Network Solutions vs Netfirms: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Comparing networksolutions and netfirms, both providers offer distinct advantages and limitations, but overall maintain close competitive standings.

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  Netfirms (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  
  excels in providing affordable and versatile hosting solutions, particularly for eCommerce and high-traffic websites. Its plans include extensive features like free SSL certificates, scalable bandwidth, and 24/7 customer support. Users appreciate the straightforward admin panel and robust performance tools but note some issues with server performance and connectivity. Additionally, integrating Google Workspace and offering dedicated hosting options help cater to both small businesses and larger enterprises. However, the absence of advanced features such as daily malware scans and extensive SiteLock security can be a drawback for those needing more comprehensive security measures.
  
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  Networksolutions (Overall grade: 7.4)
  
  
  stands out for its user-friendly interface, extensive email hosting capabilities, and reliable customer support. The service provides dedicated WordPress hosting, robust security measures including daily malware scans and automatic backups, and a variety of SSL certificates. With impressive uptime and speed performance, Networksolutions is suitable for agencies and multimedia websites. Despite its strengths, users often highlight issues with customer service responsiveness and higher costs, particularly with upselling tactics. Its plans are well-suited for those looking for stability and comprehensive support, albeit at a potentially higher price point.
  

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 Network Solutions: Network Solutions offers reliable hosting with impressive uptime performance and robust customer support.

Network Solutions guarantees a 99.9% uptime and has demonstrated an uptime of 99.917% over a month. It recorded minimal downtime with a total of 42 minutes. The hosting provider also features an above-average speed performance, rated at B (85%) by GTmetrix.

Netfirms promises a 99.9% uptime and showed 100% uptime during a two-week test. However, this uptime guarantee isn’t specified on their website. They have data centers in New York and Toronto and provide 24/7 customer support with a 30-day money-back guarantee for credit card payments.

🏆 Winner
Netfirms: comprehensive hosting solution with a wider range of features.

When comparing the general performance of Network Solutions and Netfirms, several factors come into play. Both providers guarantee a 99.9% uptime, but their approaches to hosting speed and resources differ. Network Solutions offers reliable daily malware scans and immediate removals, which is crucial for maintaining speed and website performance. They also include CodeGuard for automatic backups. Netfirms, however, provides free SSL certificates with all plans and offers scalable bandwidth with its shared hosting, indicating versatility for different traffic needs. Additionally, Netfirms integrates a suite of marketing tools and Google Workspace, enhancing overall site performance. Network Solutions does not mention CDN services explicitly, whereas Netfirms offers scalable solutions which may enhance speed further depending on network needs.

Website Speed

Network Solutions provides a solid foundation with daily malware scans and automatic backups, which helps maintain optimal speed and security. Their Essential and higher plans include SiteLock for malware scanning, contributing to consistent website performance. Netfirms, on the other hand, provides scalable bandwidth across all plans, potentially ensuring smoother performance under varying traffic conditions. Both platforms guarantee 99.9% uptime, but Netfirms’ additional tools for eCommerce and marketing, plus free SSL integration, contribute to better overall website speed.

Scalability

In terms of scalability, Netfirms shines with tailored solutions that match the size and needs of your website. Their plans allow for straightforward upgrades as your site grows, and they provide both shared and dedicated hosting options. For businesses requiring significant resources, Netfirms’ dedicated servers deliver high customization, security, and performance, although the exact cost for scaling is not specified. Network Solutions offers unlimited disk space and email boxes in their Premium and Premium Plus packages, but their plans do not explicitly mention easy scalability or dedicated server options. Both offer robust support, but the lack of details on elastic scaling for Network Solutions tilts the advantage to Netfirms in this regard.

🏆 Winner Netfirms: Offers robust eCommerce SSL protection and round-the-clock customer support.

