Overall
Ultahost stands out for its affordable pricing and wide service range, including specialized hosting options. A2 Hosting, on the other hand, differentiates itself with a strong emphasis on performance optimization and a rich set of development features.
When placed under the microscopic of our rating system, Ultahost outshines A2 Hosting with a HostScore of 79.2%, performing above the industry average of 67% (derived from 30+ hosting providers we reviewed). A2 Hosting, with a HostScore of 58.1%, falls below this benchmark.
Service Offering
| Feature | A2 Hosting | Ultahost |
|---|---|---|
| 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, UK, Finland, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, Istanbul, South Korea |
| 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 |
Both A2 Hosting and Ultahost provide a wide array of web hosting services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and reseller hosting services.
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | A2 Hosting | Ultahost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $2.99 - 14.99/mo | $3.08 - 12.99/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $2.99 - 99.99/mo | $4.67 - 40.50/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $109.99 - 529.99/mo | $116.91 - 370.50/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $11.99 - 41.99/mo | $2.90 - 27.50/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $15.90 - 240.90/mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
Ultahost offers competitive pricing across its hosting plans. Shared hosting starts at $3.08 to $12.99 per month, and VPS hosting ranges from $4.67 to $40.50 per month. Its pricing strategy is aimed at providing affordable options without compromising on performance or features.
In comparison, A2 Hosting is slightly more expensive, with shared hosting from $2.99 to $14.99 per month and VPS hosting from $2.99 to $99.99 per month.
Development Features & Others
| Feature | A2 Hosting | Ultahost |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Perl, and ASP.NET |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | WP-CLI, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Softaculous | WordPress Toolkit |
| 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 |
Both UltaHost and A2 Hosting excel in providing developer-oriented features across their hosting plans. Both providers support a wide array of programming languages like PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails. Additional developer tools include GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, multiple PHP versions, SSH access, and Softaculous for easy application installations.
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 Ultahost
Launched in 2018 by global entrepreneurs Elin and Deen Doughouz, UltaHost is a dynamic web hosting provider with dual headquarters in Delaware, USA, and Istanbul, Turkey.
With data centers strategically situated in key locations like Dallas, Texas, the Netherlands, Frankfurt, Germany, and Montreal, Canada, UltaHost ensures reliable service worldwide.
Ultahost Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Highly competitive pricing
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- NVMe SSD storage in all shared hosting plans
- Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
- Choice of 5 server locations in four continents
Ultahost Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Limited disk space.
Our Recommendation
Key Factors to Consider
- Global Server Presence: Ultahost’s extensive selection of server locations enhances its appeal for users requiring geographically optimized hosting solutions.
- Pricing and Value: When compare with A2 Hosting, Ultahost offers relatively cheaper pricing across its hosting plans, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users without sacrificing service quality or features.
UltaHost or A2 Hosting for You?
Choose Ultahost if you’re seeking an above-industry-average hosting provider known for its affordability, reliability, and comprehensive service offerings. Its global server presence and specialized hosting services cater to a wide range of user requirements.
For those considering A2 Hosting, its focus on performance optimization and developer-friendly features is noteworthy. However, given the wide gap between its HostScore (vs UltaHost), it is advisable to explore UltaHost (or other providers) for your hosting needs.
