Should You Host with HostPapa? Review of Features, Pricing & Performance

Are you on the hunt for a reliable and affordable web hosting provider? Look no further! In this HostPapa review, we’ll dive deep into the world of this popular hosting service to uncover the pros and cons, performance, features, and customer support. Find out if HostPapa is the perfect fit or not for your website needs.

HostPapa offers affordable pricing on web hosting plans for beginners and small business sites with plans that include a free domain, unlimited bandwidth and disk space, and free SSL & Cloudflare CDN.

Here, I will look at the most important features of HostPapa, what their pros and cons are, and what their plans and prices are like. When you have finished reading this you will know if this is the right (or wrong) web host for you.

Established over ten years ago, HostPapa has experienced considerable growth since then. And, while they are definitely not without their drawbacks, they do have a reputation for things like being eco-friendly, having exceptional customer service, and having a suite of tools perfect for beginner business owners.

So, let’s get started with this HostPapa review (2024 update), shall we?

Features (The Good)

As I just mentioned, HostPapa is doing something right to have experienced such a rise in popularity in such a short amount of time. In fact, it has been suggested that they host nearly half a million websites in the United States and Canada alone.

So, let’s see what makes them so great, and why some people choose them over all other web hosting providers on the market.

1. Fast Speeds

The faster your website loads the better. Research has revealed that most site visitors will abandon your website if it fails to load within 2 seconds or less.

HostPapa has invested in the latest speed technology to ensure your web pages load fast:

• Solid State Drives. Your site’s files and databases are stored on SSD hard drives, which are faster than HDD (Hard Disk Drives).
• Fast Servers. When a site visitor clicks on your website, the web and database servers deliver content up to 50 times faster.
• Built-in Caching. HostPapa uses Cachewall which optimizes, protects, and improves the response time for your website.
• Content Delivery Network. HostPapa comes with CDN powered by CloudFlare, to cache your content and deliver it fast to site visitors.
• PHP7. HostPapa makes sure you are taking advantage of the latest technologies on your website too.

How fast are HostPapa load times?

I decided to test the load times. I created a test website hosted on HostPapa (on the WP Start plan), and then I installed WordPress on it and used the Twenty Seventeen theme.

Out of the box, the test site loaded relatively fast, 1 second, 211kb page size, and 17 requests.

Not bad .. but it gets better.

HostPapa already uses built-in caching that is enabled by default, so there are no settings to edit, but there is a way to optimize speed a bit further by compressing certain MIME file types.

Login to cPanel, and find the software section.

In the Optimize Website setting, you can optimize the performance of your website by tweaking the way Apache handles requests. Compress the text/html text/plain and text/xml MIME types, and click the update setting.

By doing that my test site load times improved a bit more, from 1 second down to 0.9 seconds.

To speed things up, even more, I went and installed a free WordPress plugin called Autoptimize, and I simply enabled the default settings.

That improved the load times even more, down to 0.8 seconds and it reduced the total page size to just 197kb and reduced the number of requests down to 12.

WordPress sites hosted on HostPapa will load pretty fast, and I’ve shown you two simple techniques you can use to speed things up even more.

2. 24-Hour Customer Support

HostPapa doesn’t just provide stellar support like so many other hosting providers do these days. No, instead they go above and beyond to set themselves apart from the rest of the competition.

Take a look at what they offer every customer:

• Extensive Knowledge Base. Find easy-to-understand guides and tutorials if you’re looking for a little self-help. Divided into categories such as Hosting, Email, and Domains, you can always find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Video Tutorials. If you’re more of a visual person and prefer to follow along to video tutorials, this is the place for you. Learn how to use every feature HostPapa offers and watch step-by-step tutorial content.
• Live Chat. Talk to a real live person with an issue you’re having right now using HostPapa’s 24/7 live chat feature.
• HostPapa Dashboard. Manage your HostPapa account using the intuitive dashboard. Login using their login page, Facebook, Google, or even Twitter. Make purchases, view billing information, and even print invoices for your own records.
• Support Tickets. Submit support tickets, or check the status of existing ones, all through your HostPapa dashboard.
• HostPapa Experts. Join their weekly webinar, or even schedule a 30-minute one-on-one training session with an expert support representative (for FREE!).

As an added bonus, HostPapa also makes accessing the status of the network simple to do so you always know what’s going on.

See the status of web hosting and email services, DNS hosting, Linux servers, and even the billing and support systems. Not to mention, see if they are any current issues being addressed and whether there is any planned maintenance coming up that may disrupt your service.

