If you are searching for the best HostGator vs GoDaddy comparison, then this article can help you a lot in finding this.
In this article, we have compared both HostGator and GoDaddy with every possible and affecting parameter.
Choosing a hosting plan could be crucial, especially when you are a beginner. No matter if you are starting your online business or your blog, a hosting plan is essential to create a website.
Many companies provide the best web hosting services. However, you have to choose one wisely.
You may know that GoDaddy and HostGator are two popular hosting providers in the market.
HostGator is one of the fastest growing web hosting companies by providing amazing features and services, whereas GoDaddy is a popular domain registrar as well as web host in the world.
Comparing two big and popular web hosts is not an easy task, and choosing a winner out of them is more difficult.
So, to fix this issue, we compare these two web hosts on different phases like their products, pricing, features, etc.
Thus, if you are confused about choosing one, this guide of GoDaddy VS HostGator comparison could help you out. Let’s unleash the comparison between these two.
HostGator VS GoDaddy: A Detailed Study
Let’s start comparing these two web hosts by knowing a bit about them. So, here we start with a brief introduction to HostGator and GoDaddy.
- HostGator VS GoDaddy: A Detailed Study
- Pros & Cons of HostGator VS GoDaddy
- Detailed Comparison and Views on HostGator VS GoDaddy
- Frequently Asked Questions: GoDaddy Vs HostGator
- Conclusion: What We Found In Our HostGator Vs GoDaddy Comparison?
For those who are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of this HostGator vs GoDaddy review.
In Case You Are In A Hurry!
We have performed several tests and research and surely recommend HostGator to start your new small, medium, and large business website. It stands first in every condition.
HostGator is the best and reliable web host if you are in search of finding the best and affordable web host to start your business blog.
The very first plan of HostGator is starting with $2.75 per month.
Get HostGator Hosting at a maximum 75% Discount Now!
You May Also Like To Read: HostGator Review | Hostinger v/s HostGator v/s Bluehost
HostGator
HostGator’s journey started in a Florida dorm room, on 22nd October 2002. Now, this company has millions of customers worldwide.
HostGator provides various web hosting services and helpful customer support.
The different web hosting services provided by HostGator are:
- Shared Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting
- Reseller Hosting
HostGator starts offering its web hosting services at $2.75 per month.
GoDaddy
On the other hand, GoDaddy is quite popular for providing domain registration and web hosting services.
GoDaddy has over 20 million hosting customers and over 82 million registered domain names. This company also provides countless features to its customers.
It offers you different web hosting services which are:
- Shared Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting
The very first plan of GoDaddy web hosting starts at $3.99 per month. Also read our GoDaddy Vs Bluehost study.
Well, if you are confused about these two companies, then this article is going to be helpful. In the following, we are covering the detailed comparison of HostGator VS GoDaddy. Let’s find out.
1. Product
Let’s start comparing these web hosts with their products. Yes, here we are going to know the products of these two web hosts.
So, without wasting any time, let’s look at the products of HostGator’s first.
HostGator’s Web Hosting Product
HostGator has various hosting plans including Shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated hosting, Reseller hosting, and Cloud hosting.
Plus, this company also provides drag and drop website builder. HostGator also provides free site transfer, free SSL certificate, unmetered bandwidth, and one-click installs.
GoDaddy’s Web Hosting Product
Just like HostGator, GoDaddy provides various services to its customers. Popularly known for domain registration, this company also has the best web hosting services including Shared hosting, Reseller hosting, and VPS hosting.
GoDaddy also offers services like an SSL certificate, free tools for development, and professional email.
Read GoDaddy detailed review for complete details.
Now as per the product requirements, we have more suggestions for you.
- If you want only domain, GoDaddy is better than HostGator.
- If you want the best website builder, both GoDaddy and HostGator are the best options to choose.
- If you want the best shared hosting, then we suggest you to choose HostGator as your shared web host.
- If you are looking for an affordable VPS hosting, then GoDaddy stands best for that, as it starts its VPS hosting plan at $4.99/m.
- If you want the best Dedicated server hosting, then we must suggest HostGator for that.
- If you are looking for the web hosting for your small-business website, then you should choose HostGator for starting your small or medium business website.
- If you are starting an eCommerce website and looking for the best host between HostGator and GoDaddy, then you must choose HostGator for starting an eCommerce website.
- If you are going to start a WordPress website, then both the HostGator and GoDaddy are the best option to start your WordPress site.
Best Host When Product is Your Priority?
If the web hosting product is your first priority, then they both offer you all the required web hosting services.
