Interserver vs Hawk Host: guide for 2024

Interserver vs Hawk Host: Final verdict

Comparing InterServer and Hawk Host reveals that both offer reliable services but with distinct strengths and weaknesses.

• 
  Hawk Host (Overall grade: 8.4)
  
  ensures optimal performance with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, extensive global data centers, and proactive malware scanning. Its NVMe storage, LiteSpeed Web Servers, and daily backups make it a top pick for fast, secure, and dependable hosting. Hawk Host excels in ecommerce hosting with superior support and advanced features, and its attractive user management and email services further enhance its appeal to businesses.
• 
  InterServer (Overall grade: 8.1)
  
  provides compelling features with a 10GB Cisco Network and SSD Caching Servers for high-traffic and multimedia websites. Its diverse hosting plans, free Cloudflare CDN, InterShield Security, and guaranteed email delivery offer strong performance and reliable security. Despite only having data centers in the USA, its route optimizations ensure decent global speeds. Issues with occasional downtime and slower support response times do affect its overall appeal slightly.

Hosting Comparison Table

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 Hawk Host: Hawk Host stands out due to its superior uptime and broader global data center presence.

Hawk Host offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee with compensation for any downtime, making it a reliable choice. With data centers spread across the globe, including the USA, Singapore, and Amsterdam, they ensure faster access and redundancy. Their enterprise-grade servers and proactive malware scanning enhance the overall availability and performance. Their 24/7 support and daily backups solidify their commitment to uptime and customer satisfaction.

InterServer offers a similar 99.9% uptime guarantee and leverages Cloudflare’s global network for content delivery. Their route optimization and server capacity management further improve performance. Despite having data centers only in the USA, they maintain decent global loading speeds. Additional features like InterShield Security and guaranteed email delivery contribute to their uptime and reliability.

🏆 Winner HawkHost: Efficient and feature-rich hosting service for web projects of all sizes.

HawkHost and InterServer are strong competitors in web hosting, but HawkHost offers slightly better performance overall. Both hosting services utilize SSD storage, but HawkHost includes NVMe for faster data access. InterServer leverages a 10GB Cisco Network and Ultra-Fast Web Server technology along with SSD Caching Servers and RAID-10 Storage. HawkHost has fewer data centers but compensates with 40Gbps server connectivity and multiple global locations. Both offer Cloudflare CDN, though InterServer includes it for free, while HawkHost’s package is optimized for Cloudflare, benefiting DNS management and security.

Website Speed

InterServer’s speed is enhanced by SSD Caching Servers, RAID-10 Storage, and other optimizations like route optimization and the latest server technologies. It promises reduced load times and consistent page speed improvements, supported by a 10GB Cisco Network. HawkHost uses NVMe storage and Leaner LiteSpeed Web Servers, contributing to rapid page loads even under high traffic. Both services provide caching options, but InterServer’s Inter-Proxy Caching further supports heavy request loads.

Scalability

Both InterServer and HawkHost offer scalable solutions, but the specifics vary. InterServer allows seamless migration to VPS or Dedicated Servers without downtime, while detailed cost information for scaling isn’t provided. HawkHost offers cloud compute starting at $5.00 per month and shared hosting from $2.24 per month, providing flexible plans for various needs. Automated upgrades and detailed elasticity options are unspecified for both.

🏆 Winner
Hawk Host: Robust security measures and reliable performance make it a preferred choice for hosting.
Both InterServer and Hawk Host, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

InterServer and Hawk Host utilize various tools to enhance technical security. InterServer provides free SSL certificates and supports up to PHP 8.3, adding layers of security and compatibility with newer web technologies. Additionally, their in-house InterShield Security, featuring a machine learning firewall, and data-driven malware database, creates an advanced security perimeter. Hawk Host offers multiple types of SSL certificates, each with significant warranties, and comprehensive DDoS protection. Their proactive malware scanning and daily backups contribute to a solid safety net. While Hawk Host doesn’t specify their PHP support range, Hawk Host’s DDoS protection notably strengthens its defenses.