And if that’s not enough, know that HostPapa translates the content of their site into English, French, Spanish, and German, which caters to their growing international customer base.

And get this, not only can you read HostPapa’s site content in multiple languages, you can get live chat and telephone support in multiple languages too.

3. Highly Secure Data Centers

HostPapa has a reliable hosting infrastructure and maintains the highest standards when it comes to securing its data centers.

For instance, expect the following security features to be in place on all HostPapa servers:

• Climate and temperature controls
• Raised floor facilities
• Fault protection
• Fire-suppression systems
• Water detection systems
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
• Standby and redundant power generating
• Diesel backup generators

Intel Server products power all HostPapa equipment and a fully-featured Cisco-powered network ensure your site’s data is fully secure.

4. Impressive Uptime

The team at HostPapa wants to give you a 100% uptime guarantee. But the nice thing about them is that they understand that because of the way shared hosting is set up, this is not only unrealistic, it’s wrong to promise.

After all, it only takes one website on a shared server to throw everything into chaos. Whether it be a security breach, overuse of resources, or a huge spike in traffic, the truth is, shared hosting servers will go down from time to time.

That said, HostPapa does guarantee 99.9% uptime.

And, if within the first 30 days of hosting your website with HostPapa, you are at all dissatisfied, you can get a full refund (minus any setup and domain registration fees).

I have created a test site hosted on HostPapa to monitor uptime and server response time:

The above screenshot only shows the past 30 days, you can view historical uptime data and server response time on this uptime monitor page.

5. Tools for Small Businesses

Remember when I said HostPapa caters to small businesses? Well, in an effort to see how true this was, I looked into all the features they offer customers that may be helpful to small business owners.

And this is what I came up with:

Inexpensive Domain Names

Run a quick domain name search using HostPapa’s own domain tool. Choose from classic name endings, or pick a more unique one such as .guru or .club. Either way, you can choose a truly standout domain to be the foundation of your new website in a cinch.

And, if you happen to sign up for HostPapa’s hosting, you can register your cool new domain name for free for the first year of service.

Email Solutions

Email is crucial to the success of your small to medium business. Luckily, HostPapa has plenty of email solutions for you to pick from:

• Basic email that comes with a professional identity using your business’ name
• Advanced email that comes with more mobile-friendly security features
• Microsoft Office 365 email that comes with Microsoft Office, and none of the management cost
• Google Workspace email, complete with productivity tools and online storage, again without the added cost

SSL Certificates

Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate comes included for free. Premium Wildcard SSL certificate is not offered for free, HostPapa does have some robust SSL certificates available for your growing site. And, since securing your site’s data, and more importantly the data of your site visitors is important for your reputation, you might look into purchasing an SSL certificate from your hosting provider.

If you invest in HostPapa’s SSL certificates, you’ll enjoy:

• 256-bit data encryption
• Immediate and automatic installation
• 99% browser compatibility

Lastly, you’ll be able to display a clickable seal containing your SSL certificate’s information for site visitors to see, which adds credibility to your site and makes you appear trustworthy.

Content Network Delivery (CDN)

All HostPapa Pro and Ultra hosting plans come with free Cloudflare CDN services to help deliver your website’s content to a global audience faster than ever.

Maximize your site’s uptime by balancing the server load, boost site speed and performance, and even enjoy added security from hackers and other security threats. Plus, get analytics to help you see where traffic is coming from so you can monitor potential threats.

Automatic Website Backups

There’s nothing worse than investing a lot of hard work into building an online business, only to have it wiped away because of a server crash, hacker, or some other site malfunction.

That’s why HostPapa steps in and gives its customers automatic daily site backups:

• Choose from 7 different restore points
• Data stored in separate locations for added protection
• Basic plans come with up to 1GB of backup space (additional space available)
• Backup your site’s files, database, and emails

Keep in mind, this is a premium service.

6. Website Builder

Building a website has never been easier using the exclusive HostPapa Website Builder.

Use the drag & drop web page builder, choose from hundreds of pre-designed templates, and even build an eCommerce shop to sell either physical or digital products and services (or both!).

Here are some of the key features you can expect when you use the HostPapa website builder:

• Easy customization of all site elements including color schemes, fonts, and images
• Mobile responsive design for all size devices
• Customization of HTML, JS, and CSS if you have the skill set (though it’s not required)
• Integrated social share icons and contact forms
• SEO optimization for better search rankings
• Facebook publishing capability
• Live preview mode for desktop and mobile devices

With the HostPapa website builder, you can publish a professional-looking website in minutes without knowing a lick of code.

