Contabo vs Web.com: guide for 2024

Contabo vs Web.com: Final verdict

Looking over Contabo vs. Web.com, both offer compelling web hosting solutions but cater to different user needs and preferences.

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  Contabo (Overall grade: 7.6)
  
  
  provides a high-performance hosting experience tailored for users requiring robust VPS and dedicated server options. It guarantees an impressive 99.996% uptime and leverages fast AMD EPYC processors with SSD or NVMe storage options for superior performance. Global data centers and stringent security measures like free DDoS protection and two-factor authentication further enhance its reliability. While affordable and scalable, Contabo’s customer support is somewhat limited, missing live chat and 24/7 coverage, which can be a drawback for immediate issue resolutions. Though it excels in performance and technical features, users seeking extensive customer support might find it slightly lacking.
  
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  Web.com (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  
  excels in providing a user-friendly and accessible hosting service, ideal for beginners and small to medium-scale businesses. With its 99.9% uptime guarantee, unmetered bandwidth, and 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat, it ensures reliability and prompt assistance. The integrated website builder, free domain, and SSL for the first year add value for those who prioritize a straightforward setup. However, its overall performance, particularly in handling high-traffic or multimedia-heavy websites, doesn’t match the technical prowess of Contabo. Web.com’s higher renewal costs and less detailed information on certain advanced features might also be a consideration for more tech-savvy users.
  

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
Contabo: A high-performing hosting provider with exceptional uptime and availability.

Contabo guarantees 99.996% uptime, indicating minimal downtime, mostly during server maintenance. They utilize advanced hardware such as AMD EPYC 7282 16-core processors and SSD or NVMe SSD storage, contributing to fast and responsive performance. Their multiple global data centers and robust security measures, including free DDoS protection and two-factor authentication, ensure reliability and safety for your site or app.

Web.com, with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, also provides unmetered bandwidth and SSL security, which are beneficial for website reliability and safety. Their customer support is available 24/7, and they offer tools like a drag-and-drop website builder and one-click WordPress installation, making it user-friendly. However, actual third-party uptime tests showed an uptime of 99.83%, and server response times might not match those of Contabo.

🏆 Winner
Contabo: Offers high-performance hosting with extensive features and strong security measures.

When comparing the general performance of Contabo and Web.com, Contabo stands out with its speedy AMD EPYC 7282 16-core processors and options for SSD or Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, significantly faster than traditional storage systems. Contabo’s connection speeds range from 200Mbit/s to 1Gbit/s, with the option to upgrade to 10Gbit/s, offering excellent performance. With data centers located in the US, UK, Germany, and Singapore, Contabo provides ample options for global reach. Web.com, on the other hand, has improved server response times and supports higher website traffic with PHP 8.0 and OPcode Cache, though specific details about its data centers and CDN offerings are not provided.

Website Speed

Contabo guarantees a 99.996% uptime and offers free DDoS protection, enhancing the overall reliability and speed of hosted websites. Their SSD and Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD storage options deliver quicker load times, beneficial for user experience and SEO. Web.com, although operationally efficient with MySQL 8 and improved storage systems, promises a 99.9% uptime and offers unmetered bandwidth, but lacks the specifics on DDoS protection and advanced uptime guarantees, making it slightly less robust in this area.

Scalability

Contabo excels in scalability with affordable plans and straightforward upgrading of VPS packages, ensuring no loss in availability and uptime. Managed services add an extra layer of convenience for users requiring expert setup and maintenance. Web.com supports scalable solutions for growing needs, ensuring that more than 99.5% of customers’ bandwidth demands are met, but details on the costs and methods of upgrading are not specified. Without concrete information on elastic scaling or dedicated servers, Web.com’s scalability options are less clear compared to Contabo’s well-documented offerings.

🏆 Winner Contabo: Contabo offers robust and extensive security measures, including continuous DDoS protection and Imunify AV malware scanning, ensuring a secure hosting environment.

