Overall
Comparing A2 Hosting and HostGator, HostGator edges out with a HostScore of 62.5% against A2 Hosting’s 58.1%. Both offer a similar suite of hosting services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and reseller hosting. HostGator stands out with a slightly higher HostScore and a more extended money-back guarantee period, signaling a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Service Offering
| Feature | A2 Hosting | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress, Email, and Minecraft Hosting | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Minecraft Hosting |
| Server Locations | USA, Netherlands, Singapore | USA, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| Control Panel | cPanel | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 30 | 45 |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Support Channels | Live chat and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | A2 Hosting | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $2.99 - 14.99/mo | $3.75 - 6.25/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $2.99 - 99.99/mo | $34.99 - 93.99/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $109.99 - 529.99/mo | $89.98 - 139.99/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $ - /mo | $4.50 - 13.95/mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $11.99 - 41.99/mo | $4.50 - 13.95/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $4.76 - 14.36/mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
Development Features & Others
| Feature | A2 Hosting | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Python, Django, Perl, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Softaculous | Softaculous |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Higher plans | Yes |
| Global CDN | Yes | Higher plans |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
About A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting's origins trace back to 2003 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it was founded by Bryan Muthig. Starting as a hobby project offering web hosting for friends and family, A2 Hosting swiftly transitioned into a professional business focusing on high-performance hosting solutions, particularly for WordPress sites. Responding to customer demands for speed and reliability, A2 Hosting pioneered SSD hosting to boost website loading times and developed the A2 Optimized solution, enhancing WordPress site performance through optimized settings for speed and security.
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
- HTTP/2 only on TURBO plans
- Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
About Hostgator
In October 2002, Brent Oxley, a Florida Atlantic University student, laid the foundation for HostGator, a formidable web hosting provider. Originating in Boca Raton, Florida, and later relocating to Houston, Texas, in 2006, HostGator swiftly expanded its reach internationally with offices in Canada (2006) and India (2011).
In a landmark acquisition in July 2012, HostGator was acquired by Endurance International Group for a staggering $299.8 million, solidifying its status as a heavyweight player in the web hosting arena.
Hostgator Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free domain name with all shaerd hosting plans
- Free $100 Bing and $100 Google ad credits
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Hostgator Cons
- Resources limited by server constraints
- Not much variety in VPS plans
- Only US-based servers
- Price increase during the renewal
Our Recommendation
Given the fact that both Hostgator and A2 Hosting scored below average (67%) in our rating system, we don’t highly recommend their services. However if you must choose between the two, below are their key differentials in service offerings, pricing, and other features.
Service Offering Comparison
- Hosting Services: Both providers offer similar hosting services, but HostGator includes adult website hosting as part of its specialized services.
- Server Locations: A2 Hosting has a slightly more diverse selection of server locations, which could be a deciding factor for users targeting specific geographic markets.
Plans & Pricing Comparison
- Shared Hosting: HostGator’s shared hosting plans are slightly more affordable and straightforward, with plans ranging from $3.75 to $6.25 per month compared to A2 Hosting’s $2.99 to $14.99.
- VPS Hosting: A2 Hosting offers a broader range of VPS hosting options, starting at $2.99 per month, catering to users with varying budget and performance needs.
Development Features & Others Comparison
- Both providers support a wide range of development features, including GIT access, WP-CLI, and multiple PHP versions. They also provide free SSL and malware scanning across their plans.
- Global CDN: A2 Hosting includes a global CDN across its plans, whereas HostGator offers this feature on higher plans.