You can choose any of the web hosts if you are looking for the Shared, WordPress, VPS, and Dedicated Server hosting.
But if you are looking for Cloud Hosting, then you have to choose HostGator, because HostGator doesn’t offer you any Cloud hosting plans.
Winner – HostGator
2. WordPress Integration
WordPress is the most used, free, and open-source CMS (Content Management System). There are around 39% of websites on the internet which are based on WordPress.
And here let’s see which is the best web host for the WordPress websites and users.
HostGator
As you know, most website owners use WordPress as the CMS platform. This is why WordPress integration is a valuable point in this comparison.
HostGator provides a feature that can help you to start a WordPress site in a few minutes.
Once you have installed WordPress on your website, you don’t need to interact with your web hosting provider.
GoDaddy
On the other side, GoDaddy also provides an easy WordPress installation. It allows you to install the WordPress with one-click.
But, the only drawback about this company is they take up to 24 hours to make your site live.
See our list of Top Managed WordPress Hosting Providers.
Best Host When WordPress Integration is Your Priority?
If WordPress Integration is your first priority, then here we will suggest you to choose HostGator. Because, you can easily create and make your site live instantly with HostGator.
Winner – HostGator
3. Pricing
When a beginner is looking for an ideal hosting plan, pricing is a crucial point. However, both of these hosting companies have good deals regarding pricing.
Let’s have a look at what plan they are offering:
HostGator Pricing
Have a look at the plans and pricing of the HostGator web host. As we said above, it starts offering its web hosting service with $2.75 per month.
Starting a website with HostGator web hosting is very easy, you have to select a hosting plan, and after a few clicks, you will be at your HostGator’s dashboard.
Here is a table that shows that starting price of all the web hosting plans offered by HostGator:
| Monthly Price | HostGator |
| Shared Hosting | $2.75/m |
| Cloud Hosting | $4.95/m |
| WordPress Hosting | $5.95/m |
| VPS Hosting | $19.95/m |
| Dedicated Hosting | $89.98/m |
GoDaddy Pricing
GoDaddy is also one of the best web hosts and domain registrar. It serves you its web hosting services at different reasonable prices.
The very first plan of GoDaddy web hosting costs $3.99 per month.
To start a website with GoDaddy web hosting, you simply have to choose a web hosting, select a plan, and pay for your hosting. And after all this, you will be redirected to your GoDaddy’s dashboard and can start designing your website.
Also check: Best GoDaddy competitors to compare the domain and hosting plans.
Look at the below table that shows you the different web hosting services and their prices which are offered by the GoDaddy:
| Monthly Price | GoDaddy |
| Shared Hosting | $3.99/m |
| WordPress Hosting | $6.99/m |
| VPS Hosting | $4.99/m |
| Dedicated Hosting | $129.99/m |
Best Host When Pricing is Your Priority?
When it comes to the pricing of these two web hosts, then definitely HostGator is the best option to choose. It offers you its web hosting plans at affordable prices than GoDaddy.
HostGator also offers you the best services and features with freebies along with its web hosting plans.
Winner – HostGator
4. Features
Time to discuss the features of HostGator and GoDaddy, which will help you to choose the best web host on the basis of their features, services, and freebies.
HostGator’s Features
HostGator provides a lot of features to their customers. As we mentioned before, when you are purchasing a plan, you will get so many different features with lots of freebies.
Here are some of the features and freebies that are provided by HostGator:
- One-Click WordPress Install
- Free Domain
- Unmetered Bandwidth
- Free Site Transfer
- Free SSL
- Free Dedicated IP
- Free SEO Tools
- 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
- No Migration Fees
- Unlimited Storage
GoDaddy’s Features
On the other hand, GoDaddy also provides various features and freebies along with its web hosting plans, which are:
- Unmetered Bandwidth
- One-Click WordPress Install
- Free Professional Email
- Free Domain
- Free Premium DNS
- Free SSL Certificate
- Easy-To-Use cPanel
However, you need to purchase some services that are free on other web hosting companies.
For example, you need to purchase a website security plan and SSL certificate to ensure safety.
Best Host When Features are Your Priority?
Well, both the web host offers you important features and services. But when we talk about the freebies, there are more freebies to see in HostGator with its web hosting plans.
So, if you want more freebies with the best features, then we suggest you choose HostGator as your web host.
Winner – HostGator
5. Automatic Backup
Backing up everything for a website is an essential part. So we have to check if these two hosting providers are giving backups or not.
