When it comes to web hosting, the market is packed with options, each offering unique perks, pricing structures, and service levels. Interserver has stood out for years as a budget-friendly choice, appealing to everyone from beginners to professional developers. This review is based on extensive experience with Interserver’s services, focusing on what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Interserver Pricing Plans
Key Features and Standout Points
Performance and Uptime
Speed Test Results
Customer Support Experience
Ease of Use and Interface
Security Features
Pros and Cons of Interserver
Final Verdict: Is Interserver Worth It?
In-Depth Review of Interserver Hosting
1. Introduction
Interserver was established in 1999, giving it over two decades of experience in the web hosting industry. This longevity isn’t something you see with all web hosts, especially in the budget hosting market, where companies often disappear as quickly as they pop up. Interserver has developed a reputation for affordability, a commitment that’s perhaps best highlighted by its unique Price Lock Guarantee. Many web hosting providers lure customers with cheap introductory rates, only to hit them with significant price hikes upon renewal. Interserver, however, promises that the rate you pay when you sign up will remain the same for the lifetime of your hosting plan. This guarantee is one of the main reasons Interserver appeals to budget-conscious users.
Beyond pricing, Interserver offers a diverse range of hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers. They aim to cater to various customer needs, whether you’re a small business, an eCommerce site owner, or a developer looking for scalability. In this review, I’ll share my experiences with Interserver’s shared and VPS hosting, offering insights into each of these aspects.
2. Interserver Pricing Plans
Interserver offers a wide array of hosting plans to fit different budgets and technical requirements. While it’s primarily known for its affordable shared hosting, there’s much more to explore in its pricing tiers. Here’s a breakdown of the main plans:
Shared Hosting
Interserver’s Standard Shared Hosting plan starts at $2.50 per month. This plan includes unlimited storage, bandwidth, and email accounts. Unlike some hosts that advertise “unlimited” resources but throttle performance as traffic grows, Interserver’s shared hosting is genuinely generous. This plan is excellent for personal websites, small businesses, or anyone building a modest site.
VPS Hosting
Interserver’s VPS Hosting starts at $6 per month for Linux-based servers and $10 for Windows. With the VPS option, you get the flexibility to customize your server’s RAM, storage, and CPU cores based on your requirements. This configurability appeals to developers and growing businesses needing more control and resources than shared hosting can provide.
Dedicated Servers
Interserver’s Dedicated Servers are available from $80 per month and are ideal for high-traffic sites or applications requiring high performance. The setup allows for complete control over the server environment, providing enhanced security and speed for businesses that demand it. Dedicated servers are customizable, letting you scale resources to fit your needs.
Reseller Hosting
For those interested in running a hosting business, Interserver’s Reseller Hosting plans start at $19.95 per month. These plans include cPanel/WHM, enabling you to create and manage client accounts efficiently.
Price Lock Guarantee
Interserver’s Price Lock Guarantee sets it apart from many other hosts. There are no surprise price hikes when it’s time to renew; the price you pay initially remains the price you pay for the duration of your plan. This is particularly appealing to those who may have faced steep renewal fees with other hosts.
3. Key Features and Standout Points
Interserver offers several features that enhance its value proposition. Here are some of the most appealing ones:
- Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth
Interserver’s shared hosting plans come with unlimited storage and bandwidth, which is a rarity at this price level. For users running websites with large media files or expecting growth in traffic, this unlimited model offers flexibility. Some hosts advertise “unlimited” storage and bandwidth but enforce caps through “fair use” policies. In my experience, Interserver’s usage guidelines are genuinely generous.
Free Website Migration
- Switching hosts can be daunting, but Interserver eases the process by offering free website migration for new customers. Whether you’re coming from a cPanel environment or need a custom migration, Interserver’s support team handles the migration without additional fees. In my case, the migration was seamless, with zero downtime.
One-Click Installations - Interserver provides access to Softaculous, a tool that allows one-click installations for over 400 applications. For those who want to set up WordPress, Joomla, Magento, or other CMSs quickly, this is a massive time saver. The variety of supported applications makes Interserver a versatile choice for a wide range of website types.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee - Interserver offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers trying out their services. While many hosts offer similar guarantees, this provides peace of mind for users trying Interserver for the first time.
4. Performance and Uptime
Performance is one of the most critical aspects when choosing a hosting provider. Interserver advertises a 99.9% uptime guarantee, which has become the industry standard. During my time with Interserver, the uptime was reliable, although there were minor fluctuations.
- Real-World Uptime
The uptime results were impressive for shared hosting. I didn’t experience any noticeable downtimes over several months. There were rare instances of brief dips, but they were generally so short-lived that they didn’t affect the user experience. Overall, my experience aligns well with Interserver’s advertised uptime.
