Final verdict
Looking over A2 Hosting vs. Domain.com, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular. They have both hosted millions of
websites that run on WordPress for decades, building up a loyal customer base.
-
A2 Hosting (Overall grade: 8.1)
offers exceptional speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction, particularly excelling in WordPress and high-traffic website hosting. The service stands out with advanced technologies such as Turbo Servers and LiteSpeed Cache, which contribute to fast loading times and superior SEO performance. Enhanced security with Imunify360, extensive scalability options, and robust user management features make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. However, the higher cost after introductory periods and occasional support inconsistencies could be potential concerns for some users.
Domain.com (Overall grade: 6.5)
provides a straightforward platform with strong domain registration services and a user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder. Its affordable pricing with a free domain for the first year makes it appealing for beginners and small businesses focusing on ease of use and initial cost savings. However, performance issues, limited flexibility, and subpar customer support reliability detract from its overall value, making it less suitable for users with advanced hosting needs or those requiring robust, high-traffic site performance.
 Overall grade:8.1 |
 Overall grade:6.5 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Uptime and Availability | 9.7 | 3.2 |
| Hosting Performance | 7.0 | 5.3 |
| Hosting Security | 8.0 | 7.9 |
| Price | 8.3 | 8.1 |
| Hosting Features | 6.6 | 5.8 |
| Ease Of Setup | 8.7 | 7.7 |
| User Management | 8.3 | 7.2 |
| Customer Support | 8.5 | 7.1 |
| User feedback | 4.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
Hosting types offered
Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.
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|
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | ||
| Cloud hosting | ||
| WordPress hosting | ||
| Ecommerce hosting | ||
| VPS hosting | ||
| Dedicated hosting |
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
Uptime and availability
Evaluates the average uptime statistics, uptime guarantee and overall availability of the hosting
provider
Score Components:
- Uptime percentage (30%): evaluates the uptime statistics in given period of time
- Uptime guarantee (20%): Assesses if the platform offers an uptime guarantee and
whether the actual uptime matches the promised guarantee. - General performance (25%): Evaluates how fast is the average response time and overall
it’s stability. - Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Availability (25%): Reflects the total downtime and number of outages.
9.7
3.2
🏆 Winner
A2 Hosting: Renowned for consistent near-perfect uptime and high reliability.
A2 Hosting stands out with impressive uptime stats, showing 99.99% in both 2020 and 2022, and 99.98% in 2021. They offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee in their Terms of Service but have even outperformed this with perfect 100% uptime during testing. This consistency underscores their commitment to reliability and client satisfaction.
On the other hand, Domain.com claims a 99.99% uptime guarantee, but actual data reveals a different story. With unreliable uptime performance, hitting just 99.11% in a two-week period and even struggling with slow response times, Domain.com falls short. Their unclear downtime policy further complicates the trustworthiness of their service guarantees.
Hosting performance
Score Components:
- Hosting speed (30%): This includes SSD quality, Load times, PageSpeed score ranges,
additional information on website speed, built-in plugins for performance enhancement, available caching
methods, and CPU/RAM options - CDN (20%): Considers whether CDN is available or not, whether it’s free or paid, and
the quality of the CDN service - Available data centers (30%): Evaluates the number of data centers and their locations
globally. - Scalibility (20%): Looks at whether elastic scaling is available, the process required
to scale (manual upgrade vs. automatic scaling), the presence of dedicated servers, and the costs
associated with scaling.
7.0
5.3
🏆 Winner: A2 Hosting: For users who prioritize superior speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction, A2 Hosting is a top choice.
When it comes to general performance, A2 Hosting excels with its speed, boasting up to 20x faster Turbo, NVMe Drives, and LiteSpeed Speed Enhanced Web Server. It also employs Turbo Cache & APC/opcache to ensure fast loading of websites. Their 99.9% uptime commitment and various data center locations provide additional reliability. On the contrary, Domain.com offers reliable speeds with its unmetered bandwidth and drag-and-drop builder, but it falls short in comparison to A2 Hosting’s advanced speed technologies and dedicated data centers.
Website Speed
A2 Hosting outshines Domain.com in website speed. A2 Hosting’s up to 20x faster Turbo, NVMe Drives, and LiteSpeed Speed Enhanced Web Server ensure remarkably low page load times and excellent PageSpeed scores. Turbo Cache & APC/opcache further optimize site performance. Domain.com, although providing reasonably good speeds and unmetered bandwidth, does not match the advanced caching and speed enhancement features that A2 Hosting offers.
