Web.com vs ScalaHosting: guide for 2024

Web.com vs ScalaHosting: Final verdict

Looking over Web.com and ScalaHosting, ScalaHosting emerges as the more versatile and feature-rich option, catering to both technical users and growing businesses.

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  ScalaHosting (Overall grade: 8.8)
  
  excels in performance, security, and scalability. Its use of high-performance OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed Enterprise web servers offers rapid page loading times, while its global data centers ensure consistent speed and uptime. ScalaHosting also integrates SShield for real-time malware protection, providing a secure environment with automated daily backups. Its ability to support various programming environments like PHP, NodeJS, and Python, alongside features like Git and SSH access, makes it a standout for technical users. While it doesn’t offer a drag-and-drop website builder, its competitive pricing, comprehensive features, and excellent customer support make it a top choice for dynamic website requirements.
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  Web.com (Overall grade: 7.3)
  
  is well-suited for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and included drag-and-drop builder. It offers essential features like a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year, making it a cost-effective choice for new users looking to minimize initial expenses. However, it lacks certain advanced features, such as SSH and SFTP access, making it less appealing to developers needing more control over their hosting environment. While it ensures decent speeds and reliability, its comparably limited options in hosting types and data center locations place it behind ScalaHosting in terms of overall value and adaptability to more complex hosting needs.

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 ScalaHosting: Leading with superior uptime, performance, and comprehensive global data coverage.

While both Web.com and ScalaHosting promise a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ScalaHosting outshines with a solid 100% uptime during third-party tests. ScalaHosting’s proprietary monitoring tools and SPanel provide seamless uptime tracking and management. Their global performance and loading speeds ensure visitors experience consistent site performance worldwide.

ScalaHosting also showcases versatility with data centers spread across various global locations, including its own and integrated AWS and Digital Ocean centers. Their added security features with SShield and comprehensive WordPress management tools give site owners a secure and hassle-free hosting environment. With competitive pricing and responsive customer support, ScalaHosting is a stellar choice for reliable web hosting.

🏆 Winner
ScalaHosting: For users who prioritize speed and advanced technological infrastructure, ScalaHosting is more suitable for high-demand websites that require reliable and fast global access.

ScalaHosting and Web.com both offer SSD storage and free CDN integration to enhance hosting performance and speed. ScalaHosting, however, showcases faster load times with a heavyweight theme clocked at 1.69 seconds, compared to Web.com’s 4.85 seconds. ScalaHosting operates 11 global data centers, which surpasses Web.com’s six, potentially offering better local loading speeds and content delivery. Moreover, ScalaHosting’s technology is more up-to-date, which may contribute to its superior performance.

Website Speed

Web.com claims up to 70% faster server response times and utilizes tools like OPcode Cache for faster loading times, facilitating better SEO rankings. Additionally, they have optimized their WP-Admin navigation for enhanced user satisfaction. ScalaHosting, with its OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed servers, is known for achieving high performance and rapid page load speeds. Both hosts offer SSL security, but ScalaHosting’s SShield Security System provides additional protection, helping maintain optimal speeds even during potential security threats.

Scalability

Web.com offers scalable solutions to support more than 99.5% of customers’ bandwidth demands, ensuring scalability for growing businesses. However, the specifics of the scaling process or costs involved are not provided. ScalaHosting excels with on-demand elasticity, allowing resources to be upgraded or downgraded anytime with a single click. They also offer dedicated CPU and memory resources for managed VPS, with flexible pricing based on resource usage. Dedicated servers are not specified for Web.com, whereas ScalaHosting supports advanced custom configurations, making it a superior choice for businesses with evolving needs.

🏆 Winner
ScalaHosting: A hosting provider that offers extensive security features, compliance with major standards, and proactive monitoring.
Both Web.com and ScalaHosting, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational
security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

Web.com offers a range of SSL certificates such as Essential, Premium, Wildcard, Extended Validation, and Unified Communications Certificate, with validation processes varying from instant to up to five business days. ScalaHosting also provides diverse SSL certificates, including RapidSSL, GeoTrust, and Symantec options, which are activated instantly and include free installation. Both providers support PHP 8.0, but ScalaHosting also supports several older versions up to PHP 8.2. Web.com ensures 99.9% uptime and unmetered bandwidth, while ScalaHosting provides automated daily backups and real-time malware protection with its SShield system.

