Godaddy vs Network Solutions: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over GoDaddy vs. Network Solutions, 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.

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  GoDaddy (Overall grade: 7.8)
  
  
  provides diverse hosting options, including shared, WordPress, VPS, and ecommerce hosting. This makes it highly versatile, especially for ecommerce sites needing advanced support and high-traffic websites requiring VPS hosting. GoDaddy excels with an impressive 99.98% uptime and faster server response times. Its global data centers improve page load speeds and reliability, and added features like free SSL certificates, automated daily backups, and an intuitive cPanel interface cater to both beginners and experienced users. However, the frequent upselling, high renewal costs, and occasional customer service challenges are areas of concern.
  
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  Network Solutions (Overall grade: 7.4)
  
  
  is known for its solid performance and user-friendly interface. While it does not offer VPS or dedicated hosting options, it caters well to multimedia and professional websites with ample disk space and essential security features. Users appreciate its 24/7 support, which is accessible via various channels, although the proprietary control panel may be seen as less intuitive compared to GoDaddy’s cPanel. Despite having a decent 99.917% uptime, Network Solutions falls short in server response times and lacks the extensive global network that GoDaddy provides. Their plans are straightforward and cost-effective, yet some users report issues with hidden costs and less efficient customer service.
  

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 fast server response times.

Both GoDaddy and Network Solutions promise a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but GoDaddy consistently beats this figure by achieving a 99.98% uptime rate during tests. With faster server response times averaging 341ms, and global load times under major speed performance tests, GoDaddy outshines its counterpart. Frequent but brief downtimes, especially with WordPress hosting, are a minor downside considering the otherwise high reliability.

Network Solutions also performs well, especially with a decent 99.917% uptime in a month, although still falling short of GoDaddy’s higher performance metrics. Their 24/7 support is another highlight, but the proprietary control panel might be a drawback for those who prefer more user-friendly options. With solid overall performance, Network Solutions remains a reliable choice, yet it lags behind GoDaddy in key performance aspects.

Both hosting providers show strong commitments to uptime and availability. GoDaddy’s better-than-guaranteed uptime, faster server response time, and efficiency in handling global traffic secure its position as the winner in this comparison. Network Solutions, while competent, doesn’t quite reach the same level.

🏆 Winner
GoDaddy: Offers top-notch performance, reliability, and extensive features.

When comparing general performance, GoDaddy stands out with its optimized servers which promise up to 40% faster response times. Its network includes global data centers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, enhancing page load speeds significantly. GoDaddy guarantees 99.9% uptime, ensuring minimal downtime. On the other hand, Network Solutions also guarantees 99.9% uptime but lacks the extensive global network. Both providers offer free SSL certificates, daily backups, and malware scanning, but GoDaddy’s inclusion of AutoSSL and unmetered bandwidth gives it an edge in terms of reliability and resource management.

Website Speed

GoDaddy’s performance is bolstered by SSD-based NVMe storage, which markedly reduces load times and improves PageSpeed scores. The hosting plans include built-in plugins like 1-Click WordPress Install, which enhances website performance further. Network Solutions, while offering reliable website speed and daily malware scans, doesn’t quite match GoDaddy’s SSD quality, resulting in slower load times comparatively. Additionally, GoDaddy’s multiple data centers contribute to faster page loads, providing an overall superior website speed experience.

Scalability

GoDaddy provides both shared and dedicated resources, offering elastic scaling through their Web Hosting Plus plans for high-traffic sites. Upgrading plans is straightforward, with dedicated servers available for more complex requirements. The cost to scale is transparent, with VPS plans starting at $8.99/month. Network Solutions offers various plans and doesn’t specify if scalability is automatic. They provide unlimited disk space in higher plans and include features like automatic backups, but lack detailed information on scalability costs. Thus, GoDaddy’s clear path for scaling makes it a more versatile choice for growing businesses.

🏆 Winner GoDaddy: A comprehensive suite of security features makes GoDaddy a reliable hosting choice.