Both Contabo 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:

Contabo provides strong technical security measures including DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and Imunify AV for malware scanning on cPanel servers. Web.com also offers multiple SSL certificate types and SiteLock security solutions, including malware scanning and content delivery network (CDN) integration for faster site loading. Contabo further enhances security with customizable PHP versions and advanced monitoring tools, whereas Web.com features PHP 8.0, OPcode Cache, and MySQL 8 for improved performance. Both companies offer essential encryption measures, but Contabo’s automated backup solutions and integration APIs add an extra layer of security.

Operational security measures:

Contabo excels in operational security with 24/7 data center surveillance, role-based access controls (RBAC), and mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for account access. Web.com offers 99.9% uptime, unmetered bandwidth, and automatic WordPress updates to secure its operational framework. Contabo’s magnetic card-controlled access to facilities and regular reviews of physical security measures make it a more secure option. Web.com provides CodeGuard for website backup and recovery, using Amazon S3 with Server Side Encryption (SSE), ensuring data safety but lacks the extensive physical security features of Contabo.

Compliance and certifications:

Contabo is fully GDPR compliant and focuses heavily on security and compliance to align with industry standards. Although HIPAA compliance is not specified for either provider, both adhere to PCI compliance protocols to handle payment information securely. Web.com also complies with GDPR and uses SiteLock for PCI compliance scanning. Contabo’s role-based access controls and regular security reviews solidify its strong compliance stance.

🏆 Winner Contabo: Contabo shines with its robust features and top-notch performance, making it an excellent choice for a variety of hosting needs.

Both Contabo and Web.com offer strong web hosting features but cater to slightly different user needs. Contabo offers a high performance with AMD EPYC processors and up to 10 vCPU cores, ideal for users needing substantial computing power. Performance is crucial for gaming, large-scale eCommerce, or development projects. Notably, Contabo’s plans include DDoS protection, multiple operating system options, and a variety of control panels like cPanel and Plesk, allowing for custom configurations. In contrast, Web.com offers a more straightforward hosting service with unmetered bandwidth, a free SSL certificate for the first year, and an included website builder, appealing to those looking for a user-friendly option with basic customization.

Web.com includes a free domain for the first year and a drag-and-drop website builder, attractive for users less familiar with complex site management. However, Web.com’s storage and FTP accounts vary significantly by plan, which could be a drawback for growing businesses. In contrast, Contabo’s extensive control panel features provide comprehensive control over VPS management, IP, and DNS settings, which is advantageous for tech-savvy users. Contabo also supports multiple programming languages and DevOps features like CI/CD pipelines, which adds to its appeal for developers. While both offer customer support, Contabo provides self-managed server support with a knowledge base of tutorials, whereas Web.com ensures 24/7 product support.

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 Contabo 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 Contabo offers robust email hosting, allowing users to set up and manage business emails directly from the control panel, beneficial for professional communication needs. In comparison, Web.com also includes business email, but details regarding advanced features like campaign setups are limited. Neither provider explicitly mentions the inclusion of transactional email capabilities or third-party service reselling, so users looking for specialized email functionalities might need to explore additional options.

🏆 Winner Contabo: Offers competitive pricing plans with rich features across all hosting types.

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 Contabo and Web.com reveals significant differences in offerings and value. Contabo’s Virtual Private Servers (VPS) start at $3.99 per month with features like 4 vCPU Cores and 8GB RAM, extending up to $125.00 per month for advanced options. Web.com, focusing more on shared and WordPress hosting, offers introductory prices as low as $2.75 per month, but renewals rise significantly. Contabo includes a multitude of features such as free DDoS protection and multiple OS options at no extra cost, while Web.com’s offerings feature free domain and SSL for the first year. Contabo holds a robust edge in performance and customization, suiting more technically inclined users, whereas Web.com is geared towards simplicity and user-friendliness.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, both hosting providers offer compelling options. Contabo’s dedicated server plans start at €99.98/month with high RAM and advanced CPU options, perfect for resource-demanding applications. Web.com does not have dedicated server plans but offers extensive support and features for large-scale shared and WordPress hosting needs. Contabo’s enhanced customization and advanced hardware specifications offer better value and performance for enterprise solutions.