Response Times
Interserver’s average response time was reasonable, but it’s not the fastest out there. If you’re running a small blog or a business website, these speeds are more than adequate. However, if you expect high traffic or operate a site where response time is crucial, it may be beneficial to consider Interserver’s VPS or dedicated server plans.
5. Speed Test Results
Speed impacts user experience and SEO. Testing Interserver’s performance across various tools (GTmetrix, Pingdom, and PageSpeed Insights) gave insightful results.
GTmetrix Results
Running multiple tests on GTmetrix revealed average page load times around 1.4 to 1.6 seconds, which is impressive for a shared hosting plan. For a simple WordPress site with minimal media, these speeds are more than satisfactory.
PageSpeed Insights
On Google’s PageSpeed Insights, Interserver consistently scored between 80-90 for desktop and 60-70 for mobile. This is decent, although mobile could benefit from optimization for larger or media-heavy websites.
Real-World Speed Observations
In practice, Interserver’s load speeds felt fast, even under moderate traffic. If you run a site with lots of images or dynamic elements, consider implementing a CDN for optimal performance. Overall, Interserver performs well within its price range, but there is room for improvement on mobile speeds.
6. Customer Support Experience
Interserver offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email ticketing. In my experience, the support team was responsive, knowledgeable, and willing to assist with various technical issues.
Live Chat
I tested their live chat support multiple times. Response times were consistently quick, usually within 2-3 minutes. The representatives handled queries with patience and provided detailed answers, whether the issue was simple or complex.
Phone Support
Phone support was similarly reliable. For more technical issues that required detailed troubleshooting, phone support was a convenient option, as I could explain the problem more thoroughly. In one instance, the representative walked me through several configuration steps to resolve a VPS setup issue.
Ticketing Support
Ticketing support is ideal for non-urgent issues, and the response time was typically within a few hours. For example, when requesting detailed performance information about my server, I received a well-explained answer within half a day. Ticketing is slower than live chat, but it’s helpful for complex inquiries that require thorough responses.
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7. Ease of Use and Interface
Interserver uses cPanel for its shared hosting accounts, which is a user-friendly interface familiar to most users. cPanel is widely used in the hosting industry due to its simplicity and functionality, allowing users to manage various aspects of their website and hosting account efficiently.
Control Panel Interface
Navigating the control panel was straightforward. Essential functions like adding domains, managing email accounts, and accessing FTP are all accessible with a few clicks. For new users, cPanel has a low learning curve, making it ideal for beginners.
Account Management Portal
Interserver’s account management portal isn’t as polished as some competitors, but it’s functional. The portal allows you to manage billing, access support, and view account details, but it lacks the streamlined design found in some higher-priced hosts.
8. Security Features
Interserver takes a proactive approach to security, and their InterShield Security suite is a standout feature. The suite includes several tools and protocols designed to protect websites from threats, especially essential in a world where cyberattacks and malware threats are increasing.
InterShield Security Suite
The InterShield Security Suite is Interserver’s proprietary protection package included at no extra charge. It’s designed to guard against malware, viruses, and spam. In addition, the suite includes DDoS protection, a web application firewall (WAF), and file upload scanning to catch and remove malicious files before they affect your site.
My experience with InterShield was positive. For example, when a suspicious file was detected on my site, I received an immediate notification from Interserver’s system, and they took measures to quarantine it automatically. This kind of proactive response is a reassuring aspect of their service.
Free SSL Certificates
All Interserver hosting plans come with Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates at no additional cost. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is critical for any website that wants to build trust with its visitors and improve SEO, as search engines like Google prioritize SSL-secured sites. Setting up SSL in the cPanel was straightforward, and the certificate auto-renews, so there’s no need to worry about it expiring.
Regular Backups
Interserver performs weekly backups for their shared hosting accounts, providing an extra layer of security for your data. While daily backups would be preferable, having a weekly backup plan is still beneficial for site recovery in the event of data loss or a technical issue. You can also manually create backups at any time through cPanel if you need additional protection.
9. Pros and Cons of Interserver
After months of using Interserver, here’s a breakdown of the platform’s main strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Interserver’s shared hosting is one of the most budget-friendly options, and the Price Lock Guarantee ensures your cost remains the same over time.
- Unlimited Resources: Unlimited storage, bandwidth, and email accounts provide flexibility, especially for growing websites.
- InterShield Security: Their proprietary security suite protects against common threats like malware and DDoS attacks.
- Responsive Support: 24/7 support across multiple channels ensures help is available when you need it.
- Wide Range of Services: Interserver offers everything from shared hosting to dedicated servers, allowing you to scale as your site grows.
Cons
- Moderate Mobile Speed: While desktop performance is solid, mobile load speeds could use some optimization.
- Basic User Interface: Interserver’s account management portal is functional but lacks the streamlined design found in some competitors.