Both GoDaddy and Network Solutions, 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 range of SSL certificates, including AutoSSL, Managed SSL Service, and Self-Managed SSL Certificates, ensuring robust encryption for all types of users. It also uses the latest PHP versions with extended long-term support. GoDaddy offers additional security through Web Application Firewall (WAF), malware scanning, and DDoS protection. Network Solutions provides diverse SSL certificates with data encryption and offers SiteLock for malware protection. However, they do not specify which PHP versions are supported.

Operational security measures:

GoDaddy provides automatic daily backups with one-click restore options and around-the-clock network security, which includes DDoS protection. They also feature CloudLinux for balanced resource allocation and Cage FS for content protection. Network Solutions includes daily malware scans, CodeGuard for automatic backups, and nsProtect Assured Website Seal for added credibility. Though they offer click-time anti-phishing and lazy expunge for email security, GoDaddy’s operational measures are more comprehensive and better detailed.

Compliance and certifications:

GoDaddy is fully compliant with GDPR and offers PCI compliant products for sites processing credit cards. Network Solutions emphasizes data encryption through their SSL Certificates, which are critical for complying with GDPR and PCI. Detailed information regarding other specific compliances like HIPAA is not provided for either hosting service.

🏆 Winner
GoDaddy: A versatile hosting provider with a range of plans suitable for different needs.

GoDaddy and Network Solutions both offer a variety of features tailored to different user needs, yet they present some key differences in their offerings. GoDaddy provides a broad spectrum of plans, from standard web hosting to managed WordPress hosting. It’s user-friendly, with free tools like a migration tool and AI creation tool. They offer additional compelling features like free domains and SSL certificates, particularly in their higher-tier plans. GoDaddy also ensures a high level of reliability with global data centers and automatic daily backups.

Network Solutions offers a simpler, more straightforward approach with its tiered hosting packages. They include essential features such as daily malware scans and unlimited disk space in their higher-tier plans. However, Network Solutions stands out with its developer-friendly tools and comprehensive SiteLock protection in premium plans. Their pricing strategy is straightforward but may involve additional costs for essential features like SSL certificates, which are available only in the highest-tier plan.

Email services:

GoDaddy offers free email hosting with all its plans, which supports transactional emails and can also be used for email campaigns. Network Solutions also has robust email services, providing up to 1,000 email boxes with their Essential plan and unlimited email boxes with their Premium and Premium Plus plans. They do not resell third-party email services, unlike some providers. Both providers ensure reliable and secure email hosting but differ in the breadth of additional services and email storage capacities.

🏆 Winner Network Solutions: Offering value-packed plans with ample storage, email options, and additional features, especially for growing businesses and professionals.

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.

GoDaddy’s plans are vast and varied, offering everything from basic web hosting to managed WooCommerce stores while requiring longer commitments for the best prices. Network Solutions provides straightforward, feature-rich plans with one-year terms that cater to a range of hosting needs. While GoDaddy includes a few more freebies like free domains and SSL certificates, Network Solutions excels with affordable prices and added security features, which may prove more valuable over time depending on the user’s needs.

Enterprise plans

GoDaddy’s managed WooCommerce offerings cater to expanding enterprises with a diverse range of hosting resources, varying from $24.99 per month to $129.99 per month. These plans are well-suited for businesses selling across multiple channels and needing robust e-commerce features. Network Solutions does not offer specific WooCommerce plans but provides extensive WordPress hosting solutions for various professional levels, priced up to $18.98 per month. Their higher-end plans include multisite management and ample storage, fitting for businesses with multiple sites requiring integral updates and security features.

🏆 Winner
GoDaddy: Easy setup with one-click installs and robust migration tools.

GoDaddy offers an industry-standard cPanel that is intuitive and user-friendly. Both technical and non-technical users will find its interface accessible for managing various aspects of web hosting, such as backups and security. On the other hand, Network Solutions also provides a well-designed admin panel, although it isn’t specified whether it uses cPanel or a custom solution. However, users will have access to easy website builders and FTP credentials for setting up their site, which is convenient but may be slightly less straightforward than GoDaddy’s one-click setup approach.