🏆 Winner Contabo: Known for its user-friendly setup process and extensive control options.

Contabo offers a customized control panel that is quite effective for managing various aspects of hosting. The control panel is accessible for both technical and non-technical users, allowing them to manage servers, review services, upgrade VPS, and perform a wide range of tasks. It provides options to control the server’s operating system and administrate backups, which is handy for users looking for a high degree of control. Though not designed with flashy visuals, the straightforward layout makes it easy to navigate.

Web.com, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-use administrative panel tailored for both beginners and advanced users. Its central dashboard allows quick access to website performance analytics, domain management, and email setup. The drag-and-drop website builder embedded in the control panel stands out, making it easy to create and integrate new websites without the need for deep technical knowledge. Its user-friendly interface is a plus for those who prefer simplicity.

Comparing their migration tools, Contabo doesn’t specify any particular migration services, which indicates that users might need to migrate their websites manually or seek third-party assistance. Web.com also lacks detailed information on any built-in migration tools but is generally easier for setting up websites from scratch due to its integrated builder tools. So, if direct migration aid is a priority, both providers appear to be comparable, with neither offering a clear advantage.

Contabo’s help center provides a range of tutorials and FAQ pages, easily accessible through the control panel. Customer support is available via ticket and phone with specific working hours, and detailed API documentation is provided for advanced users. Web.com takes a more direct approach with its 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, alongside a well-stocked help center featuring self-help guides and step-by-step instructions.

🏆 Winner Web.com: A versatile platform with a flexible user management system tailored for both basic and advanced user needs.

Comparing the user management systems of Contabo and Web.com reveals that both platforms offer unique strengths. Contabo provides a detailed and comprehensive approach to user management with its ability to authorize other people for specific permissions on the server. However, Web.com shines in its role-specific user management, enabling the addition and management of users based on specific roles such as Admin and Tech. This delineation offers more flexibility in defining user permissions and ensuring the right access levels are maintained.

Contabo’s Control Panel offers a user-friendly interface that streamlines several aspects of account and server management. Users can easily manage personal details, upgrade services, and handle troubleshooting tasks from a centralized location. Web.com’s interface, centered around the Account Manager, is slightly more segmented but allows users to manage contacts, roles, permissions, billing information, and renewal settings directly from the navigation menu. This segmentation ensures that users can swiftly locate and update specific details pertinent to their roles.

When examining access control measures and scalability, Contabo stands out with its mandatory two-factor authentication and DDoS protection, offering robust security for all accounts. Its managed server add-on also supports users with technical assistance. Web.com’s administrative structure is effective, allowing for clear separation of roles and responsibilities, enhancing security, and streamlining administrative tasks as an organization grows. Although their security measures are not highlighted, the ability to manage large user bases efficiently gives Web.com an edge.

Contabo user roles table:

Web.com user roles table:

🏆 Winner Web.com: A well-rounded hosting provider offering 24/7 support and multiple customer service channels.

Contabo offers a range of support channels including phone, email, and a reliable self-help section. Their support is generally responsive but lacks live chat and 24-hour availability, which may be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance during off-hours. Managed services and emergency support upgrades are available for an additional fee, yet the absence of a money-back guarantee and limited payment options might be a concern for some.

On the other hand, Web.com stands out with its 24/7 support available via phone, email, live chat, and a comprehensive help center. The inclusion of live chat and 24/7 coverage provides customers with immediate assistance at any time, enhancing the overall customer experience. Web.com offers a more user-friendly and responsive support system, making it a stronger option for those prioritizing constant availability and diverse support channels.

Contabo vs Web.com: User feedback

Contabo offers affordable and powerful VPS plans, which are particularly beneficial for running demanding software and complex tasks. Several users have praised the reliability, stability, and cost-effectiveness of the service, highlighting its great value for money. However, frequent downtime, limited customer support, and a somewhat outdated control panel have been significant points of concern. Some users have experienced slow response times and unresolved service requests, suggesting areas for improvement in customer service and operational transparency.

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.

Contabo vs Web.com: FAQ