What it is
HostGator is a long-standing shared host offering very cheap entry pricing, cPanel, and unmetered bandwidth on most plans.
It belongs to the same generation of budget hosting as Bluehost, with a similar business model: low introductory rates, higher renewals, and add-ons at checkout.
I include it because plenty of small sites run on it perfectly happily. I would not choose it today.
What it does
Standard shared hosting: cPanel, one-click WordPress, free SSL, and unmetered bandwidth subject to fair-use limits.
A website builder is bundled for people who do not want WordPress, which is adequate for a two-page brochure site.
Support is available continuously and is fine for account and setup questions.
Performance is the weak point. It is noticeably slower than modern budget hosts, and the shared resource limits are reached sooner than the marketing implies.
Who it's for
Features
Pros and cons
Pricing
| PLAN | WHAT YOU GET | WORTH IT FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | One site, basic resources. | A single tiny site. |
| Baby | Unlimited sites on shared resources. | Several small sites cheaply. |
| Business | Adds SSL upgrades and dedicated IP. | Rarely worth it over moving host. |
| Add-ons | Backups and security sold separately. | Budget for backups specifically. |
Cheap on a three-year term and considerably more on renewal. Add the cost of backups, which are not included on entry plans.
The cheapest shared plan on a one-year term, plus their backup add-on. If the site matters at all, spend the same money on Hostinger instead.
Alternatives
My verdict
HostGator is functional budget hosting from an earlier era. Nothing is broken and nothing is impressive, and at the same price Hostinger is faster with a better control panel.
The one thing it does better than most is the money-back guarantee, which is long enough to genuinely test the service. Use it if you sign up.
If you are already on it and the site is fine, there is no urgency to move. If you are choosing now, choose something else.
Try HostGator →Who should use it
Who should avoid it
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Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it never changes the price you pay. It also does not decide what appears on this page: I recommend tools with no affiliate programme just as readily, and leave off tools with generous ones when they do not deserve the space.