Hostpapa vs Pressable: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over HostPapa vs. Pressable, 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.

• 
  Pressable (Overall grade: 8.4)
  
  
  focuses on delivering superior WordPress and high-traffic hosting solutions. With features like a 100% uptime guarantee, advanced auto-scaling capabilities, and a network of highly performant data centers, Pressable excels in ensuring reliable and fast hosting. Its modern dashboard, tailored specifically for WordPress and WooCommerce, along with developer-specific features like GitHub integration, make it a strong choice for tech-savvy users and businesses that require robust infrastructure. However, Pressable’s higher price point may be a drawback for some users, especially when combined with fewer hosting type options and limited email services.
  
• 
  HostPapa (Overall grade: 8.6)
  
  
  balances a broad range of hosting services with strong performance and affordability, making it suitable for small businesses and agencies. Its commendable performance, with a 99.9% uptime guarantee and widespread CDN coverage, ensures reliable and speedy hosting. HostPapa offers a vast array of plans, including shared, WordPress, and VPS hosting, and additional features like unlimited email addresses, extensive security options, and user-friendly management tools. While it might not match Pressable’s auto-scaling for high traffic, HostPapa stands out with comprehensive support, more extensive hosting types, and better value for money, particularly for users needing multiple hosted sites or robust email services.
  

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 Pressable: Seamless availability and advanced failover mechanisms for WordPress hosting.

🏆 Winner
Pressable: Pressable stands out with a 100% uptime guarantee, supported by a robust SLA. Their infrastructure includes geo-redundant automatic failover and redundant data centers, ensuring continuous availability. Pressable also offers comprehensive 24/7/365 monitoring and proactive human support to minimize any potential downtime.

HostPapa offers commendable uptime and reliability with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Their Montreal testing locations reported 99.93% uptime, translating to minimal downtime. HostPapa also provides transparent communication about maintenance and incidents, alongside respectable load times and monitoring metrics.

Pressable shows a slightly superior performance in terms of reliability and speed. Both hosting services have impressive uptimes, with Pressable slightly edging out HostPapa with a 99.99% uptime over a 3-month period compared to HostPapa’s 99.89%. This difference in uptime is reflected in the number and duration of outages, where Pressable experienced 3 outages totaling 12 minutes, while HostPapa had 5 outages totaling 2h 12 minutes.

Pressable’s advantage is more pronounced in terms of server response time. It boasted an average response time of 389ms, which is significantly lower than the shared hosting industry standard and faster than HostPapa’s average response time of 670ms, which can peak up to 1152ms. This suggests that Pressable is not only more reliable in maintaining uptime but also in delivering faster website loading speeds, making it a preferable option for users prioritizing performance.

🏆 Winner: Pressable: Offering unmatched speed and reliability for WordPress hosting.

When comparing the general performance of HostPapa and Pressable, both hosting providers present strong features. HostPapa uses NVMe storage and cloud-based technologies alongside a content delivery network (CDN) by Cloudflare, spreading content across 250+ global locations, which boosts speed significantly. Pressable, on the other hand, ensures lightning-fast performance with a global network of 28+ data centers and highly performant CPUs. Both offer impressive CDN services at no extra cost, but Pressable’s custom resource management system and scalable resource options give it an edge.

Website Speed

HostPapa and Pressable both prioritize speed. HostPapa’s NVMe storage significantly accelerates data read/write speeds, and their edge locations ensure quick delivery to users around the globe. HostPapa also boasts faster metrics like TTFB and FCP. Pressable uses highly frequent CPUs and efficient resource management, along with thumbnail creation and image compression on-the-fly to optimize loading times. With data centers spread across six continents, Pressable ensures superior speed globally, supporting quick page loads even during traffic spikes.

Scalability

Scalability is another factor where Pressable stands out. Its auto-scaling capabilities manage high-traffic peaks seamlessly, offering flexible plans that adjust according to traffic demands. While HostPapa offers robust plans that support unlimited websites and emails, specific details about elastic scaling and dedicated servers are not provided. Therefore, if easy scaling during high traffic is crucial, Pressable offers a more transparent and adaptive solution without the hassle of frequent plan upgrades.

🏆 Winner Pressable: Offers robust security features specially designed for WordPress websites.