Operational security measures:

Web.com uses SiteLock for malware scanning, CDN for faster site loading, and CodeGuard for backup and recovery solutions. They also feature automatic WordPress updates and OPcode caching for improved performance. ScalaHosting offers SShield Security System for real-time malware protection, including 24/7 proactive monitoring and disaster recovery backups. ScalaHosting features additional tools like brute-force protection, HTTP/2, and HTTP/3 support, and SSH access, positioning it as the more robust option for operational security.

Compliance and certifications:

Web.com ensures GDPR and PCI compliance, essential for protecting personal data and managing online transactions. ScalaHosting goes further by offering compliance with a broader range of standards, including NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GLBA, and SOC 1 and SOC 2. Their US-based data centers comply with SSAE 18 and are registered under ITAR and EU-US Privacy Shield, making ScalaHosting the more compliant choice.

🏆 Winner
ScalaHosting
: ScalaHosting offers a more comprehensive set of features that cater to developers and advanced users.

When comparing Web.com and ScalaHosting, Web.com provides a more user-friendly experience for those who are just starting out, with a drag-and-drop website builder included in all plans. This makes setting up a website straightforward, even for those without technical expertise. Web.com also includes a free domain and SSL certificate for the first year, which is a significant advantage for newcomers looking to minimize initial costs. The plans vary in terms of storage, bandwidth, number of websites, and FTP accounts, which offers flexibility based on user needs. However, the lack of explicit SFTP and SSH support may limit its appeal for developers who require higher control over their hosting environment.

ScalaHosting stands out for its extensive developer-friendly features. Its hosting includes SSH access, which is crucial for performing secured remote operations. It supports multiple versions of PHP, NodeJS, Python, and incorporates GIT and SVN for version control. ScalaHosting also offers WordPress cloning and staging, features that are particularly useful for developers working on WordPress sites. Multiple datacenter locations in the US, Europe, and Asia offer more flexibility for global operations. While ScalaHosting does not include a drag-and-drop website builder, its advanced features and the ability to manage various aspects directly from the admin interface make it a compelling choice for technical 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 Web.com and ScalaHosting 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 Web.com includes business email hosting, perfect for integrating professional email addresses tied to your domain. ScalaHosting offers a broader range of email management features, including the ability to add/remove email accounts, forwarders, and auto-responders from their interface. Both platforms provide comprehensive email services, but Web.com focuses on ease of use, whereas ScalaHosting offers more advanced management capabilities. Neither provider mentions transactional email capabilities or integration with third-party services like Google Workspace or Zoho.

🏆 Winner ScalaHosting: ScalaHosting offers a broad range of features at competitive prices, making it an excellent choice for various hosting needs.

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.

Comparing the pricing plans of Web.com and ScalaHosting reveals distinct features tailored to different user needs. Web.com’s Shared and WordPress hosting plans offer low introductory prices, rising significantly upon renewal, and include essentials like business email, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain for the first year. ScalaHosting’s plans, although similar in initial price, focus on more inclusive features like unlimited emails, real-time malware protection, and daily offsite backups, along with competitive storage options. The inclusion of guaranteed and scalable resources in ScalaHosting’s cloud hosting plans and their priority support make them a compelling option for users seeking additional performance and security.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, Web.com’s highest-tier plans in Shared and WordPress hosting offer essential features like SSL certificates, large storage capacities, and unmetered bandwidth, making them suitable for growing business websites. ScalaHosting, however, extends beyond with its managed cloud VPS plans that guarantee resources, provide advanced security measures, and include priority support and migration assistance. The savings on ScalaHosting’s advanced features and dedicated resources make it a more viable option for enterprises needing scalable and high-performing hosting solutions.

🏆 Winner
ScalaHosting: Offers a versatile hosting experience with user-friendly setups and comprehensive support resources.

Web.com provides a standard drag-and-drop website builder and WordPress hosting solutions with a single-click install feature, making it accessible for non-technical users. Its control panels offer centralized dashboards for task management such as domain administration, setting up email accounts, and monitoring website performance. This user-friendly interface aligns with its focus on ease of use and offers a practical solution for managing websites without the need for extensive technical knowledge. However, the customization and flexibility of its control panel features can sometimes feel limited for more advanced users.