Scalability
Scalability in A2 Hosting is more versatile. With options ranging from Shared Hosting to Dedicated Server Hosting, users can easily upgrade their plans as their website grows. They even offer specific plans like Turbo Hosting, ensuring high performance. Domain.com, on the other hand, has a more rigid structure. While they provide options to upgrade, they lack specialized hosting plans that cater to high-performance needs like A2 Hosting. Pricing for scaling with A2 Hosting is transparent, starting from as low as $2.99/mo for Shared Hosting to $79.99/mo for Dedicated Servers, but specific automated scaling information is not provided.
Hosting security
and regulatory requirements
Score Components:
- Technical security measures (40%): This includes encryption, firewalls, DDoS
protection, secure configurations, server monitoring, access control and availability of security addons
(e.g Sitelock security). - Operational security measures (30%): Encompasses data privacy, backups and data
redundancy. - Compliance and certifications (20%): Adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
(e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and possession of certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2). - Business and reliability (10%): Factors in the provider’s reputation, uptime
guarantees, and customer support.
8.0
7.9
🏆 Winner A2 Hosting: Offers a broader range of advanced technical security measures and PHP version support.
Both A2 Hosting and Domain.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 provides robust technical security measures, including free SSL certificates, ModSecurity, Imunify360, and Virus Scanner. They support multiple PHP versions and offer advanced features like WAF, SSH, and reCAPTCHA. Domain.com also offers strong technical security with various SSL certificates, SiteLock for malware protection, and DDoS protection. However, their PHP version support isn’t as clearly outlined as A2 Hosting.
Operational security measures:
A2 Hosting enhances operational security with features like two-factor authentication, hotlink protection, and the ability to change login URLs. It also includes virus and patch scanners to maintain site integrity. Domain.com brings SiteLock security features such as malware scanning and automatic removal. However, A2 Hosting’s more comprehensive suite, including Patchman and real-time antivirus protection, provides an edge in operational security.
Compliance and certifications:
Both providers are GDPR compliant, ensuring data protection for EU residents. A2 Hosting doesn’t support HIPAA or SSAE 16 compliance, while Domain.com meets the essential GDPR and PCI requirements. Domain.com also ensures WHOIS data privacy for EU residents, with additional domain privacy protection features.
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|---|---|---|
SSL certificate |
Free SSL Certificate (Free RapidSSL On Sell) |
Multiple SSL options with varying warranties |
Additional security features |
Imunify360, ModSecurity, Virus Scanner, Patchman |
SiteLock Security (malware scanning, DDoS protection) |
PHP versions |
Support for various versions |
Not specified |
GDPR compliance |
Yes |
Yes |
HIPAA compliance |
No |
Not specified |
PCI compliance |
Guidance with third-party providers |
Yes |
Hosting features
Score Components:
- Domains (20%): Assesses the availability of a free domain, domain purchase options, and
pricing - Email (15%): Considers if the provider offers full email hosting, or is reselling
third-party service, and if the email is only transactional or not - Website builder (15%): Checks if website builder is available, and it’s user
friendliness and overall the level of customization allowed. - Staging environment (20%): Determines if a staging environment is available, allowing
for testing changes before going live. - FTP & SFTP accounts (10%): Evaluates if and how easily users can access FTP and
SFTP accounts - Git and SSH access (20%): Assess whether Git is integrated into the hosting service and
if SSH access is provided
6.6
5.8
🏆 Winner A2 Hosting: Robust performance with user-centric features and reliable support.
A2 Hosting and Domain.com both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, from shared hosting to dedicated servers. A2 Hosting’s plans are ideal for users seeking optimized WordPress hosting, thanks to their dedicated TurboHub dashboard and A2 Optimized Plugin. Additionally, free website migration simplifies transitioning from your previous host. Domain.com, on the other hand, stands out by including a free domain for the first year with promo code DOMFREE, a feature that may appeal to beginners looking to establish a new online presence. The drag-and-drop website builder provided by Domain.com is user-friendly, targeting users who prefer ease of use, whereas A2 Hosting boasts robust cPanel integration and Softaculous for a wide array of one-click installations catering to those who require more complex customizations.