HostGator’s Backup Policy
HostGator does not provide automatic backup free with all plans. So, make sure you are purchasing a plan where the automatic backup is included.
GoDaddy’s Backup Policy
GoDaddy is very good with the automatic backup policy as they provide it with every plan. However, if you want WordPress backup, you have to purchase a suitable tool.
Best Host When Automatic Backup Policy is Your Priority?
If the automatic backup policy is your first priority, then you need to purchase it additionally. But if you want a manual backup, then it comes free with both of them.
Winner – Tie
6. Speed
To perform the speed test, we test a dummy site based on both the web hosting by using the best tools Pingdom and BitCatcha to test the performance, speed, and response time of HostGator and GoDaddy.
HostGator’s Speed
HostGator provides lightweight themes that can help a website with fast-loading. Plus, this company’s tools are comparable with lightweight themes.
First, we tested the speed and performance of HostGator by using Pingdom and found that HostGator got the A-Grade performance loads 19 requests under 1.71 seconds.
As you know, we don’t stop on only one test, so we moved to BitCatcha and tested the same site there, and got the A-Grade performance.
GoDaddy’s Speed
On the other side, GoDaddy is a little bit slower than HostGator. Being widely popular, it could be difficult for this company to provide a fast-loading website.
So, to check the speed and performance of GoDaddy, we tested a dummy site based on GoDaddy and found that it got a B-Grade performance that loads 17 requests under 1.99s.
Next, we tested the same site on BitCatcha and found that it got the A+ Grade performance, which is great.
Best Host When Speed is Your Priority?
By doing the above test, we found that they both are the best and good at the speed. So, you can choose any of these web hosts when the website’s speed is your priority.
Winner – Tie
7. Domain Name Registration
If you are going to start a website, then you need a domain to start your new blog. When you don’t have a domain, then it is not possible to host a website on the internet.
So, here we are going to check that which is the best domain provider among HostGator and GoDaddy.
HostGator’s Domain Registration
No website could go live without a domain. The good thing is most of the best web hosting services come with a domain registration policy.
HostGator offers a free domain when you are purchasing a hosting plan for at least 12 months. However, if you cancel the hosting plan within the first year, they will charge for domain registration.
GoDaddy’s Domain Registration
The Starter plan of GoDaddy’s web hosting does not include free domain registration. However, you can get a domain with higher plans for the first year. After one year, you need to renew the domain.
If you are looking for honest pricing and great features, read our review of Google Domains.
Best Host When Domain Registration is Your Priority?
As you all know and we have also discussed above in this article, GoDaddy is one of the best domain registrars in the world that offers you domains at affordable and best prices.
So, when the domain registration is your priority, then you should select GoDaddy as your domain registrar.
Winner – GoDaddy
8. Customer Support
Customer Support is must and very important when you face any issue regarding your hosting. Yes, it’s time to know which is the best customer service provider among both the web hosts.
HostGator’s Customer Support
HostGator has various 24×7 customer support programs including live chat, phone call, and knowledge base. However, their customer services are not useful compared to other hosting companies.
GoDaddy’s Customer Support
On the other hand, GoDaddy has a 24×7 phone call support which is very helpful. You can also get help from their Q&A section where they had made everything clear.
In this section of the HostGator VS GoDaddy comparison, GoDaddy is the clear winner.
Best Host When Customer Support is Your Priority?
When customer support is your priority, then we suggest you choose GoDaddy. As it is seen that HostGator customer support is quick but not that satisfying.
So, we recommend you to choose GoDaddy when the priority is customer support.
Winner – GoDaddy
9. Server Location
Server location plays a crucial role in a website’s speed and performance. So, you need to choose a server closer to your location.
HostGator’s Server Location
This company has only two server locations; Provo, Utah, Houston and Texas. Both of these are located in the US. So, this is not good news if you are from Asia or Europe.
GoDaddy’s Server Location
Most of the servers are located in Phoenix, Arizona. The other data centers are located in Los Angeles, Ashburn, Chicago, Amsterdam, Virginia, and Singapore. However, GoDaddy has leased many server locations to provide customers better service.
Best Host When Server Location is Your Priority?
As you know, there are only a few server locations of HostGator’s are available, whereas GoDaddy has its data server in multiple locations.
So, if data server location is your first priority, then we suggest you to choose GoDaddy as your web host.
Winner – GoDaddy
10. Uptime
Uptime is a very important factor when you want to make your site always active. If your web host provides you the low uptime guarantee, that means your site will be down most of the time.
So, to check the uptime of both the web hosts, we used the tool named Pingdom.