Technical security measures:

Network Solutions and Netfirms both provide a variety of SSL Certificates but differ in their details. Network Solutions offers six types of SSL Certificates, including Xpress, Basic, Advanced, Wildcard, UCC, and Extended SSL with up to $1 million guarantees. Netfirms offers Domain Validated, Organization Validated, E-commerce, and Wildcard SSL Certificates with a top guarantee of $1.75 million. Daily malware scanning is a feature provided by both, but Netfirms extends its security with various SiteLock plans that include DDoS protection and application firewalls, whereas Network Solutions focuses more on anti-phishing and code integrity.

Operational security measures:

Network Solutions provides SiteLock for malware protection, daily malware scans, and CodeGuard for automated backups. Netfirms incorporates extensive SiteLock security plans with malware scanning, blacklist monitoring, and DDoS protection. Both offer additional features like domain privacy and protection. Network Solutions provides a “Lazy Expunge” feature for email security, a functionality not explicitly mentioned by Netfirms. Network Solutions also outlines its live expert support, available during specific hours, compared to Netfirms’ 24/7 customer support through phone or chat.

Compliance and certifications:

Network Solutions emphasizes SSL for GDPR and PCI compliance but lacks detailed verification. Netfirms ensures GDPR compliance since May 2018 and outlines rights for EU residents. Besides, it supports PCI compliance through SiteLock and offers a verification process. Neither provider clarifies HIPAA compliance in the given information.

🏆 Winner: Network Solutions: A robust hosting provider with extensive offerings and premium features.

Network Solutions stands out for its comprehensive feature set that includes a website builder, robust security measures, and strong support. The provider offers tailored packages suitable for different needs, ranging from the Starter plan with limited resources to the Premium Plus plan, which includes unlimited disk space, email boxes, and added security features like SSL certificates and premium SiteLock. Network Solutions is user-friendly with a focus on scalability and customization, making it a solid choice for both beginners and advanced users. A notable aspect is the inclusion of a free domain for cloud packages on an annual term, which simplifies the setup process for new users.

Netfirms offers competitive features at a lower price point. Their hosting plans, from the budget-friendly Plus Plan to the comprehensive Business Plan, provide unlimited storage and scalable bandwidth as standard. Key benefits include a free SSL certificate by Let’s Encrypt with all plans and built-in eCommerce solutions, appealing to small businesses and individuals looking to monetize their sites. Despite its more economical pricing, Netfirms lacks some advanced features like the extensive SiteLock protection and daily malware scans offered by Network Solutions. The absence of explicit SSH and SFTP support may also be a drawback for developers seeking more control and enhanced security options.

Email services:

Network Solutions offers extensive email hosting capabilities, with packages that can scale up to provide unlimited email boxes. This feature is particularly useful for businesses needing to manage multiple professional email addresses. In contrast, Netfirms does not explicitly offer email hosting as part of their plans, which could be a limitation for users requiring integrated email services. No information is available about either provider reselling third-party email services like Google Workspace or Outlook.

🏆 Winner
networksolutions: Offers diversified pricing across multiple hosting plans with notable security 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. Although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

The two hosting providers compared—networksolutions and netfirms—offer a wide array of plans. Networksolutions is distinguished by its tailored plans for various needs including WordPress-specific hosting. Its Web Hosting in the Cloud plans range from the affordable Starter to the comprehensive Premium Plus, each with increasing levels of storage, websites, and additional features like SiteLock and SSL certificates. In contrast, netfirms emphasizes affordability in its Shared Hosting plans, with options such as Plus and Business, featuring unlimited storage and scalable bandwidth. Each provider presents unique value propositions, catering to different user requirements and priorities.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, both hosting providers have plans catering to high needs. Networksolutions offers the Web Hosting in the Cloud Premium Plus plan for $31.61, featuring unlimited disk space, 10 websites, unlimited email boxes, SiteLock Premium, and an SSL certificate. Netfirms provides the Business Plan at $14.95 with unlimited websites, storage, scalable bandwidth, and unlimited databases and FTP logins, but lacks the enhanced security offerings of SiteLock.

🏆 Winner: Network Solutions: Offers seamless website management with strong support infrastructure.