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

Technical security measures:

HostPapa offers SSL certificates from GlobalSign, providing options for single domain and wildcard SSL certificates with robust encryption up to 256-bit. Pressable offers free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt. Both providers ensure users can select the PHP version for server compatibility. HostPapa includes daily malware scanning through Protection Power and SiteLock services, while Pressable performs regular malware scans, threat monitoring, and employs Jetpack Security Daily for comprehensive protection. Both use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block malicious activities and DDoS attacks.

Operational security measures:

HostPapa provides automated daily backups, spam monitoring, vulnerability repair, and various protective measures including brute force and SQL injection prevention. Pressable also offers automated daily backups and free hack recovery assistance, ensuring websites are restored in case of an attack. Pressable’s managed WordPress core updates provide automatic protection against known vulnerabilities. HostPapa offers additional security solutions like advanced bot protection and OWASP top 10 protection through its Protection Power Suite.

Compliance and certifications:

HostPapa complies with GDPR and is certified PCI compliant, guided by PIPEDA regulations for data protection. Pressable’s specific compliance with GDPR and PCI is not detailed, but their comprehensive security measures suggest adherence to these standards. HostPapa’s data is stored primarily in Canada with additional transfer adherence to EU-U.S. or Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks. HIPAA compliance is not specified for either provider.

🏆 Winner HostPapa: A comprehensive and feature-rich hosting provider with extensive support and security options.

HostPapa and Pressable each offer robust hosting solutions tailored to different user needs. HostPapa’s standout features include unlimited email addresses, free domain registration (with conditions), and comprehensive security measures such as DDoS protection and server firewalls. The inclusion of automated backups for the first year and domain privacy services also enhances its appeal for beginners and small businesses. HostPapa’s user-friendly interface is complemented by its WordPress staging environment, which allows users to test updates before going live. The Jetpack Free Pre-installed and WP Pro Features, like increased CPU resources, further make it a suitable choice for more demanding projects.

Pressable, on the other hand, caters to those who prioritize streamlined functionality and developer tools. The easy-to-use managed hosting dashboard simplifies domain management, migrations, and site cloning. A free Global CDN, along with automatic scaling and optimized servers, enhances site speed and performance. Pressable’s developer-friendly features include GitHub integration and robust APIs, making it a preferable choice for tech-savvy users. The provider’s seamless one-click login to the /wp-admin panel, combined with proactive malware scanning and daily backups, ensures security and peace of mind for website owners.

Hosting Features Comparison

Email services:

HostPapa provides robust email hosting with unlimited email addresses, suitable for businesses needing multiple accounts. Pressable’s focus is more on managed WordPress hosting and does not specify the inclusion of extensive email hosting capabilities. This makes HostPapa the better option if comprehensive email services are a priority.

🏆 Winner
Pressable: Pressable is an excellent option for enterprise-level hosting, offering custom solutions and robust support.

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.

HostPapa offers a broader range of plans, spanning web hosting, WordPress hosting, reseller plans, and VPS hosting, starting as low as $2.95/month. Pressable’s offerings begin at a higher price point of $40/month but focus specifically on WordPress environments with robust features and support. Both providers offer free domain registration and SSL certificates in their plans. However, Pressable’s higher pricing reflects additional features such as automated backups and Jetpack Security, aiming for a more performance-driven service ideal for businesses with higher demands.

Enterprise plans

HostPapa targets enterprise clients with a wide array of VPS and reseller plans, ensuring versatile options for substantial computing power and storage needs. Pressable focuses on tailored enterprise offerings with custom pricing, aiming to cater to businesses that demand high performance and extensive support. While HostPapa offers scalable VPS solutions, Pressable’s enterprise plans provide better customization and high-end support features, backed by a tailored approach to technical requirements.

🏆 Winner HostPapa: Offers zero-click WordPress installation and extensive knowledge base resources.

HostPapa utilizes an intuitive admin panel that offers zero-click WordPress installation, free and easy website transfer, and one-click website publishing. This is particularly beneficial for non-technical users, providing a straightforward way to get their website up and running. The panel also includes cPanel, which is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality. It caters to users with varying levels of expertise, making it easy to manage domain registrations, email accounts, and website analytics. Additionally, the free domain registration included in some plans simplifies the initial setup process further.