HostGator Uptime
As HostGator guarantees an uptime guarantee of 99.99%, and they are on it. We went to Pingdom and checked the uptime of HostGator, and the results were shocking.
As you can see in the above result, we found the uptime of 99.99%, which is really amazing.
GoDaddy Uptime
On the other hand, when we check for the uptime of GoDaddy, we found these results:
As you can see, there was an uptime of 99.93% by GoDaddy hosting which is average.
Best Host When Uptime Guarantee is Your Priority?
When it comes to the uptime, then by the above test results, it is clear that HostGator is the best option when the uptime guarantee is your priority.
Winner – HostGator
Pros & Cons of HostGator VS GoDaddy
Finally, you know the detailed comparison of HostGator VS GoDaddy. If you have made your mind, then make sure to read the pros and cons of these two hosting companies.
GoDaddy
Here are pros and cons of GoDaddy web hosting:
Pros
- GoDaddy is the world’s #1 domain name registration with more than 20 million users
- Guaranteed 99.9% uptime
- Offers many apps to install
- eCommerce friendly support
- 24×7 customer support every day
- Comes with a wide range of hosting and domain services
Cons
- Slow website speed
- Lots of upselling
Hostgator
Here are the pros and cons of HostGator web hosting:
Pros
- This web hosting company provide monthly hosting plans
- 24×7 customer support
- An easy control panel for everyone
- Provides unlimited bandwidth, disk space, and emails with hosting plans
- Offers various tools
Cons
- Yearly and monthly plans are relatively more expensive than other providers.
Detailed Comparison and Views on HostGator VS GoDaddy
| Categories | HostGator | GoDaddy |
| Free Backups | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | The plan starts from $ 2.75 | The plan starts from $ 2.99 |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Performance | 99.99% | 99.97% |
| Free Domain | Yes | Yes |
| Support | 24×7 Chat and Phone Support | 24×7 Chat and Phone Support |
| WordPress Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days money-back guarantee | 30 days money-back guarantee |
As you can see on the above table of HostGator VS GoDaddy comparison, both GoDaddy and HostGator provide nearly similar features.
Basis the detailed web hosting comparison chart above, If you want more customer support and a variety of hosting plans, then choose GoDaddy. This provider also offers free domain registration with some hosting plans.
On the other side, if you want to have a fast-loading website and affordable pricing, then go for HostGator. If you need cloud hosting or VPS hosting, then you can choose HostGator.
Frequently Asked Questions: GoDaddy Vs HostGator
Web hosting depends on the niche of your website and how big your website is. Generally, we suggest beginners use shared web hosting because of the affordable pricing.
Between these two, HostGator has the best cloud hosting plans for users.
GoDaddy provides top-quality dedicated hosting plans to their customers. Moreover, the plans are also reasonable.
HostGator is one of the best web hosting services for small businesses. This hosting provider has the best uptime of 99.99%, so it could be easier for small businesses.
Well, if you are not satisfied with these two companies, you can choose a hosting plan from Bluehost, Hostinger, and InMotion.
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Conclusion: What We Found In Our HostGator Vs GoDaddy Comparison?
Finally, In our detailed review and comparison of HostGator Vs GoDaddy, we found that HostGator is all in all a better service provider when you need a web hosting solution. For Domains, we will rate GoDaddy better than HostGator.
We have shared a detailed feature wise analysis on both the companies, be it HostGator or GoDaddy. There are some key points you should know before getting a hosting plan for your website and we discussed them all above.
We hope this comparison was helpful for you. If you need to know more information regarding these two web hosting companies, you can check their official websites or read these reviews: HostGator Review | GoDaddy Review
Let us know if you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any doubts and queries, then let us know with your comments below.
About Author: Vishesh Gupta
Seasoned Professional with 15 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. Entrepreneur, Consultant and Blogger helping people earn through jobs and blogging. Experienced Hosting Reviewer who likes to collect detailed info about existing players and share it with my audience. Previously worked with leading Banks and Telecom Companies.
I completed my Masters in Management with specialization in Finance and Marketing.
Visit our Hosting Review and Blogging Guide for more interesting articles.
As i am a beginner, I need a hosting plan for my website but I am little bit confused which hosting plan is best among godaddy and hostgators. Is godaddy offer free domain on registration or not. Because free domain is very essential.
For Webhosting, I would rate HostGator slightly better than GoDaddy.
I am beginnger and was planning to buy HostGator but from your post I understand that the type of business I am going to start, for that GoDaddy is better option.