Operational security measures:

For operational security, InterServer offers end-to-end email encryption, brute-force protection, and Inter-Proxy caching, which helps manage load spikes efficiently. Their physical data center security, including 24/7 staffing and CCTV surveillance, ensures robust protection against physical threats. Hawk Host supports operational security with SSH access and CloudFlare optimization, enhancing DNS management and offering superior cloud-based security. The enterprise-grade XEON/EPYC servers used by Hawk Host bolster reliability, while daily backups safeguard data effectively.

Compliance and certifications:

InterServer’s offerings lack explicit mentions of GDPR and PCI compliance, whereas Hawk Host clearly articulates its GDPR adherence. Hawk Host’s proactive approach includes updating software and policies to meet GDPR standards, ensuring data protection for EU residents. PCI compliance information remains unspecified for both providers, reflecting a need for clarification on transaction-related security measures across the board.

🏆 Winner Hawk Host: A feature-rich hosting provider with superior security and daily backups.

Both InterServer and Hawk Host offer a wide array of features catering to different user needs. InterServer provides unlimited storage, data transfer, and FTP accounts, making it an attractive option for users who need extensive storage and file management capabilities. The platform also integrates with Cloudflare CDN and offers weekly backups, which helps in maintaining website performance and data security. InterServer does not explicitly mention website builder services, which might require users to seek third-party solutions for creating their sites. Meanwhile, its domain registration policies are standard, but specific details about additional fees, if any, are not clearly provided.

Hawk Host distinguishes itself with its cPanel control panel and daily backups, which enhances user experience and data safety. Its proactive malware scanning and Imunify360 WAF provide robust security measures. Hawk Host supports over 380 one-click app installations, simplifying the process for users to set up applications like WordPress and Joomla. It includes LiteSpeed Web Server and SSD/NVMe storage, which further optimize website speed and reliability. Users also benefit from free SSL certificates and a 30-day money-back guarantee, adding to the platform’s attractiveness. The inclusion of enterprise-level spam filtering and unlimited email accounts highlight Hawk Host’s comprehensive email hosting services, which could be decisive for business users.

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 InterServer and Hawk Host 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:

InterServer provides unlimited email accounts, complementing its unlimited storage offer, but it doesn’t specify advanced security or spam filtering features. Hawk Host, on the other hand, excels with enterprise-level spam filtering through SpamExperts and supports unlimited email accounts. This focus on email security and user convenience makes Hawk Host a more compelling choice for businesses that prioritize secure and efficient email management.

🏆 Winner Hawk Host: Hawk Host: A reliable hosting provider with a variety of competitively priced plans and distinctive 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.

InterServer offers a range of hosting plans from Standard Web Hosting at $2.50/month to various VPS and Reseller Hosting options, including a free Student Web Hosting plan. Hawk Host, on the other hand, provides tiered pricing for its Shared, VPS, and Cloud Compute hosting plans. For example, Hawk Host’s Primary Shared Web Hosting plan costs $3.74/month, while the professional and professional+ plans offer additional storage and unlimited bandwidth. Both providers also support WordPress hosting, but the pricing and included features vary.

Enterprise plans

InterServer’s Reseller Hosting plans range from $19.95/month to $69.95/month, offering features like unlimited accounts, high disk space, and bandwidth options. Hawk Host’s VPS Hosting plans start at $5/month and go up to $160/month, providing significant SSD storage and RAM, along with full root access and high bandwidth, suitable for enterprise needs. InterServer’s plans are more focused on extensive support and straightforward pricing, while Hawk Host offers varied plans with high flexibility and comprehensive resource allocation.

🏆 Winner Hawk Host: Offers easy-to-use tools and extensive support, making it a preferred choice for web hosting.

InterServer and Hawk Host both provide user-friendly control panels that facilitate site management. InterServer employs cPanel and DirectAdmin, which cater to admins, resellers, and end-user website owners, offering a simple interface accessible via a web browser. This makes managing websites intuitive even for non-technical users. Additionally, InterServer supports 461 one-click script installations, including popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, further simplifying the setup process.

