for its ease of use, especially for those with some technical knowledge. The inclusion of Softaculous within cPanel allows users to install applications like WordPress with just one click, reducing the complexity often associated with setting up a new site. TurboHub, A2 Hosting’s dedicated WordPress control panel, further simplifies site management by centralizing all necessary tools. Non-technical users will appreciate the intuitive interface and comprehensive assistance provided by the WordPress Toolkit.

Web.com, on the other hand, offers a custom control panel designed to be user-friendly, especially for non-technical users. This customized interface includes a drag-and-drop website builder, making it easy to create and manage websites without needing substantial technical knowledge. While Web.com doesn’t use cPanel, their control panel is straightforward and includes essential features for managing domains, email accounts, and website performance. The design templates available within their panel also cater to users who prefer a more visual approach to website creation.

Both A2 Hosting and Web.com offer site migration services, but A2 Hosting stands out by providing this service for free. A2’s free site migration ensures a smooth transition to their platform without incurring additional costs, a considerable benefit for budget-conscious users. Web.com also offers site migration support, but it is not complimentary, which may be a drawback for users looking to switch hosts with minimal extra expenses.

A2 Hosting has a more extensive and detailed help center, with various articles, guides, and support categories accessible 24/7. Their knowledge base is rich in content, aiding users in website setup, management, and problem resolution. Web.com’s help center also offers 24/7 support but is relatively basic, providing standard guides and resources. Both platforms ensure customer support through multiple channels, yet A2 Hosting has a broader range of detailed articles and tutorials.

🏆 Winner: A2 Hosting: Superior flexibility and control in user role management through Plesk.

Both A2 Hosting and Web.com offer robust solutions for managing user roles and permissions, but A2 Hosting’s integration with Plesk gives it an edge. A2 Hosting allows users to create custom roles with specific permissions through Plesk’s interface, offering extensive flexibility in defining access to services. Users can permit or deny access to a range of intricate Plesk services, providing granular control. Web.com, while straightforward, primarily offers two predefined roles—Administrative and Technical—which may not provide the same level of customization as A2 Hosting. Thus, A2 Hosting stands out in terms of adaptable and detailed user role management.

The user interface of A2 Hosting’s Plesk is intuitive, allowing users to easily navigate through role management options via a dedicated “Users” section. Creating, managing, or removing roles is straightforward with guided steps, each clearly defined on the platform. Web.com also offers a user-friendly interface through its Account Manager, where account contacts can be added or edited efficiently. However, its toolset for managing user roles is somewhat limited to basic administrative and technical options, lacking the comprehensive role customization of Plesk.

In terms of access control measures and efficiency in managing a growing number of users, A2 Hosting provides a more scalable solution. Plesk’s framework supports detailed access control settings, enabling administrators to fine-tune permissions extensively. This ensures seamless management even as the number of users increases, making it easier to delineate responsibilities and maintain security. Web.com, while efficient for basic user management, may struggle with scalability limitations due to its simpler role settings, which could become cumbersome for larger teams or more complex organizational needs.

A2 Hosting user roles table:

Web.com user roles table:

🏆 Winner
A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting offers superior 24/7 customer support with numerous channels and an excellent anytime money-back guarantee.

A2 Hosting provides a wide array of customer support options, available 24/7, including phone, email, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledgebase. The Guru Crew Support is highly praised by users for its expertise and accessibility. Their support channels cater to different customer preferences, whether you prefer talking directly, using email, or finding solutions through self-service resources. Additionally, A2 Hosting features a hassle-free anytime money-back guarantee, adding value to their service.

Web.com offers phone and email support around the clock, with live chat available for immediate assistance as well. Their hours for cancellations and general inquiries are more limited compared to A2 Hosting. Nonetheless, their services still ensure technical support is at hand 24/7. While their support services are robust, they do not quite measure up to the variety and customer satisfaction reported for A2 Hosting.

A2 Hosting vs Web.com: User feedback

User feedback for the hosting provider shows a strong appreciation for their reliable performance, swift customer support, and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice among many users. Several users praised the speed, uptime, and technical efficacy of their services, as well as the knowledgeable and responsive customer support. However, some users expressed concerns about the higher pricing, especially after the initial discounted period, and highlighted occasional issues with the responsiveness or expertise of support staff. Overall, the hosting provider has received positive reviews, but improvements in support consistency and pricing transparency could enhance user satisfaction further.

The hosting provider offers a comprehensive solution for purchasing domain names, hosting, and website building, making it highly convenient for users managing multiple domains and websites. Users appreciate the convenience of having all services bundled together, but some express concerns about the limitations on hosting unlimited domains and the cost associated with individual website software. Overall, the service is satisfactory and well-rated, though there is room for improvement in accommodating users with extensive hosting needs.

A2 Hosting vs Web.com: FAQ