Kinsta vs Register.com: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over Kinsta vs. Register.com, each service has distinct strengths but caters to different user needs.

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  Kinsta (Overall grade: 8.5)
  
  
  is tailored for high-performance WordPress hosting and excels in infrastructure and support, making it ideal for agencies and high-traffic websites. Its premium features include seamless integration with Google Cloud Platform, Cloudflare, and a proactive monitoring system that ensures exceptional uptime and fast response times. Kinsta doesn’t offer shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting, focusing instead on providing top-tier WordPress and cloud hosting. It boasts an intuitive dashboard, excellent migration tools, and a comprehensive security package, though some may find the pricing on the higher side.
  
• 
  Register.com (Overall grade: 6.6)
  
  
  offers a wider variety of hosting types, including shared and ecommerce hosting, which make it a versatile choice for different kinds of websites. It is particularly strong in providing budget-friendly options suitable for small business owners and less tech-savvy users. The provider includes features like automatic backups, SSL certificates, and reliable customer support but falls short in performance compared to Kinsta. Users have raised concerns over uptime consistency, higher renewal costs, and less impressive load times. While the service offers good scalability and customer service, it lacks the advanced infrastructure and speed optimizations found in Kinsta.
  

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Kinsta: Kinsta offers exceptional uptime and performance with advanced infrastructure.

Kinsta guarantees a 99.9% uptime but consistently exceeds this with remarkable results in various tests. Over a three-month period, Kinsta achieved a 99.99% uptime, and independent tests have shown 100% uptime over 12 months. Their infrastructure, built on the Google Cloud Platform and integrated with Cloudflare, ensures high availability and rapid response times. Additionally, their servers are well-optimized, recording an average response time of 461ms.

Register.com provides a solid uptime guarantee with promises of 99.99% for Unix customers and around 99.9% for Microsoft users. They offer ample storage, comprehensive security features with SiteLock, and dedicated customer support. Their shared hosting and WordPress plans include features like automatic backups and SSL certificates. Despite these advantages, Register.com falls slightly short of Kinsta’s consistent high performance and remarkable uptime guarantees.

🏆 Winner Kinsta: Advanced infrastructure and excellent website performance features.

When comparing the performance of Kinsta and Register.com, Kinsta stands out due to its advanced infrastructure built on Google Cloud Platform’s premium tier network, using Google Cloud’s fastest C2 and C3D virtual machines and Cloudflare integration. Kinsta provides edge caching and image optimizations that cut Time to First Byte (TTFB) significantly, while also providing 35 data centers worldwide for better load distribution. Register.com, although reliable and offering 99.9% uptime, manages files across multiple servers but lacks the advanced performance features and higher number of data centers found in Kinsta. Register.com does offer load times that are twice as fast as competitors and has good scalability options but doesn’t match the overall performance enhancements provided by Kinsta’s built-in tools.

Website Speed

Kinsta excels in website speed, offering continuous MySQL database optimization, built-in Application Performance Monitoring (APM), and code minification for faster page loads. Its edge caching cuts TTFB by up to 50%, and Early Hints serves pages up to 30% faster. Register.com provides fast WordPress hosting with load times that are twice as fast as competitors, but lacks the additional optimizations Kinsta offers.

Scalability

Kinsta offers elastic scaling, supported by its use of Google Cloud’s virtual machines and multiple data centers. Prices start at $7 USD/month, allowing for scalable solutions based on resource usage. Register.com’s solutions accommodate growth but require plan upgrades for scalability. Information about dedicated servers or automatic scaling for Register.com isn’t provided.

🏆 Winner Kinsta: Kinsta provides a well-rounded security package for WordPress sites.

Both Kinsta and Register.com have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

Kinsta offers free and custom SSL certificates, alongside support for wildcard SSL certificates, while Register.com uses 256-bit encryption and provides various SSL certificates, including Extended Validation (EV) and Organization Validation (OV). Kinsta also includes a fully managed WAF with DDoS protection and free malware removal services, which go beyond Register.com’s SiteLock malware protection. Both providers support PHP version selection, but Kinsta offers a dedicated PHP version selector that simplifies the process. Kinsta’s proactive site monitoring, undertaken every 3 minutes, demonstrates a more aggressive stance on security compared to Register.com.