7. Green Hosting

HostPapa prides itself on being one of the first hosting companies to declare they would be going green to help the world we live in.

They promote the development and use of wind and solar energy by purchasing green energy certificates. This is to offset the power being used in both their data centers and offices.

HostPapa uses nothing but 100% renewable Green Tag energy, coming from a variety of sources across the United States and Canada. In doing so, they not only reduce their own carbon footprint but hope to get more people on board with using clean energy and trying to reduce their imprint on the Earth too.

You can add banners to your website to let site visitors know you’re doing your part by using green web hosting.

Add a full banner, half banner, or even a small rectangle to complement your website’s design.

Features (The Not-So-Good)

Now that you have a good idea of what HostPapa has to offer customers, it’s time to look at some of the drawbacks, so you can make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing a hosting provider.

1. Expensive Renewal Fees

At first glance, HostPapa seems like a very cost-effective hosting provider, especially because it’s a green web host, which can bump up prices significantly.

In addition, it’s customary for hosting providers to have exceptionally low signup prices to encourage more people to start using them. Then, after a year of satisfactory service, the hosting provider then jacks up the monthly prices and hopes most people renew.

After all, no one wants to change web hosts every year, especially when they’re happy with the service.

That said, increasing renewal prices can be unexpected and cause some serious sticker shock. And unfortunately, that’s exactly what HostPapa does.

Come to find you have to invest in a long-term contract to get the low introductory price and the markup for renewal is significant.

2. Missing Features

HostPapa’s initial feature set seems strong for small business owners. However, I feel they are missing some key things:

• Their money-back guarantee of 30 days comes up short compared to the competition that offers 60 or even 90-day money-back guarantees
• Automatic backups are a premium service for both Start and Plus hosting plans, which is again unlike the competition, where at least weekly backups are offered as part of the hosting plan
• Though they claim to be an international hosting company, the data center locations are quite limited (even with CDN services, this is bound to affect the speed of sites that are geographically far away). If you are located outside of the United States or Canada then HostPapa isn’t the most ideal web host to use.

3. Limited Storage on Entry-Level Plans

The storage capacity on HostPapa’s entry-level plans may be limited compared to some other hosting providers, potentially posing a constraint for websites requiring large amounts of storage.

4. No Windows Hosting

HostPapa primarily focuses on Linux-based hosting, which means they do not offer Windows hosting options for websites built on Microsoft technologies.

Plans & Pricing

HostPapa offers many plans, such as VPS and Reseller hosting. That said, I’ll look at their shared and WordPress plans so you have a good idea of what to expect when you sign up to use HostPapa hosting.

Shared Hosting

HostPapa has shared hosting that works great for those just starting out or those that have minimal traffic coming to their websites.

Depending on the tier you choose, you’ll receive features like:

• Multiple to unlimited hosted sites
• Unlimited disk space and bandwidth
• Free domain registration
• 24/7 support
• Free Let’s Encrypt SSL, Cloudflare CDN, and website transfer
• 99% uptime
• Performance and security enhancements
• CloudLinux servers
• And much more

You’ll also have access to the HostPapa website builder, cPanel control, the Softaculous tool for integrating apps, and even free one-on-one training.

HostPapa shared hosting starts from $2.95/month depending on which plan you choose.

The Ultra plan is the most expensive plan but it’s well worth the extra cost as it comes packed with enhanced performance, security, and speed.

Fast-loading sites matter. A study from Google found that a one-second delay in mobile page load times can impact conversion rates by up to 20%.

It comes with rocket-fast premium servers (3x server performance) and doubles the RAM and hard drive space.

Features:

• Unlimited Websites
• Unlimited SSD Storage
• Fewer accounts per server
• Unmetered Bandwidth
• Free SSL Certificate
• Free Domain Registration
• Performance Boost
• Website Builder
• Unlimited Email Accounts
• Enhanced Security
• 24/7 Customer Support

WordPress Hosting

HostPapa also offers WordPress hosting that caters to those who choose to use the popular WordPress content management system.

And, while most of the features mirror what is offered in the shared hosting plans, you can also expect these additional hosting features:

• Auto-installed WordPress (very handy for beginners)
• WordPress caching
• Free WordPress site transfer
• Enhanced SSD drives
• 24/7 expert WordPress support
• Built-in SEO optimization plugin (Yoast SEO)
• Automatic WordPress core updates

When I tested HostPapa’s page load times I tried it on their WP Start plan.