- Weekly Backups Only: Daily backups would be ideal, especially for high-traffic sites where data changes frequently.
- No Free Domain: Unlike some hosts, Interserver doesn’t offer a free domain with its hosting plans, which may be a drawback for first-time website owners.
10. Final Verdict: Is Interserver Worth It?
After evaluating Interserver’s features, performance, and pricing structure, it’s clear why it has garnered a loyal customer base. Interserver provides exceptional value for its price, especially with the Price Lock Guarantee that ensures affordability over the long term. Additionally, the inclusion of InterShield Security, 24/7 support, and unlimited resources makes it a compelling choice for those who prioritize budget-friendly, no-nonsense hosting.
For personal websites, small businesses, or anyone starting a new blog, Interserver’s shared hosting plan offers robust performance, easy management, and enough resources to handle growth. If you’re more technically savvy and need greater control, the VPS and dedicated server options provide scalability and customization.
In summary, Interserver is best for cost-conscious users who want reliable hosting without the fear of unexpected price hikes. While some competitors may offer flashier interfaces or a few additional perks, Interserver’s affordability, transparency, and solid performance make it a smart choice for anyone looking to get solid hosting on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To address common questions potential users may have about Interserver, here’s a detailed FAQ section:
Q: Does Interserver really keep my price locked in for life?
A: Yes, Interserver’s Price Lock Guarantee ensures that the rate you sign up with remains the same for the lifetime of your hosting plan. Unlike other hosts that increase renewal rates significantly, Interserver promises no price hikes, making it a budget-friendly option for long-term users.
Q: What is InterShield, and is it enough to protect my site?
A: InterShield is Interserver’s proprietary security suite that includes malware scanning, a firewall, DDoS protection, and file upload security. For most small to medium websites, InterShield offers adequate protection against common threats. However, for eCommerce sites or sites dealing with sensitive data, additional security measures may be advisable.
Q: How does Interserver compare to competitors like Bluehost or SiteGround?
A: Interserver’s main advantage over competitors is its Price Lock Guarantee and generally lower pricing for shared hosting. SiteGround, for example, offers more polished interfaces and faster customer support but has significantly higher renewal rates. Bluehost, while user-friendly, doesn’t lock in pricing, which can lead to steep renewal costs. Interserver is ideal for those who prioritize affordability and consistent pricing over premium features.
Q: Can I use Interserver if my site experiences high traffic?
A: Yes, Interserver offers VPS and dedicated server options that can accommodate high-traffic websites. Their shared hosting is more suited to moderate traffic sites, but the VPS plans provide flexibility and scalability for growing websites.
Q: What kind of support can I expect with Interserver?
A: Interserver provides 24/7 support through live chat, phone, and email tickets. My experience with their support team was positive; they responded quickly and handled a range of issues with efficiency. Whether you’re new to hosting or have complex technical questions, their team is equipped to assist.
Q: Does Interserver offer a website builder for beginners?
A: Interserver does not offer its own website builder, but it provides one-click installation for popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento. For users looking for an easy way to create a website, WordPress is a beginner-friendly option with plenty of tutorials available online.
Q: Is there a money-back guarantee with Interserver?
A: Yes, Interserver offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans. This allows new customers to try out the service risk-free. However, this refund policy may not apply to VPS or dedicated hosting plans, so it’s best to check the specific terms for each plan.
Q: What are my options for upgrading my hosting plan as my site grows?
A: Interserver offers a variety of upgrade options, from shared to VPS and dedicated hosting. Moving from shared hosting to a VPS plan provides greater control and resources, while a dedicated server is ideal for high-traffic sites or those requiring custom server configurations. Upgrading is straightforward, and the Interserver support team is available to help with the transition.
Q: How frequently does Interserver perform backups?
A: Interserver performs weekly backups for shared hosting plans. While this is beneficial, it may not be ideal for dynamic websites that require more frequent data recovery. Users can set up additional backups manually or explore third-party backup solutions for more frequent data security.
Q: Does Interserver provide email hosting with their plans?
A: Yes, Interserver includes unlimited email accounts with its hosting plans. The email hosting setup is easy to manage via cPanel, and you can create multiple email addresses for different purposes, which is ideal for businesses that want to present a professional image.
Q: Are there any hidden fees or surprises with Interserver?
A: One of Interserver’s strongest selling points is transparency. The Price Lock Guarantee means no surprise renewal fees, and there are no hidden charges. Additional services like domain registration, certain custom configurations, or dedicated IP addresses come at an extra cost, but these are clearly outlined.
Q: Does Interserver provide staging environments for testing?
A: Unfortunately, Interserver doesn’t currently offer staging environments by default on their shared hosting plans. For testing purposes, users can create a subdomain or a local copy of the site. If staging environments are critical to your workflow, you may need to explore alternatives or consider a VPS setup where you have more control over configurations.