A2 Hosting includes enhanced performance with its Turbo Servers, which promise up to 20X faster page loads, appealing to users focused on speed and SEO performance. For security, A2 Hosting features the free Imunify360 Security Suite and CloudLinux OS for better resource management. Conversely, Domain.com offers unlimited storage, bandwidth, and FTP accounts, which can be a significant draw for users who expect their website to scale quickly. They provide curated WordPress hosting plans, making it easier to get set up with pre-installed plugins and themes. However, Domain.com lacks specific details about SSH access, which might be a disadvantage for developers needing secure, command-line access.
Hosting Feature Comparison
|
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|
|---|---|---|
Free domain |
No |
Yes, for the first year |
Free SSL |
Yes |
Yes, for the first year |
Email hosting |
Yes |
No |
Website builder |
No |
Yes |
Staging environment |
Yes (via A2 Optimized) |
No |
FTP & SFTP accounts |
Yes |
Yes |
Git and SSH access |
Yes |
No |
Free backup |
Yes |
No |
Money back guarantee |
Yes |
No |
a location.
As a result in rare cases the features mentioned here can differ from the ones you see on their websites.
Email services:
A2 Hosting provides comprehensive email hosting services powered by Titan, allowing users to manage multiple accounts, share contacts, and access email via webmail or mobile apps. This suits businesses needing robust email capabilities and ease of access across devices. Domain.com does not explicitly offer dedicated email hosting, which could be seen as a limitation for users who need integrated email solutions.
Price
Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
8.3
8.1
🏆 Winner
A2 Hosting: Offers a range of plans with extensive features at competitive rates.A2 Hosting: Offers a range of plans with extensive features at competitive rates.
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.
When comparing A2 Hosting and Domain.com, A2 Hosting generally offers more extensive features across their pricing plans. Their Shared Hosting Plans range from $2.99 to $14.99 per month with highly flexible and numerous features like unlimited websites, SSD storage, and a free SSL certificate. Domain.com, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward pricing at $3.75 per month for all plans, but with fewer features such as limited storage and websites, despite offering a free domain and SSL for the first year. A2 Hosting’s WordPress plans start at a higher rate with advanced features tailored for speedy performance and security, while Domain.com keeps the same price across their WordPress plans, though with limited storage and visitor capacity. Their Cloud and enterprise-level hosting plans reveal a wider array of features and customizability from A2 Hosting, making it more suitable for various business needs.
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|---|---|
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Run $25.99
1 website, 50GB NVMe storage, 4GB RAM, daily backup, Jetpack Free, optimized speed & security, 24/7 support, money-back guarantee. Value for price:9.0
|
Basic Plan $3.75
1 website, 10 GB storage, 15k visitors, unmetered bandwidth, 5 FTP accounts, Free domain & SSL for the first year. Value for price:7.5
|
|
N/A
|
Plus Plan $3.75
5 websites, 20 GB storage, 50k visitors, unmetered bandwidth, 10 FTP accounts, free domain & SSL. Value for price:7.8
|
|
N/A
|
Premium Plan $3.75
10 websites, 40 GB storage, 200k visitors, unmetered bandwidth, 15 FTP accounts, free domain & SSL. Value for price:8.0
|
|
|
|
|---|---|
|
Startup $12.99
1 website, 100 GB SSD, unlimited email & transfer, Free SSL & website builder, 24/7 support, 99.9% uptime, choice of data center, money-back guarantee. Value for price:8.5
|
Basic Plan $3.75
1 website, 10 GB storage, 15k visitors, unmetered bandwidth, 25 FTP accounts, free domain & SSL for the first year. Value for price:7.5
|
|
Drive $15.99
Unlimited websites/storage, automatic backups, unlimited email & transfer, Free SSL & website builder, 24/7 support, 99.9% uptime, 2X resources, traffic spike protection. Value for price:9.0
|
Plus Plan $3.75
5 websites, 20 GB storage, 50k visitors, unmetered bandwidth, 50 FTP accounts, free domain & SSL. Value for price:7.8
|
|
Turbo Boost $24.99
Unlimited websites, NVMe SSD, free migration & backups, Turbo speed (20x faster), improved SEO & lower bounce rates, LiteSpeed web server, up to 9X more traffic capacity. Value for price:9.5
|
Premium Plan $3.75
10 websites, 40 GB storage, 200k visitors, unlimited bandwidth & FTP accounts, free domain & SSL. Value for price:8.0
|
|
Turbo Max $29.99
Unlimited websites, NVMe SSD, 5X more resources, turbo speed, higher SEO, traffic spike protection. Value for price:9.6
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|---|---|
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Takeoff 4 $76.99
4 GB RAM, 150 GB SSD storage, 2 TB transfer, 2 cores, free SSL, free Imunify360 security, free CloudLinux OS, 24/7 support, worry-free hosting. Value for price:8.5
|
N/A
|
|
Warp 1 $249.99
Intel Xeon E-2224 4.6GHz, 16GB RAM, 2x1TB SSD storage, 6TB transfer, root access, 1TB backup, 24/7 support, worry-free server management. Value for price:9.0
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their websites.
