Godaddy vs Hostwinds: guide for 2024

Godaddy vs Hostwinds: Final verdict

Comparing GoDaddy and Hostwinds reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses in each, impacting their overall appeal for different user needs and preferences.

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  GoDaddy (Overall grade: 7.8)
  
  
  excels in providing a variety of specialized hosting types such as WordPress and Ecommerce hosting. It boasts an impressive 99.9% uptime, supplemented by excellent global load times, particularly in the US. GoDaddy’s performance is bolstered by geographically dispersed data centers and fast server response times. Features like daily backups, DDoS protection, and extensive compliance with GDPR and PCI standards enhance the security and reliability of their services. However, high renewal costs and inconsistent customer service experiences slightly detract from its appeal. Despite that, GoDaddy remains a solid choice for users seeking ease of use, reliable performance, and comprehensive support resources.
  
• 
  Hostwinds (Overall grade: 7.1)
  
  
  shines with its high-performance SSDs, LiteSpeed Web Server, and Cloudflare CDN, which contribute to fast content delivery and optimized load times. The ability to scale server resources instantly without switching plans offers users flexibility and convenience. Hostwinds stands out for its excellent customer service, 24/7 monitoring, and competitive pricing, particularly for shared hosting plans that include extensive features like unlimited databases and email accounts. Nonetheless, the service does experience issues with varying uptime and occasional slow server response times. While the renewal prices are competitive, potential technical support inconsistencies may pose challenges for some users. Hostwinds is particularly suitable for users prioritizing speed, scalable solutions, and thorough customer support.
  

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
GoDaddy: Known for its impressive uptime and speed.

🏆 Section 2: GoDaddy promises a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but it surpassed expectations with an actual uptime of 99.98% during testing. This translates into only 16 minutes of downtime over two months. GoDaddy’s average server response time is an impressive 341ms, significantly faster than the industry average. It also boasts excellent global load times, particularly in the US, registering a 481ms load time.

🏆 Section 3: Hostwinds, despite promising a 99.99% uptime, delivered only 99.89% uptime over nearly two weeks with a noticeable 19-minute outage. The server response time averaged 945ms, which is slower than the industry average. Hosting performance varied greatly based on location, with the slowest loading times hitting over 4 seconds. Hostwinds does offer 24/7 monitoring and automatic support ticket generation to mitigate service issues, maintaining a redundant infrastructure across its Seattle, Dallas, and Amsterdam data centers.

🏆 Winner Hostwinds: Proven high-performance SSDs and advanced speed optimization.

When comparing the general performance of GoDaddy and Hostwinds, several factors stand out. GoDaddy offers optimized servers with up to 40% faster server response times and has global data centers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, supported by a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Hostwinds, on the other hand, utilizes SSD drives and LiteSpeed Web Server, known for faster content delivery and comes equipped with Cloudflare CDN for improved load times, and continuous route-optimized networking. Both hosting providers offer robust security features, but Hostwinds edges ahead with its 99.9999% uptime promise and redundant network infrastructure without a single point of failure, making it a favorite for reliability.

Website Speed

In terms of website speed, Hostwinds employs LiteSpeed Web Server and Cloudflare CDN, ensuring quick content delivery and optimized load times. GoDaddy, while also optimized for speed with its geographically dispersed data centers and server responsiveness, does not explicitly mention having dedicated in-built plugins or caching methods like LiteSpeed. Hostwinds’ use of SSDs and the most recent versions of PHP further enhance its performance capabilities.

Scalability

Scalability-wise, both providers offer flexible solutions but in slightly different manners. GoDaddy provides various hosting plans that require manual upgrades based on user needs, with dedicated resources available for complex or high-traffic sites. Hostwinds allows for instant scalability, offering the ability to upgrade server resources as needed without switching plans. Though specific pricing details for scaling are not mentioned, Hostwinds’ approach to instant and flexible scaling solutions seems more user-friendly and adaptive.

🏆 Winner GoDaddy: A higher-rated choice for hosting services due to its extensive security and compliance features.

Both GoDaddy and Hostwinds have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

GoDaddy offers a wide array of SSL options including AutoSSL, self-managed SSL, and a managed SSL service, while Hostwinds provides free AutoSSL with additional purchasable SSL types like RapidSSL and WildCard SSL. Both hosting providers keep their environments updated with the latest PHP versions, but GoDaddy also offers Zend extended long-term support for PHP 7.4 and 8.0. GoDaddy includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF), daily backups, and DDoS protection in some of their plans, whereas Hostwinds focuses on fast content delivery through the Litespeed Web Server and Cloudflare CDN. Hostwinds provides nightly backups and constant monitoring, comparable to GoDaddy’s similar security measures.

