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About HostMonster
Not many web hosts let you jump right in and play around with real-time features, but HostMonster has been in the business a long time – since 1996 – and recognises the benefits of offering a live demo. This provider of thousands of websites claims to offer a reliable, high-powered service with maximum uptime. To help you understand the features showcased in the live demo, HostMonster provides customer service 24/7 by phone or live chat.
HostMonster pricing and plan options
Data obtained November 2018. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
HostMonster offers three different types of web hosting: Shared, VPS and dedicated. Shared hosting plans are the most popular as they are suitable for most small businesses, personal blogs and low-traffic websites. If your website grows too big for the starter plans, or if you want more out of your hosting, your account is scalable with VPS or dedicated hosting.
Shared web hosting
Three plans are available: Basic, Plus and Prime.
At the time of writing, prices start at US$4.95 per month.
All plans include a free website builder, 24/7 technical support, free domain name and at least five email accounts.
Additional services such as SpamExperts and Site Backup Pro are available for an additional monthly fee with Basic and Plus plans. They are included in the Prime plan.
VPS hosting
Four plans are available: Standard, Enhanced, Premium and Ultimate.
At the time of writing, prices start at US$19.99 per month.
Guaranteed server resources such as root access, at least 2GB RAM and 1-3TB storage per month.
Cloud technology provides options for scalability.
Dedicated hosting
Three plans are available: Standard, Enhanced and Premium.
At the time of writing, prices start at US$79.99 per month.
Full root access to the server, mirrored storage and enhanced caching are included.
Enhanced cPanel gives you more control of your server.
What hosting types are not offered by HostMonster?
HostMonster does not offer reseller hosting or cloud web-hosting services.
Pros and cons of HostMonster
Shared, VPS and dedicated hosting plans available
Free domain name
Scalable plans to accommodate website growth
Up-to-date hardware and equipment
24/7 customer support including live chat
One-click WordPress install
Three-year initial payment needed to get lowest rate
Limited storage, email, databases and number of websites
Any security beyond basic backups will cost extra
No reseller or cloud web-hosting services are offered
Windows servers are not available
How to sign up for a HostMonster account
Register a domain name. You can register a new domain name with HostMonster or transfer one you already own. All HostMonster plans provide a free domain name in the form of a one-year registration coupon, though it’s not refundable and you’ll have to pay it back if you cancel your account. If you’re moving an existing website over to HostMonster, you can transfer up to five websites and 20 email accounts.
Sign up for a plan. Make sure to carefully consider what resources your website will need to avoid paying for useless features. To get the best deal, you’ll have to agree to a three-year commitment. HostMonster offers a number of add-ons such as optional domain privacy, Site Backup Pro, Search Engine Jumpstart and SiteLock security for additional monthly fees. Regardless of the plan you select, your purchase is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.
Set up your new website. To make creating your website as easy as possible, HostMonster offers more than 100 open-source apps, plug-ins and themes that you can install at the click of a button. This includes WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Zen Cart, Dada Mail, phpBB, Magento and Roundcube mail.
Frequently asked questions about HostMonster
HostMonster’s first line of assistance is its basic help centre. If you can’t find an answer there, customer service representatives are standing by 24/7 for phone and live chat support. If all else fails, HostMonster offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
HostMonster uses a Linux operating system powered by dual quad processor performance servers.
You can use a number of content management systems to create your HostMonster website including WordPress, Moodle, Tiki Wiki, Drupal and Joomla.
Yes, WordPress is one of more than 100 open-source apps, plug-ins and themes that you can install instantly with HostMonster.
To protect its websites and maximise uptime, HostMonster servers are safeguarded with redundant back-up power and 24/7 network monitoring to ensure performance meets clients’ expectations. Entry-level shared hosting plans give you the basic version of Site Backup, but you’ll need to upgrade for pro features. Domain privacy and SiteLock security also cost extra.
Yes, you can install an SSL certificate on your website with any HostMonster plan for an additional fee if you have a dedicated IP. Dedicated IP’s are available for an additional monthly fee.
Sarah Brandon is an editor at Finder specialising in technology and reviews. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from New York University and loves learning about why people do what they do. Sarah has researched and written about a wide range of topics, from air purifiers to AirPods. But no matter the subject, her number one priority is figuring out what information our readers need to make the best decisions.
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