WordPress hosting plans differ slightly when it comes to price, starting from $2.95/month, again, only when you invest in long-term contracts.

As with the shared plans above, I recommend the Ultra plan. Yes, this is the most expensive plan but it comes packed with enhanced performance, security, and speed. You’ll get rocket-fast premium servers (3x server performance) and double the RAM and hard drive space.

Features:

• Optimized for WordPress
• Managed WordPress Features
• Rocket Fast Premium Servers
• Unlimited Websites
• Unlimited SSD Storage, Bandwidth
• 300% performance boost
• Fewer accounts per server
• 4x more CPU and MYSQL resources
• Premium Wildcard SSL
• Automated website backup
• SiteLock detect
• Free domain name and Whois privacy
• 24/7 WordPress Support

Compare HostPapa Competitors

Want to know how HostPapa stacks up against its key competitors: SiteGround, Bluehost, Hostinger, Ionos, and A2 Hosting? Here are the standout features of each provider.

	HostPapa	SiteGround	Bluehost	Hostinger	Ionos	A2 Hosting
Pricing	Affordable	Moderate	Budget-Friendly	Very Affordable	Customizable	Moderate
Performance	Good	Excellent	Good	Good	Very Good	Excellent
Customer Support	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Very Good
User-Friendliness	High	High	Very High	High	Moderate	High
WordPress Features	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Very Good
Special Features	Green Hosting	Google Cloud	Beginner-Friendly	Budget Plans	Scalable Plans	Turbo Servers

Standout Features

HostPapa:

• Known for its excellent customer support and user-friendly interface, HostPapa is a great choice for small businesses. It offers free domain registration and a variety of sustainable, green hosting solutions.

SiteGround:

• SiteGround excels with its top-notch performance and speed, powered by Google Cloud. It’s ideal for WordPress users, offering features like automated updates and enhanced security.
• Our SiteGround review is here.

Bluehost:

• A WordPress-recommended host, Bluehost is known for its beginner-friendly approach. With an easy-to-use cPanel and one-click WordPress installation, it’s a solid choice for new website creators.
• Our Bluehost review is here.

Hostinger:

• Hostinger attracts users with its extremely affordable plans without compromising on performance. It’s perfect for those on a tight budget who still require reliable hosting services.
• Our Hostinger review is here.

Ionos:

• Ionos stands out with its scalability options, making it suitable for both small and large businesses. Their unique features include a personal consultant and a range of customizable plans.
• Our Ionos review is here.

A2 Hosting:

• A2 Hosting is renowned for its speed and reliability, backed by their Turbo Servers. They also offer a “Guru Crew Support” team, which is highly praised in the hosting community.
• Our A2 Hosting review is here.

Why Sign Up?

• HostPapa: Choose HostPapa for its green hosting initiatives and exceptional customer service.
• SiteGround: Go with SiteGround if you prioritize speed and robust WordPress integration.
• Bluehost: Bluehost is ideal for WordPress beginners seeking ease of use.
• Hostinger: Hostinger is your go-to for budget-friendly hosting without sacrificing quality.
• Ionos: Select Ionos for scalable solutions and personalized service.
• A2 Hosting: A2 Hosting is perfect for those who need fast and reliable hosting services.

Questions & Answers

What is HostPapa?

HostPapa is a Canadian-based privately owned web hosting company that provides Shared, Reseller, VPS, and WordPress hosting. Their official website is www.hostpapa.com. Read more on their Wikipedia page.

Is HostPapa any good?

HostPapa stands out for its comprehensive hosting solutions tailored to a wide range of needs. It provides an impressive array of hosting options, each with well-structured plans that are rich in features and security tools. What makes HostPapa particularly appealing is its balance of cost-effectiveness with high-quality services. The pricing is competitive, offering great value for money.

Does HostPapa support WordPress?

HostPapa is WordPress-friendly, offering seamless integration with the platform. Users can take advantage of the 1-click WordPress installation feature available across all plans, making it effortless to get a WordPress site up and running in no time. While HostPapa offers specific “WordPress hosting” plans, it’s important to note that these plans are similar to their standard shared hosting offerings in terms of performance and features. These plans are optimized for WordPress, ensuring enhanced performance, security, and ease of use for WordPress site owners.

What are the different plans and features offered by HostPapa?

HostPapa offers a range of plans and features designed to meet diverse website needs. One notable option is their VPS hosting, which provides increased control and performance compared to shared hosting.

