Key Differences: HostArmada vs A2 Hosting
The main differences between HostArmada and A2 Hosting are rooted in momentum and long-term reliability. A2 Hosting, once a top pick in the hosting space, has seen its reputation waver due to rising renewal prices, uneven feature availability across plans, and a general lack of innovation. The recent acquisition by World Host Group in early 2025 only adds more uncertainty about the brand’s direction.
HostArmada, by contrast, has steadily built a name for itself with dependable performance, consistent plan structures, and honest pricing. Where A2 relies heavily on upselling speed features behind its Turbo plans, HostArmada includes critical tools like daily backups, WAF protection, and malware scanning from the start – even in its entry-level packages! It’s a hosting provider on the rise, while A2 feels like one trying to regain lost ground.
Compare Essential Features & Offers
HostArmada
Our Take
HostArmada is a newer hosting company that has quickly built a solid reputation for customer support, uptime, and competitive pricing. With cloud infrastructure, free daily backups, and a focus on security, it offers excellent value for small businesses and personal sites. It’s especially appealing for users who want reliable, hands-on support without paying premium prices.
A2 Hosting
Our Take
A2 Hosting has long focused on speed and developer-friendly features, with offerings that include Turbo Servers, SSH access, and a wide array of server configurations. While it once stood out for blazing-fast performance, recent years have brought higher pricing and results that are no longer industry-leading. That said, the company still provides dependable uptime, responsive support, and a full range of hosting plans. Following its acquisition by World Host Group in early 2025, there’s potential for renewed momentum — especially for users seeking reliable managed VPS or shared hosting with room to grow.
If You Seek Cheap Hosting Services
HostArmada is clearly the better choice for cheap hosting. Its entry-level plans are priced competitively and packed with features that A2 Hosting often locks behind its higher-tier Turbo plans. HostArmada includes free 7-day daily backups, malware scans, email hosting, and a Web Application Firewall (WAF) even on its most basic plan – features that A2 either limits or excludes entirely unless you upgrade. Additionally, HostArmada’s renewal pricing is more transparent and affordable compared to A2’s notoriously steep hikes.
For users who want reliable hosting without constant upsells or hidden trade-offs, HostArmada is the far more budget-friendly option.
A2 Hosting vs HostArmada in Pricing
| Hosting Type | HostArmada | A2 Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $2.49 - 4.94/mo | $1.99 - 14.99/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $29.95 - 74.23/mo | $36.99 - 55.99/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $81.95 - 180.95/mo | $130.00 - 535.99/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $29.95 - 74.23/mo | $ - /mo |
| Managed WP Hosting | $2.49 - 4.94/mo | $1.99 - 21.99/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
For VPS / Cloud Hosting Users
Both Offer Solid VPS Services, But HostArmada is More Predictable
Both A2 Hosting and HostArmada offer VPS and cloud hosting, but HostArmada stands out for its predictability, ease of use, and broader value. A2’s main advantage lies in its option between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting – an appealing choice for developers who want raw server power at a lower cost. However, beyond that, it becomes harder to justify.
HostArmada offers more server location choices, full NVMe storage across plans, and strong out-of-the-box security features like Imunify360. It also provides flexible billing options – monthly or quarterly (see screenshot above) – without penalizing users on shorter terms, which is a rarity in the VPS market. These details give HostArmada a clear advantage for users who want powerful, well-supported hosting without the unpredictability.
While A2 Hosting’s VPS is technically solid, HostArmada’s offering is more user-friendly, transparent, and dependable – especially in today’s climate of post-acquisition uncertainty.
For WordPress Users
While A2 Hosting offers WordPress-optimized plans with some notable speed-enhancing features (like Turbo Cache and LiteSpeed integration on its Turbo plans), many of these benefits are locked behind higher pricing tiers. Additionally, essential tools like backups and staging are not standard on their lower-end plans.
HostArmada, meanwhile, includes key features: NGINX-based servers, caching, malware protection, backups, and a WAF – across its hosting packages. WordPress runs fast and secure even on its most affordable plans. The ease of use, built-in security, and better value make HostArmada the better all-around choice for most WordPress users.
Verdict
A2 Hosting and HostArmada serve similar audiences, but right now, HostArmada is the more complete package. A2 still has a loyal developer fanbase and some attractive features in its higher-tier plans, but its value has eroded due to limited entry-level features, high renewal prices, and an uncertain future after its acquisition.
HostArmada offers a cleaner, more consistent experience with generous features, solid performance, and better support. For users who want peace of mind, performance, and long-term value, HostArmada is the safer and smarter choice.
More About the Companies
HostArmada
HostArmada is a web hosting provider known for its transparent practices and customer-centric approach. Established in 2019 and led by founder Daniel Walton, the company offers a range of hosting solutions, including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting, with a focus on performance, security, and scalability. Headquartered in Delaware, the company operates multiple global data centers to serve a diverse customer base.
HostArmada Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Daily remote backups with up to 21 days of restore points
- NGINX server and NVMe storage for all shared hosting plans
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Free malware scans and Web Application Firewall (WAF) on all shared hosting plans
- Supports hosting of legal adult content websites
- Wide range of server locations
HostArmada Cons
- Price increases upon renewal
- Entry-level plan supports only one website
- Advanced speed features like dynamic caching are limited to the highest-tier shared plan
Visit HostArmada to learn more about the features
A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting was founded in 2003 by Bryan Muthig in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What began as a hobby project providing web hosting for friends and family quickly grew into a full-fledged business focused on high-performance hosting solutions, especially for WordPress users. In response to growing demand for faster, more reliable hosting, A2 Hosting became one of the early adopters of SSD technology to accelerate website loading speeds. It also introduced the A2 Optimized platform, which boosts WordPress performance with pre-configured settings for speed, security, and stability. In January 2025, A2 Hosting was acquired by World Host Group, marking a new chapter in the company’s growth.
A2 Hosting Pros
- Server locations in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Free website migration assistance
- Developer-oriented features even on shared hosting
- Custom performance optimizations tools available in higher shared plans
A2 Hosting Cons
- Steep price increase during the renewal
- Free site transfers mainly for cPanel installations
- Many speed features only available in TURBO plans
- Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
Visit A2 Hosting to learn more about the features