Pressable’s hosting platform features a sleek, modern dashboard specifically designed for managing WordPress and WooCommerce websites. The dashboard offers quick access to vital information, one-click cloning, and straightforward domain management. Its intuitive design accommodates both novice and experienced users, making website management tasks seamless. The dashboard also includes easy SFTP access for secure file transfers and a collaborator access function, making it simple to delegate tasks or control specific areas of the site. The ability to manage multiple websites easily within the dashboard is a strong advantage for users handling multiple projects.

Both HostPapa and Pressable provide streamlined tools for website migration. HostPapa offers free and easy website transfers from any provider, ensuring no downtime during the transition. Pressable also provides free managed migrations, aided by an Automated Migration plugin to make the process hassle-free. This plugin simplifies the task for both experienced developers and beginners, ensuring an efficient transition. Thus, both providers offer valuable, no-cost migration services, making it simple to move your site.

HostPapa’s support and information center is extensive, with hundreds of searchable knowledge base articles, video tutorials, and downloadable manuals. Specific categories cover a broad range of topics, ensuring users find the support they need quickly. Pressable also offers an extensive knowledge base with well-crafted articles, and WordPress tips and tricks. Both providers offer 24/7 expert support and high customer satisfaction rates.

🏆 Winner HostPapa: Offers a more comprehensive and customizable user management experience.

HostPapa and Pressable provide distinct approaches to managing user roles and permissions. HostPapa allows creating user roles and configuring custom permissions in a detailed manner. For instance, administrators can grant or deny specific permissions such as managing users and roles, creating websites, or configuring spam filters. In contrast, Pressable focuses on easing collaboration through a simplified access control mechanism, granting SFTP and SSH access to collaborators, which suits teams needing basic role management. HostPapa’s detailed permission settings offer more flexibility for customized control.

HostPapa’s user management interface is integrated into Plesk, providing options to manage user roles, permissions, and settings comprehensively. With clear steps to deactivate or modify user accounts, HostPapa ensures precise user control. Pressable’s dashboard emphasizes a simplified view, offering quick access to site settings, PHP version changes, and SFTP/SSH management, all organized within a straightforward interface. This makes Pressable’s user interface more accessible but less detailed compared to HostPapa’s Plesk-driven approach.

Regarding access control, HostPapa provides extensive permissions that can be finely tuned to fit specific needs, making it adaptable as user requirements grow. Its ability to manage a wide range of settings, from DNS to databases, ensures comprehensive control. Pressable’s approach is user-friendly, with easy SFTP access and collaborator tools, but may lack the depth needed for more complex access management scenarios. HostPapa’s structure supports scalable user administration more effectively due to its granular control over user roles and permissions.

HostPapa user roles table:

Pressable user roles table:

🏆 Winner HostPapa: Offering a wide array of support channels and physical locations worldwide, HostPapa ensures round-the-clock assistance for its users.

HostPapa has comprehensive support coverage with 24/7/365 availability, offering assistance through multiple channels including phone, email, live chat, and support tickets. Customers benefit from a wide range of international phone support options and can also access free one-on-one training sessions, an extensive knowledge base, and video tutorials. Customers consistently praise HostPapa’s responsiveness and helpfulness.

Pressable also provides 24/7 support with a quick average response time of within two minutes and resolution time of less than ten minutes. Their support is handled by certified WordPress engineers, focusing heavily on WordPress-specific solutions such as performance and security monitoring, hack recovery assistance, and managed updates. Pressable offers specialized features like a global CDN, daily backups, and a dedicated Slack channel for advanced support, bolstering customer satisfaction with a high rating of 98%.

User feedback

Overall, customers generally appreciate the ease of use, responsive customer support, and affordability of the hosting provider. Many users specifically highlight the excellent technical support and straightforward interface as significant advantages. However, some reviews mention downsides such as occasional transparency issues with billing, aggressive upselling tactics, and sporadic performance concerns like downtime or slow website speeds due to outdated technology. There are also mixed experiences regarding customer service efficiency, with some users facing frustrating delays while others commend the quick and knowledgeable support team.

Overall, users have expressed high satisfaction with the hosting provider, citing exceptional customer support, fast response times, and reliable uptime as standout features. The platform’s ease of use, fast website speeds, and seamless integration with WordPress are frequently praised. Although some users noted that accessing core files and the staging environment process could be more straightforward, these issues do not significantly detract from their positive experiences. The main minor drawback highlighted is the pricing, which some users feel is on the higher side, but they acknowledge it is justified by the outstanding quality and support provided.

FAQ