GreenGeeks vs GoDaddy – “What’s the Real Story?”

GreenGeeks vs GoDaddy

98.8 %

Overall Score

GreenGeeks vs GoDaddy

86.8 %

Overall Score

Web hosting company GreenGeeks is renowned for its environmentally conscious methods. It emphasizes environmental sustainability by offsetting 300% of its energy consumption with renewable energy credits, which makes it a popular choice for environmentally conscious users. GreenGeeks offers shared, VPS, reseller, and WordPress hosting with features like free site migration, nightly backups, and a user-friendly control panel.

One of the biggest and most well-known domain and hosting companies is GoDaddy. It offers a broad range of hosting services including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting, as well as website-building tools and e-commerce options. GoDaddy is widely recognized for its beginner-friendly services and 24/7 customer support, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses starting online.

GreenGeeks focuses on eco-friendly hosting, while GoDaddy caters to beginners with a wide range of domain and e-commerce services. GreenGeeks prioritizes sustainability, whereas GoDaddy’s strength lies in its versatile offerings and support. Both provide solid performance, but GreenGeeks appeals to eco-conscious users, and GoDaddy attracts those seeking an all-in-one platform.

GreenGeeks

Performance: |5.0| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GreenGeeks offers solid performance with fast loading speeds and 99.9% uptime. Even during periods of high traffic, its utilization of SSD storage, free CDN, and intelligent scaling guarantees dependable website speed and stability.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GreenGeeks guarantees 99.9% uptime, offering a high level of reliability and ensuring that websites experience minimal downtime. The company’s infrastructure is built with scalability in mind, equipped to handle traffic spikes without sacrificing performance. By utilizing modern technologies like SSD storage, a free CDN, and automatic resource scaling, GreenGeeks ensures that websites remain fast and stable under varying loads, providing a consistent user experience.

Customer Service: |4.8|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

24/7 customer service is available from GreenGeeks by email, phone, and live chat. Their support team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive, providing quick solutions to technical issues. They also offer a comprehensive knowledge base and tutorials to help users troubleshoot on their own.

GoDaddy

Performance: |4.8| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GoDaddy also delivers strong performance, with fast load times and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. It provides solid infrastructure with SSD storage, global data centers, and a content delivery network (CDN) for better speed and reliability.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GoDaddy also promises a 99.9% uptime, supported by its extensive global network of data centers and robust hosting infrastructure. This guarantee ensures that websites hosted on GoDaddy’s platform remain highly available and accessible at all times. The company’s infrastructure is designed for both speed and reliability, offering features such as SSD storage and a built-in CDN to maintain fast load times and minimize disruptions. This makes GoDaddy a reliable choice for businesses seeking stable hosting with high performance.

Customer Service: |4.7|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GoDaddy provides 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat, with support available in multiple languages. They have a large support team trained to assist with a variety of issues, from hosting to domain management. GoDaddy also offers a wide range of self-help resources, including an extensive knowledge base and video tutorials.

Comparison: Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy offer round-the-clock support with various contact methods, including phone and live chat. GreenGeeks is often praised for its personalized customer service, while GoDaddy benefits from its large team and broad range of resources, making it easier for users to find answers to common issues.

Overall Comparison GreenGeeks vs GoDaddy

FeatureGreenGeeks GoDaddy
Uptime Guarantee 99.9% uptime99.9% uptime
Eco-Friendliness 300% energy offset Not eco-focused
Hosting Types Shared, VPS, WordPress, Reseller Shared, VPS, WordPress, Dedicated, E-commerce
Performance Features SSD storage, Free CDN, Auto scaling SSD storage, Free CDN, Global data centers
Customer Support 24/7 support (chat, phone, email) 24/7 support (phone, chat)
Free MigrationYes No
Backup Daily backups Daily backups
Control Panel cPanel cPanel
Website Builder Not included Free website builder available
Additional Features Free domain for first year, Green hosting Free domain for first year, Marketing tools

1. Plans and Pricing

GoDaddy offers a wider selection of WordPress hosting plans

GoDaddy offers a wider selection of WordPress hosting plans, with eight options divided into Standard and Pro tiers, compared to GreenGeeks’ three managed WordPress packages. However, in this comparison, more options don’t necessarily mean better value.

For instance, GreenGeeks’ entry-level WordPress plan (Lite) matches the resource allocations of GoDaddy’s Ultimate plan, which costs six times more. With GreenGeeks Lite, you get one hosted website, unlimited storage, and key perks like free SSL and a free domain.