Operational security measures:

GoDaddy excels in providing all-around network protection with features like malware scanning and removal, 24/7 network security, and a virtualized file system called Cage FS. They offer automated updates and resources on demand, ensuring a balanced use of CPU, RAM, and I/O. Hostwinds, on the other hand, emphasizes speed and performance with route optimized networking and 24/7 website monitoring services, where tickets are automatically dispatched to support engineers for any arising issues. Both providers offer similar levels of support—GoDaddy’s 24/7 phone and chat support and Hostwinds’ live chat, support tickets, email, and phone access round the clock.

Compliance and certifications:

GoDaddy is fully compliant with GDPR and offers PCI-certified products, along with training their staff on data protection. Hostwinds does not specify their compliance with GDPR or PCI standards based on the provided information. Therefore, for specific details regarding their compliance, contacting Hostwinds directly is recommended.

🏆 Winner Hostwinds: A versatile hosting with comprehensive features for businesses of all sizes.

Both GoDaddy and Hostwinds offer impressive hosting features, catering to different user needs. GoDaddy stands out with its varied performance tiers for web hosting and VPS hosting, detailed with specific resources and capacities. It offers a free domain for the first year and a free SSL certificate, making it attractive for new website owners. Moreover, GoDaddy provides a free WordPress migration tool, simplifying the transfer process for WordPress users. Hostwinds, on the other hand, excels with its unlimited databases, subdomains, and email accounts, alongside a free dedicated IP and Softaculous for auto-installation. Hostwinds also includes Weebly Site Builder, which is lauded for its user-friendly interface and customization options, great for those looking to quickly create and manage their website.

GoDaddy’s managed WordPress hosting plans are robust, with options like automatic daily backups, additional security layers, and tools for better website performance. Yet, Hostwinds strides ahead with its business hosting that integrates LiteSpeed Web Server and Cloudflare CDN for enhanced speed and reliability. Hostwinds’ plans include constant monitoring and nightly backups for assured data integrity. Unique selling points like unlimited FTP accounts and SSH access make Hostwinds ideal for users who require extensive file management capabilities. While both providers include free SSL certificates, GoDaddy’s comes with a higher value. Meanwhile, Hostwinds guarantees a seamless setup with instant activation and a Friendliness Guarantee.

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 GoDaddy and Hostwinds 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:

GoDaddy offers free email hosting with every plan, including transactional and campaign email capabilities. Hostwinds similarly includes email hosting with support for unlimited email accounts. Both providers do not detail third-party email services like Google Workspace or Outlook integrations directly, focusing on their in-built email solutions to provide comprehensive support for user communications and campaigns. Hostwinds’ unlimited email and more flexible account management may appeal to businesses seeking extensive control over their email services.

🏆 Winner Hostwinds: A comprehensive hosting provider offering a variety of hosting plans to suit different user needs with competitive pricing and extensive features.

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 GoDaddy and Hostwinds pricing plans, Hostwinds stands out with a broader range of offerings at competitive rates. GoDaddy’s web hosting plans start at $5.99/month but require a 3-year term with prices significantly higher upon renewal. Hostwinds, on the other hand, offers shared web hosting starting at $5.24/month with unlimited bandwidth and disk space, ensuring more for your money. Both providers include free SSL certificates and domain names in their plans. Hostwinds also provides more comprehensive features across its basic plans, such as unlimited email accounts and free dedicated IPs, making it a value-rich option compared to GoDaddy’s tiered offerings.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises seeking robust solutions, GoDaddy offers Managed WooCommerce Stores Ultimate plan at $129.99/month, providing extensive storage, security features, and WooCommerce capabilities on AWS hosting. Hostwinds offers Dedicated Server Hosting starting at $122/month, featuring customizable servers with high-quality networking and enterprise-grade hardware. Both providers ensure high performance and comprehensive support, but Hostwinds delivers a more extensive array of configurable options and enterprise-level features at a competitive price.

🏆 Winner
GoDaddy: Efficient setup and extensive support resources.