Operational security measures:

Kinsta offers multiple backup options, including automatic hourly, daily, manual, and downloadable backups, ensuring data recovery flexibility. Register.com provides automatic backups via CodeGuard, but the range of options is less comprehensive than Kinsta’s. Both providers include access to security vulnerabilities and notifications, but Kinsta’s edge caching and continuous MySQL optimization further enhance operational security. Register.com offers Scheduled Tasks Manager and password protection features, which are useful but not as extensive in scope.

Compliance and certifications:

Kinsta is SOC 2 and GDPR compliant, ensuring enterprise-grade security and data protection for EU users. Register.com complies with GDPR by masking certain fields for EU residents and defining data processor and controller roles. Both providers offer PCI compliance support, yet Kinsta’s infrastructure is more robust in achieving it. HIPAA compliance details are not specified by either provider.

🏆 Winner
Kinsta: A premium managed WordPress hosting provider known for its advanced features and user-friendly experience.

When comparing Kinsta and Register.com, both hosting providers offer a range of features tailored to different types of users, but they cater to varying needs and experiences. Kinsta shines with its fully-managed WordPress hosting environment that includes a user-friendly website builder and robust customization options. Its platform is built for those who need an efficient, hassle-free setup and ongoing management. Kinsta also offers unique selling points such as free SSL, automatic daily backups, and a staging environment that allows users to test changes safely before going live. Furthermore, Kinsta includes advanced support for SSH and SFTP, ideal for users requiring secure access and control over their website files.

Register.com, on the other hand, is more of a generalist provider that provides a suite of tools suitable for various types of websites. Its website builder is straightforward, although it may not offer the same level of complex customization as Kinsta. For users prioritizing easy access to a broad array of open-source applications and a robust script library, Register.com is a viable option. Notably, Register.com does not explicitly mention SSH access, which could be a limitation for users needing more advanced control. However, it does stand out for its comprehensive database management, domain pointer options, and the ability to reset file permissions, making it a solid choice for small business owners and less tech-savvy 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 Kinsta and Register.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 Kinsta do not provide email hosting services, focusing solely on the hosting performance of WordPress websites. In contrast, Register.com offers email hosting, allowing users to manage email campaigns and standard email functionalities. While Kinsta prioritizes high-performance WordPress hosting, Register.com provides a more all-around service that includes basic email solutions.

🏆 Winner Kinsta: Offering extensive features and flexibility across its hosting plans, suitable for a wide range of users.

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. Although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

Kinsta and Register.com have distinct approaches to their hosting plans. Kinsta offers a variety of specialized options, including Managed WordPress Hosting, Application Hosting, Database Hosting, and Static Site Hosting, with detailed pricing for each plan. In contrast, Register.com focuses on simpler plans with specific features like SiteLock and domain names included. Kinsta, with higher prices, justifies its cost through extensive features such as higher storage capacities, free premium migrations, and robust backup retention. Register.com provides more budget-friendly options with basic features more suitable for small businesses or personal sites.

Enterprise plans

Kinsta’s Enterprise plans start at $675 per month, offering over 60 WordPress installs, more than 1,000,000 monthly visits, and 100+GB of storage with 30 days of backup retention and 2,000+GB of free CDN. In comparison, Register.com lacks specific enterprise-focused plans, making Kinsta’s offering more comprehensive for larger enterprises that require high performance and extensive support.

🏆 Winner
Kinsta: Offers a user-friendly and highly functional hosting environment with extensive support and features.

Kinsta provides a custom-built MyKinsta dashboard that is award-winning for its user-friendly design. This custom solution is tailored to be accessible to both technical and non-technical users, simplifying tasks such as backup creation, cache management, and PHP version selection with one-click options. The ease of creating and managing staging environments further exemplifies Kinsta’s commitment to making site management intuitive and efficient. Their admin panel allows seamless site migrations, demonstrating their comprehensive approach to user convenience.

Register.com uses a more traditional approach with standard cPanel, augmented by additional tools like their Website Builder and FTP Account Manager. While cPanel is widely recognized and familiar to many, it may not provide the same level of streamlined, one-click functionality present in the MyKinsta dashboard. However, Register.com does offer a variety of tools and functionalities that cater to users with varying levels of technical expertise, thus making their admin panel accessible, if not as optimized as Kinsta’s.