Enterprise plans
For enterprises, A2 Hosting offers more advanced features and broader scalability with their dedicated server hosting plans like Warp 1. This plan caters to high-performance demands with an Intel Xeon CPU, 16GB RAM, and extensive SSD storage. Domain.com lacks specific enterprise offerings, focusing instead on shared and WordPress hosting plans that may not suffice for larger businesses’ needs. A2 Hosting provides a more comprehensive solution for enterprise-level hosting requirements.
Ease of setup
platform.
Score Components:
- Site migration (25%): Assesses whether the provider offers tools for site migration,
either automated or manual, and whether these services are free or require a fee. - Admin panel usability (35%): Evaluates the type of admin panel provided, such as the
standard cPanel or a custom solution, focusing on its accessibility and user-friendliness for both
technical and non-technical users. - Setup features (20%): Examines the availability and ease of use of various setup
features, including FTP accounts, file managers, email account setup, PHPMyAdmin, and easy CDN
configuration. - Help center quality (20%): Measures the quality and accessibility of the provider’s
help center resources, including articles and tutorials.
8.7
7.7
🏆 Winner A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting offers a highly efficient setup, making it a standout option for users of all skill levels.
A2 Hosting uses the standard cPanel, which is highly familiar to most users in the hosting community. This ensures that both beginners and experienced users can easily navigate through its features. Moreover, A2 Hosting enhances cPanel with Softaculous, providing one-click installation options for popular CMS and software applications. On top of that, their TurboHub and WordPress Toolkit streamline website management even further, especially for WordPress sites. This makes A2 Hosting particularly user-friendly for those looking to get a website up and running quickly without extensive technical know-how.
On the other hand, Domain.com opts for a more custom control panel, mainly focused on its proprietary tools like the AI-powered website builder and Google Workspace integration. While the control panel itself is less conventional than cPanel, its focus on simplicity and functionality for non-technical users adds value. The drag-and-drop website builder is intuitive, allowing even novice users to create a professional-looking site with ease. However, experienced users may find this panel less adaptable compared to the more universally recognized cPanel used by A2 Hosting.
When it comes to site migration, A2 Hosting offers free migration services, making the switch from another host seamless and reducing potential downtime. This is particularly appealing for users who may not have the technical knowledge to handle migrations on their own. Domain.com does not explicitly mention a free site migration service, suggesting it might require users to move their sites manually or pay a fee for assistance. This gives A2 Hosting a clear advantage in facilitating an easier transition for users switching hosting providers.
Both hosting platforms offer comprehensive help centers, but A2 Hosting’s knowledge base stands out due to its extensive range of articles and categories that cover everything from basic setup to advanced configurations. Their 24/7/365 Guru Crew Support via live chat, email, or phone is another strong point, ensuring users can get help whenever they need it. Domain.com also provides a well-rounded knowledge base and 24/7 live chat support, supplemented by a blog with useful articles. However, A2 Hosting’s more specialized and detailed help resources give it an edge in supporting users more effectively.
User management
accessibility.
Score Components:
- Role customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
8.3
7.2
🏆 Winner A2 Hosting: Superior user role management and flexibility in permissions.
Comparing the user management features of A2 Hosting and Domain.com reveals notable differences in their approach to managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility. A2 Hosting, using the Plesk control panel, allows robust customization of user roles, enabling administrators to create specific roles with granted or denied access to various services. This process ensures precise control over user actions and permissions, catering to diverse administrative needs. Domain.com, leveraging WordPress, provides predefined user roles like Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber, each with specific permissions, offering a structured yet less customizable user management system. Hence, A2 Hosting’s flexibility in defining user roles takes precedence over Domain.com’s straightforward approach.