GoDaddy’s control panel integrates seamlessly with its automatic daily backups and security features. Network Solutions’ FTP credentials and website builders do offer flexibility, but may require an additional learning curve for those not familiar with these tools. Ultimately, GoDaddy’s use of the familiar cPanel coupled with its ease of use makes it slightly more favorable for a broader audience.

GoDaddy provides a free WordPress migration tool that simplifies moving existing WordPress sites to their hosting service. Network Solutions assists with migration services, ensuring minimal downtime, but the details regarding fees or whether the service is free are not specified. The availability of a free migration tool from GoDaddy gives it an edge for customers looking for a hassle-free transfer process.

Both hosting providers offer extensive help center resources. GoDaddy has a 24/7 support system via phone, chat, and SMS, along with a comprehensive set of help articles and FAQs. Their extensive knowledge base and support team are readily accessible. Network Solutions also offers 24/7 support and a robust Online Support Center. Their technical expertise and the option of remote assistance enhance their support offerings. Overall, GoDaddy’s multi-channel support and detailed guides provide an easier and more accessible help experience.

🏆 Winner: Network Solutions: Streamlined user role management and comprehensive access controls.

Comparing GoDaddy and Network Solutions in terms of user role management reveals distinct differences. While specific details about GoDaddy’s user management are not provided, Network Solutions offers a clear and structured approach. Network Solutions features three well-defined roles: Primary Contact, Admin Contact, and Technical Contact. The Primary and Admin Contacts can manage various account aspects and user roles, offering flexible configuration. Network Solutions’ detailed framework provides better clarity and control over user permissions compared to the limited context on GoDaddy’s capabilities, positioning Network Solutions as a more defined solution for user management.

Both hosting providers likely offer user-friendly interfaces, but Network Solutions stands out with a specific navigation process for managing roles. Users can easily access Accounts & Users through a drop-down menu, providing a straightforward method for adding, editing, or deleting user roles. This clarity suggests that Network Solutions places emphasis on providing intuitive tools for user management. Conversely, without specific information on GoDaddy’s interface, the comparison leans favorably towards Network Solutions for its clearly documented process.

Evaluating access control measures and scalability, Network Solutions again demonstrates a strong setup. With concrete processes for editing account information and modifying user roles, the platform supports efficient management even as the user base grows. The ability to easily update contact information and user permissions helps maintain organized access control. In contrast, GoDaddy’s unspecified user management features leave uncertainty regarding its scalability and effectiveness in handling increasing numbers of users.

Network Solutions user roles table:

🏆 Winner
Network Solutions: Offers flexible hosting packages coupled with highly available customer support.

GoDaddy provides 24/7 support via phone and email, with an extensive knowledgebase featuring blog articles, guides, online courses, and videos. Their live chat support is available only on the U.S. subdomain, and they offer free WordPress migration, automatic daily backups, global data centers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additional support includes SMS options.

Network Solutions offers various phone support lines, a 24/7 sales and support team chat, and multiple office locations. They have special channels for business consultants, product support, domain support, and general customer service. Their customer service hours extend almost round the clock, and their packages provide a free domain, malware scanning, and the Premium Plus plan includes an SSL certificate.

Both hosting providers excel in providing extensive customer support through various channels. GoDaddy stands out with SMS support and a rich knowledgebase, catering mostly to U.S.-based users for their live chat. Their focus is on providing ample educational resources along with security measures.

Network Solutions, on the other hand, maintains a more accessible customer support network through multiple phone lines and 24/7 live chat options. With additional perks like included domain names, malware scanning, and SSL certificates in higher-tier plans, Network Solutions is geared toward those needing comprehensive support and additional extras.

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.

User feedback on this hosting provider highlights several key strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, many users find the interface user-friendly and appreciate the ease of navigating through the platform, particularly when managing domains and webpages. However, there are significant concerns about the provider’s customer service, which many describe as unresponsive and ineffective at solving technical issues, often resulting in prolonged waits and unmet assurances. Additionally, users criticize the high costs, frequent upselling, and lack of timely communication during server outages, which collectively detract from the overall user experience.

FAQ