Hawk Host also uses cPanel, known for its straightforward navigation and comprehensive functionality. It integrates Softaculous for one-click installations of several popular applications such as WordPress and Joomla, streamlining the setup for users. Hawk Host includes free SSL certificates for all hosting plans and offers proactive malware scanning, which adds an extra layer of simplicity and security to the user experience.

InterServer provides a free migration service for standard shared hosting. Customers need to prepare a full cPanel backup, and the existing InterServer account should be empty to accommodate the backup. This is a significant advantage, especially for users unfamiliar with migration processes. Hawk Host does not mention a dedicated free migration service but focuses on support through its 24/7 availability, providing guidance for anyone needing assistance during migration.

InterServer’s help center includes 24/7 support through phone, live chat, and a ticket system, along with a knowledge base featuring articles on website management and various tools for launching a web presence. Hawk Host offers similar support structures with a comprehensive knowledge base, live chat, email, and even Twitter support. Hawk Host’s help center is extensive, covering a wide range of topics from billing to PHP programming. Both platforms ensure users have access to robust support networks whenever they need assistance.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. InterServer offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. Hawk Host 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: Hawk Host: User-friendly and feature-rich user management system.

When comparing user management and role flexibility, Hawk Host shines due to its seamless process for adding and managing users. InterServer does provide control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, which facilitate some level of user and role management, yet the details are more oriented towards client and email management rather than comprehensive user roles. Hawk Host, on the other hand, offers a clear process for inviting new users, choosing permissions, and managing their access. This defines a higher degree of flexibility in creating and managing user roles and permissions effectively.

Regarding user interfaces and tools, InterServer’s reliance on industry-standard control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin means that users may benefit from a familiar and widely-used interface. These control panels are equipped with a variety of tools for managing user accounts, email addresses, and file permissions. Hawk Host provides a straightforward client area for user management, where users can add or modify permissions easily. The “User Management” page centralizes all necessary controls in an intuitive manner, possibly making it simpler for users unfamiliar with more complex control panel interfaces.

In assessing the effectiveness of access control measures, both InterServer and Hawk Host provide a range of options. InterServer’s control panels offer detailed permissions and role settings, which can be advantageous for users who need fine-grained control. Hawk Host’s process ensures efficiency by allowing the main account holder to distribute specific permissions to new users effortlessly. It supports a growing number of users without complications, providing an efficient solution for small to medium-sized businesses that may need to scale their user base.

Hawk Host user roles table:

🏆 Winner InterServer: Easy-to-use hosting with excellent customer support and quick resolution times.

InterServer offers around-the-clock support through phone, live chat, email, and ticket systems, ensuring users get help whenever needed. They also provide migration services, proactive backups, and tech support with fast resolutions. Users benefit from a user-friendly control panel and an extensive knowledgebase, making problem-solving more accessible.

Hawk Host provides 24/7 support via phone, live chat, tickets, and even Twitter. They offer helpful resources like a knowledgebase and community forum. Though they provide free site migrations and a money-back guarantee, their limited on-site support and lack of enterprise-level support services make InterServer a more comprehensive choice for customer service.

Interserver vs Hawk Host: User feedback

Overall, users appreciate the feature-rich services and competitive pricing of this hosting provider, highlighting its 24/7 customer support, fast server speeds, and user-friendly control panel. Many reviewers find the unlimited storage and bandwidth beneficial, particularly for small to medium-sized websites. However, some users have reported occasional server downtime and inconsistent speeds, which can be problematic during high traffic periods. Additionally, there are mentions of subpar interfaces and delayed support responses, but these issues are often balanced by the company’s reliability and straightforward, fixed pricing model.

Based on the reviews, customers find this hosting provider to be a highly reliable solution, particularly appreciating the smooth transition process from other hosts and the helpful, efficient support. While some note that the hosting packages are slightly more expensive, they believe the superior quality of support and services justifies the cost in the long run. Overall, users feel that the company offers a stress-free and worthwhile hosting experience.

Interserver vs Hawk Host: FAQ