Regarding user interfaces and tools, Plesk on A2 Hosting presents a streamlined and intuitive interface, facilitating easy navigation through user role creation and management. The dashboard’s clear layout and comprehensive user options enable efficient control over user settings. Conversely, Domain.com’s WordPress dashboard, though user-friendly, is more content-focused and may require additional plugins for enhanced user management. Thus, Plesk’s dedicated tools provide a more comprehensive user management experience compared to WordPress’s basic built-in functionality on Domain.com.
In terms of access control and scalability, A2 Hosting’s Plesk offers advanced measures, supporting the creation of highly specific user roles that can manage an expanding user base effortlessly. The granular level of control helps in efficiently handling multiple users and ensuring secure access. Domain.com’s WordPress roles, while adequate for smaller to medium-sized websites, might need additional customization to manage larger and more complex user needs effectively. Therefore, A2 Hosting excels in providing effective access control measures and scalability to accommodate growth.
A2 Hosting user roles table:
| Role | Description | Access highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Role | Tailored to specific business needs, defining access for particular services. | Permissions can be granted or denied for each service, offering detailed control over user actions. |
Customer support
hosting provider.
Score Components:
- Support communication channels (30%): Measures the variety of customer support types
provided (live chat, chatbot, email, phone, etc.) - Availability (20%): Assesses the availability hours for each channel, including 24/7
support options. - Technical support quality (30%): Assesses whether the provider offers comprehensive
technical support, including hardware upgrades (e.g., HDD to SSD), software installations, and web
server configuration changes. - Enterprise support (20%): Checks if there are dedicated or priority support services
for enterprise-level customers.
8.5
7.1
🏆 Winner
A2 Hosting: Offers superior customer service options and reliable support channels, making it a preferred choice for many users.
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|---|---|---|
Phone support |
||
Live chat support |
||
Chatbot |
||
Email/ticket support |
||
Enterprise support (dedicated agent, priority support) |
A2 Hosting provides extensive customer service through multiple support channels, including 24/7 phone support, live chat, email, and support tickets. Their Guru Crew team is known for its expertise and availability. Users have found their support team prompt and skilled at resolving issues, contributing to high satisfaction rates. The availability of a detailed knowledgebase further enhances the convenience for those who prefer self-help solutions.
Domain.com also ensures 24/7 support via phone and live chat, with good responsiveness in live chat interactions. They provide a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials and guides, although their email support isn’t explicitly mentioned. Some users have faced issues with the responsiveness and effectiveness of support, indicating areas for improvement. Despite offering solid support channels, its overall user satisfaction is comparatively lower.
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.
User feedback for this hosting provider reveals a mixed experience. Many users appreciate its user-friendly platform, straightforward domain registration process, and reliable customer support. However, significant criticisms include poor customer service practices, confusing pricing and add-ons, and outdated or slow web interfaces. While some users praise the affordability and efficiency of domain management, others warn of hidden costs and problematic service.
FAQ
Which platform is better suited for hosting WordPress websites?
A2 Hosting is better suited for hosting WordPress websites, thanks to its optimized speed, security features, and free expert site migration with managed WordPress plans. While both A2 Hosting and Domain.com offer WordPress hosting, A2 Hosting’s advanced technologies like Turbo Servers and LiteSpeed Cache make it a superior choice for WordPress users.
Which hosting service offers better security features?
A2 Hosting offers better security features with its robust Imunify360 Security Suite, free SSL certificates, ModSecurity, and Virus Scanner. Domain.com also provides security features like malware scanning and DDoS protection, but A2 Hosting’s comprehensive suite and support for multiple PHP versions give it an edge.
Which hosting service offers more scalability options for growing websites?
A2 Hosting offers more scalability options, with a variety of plans ranging from Shared Hosting to Dedicated Server Hosting. Domain.com has a more rigid structure with fewer specialized plans, whereas A2 Hosting provides specific high-performance plans like Turbo Hosting for better scaling as website needs grow.
Which service is more suitable for hosting a high-traffic website?
A2 Hosting is more suitable for hosting a high-traffic website due to its dedicated hosting options and high level of customization. Features like Turbo Servers, NVMe Drives, and LiteSpeed Cache ensure superior performance, making it a better choice for handling large volumes of traffic.
What are the major differences in pricing and value between a2hosting and domaincom?
A2 Hosting generally offers more extensive features across their pricing plans, with advanced options like Turbo Servers and higher storage capacity. While Domain.com provides straightforward pricing and includes a free domain and SSL for the first year, A2 Hosting’s plans offer more value with unlimited websites, SSD storage, and enhanced performance features, despite being priced higher.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
