HostGator is a popular choice because of its reliable web hosting, broad set of features, and competitive prices. It offers a variety of hosting plan options, including shared, WordPress, dedicated, and reseller hosting.
Its advanced performance could be improved, so HostGator may not be the right choice for everyone. But its customer support is a standout, with 24/7 live chat, international phone lines, email support; and a load of secondary support options too, like the knowledge base, blog, and YouTube channel.
Overall, I found HostGator to be a beginner-friendly, customer-focused hosting provider. But with servers only in the US, can they really provide top-notch hosting to all users? I’ve tested this for myself.
Let’s see how HostGator compares to competitors.
Performance
Throughout my GTMetrix tests, HostGator’s servers provided decent performance, despite modest uptime guarantees.
There is room for improvement when it comes to HostGator response times, which were pretty average. But I found these could be somewhat mitigated with the use of optimization tools or choosing a more powerful server plan (such as VPS or dedicated).
Results:
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Level of Support
HostGator provides 24/7 live chat and phone support for all customers, but I noticed quite a few reviews criticizing the agents’ ability to handle specific issues, so I was eager to try it out.
Live Chat
The HostGator live chat is exceptionally responsive, and gave me the answers I needed right there and then.
Before speaking to a HostGator live chat agent, I was asked to answer some screening questions. This only took around a minute, and I was connected to the agent almost instantly.
I was asked for my account details. I hadn’t signed up yet, but the agent was also able to process my request as a potential new customer.
The agent was able to answer my query in just a few minutes, and I was happy with the accurate, direct response. Rather than simply sending me to the knowledge base, the agent took the time to answer my question in full and in rapid time!
Phone Lines
HostGator has a number of phone lines, so you can make sure you’re reaching the right support agent for your issue.
Email Support
You can also email HostGator‘s customer support, but this is a slower option than the Live Chat – which I found to be reliable and quick.
There’s a number of HostGator “DIY” support options, too. Let’s take a look!
Knowledge Base
The HostGator knowledge base is packed with useful resources. From company-specific policy information, to guides to understanding different hosting types.
Blog
HostGator also has a pretty extensive blog on their website, full of useful articles designed to help you learn!
I really appreciate the amount of educational resources offered by HostGator, and think it cements them as beginner-friendly and user-focused.
YouTube
This one’s a bit different, and I like the unique approach! HostGator also has a YouTube channel, where they upload how-to’s, guides, and tutorials on all kinds of hosting, content, and other related topics.