Kinsta excels with a clear and structured migration process, available directly through the MyKinsta dashboard. Users can choose between basic and premium migrations, both well-documented and supported by their team. This migration service is designed to be hassle-free and efficient. Register.com, on the other hand, does not prominently feature dedicated migration tools, and any migration would likely rely on manual processes or external services. This places Kinsta ahead concerning the ease of site migration.

Kinsta offers a comprehensive help center with extensive documentation, guides, and tutorials accessible here: Kinsta help center. They also provide 24/7 live chat support with real experts and a community forum. Register.com also offers 24/7 customer service, supported by a range of resources including a blog, FAQs, and more, which you can access here: Register.com help center. Kinsta’s detailed guides and proactive monitoring highlight a more robust support system.

🏆 Winner
Kinsta: An excellent hosting solution for user management with detailed roles and responsibilities.

Kinsta and Register.com differ significantly in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility. Kinsta offers a comprehensive user management system, enabling Company Owners and Company Administrators to add or remove users and set precise access levels. Developers on Kinsta can also grant site access, ensuring flexibility in team management. On the other hand, Register.com does not provide specific details about user management in the given context, making it challenging to gauge its effectiveness in this area. The absence of detailed information from Register.com indicates a potential gap in user role flexibility and management efficiency when compared to Kinsta’s well-outlined structure.

Kinsta provides a user-friendly interface through MyKinsta, simplifying the process of managing user roles and settings. Users can easily enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for enhanced security, and the overall interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to navigate through account settings and permissions swiftly. The lack of information about Register.com’s user interface hampers a direct comparison, but Kinsta’s structured user management tools and accessible settings provide a clear advantage in this aspect, offering a streamlined way to handle user interactions and security.

Access control measures on Kinsta are highly effective, with clear delineation of responsibilities at different user levels. Company Owners and Administrators have comprehensive control over user additions and removals, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical areas. Kinsta’s ability to handle a growing number of users seamlessly further underscores its proficiency in user management. The commitment to customer responsibility for user access levels ensures that expanding teams can be managed efficiently. In contrast, without specific information on Register.com’s capabilities in this domain, it is challenging to assess its effectiveness in managing user access and growth.

Kinsta user roles table:

🏆 Winner
Register.com: Known for its diverse customer support options and dedicated service hours.

Kinsta and Register.com both offer 24/7 live chat support, but Kinsta provides this feature exclusively to paid customers within their MyKinsta dashboard. Kinsta’s average response time is under 2 minutes, and support is available in multiple languages, though not always 24/7. Phone and email support are both accessible, with Kinsta offering proactive site monitoring and human-only expert support.

In comparison, Register.com offers 24/7 live chat and product support for all users, contributing to their higher customer score. They also provide extensive phone support across several dedicated lines, accommodating various needs. However, Register.com’s ticketing system has a longer response time, averaging 24 hours. Despite this, they do not offer enterprise-level support like Kinsta, which could be a drawback for larger businesses seeking dedicated and priority service. The straightforward approach and diverse support channels make Register.com more accessible for a broader customer base.

User feedback

Kinsta is highly recommended by users for its reliable and easy-to-use hosting services, particularly for WordPress sites. Customers appreciate the fast and responsive customer support, impressive speed, and robust security features provided by the platform. The user-friendly dashboard and extensive documentation also stand out as significant advantages, making it easy for both novices and tech-savvy individuals to manage their sites. However, some users find the pricing to be on the higher side, and a few have suggested improvements like expanding data center locations and providing direct access to all integrated services. Overall, Kinsta is praised for delivering a high-quality, dependable hosting experience.

Customer feedback on Register.com is notably polarized. A significant number of users commend the platform for its easy-to-use interface, extensive template selection, and generally satisfactory customer service, emphasizing that it meets basic web hosting and domain registration needs effectively. However, many users also express frustration over high costs, slow response times, and unaddressed technical issues such as unreliable email services and slow page loading speeds. While some customers have had positive long-term experiences, others warn against the service due to unreliability and poor customer support, resulting in business losses and dissatisfaction.

FAQ