ScalaHosting, on the other hand, offers SPanel—a proprietary control panel designed to simplify the hosting management experience, eliminating the need for additional licensing fees. SPanel provides a holistic solution for managing websites, domains, emails, files, and databases in a single interface. The learning curve is relatively low, making it suitable for beginners while offering sufficient depth for experienced users. Its inclusion in all VPS packages further underscores its utility, allowing for more streamlined and integrated management of complex hosting requirements.

When it comes to migration tools, Web.com does not explicitly offer free migration services. Users are generally required to handle migrations manually or seek third-party support, which might incur additional costs and time investment. In contrast, ScalaHosting makes the process simpler by offering free website migration, handled entirely by their technical team. ScalaHosting’s technicians manage the migration process and notify users upon completion, which enhances their appeal for those looking to transfer existing websites without fuss.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. Web.com offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and phone support. ScalaHosting 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 ScalaHosting: Efficient and versatile user management capabilities.

Managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility distinctly sets Web.com and ScalaHosting apart. Web.com offers two main user roles, Administrative and Technical, each with defined permissions. Admins can control almost all aspects, while Tech contacts have restricted access. This setup suits businesses with clear hierarchical structures. ScalaHosting provides more granular control by allowing users to create accounts with specific limits on resources, disk space, and databases. Additionally, ScalaHosting supports creating multiple admin accounts and customizing server access permissions, making it extremely flexible and suitable for businesses with complex needs.

In terms of user interfaces and tools, Web.com’s interface is straightforward, emphasizing ease of use. The process of adding or editing contacts involves clear steps and visual cues, making it accessible for less tech-savvy users. ScalaHosting features a more comprehensive suite of tools within its SPanel. This includes options to modify server settings, manage SQL services, and control email settings. Users can also utilize utilities like file managers and PHP version managers, ensuring smooth user management with advanced features for tech-centric users.

Both platforms offer efficient access control measures, but ScalaHosting shines in handling a growing number of users. Web.com allows the separation of registrant and admin contacts, contributing to clear access management. However, ScalaHosting’s ability to suspend, unsuspend, and terminate accounts promptly, combined with advanced server monitoring tools, enhances its capacity to manage multiple users efficiently. The flexibility offered by ScalaHosting to create API tokens for third-party integrations further bolsters its credentials as an adaptable solution for expanding businesses.

Web.com user roles table:

ScalaHosting user roles table:

🏆 Winner ScalaHosting: ScalaHosting provides a wide array of hosting services with exceptional customer support available 24/7, along with free website migration and a 99.9% uptime guarantee.

Web.com and ScalaHosting both offer extensive customer support options, though there are notable differences. Web.com provides phone support, which is not available from ScalaHosting. Both hosting providers offer live chat and email/ticket support, ensuring that customers can reach out for help at any time. However, neither provider includes chatbot functionality or dedicated enterprise support.

ScalaHosting takes the lead with its highly-rated customer service and unique offerings. Their support channels are responsive, with a commendable initial response time for tickets. Additionally, ScalaHosting excels with dedicated support for web design studios. Both providers deliver 24/7 technical support, but ScalaHosting’s customer reviews and specialized offers give it an edge.

Web.com vs ScalaHosting: User feedback

Overall, users appreciate the hosting provider for its comprehensive service that includes domain purchasing, website hosting, and development, making it a convenient one-stop solution. However, there are concerns about limitations on hosting unlimited domains, which can be a significant drawback for users managing numerous websites. Additionally, the cost of individual website software is considered prohibitive by some, especially for those who already have lifetime licenses for third-party software. Despite these issues, the service is generally seen as satisfactory.

ScalaHosting has earned high praise from users for its exceptional customer support, reliable uptime, and innovative SPanel technology. Many reviews highlight the company’s fast and knowledgeable technical support team, which ensures a smooth and efficient experience for users. While some users feel the pricing could be more competitive, the overall sentiment is that the services offered justify the cost. Users appreciate the platform’s ease of use, robust security features, and the flexibility of hosting solutions, making ScalaHosting a top choice for web hosting needs.

Web.com vs ScalaHosting: FAQ