Plan TypeGreenGeeks GoDaddy
Basic Shared Hosting$2.95/month (3-year term) $5.99/month (3-year term)
Plus Shared Hosting $4.95/month (3-year term) $7.99/month (3-year term)
Pro Shared Hosting $5.95/month (3-year term) $9.99/month (3-year term)
VPS Hosting $39.95/month (3-year term) $19.99/month (3-year term)
WordPress Hosting $2.95/month (3-year term) $6.99/month (3-year term)
Dedicated Hosting $169.00/month (1-year term) $89.99/month (1-year term)
E-commerce Hosting $4.95/month (3-year term) $19.99/month (3-year term)
Free DomainYes (1st year) Yes (1st year)

GoDaddy offers a 48-hour or 30-day money-back guarantee, depending on the subscription length, while GreenGeeks provides a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. GreenGeeks also includes free website migration, whereas GoDaddy only offers free migrations with its fully managed WordPress packages (Pro). Additionally, GreenGeeks keeps the pricing consistent between its shared and WordPress hosting plans, whereas GoDaddy’s WordPress plans are priced higher than its shared options. Overall, GreenGeeks delivers better value for money, making it the winner in terms of pricing.

Hosting Management

Feature GreenGeeks GoDaddy
Control Panel cPanel cPanel
One-Click Installations Yes (for WordPress, apps, etc.) Yes (for WordPress, apps, etc.)
Managed Hosting Yes (for WordPress hosting) Yes (for WordPress hosting)
Automated Backups Daily backupsDaily backups
Site Migration Free migration Paid migration
Resource Scaling Automatic scaling for VPS and WordPress Manual scaling for VPS
SSL Certificates Free SSL included Free SSL included (with certain plans)
Email ManagementEmail hosting available Email hosting available
Security Features Free website protection (Hack fix, etc.) Website security add-ons available

2. Features

Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy provide feature-rich WordPress hosting plans, but GreenGeeks has some added advantages

While both hosts deliver a variety of WordPress features, GreenGeeks outshines GoDaddy in terms of resource allocations and added value.

For example, GreenGeeks includes unlimited SSD storage across all its WordPress plans, while GoDaddy’s WordPress hosting does not use SSDs, offering 30 GB to 200 GB of disk space instead. GreenGeeks also allows hosting from 1 to unlimited WordPress sites, compared to a maximum of 50 sites with GoDaddy.

Both providers offer daily backups and a free CDN, but GreenGeeks also includes a free SSL certificate with all its plans. With GoDaddy, free SSL is available only on the higher-priced Standard and Pro packages.

Check the side-by-side table below for a detailed comparison of GreenGeeks and GoDaddy.

FeatureGreenGeeks GoDaddy
Hosting TypesShared, VPS, reseller, WordPress hosting,
application hosting, dedicated servers
Shared (Linux and Windows), business hosting,
reseller, WordPress hosting, VPS, dedicated servers
Storage SSD storage for faster performance SSD storage for faster performance
Free Domain
Free SSL CertificateWith certain plans
Disk Space50 GB – Unlimited20 GB – Unlimited
Bandwidth10 TB – UnmeteredUnlimited
Automatic Backups
Control PanelcPanelcPanel, Plesk
Email AccountsUnlimited1 Free
Free CDNWith WordPress hosting only
Free Site MigrationOnly with the fully managed WordPress hosting plans
Money-Back Guarantee30 days (except for dedicated servers)30 days for annual plans and 48 hours for monthly plans
Easy-to-useEasy-to-use control panel User-friendly control panel
Support24/7 customer support 24/7 customer support

While both hosts provide feature-rich WordPress hosting packages, GreenGeeks stands out with superior resource allocations compared to GoDaddy, making GreenGeeks the clear winner in this category.

3. Performance

GreenGeeks experiences fewer downtimes and slightly faster loading speeds compared to GoDaddy

GreenGeeks has servers in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands, while GoDaddy operates servers in the U.S. and India, meaning GreenGeeks offers more server locations, though GoDaddy’s network is more widely spread.

GreenGeeks uses SSD storage for all its hosting plans, whereas GoDaddy only uses SSDs with certain plans. SSD storage significantly outperforms traditional HDD storage, improving data processing speeds and website performance.

Additionally, GreenGeeks includes a Content Delivery Network (CDN) with all its services, while GoDaddy only provides it with WordPress hosting. A CDN places your site on a global network of servers, boosting loading speeds across different regions.

Both hosts promise a 99.9% uptime guarantee. While GoDaddy has had some reported downtimes, GreenGeeks has demonstrated perfect uptime.