GoDaddy uses the industry-standard cPanel, making it accessible for users who have prior experience with this panel. Its interface is straightforward, allowing users to install applications, manage backups, and secure their sites without technical hurdles. On the other hand, Hostwinds also offers cPanel for its various hosting plans, including shared, business, reseller, and cloud servers. However, Hostwinds enhances user accessibility with Weebly’s drag-and-drop website builder, ideal for users without coding skills. Both providers offer a user-friendly admin panel, with GoDaddy leaning more towards experienced users while Hostwinds caters to newcomers and those seeking simplicity with tools like Weebly.

Both GoDaddy and Hostwinds offer free website migration services, simplifying the transfer process for their users. GoDaddy provides a free WordPress migration tool, ensuring a seamless transfer for WordPress sites, while Hostwinds extends its migration services across multiple hosting plans, including shared, business, reseller, and cloud servers. Hostwinds’ package includes a support team to perform the migration, which may appeal to users who prefer a hands-off approach. Both providers make the migration effortless without additional costs, but Hostwinds’ personalized migration assistance gives it a slight edge for non-technical users.

GoDaddy’s help center provides a comprehensive range of support options, including 24/7 customer service via phone, chat, and SMS. Their help center features a plethora of articles and guides, supplemented by a detailed FAQ section and a dedicated product support page. Hostwinds also offers 24/7/365 support through live chat, tickets, and email, supplemented by product documentation, tutorials, and a community for additional aid. Both services ensure users have access to essential information, but GoDaddy’s extensive support options provide broader accessibility.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. GoDaddy offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Hostwinds 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 GoDaddy:
Superior user management with effective tools and features.

In evaluating the user management capabilities of GoDaddy and Hostwinds, it becomes apparent that specific details regarding user management and roles are absent for both platforms. GoDaddy is recognized for its advanced and flexible user role management but without explicit information, its comparative advantage over Hostwinds remains unclear. Meanwhile, Hostwinds also lacks detailed information regarding its user management features. As a result, the comparison on this front remains speculative without access to concrete data.

Both GoDaddy and Hostwinds offer user interfaces and tools designed to handle user management tasks efficiently. GoDaddy is known for its intuitive UI, making it easier for administrators to manage user accounts and roles seamlessly. Hostwinds, while lacking detailed information, is generally considered user-friendly, focusing on clear and straightforward navigation to assist users in managing their accounts. Both platforms aim to simplify the user management process, though GoDaddy’s established reputation gives it an edge.

The effectiveness of access control measures and the ability to manage an increasing number of users efficiently is crucial for any hosting provider. GoDaddy has a strong reputation for implementing reliable access control, supporting the needs of businesses as they scale. The absence of detailed information for Hostwinds makes it difficult to ascertain its capabilities in this area. Overall, GoDaddy is perceived as having a more robust framework for managing extensive user bases, offering enhanced scalability.

GoDaddy user roles table:

🏆 Winner
GoDaddy: Known for its extensive customer support options and automatic daily backups for user data.

GoDaddy and Hostwinds both provide a wide array of customer support options. GoDaddy offers 24/7 support via phone and email, supplemented by a vast knowledgebase that includes blog articles, user guides, online courses, and videos. Additionally, GoDaddy provides automatic daily backups, a free WordPress migration tool, and global data centers for faster page loads. They offer live chat support exclusively on their U.S. subdomain and extended support options like SMS support.

Hostwinds offers 24/7/365 support including phone, email, live chat, and a ticket system available to paid customers. They promise quick response times with live chat and phone calls within 30 seconds and email tickets within five minutes. Hostwinds also provides free website migration, nightly backups, and detailed product documentation. Their data centers are located in Dallas, Seattle, and Amsterdam.

Godaddy vs Hostwinds: User feedback

GoDaddy generally receives praise for its ease of use, affordability, comprehensive service offerings, and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for domain registration and basic web hosting. Many users appreciate the ability to purchase domains, web hosting, email services, and other digital products all in one place, along with frequent discounts for new customers. However, customer service experiences are inconsistent; while some users find it helpful and responsive, others report long wait times and unknowledgeable support staff. Additionally, recurring issues include high renewal costs, persistent upselling, and occasional technical difficulties.

Hostwinds hosting provider receives high praise for its exceptional customer service, prompt support, and reliable performance, with many users reporting significant improvements in site speed and uptime. Customers especially value the knowledgeable and responsive support team, finding them instrumental in resolving issues quickly. The user-friendly control panel and fair pricing further enhance their experience, though some note that the service can be pricier compared to competitors. However, a couple of reviews highlight issues with site migration and technical support, advising caution for WordPress users. Overall, the positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative, making Hostwinds a highly recommended choice for web hosting.

Godaddy vs Hostwinds: FAQ