With VPS servers, users enjoy dedicated resources and enhanced scalability. For those starting out, HostPapa’s Starter Plan is an attractive choice. This plan includes a user-friendly starter website builder, allowing even beginners to create their online presence effortlessly.

Additionally, HostPapa’s utilization of SSD storage ensures faster data access and improved website loading times. Whether you require the flexibility of VPS hosting or prefer the simplicity of the Start Plan’s website builder, HostPapa offers plans and features tailored to accommodate various hosting requirements.

Will my website load fast on HostPapa?

Most hosting plans have access to free Cloudflare CDN services, which help boost site speed and performance. If you use WordPress hosting, you’ll also get a built-in WordPress caching solution for delivering static files to site visitors fast.

Is there any built-in marketing tool?

Yes, you can use the HostPapa website builder to integrate social sharing on your site, optimize your site for SEO and higher search rankings, and even work together with Google Analytics so you can track where site visitors come from and what they do once on your website.

Our Verdict ⭐

HostPapa is a solid web hosting solution for those that need something a little more beginner-friendly. It’s also good for those that are running small businesses. The feature set is large enough to get the job done, but not overwhelming to those that just don’t need that much.

If HostPapa sounds like a web hosting service that you want to check out, hop on over to their website, see what they have to offer, and make sure they have the hosting features you need to run your small business website successfully.

Who should choose HostPapa? HostPapa is the perfect choice for small to medium-sized business owners, bloggers, and entrepreneurs seeking reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective web hosting solutions. It’s particularly suited for those prioritizing excellent customer support and requiring a hosting service that offers scalability as their website or business grows. With its green hosting initiatives, it’s also a great option for environmentally conscious users.

I hope you found this expert editorial HostPapa review helpful!

Recent Improvements & Updates

HostPapa has always strived to stay ahead in the web hosting game, and recent updates to its products and services reflect this commitment. Here’s a closer look at the significant feature updates they’ve made (last checked November 2024):

• Expanded Storage with the Start Plan: HostPapa’s Start Plan now boasts an impressive 100GB of SSD storage. This upgrade is a testament to their commitment to providing exceptional value. The increased storage capacity, leveraging lightning-fast SSD technology, ensures that your website has ample room to grow and evolve without storage constraints. This feature is particularly beneficial for growing websites, offering scalability and speed.
• Universal Access to Website Builder: Recognizing the importance of accessibility in website creation, HostPapa has integrated their Website Builder into every hosting plan. This tool is more than just an add-on; it’s a powerful, user-friendly platform that simplifies website creation. With drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates, it allows anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to create a professional-looking website. This move democratizes web design, making it accessible and achievable for all HostPapa users.
• Hassle-Free Migration Service – Switching hosting providers can often be a complex process, but HostPapa has made it seamless. Free migration is now a standard feature across all plans. This service, handled by a team of experts, ensures a smooth transition to HostPapa’s platform, minimizing downtime and ensuring your website remains operational and efficient throughout the migration process.
• Enhanced Server Performance – HostPapa has significantly boosted its server performance, particularly in the Pro and Ultra web hosting plans. These plans now feature Rocket-Fast Premium Servers, which offer a 400% performance increase. This upgrade translates to faster loading times, improved website performance, and a competitive edge in a digital landscape where speed is paramount. The servers have double the RAM and hard drives, ensuring robust and reliable hosting.
• Industry-Leading Expertise and Support – What truly sets HostPapa apart is the depth of experience behind their services. With over 70 years of combined experience among top executives, they have crafted superior web hosting solutions. Their award-winning Customer Services Director has established one of the most effective support centers in the industry, offering 24/7/365 assistance. A unique offering from HostPapa is their one-on-one sessions with web hosting specialists, an exclusive service that helps customers navigate the complexities of web hosting.

Reviewing HostPapa: Our Methodology

When we review web hosts like HostPapa, our evaluation is based on these criteria:

1. Value for Money: What types of web hosting plans are on offer, and are they good value for money?
2. User Friendliness: How user-friendly is the signup process, the onboarding, the dashboard? and so on.
3. Customer Support: When we need help, how quickly can we get it, and is the support effective and helpful?
4. Hosting Features: What unique features does the web host provide, and how do they stack up against competitors?
5. Security: Are essential security measures like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, backup services, and malware/virus scans included?
6. Speed and Uptime: Is the hosting service fast and reliable? What types of servers do they use, and how do they perform in tests?

For more details on our review process, click here.

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