Network Solutions utilizes a straightforward admin panel that emphasizes functionality and user-friendliness. For both technical and non-technical users, the interface simplifies website management tasks, from domain setup to advanced configurations. It includes built-in tools and wizards that guide users through common processes, minimizing the learning curve. The accessibility of the admin panel is bolstered by 24/7 product support, ensuring users can resolve any issues swiftly.

Netfirms, on the other hand, also provides an intuitive admin panel designed to facilitate easy web hosting management. It features Google Workspace integration directly within the control panel, streamlining email and productivity tool access. The panel is structured to accommodate users at different technical levels, offering onboarding assistance to ease the initial setup. Users will find it straightforward to manage their hosting and domain together in this centralized platform.

When looking at migration tools, both Network Solutions and Netfirms provide comprehensive solutions to transfer your website with minimal downtime. Network Solutions offers migration services included with their hosting plans, supported by their agents who handle the technicalities. Netfirms also supports site migration but generally focuses on onboarding assistance and might not include the same extensive range of agent-assisted services as Network Solutions. Both services aim to deliver smooth transitions, although Network Solutions tends to offer a slightly more hands-on approach.

The help centers of both hosting providers offer a wealth of resources, but Network Solutions has a slightly more comprehensive knowledge base. Network Solutions’ online support center provides detailed documentation, guides, and 24/7 customer support through phone and chat, ensuring users have continuous access to help. Netfirms also offers 24/7 customer service and a well-organized knowledge base, including articles on essential hosting topics and Google Workspace integration. Both provide valuable tutorials, but Network Solutions edges out with more robust support options for complex technical issues.

🏆 Winner Netfirms: Reliable and versatile WordPress user management capabilities.

Network Solutions and Netfirms offer distinct approaches to managing user roles and permissions, catering to different needs. Network Solutions provides defined roles such as Primary Contact, Admin Contact, and Technical Contact, each with specific permissions. The Primary and Admin Contacts can manage account holders and payment information, while the Technical Contact has limited access. Netfirms, with its WordPress integration, offers roles like Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber. This allows for granular control and role-specific access, enhancing flexibility in managing content creation and publication.

Network Solutions utilizes a straightforward interface within its Account Manager for managing user roles and permissions. Users can add or edit contacts easily through a drop-down menu, providing an intuitive and seamless experience. Netfirms’ user management tools are integrated into the WordPress Dashboard, making it convenient for users familiar with WordPress. The process involves navigating through menus and filling out straightforward forms, ensuring that new users and their roles are managed efficiently.

Regarding access control measures and scalability, Network Solutions offers clear delineation of user responsibilities, which is ideal for organizations with defined administrative roles. While efficient in handling multiple users, its model may require frequent updates to adapt to growing user bases. Netfirms, leveraging WordPress, excels in supporting a varied user group. Roles like Administrator and Editor allow for complex administrative and editorial tasks, making it highly scalable for growing websites. By delegating specific roles, it ensures efficient management of expanding user bases.

Network Solutions User Roles Table:

🏆 Winner Netfirms: A choice with comprehensive customer support options and faster response times.

Networksolutions offers extensive customer support services, including a general support line, domain support team, and other specific lines for product support and sales, ensuring that users can find assistance at various touchpoints. Their 24/7 availability for product support and live sales chat provides critical help whenever needed. Additionally, Networksolutions has multiple office locations to support their widespread user base.

Netfirms stands out in customer service with 24/7 availability across phone, web chat, and email. They offer quick response times, with most users experiencing less than a minute wait on phone calls and short delays in web chat. Additionally, Netfirms provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and prioritized support for their highest tier customers, making them a highly responsive choice for web hosting support. Netfirms’ more extensive support options and prioritized customer service give it an edge over networksolutions.

User feedback

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.

Based on user reviews, the hosting provider appears to offer decent uptime and moderately reliable customer support. However, users frequently report slow server performance and connectivity issues that significantly hamper the experience. While some appreciate the low costs and basic domain registration services, others criticize the clunky system, confusing server setup, and unreliability, especially when working with CMS tools. Overall, the service seems better suited for those with low budgets and high patience.

FAQ