When tested for page loading speeds, GreenGeeks performed excellently in most regions, except for the U.S., while GoDaddy showed slower speeds in Asia.

When the two hosts’ performances are compared, GreenGeeks wins the performance category by a slim percentage over GoDaddy.

Page Performance of GreenGeeks

Page Pefromance of GreenGeeks

Page Performance of GoDaddy

GoDaddy Page Performance

4. Ease of Use

GreenGeeks:

User-Friendly cPanel: GreenGeeks uses cPanel, which is widely recognized for its intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to manage websites, domains, and hosting settings.

Easy Setup: One-click installations for popular CMS platforms like WordPress simplify website setup.

Free Migration: GreenGeeks offers free site migration, handling the transfer of your website with minimal effort on your part.

Automatic Backups: Websites are backed up daily, so users don’t need to worry about data loss.

24/7 Support: Responsive customer support is available via phone, chat, and email to assist with any issues.

GoDaddy:

Simple Control Panel: GoDaddy’s custom control panel is designed for ease of use, providing quick access to manage websites, domains, and hosting.

Website Builder: GoDaddy offers an intuitive website builder for users who prefer to design their sites without coding knowledge.

One-Click Installs: Like GreenGeeks, GoDaddy also provides one-click installs for WordPress and other apps.

Free Domain and SSL: GoDaddy makes it easy to manage a domain and SSL from within its platform, providing everything in one place.

24/7 Support: With extensive customer support available through phone, chat, and email, users can easily get help when needed.

Hosting Provided

Hosting provided

What Our Customers Have to Say?

GreenGeeks:

Eco-Friendly Appeal: Many customers appreciate GreenGeeks’ commitment to sustainability, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious users.

Reliable Performance: Users highlight GreenGeeks’ consistent uptime and fast loading speeds, especially for small to medium-sized sites.

Responsive Support: Customers often commend GreenGeeks’ knowledgeable and helpful support team for quick issue resolution.

Easy Migration: Positive feedback also centers around their free migration service, making it easier for new users to transition.

GoDaddy:

Wide Range of Services: Customers value GoDaddy’s all-in-one approach, with hosting, domains, and website-building tools all in one place.

Ease of Use for Beginners: GoDaddy is often praised by new website owners for its user-friendly platform and accessible customer support.

Mixed Support Experiences: Some customers find GoDaddy’s support helpful, while others report delays and longer wait times.

Affordable Starting Plans: Many users appreciate GoDaddy’s affordable entry-level plans, though some mention that renewal prices can be higher than expected.

Advantage of GreenGeeks & GoDaddy

GreenGeeks GoDaddy
Eco-friendly with 300% energy offsetWide range of hosting and domain services
Free site migration User-friendly website builder included
Daily automated backups Extensive knowledge base and resources
SSD storage for faster performance Global data centers for broader reach
Free SSL and CDN includedFree domain with select plans
24/7 customer support via multiple channels 24/7 customer support in multiple languages
Reliable uptime and speedOne-stop shop for hosting, domains, and email
Managed WordPress hosting available Variety of affordable starting plans

Disadvantage of GreenGeeks & GoDaddy

GreenGeeks GoDaddy
Higher renewal rates compared to initial pricing Higher renewal rates, especially for entry-level plans
Limited data center locationsLimited focus on eco-friendliness
Fewer hosting options (no dedicated hosting) Limited free migration; migration is often paid
No standalone website builder Website builder lacks advanced customization
Limited VPS options compared to other hosts Mixed customer support experiences, with occasional delays
Extra fees for certain advanced features Higher cost for some add-ons like security features
Some reports of slower response times on support Interface can be overwhelming for some beginners

5. Support

GreenGeeks offers more responsive support channels compared to GoDaddy

While both hosts have informative websites, GreenGeeks’ knowledgebase is better organized and easier to navigate.

GreenGeeks provides customer support through live chat, phone, and email, with a support ticket option available for technical issues. All channels are available 24/7, except for phone support, which operates from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 12 am EST.

I tested GreenGeeks’ live chat multiple times with different questions. As promised, responses were immediate, and the representatives were highly knowledgeable.

GreenGeeks:

24/7 Availability: GreenGeeks provides round-the-clock support through live chat, phone, and email to assist with any hosting-related issues.

Knowledgeable Team: Users often praise the support team for being knowledgeable, responsive, and able to solve technical problems efficiently.

Free Site Migration Assistance: GreenGeeks offers free site migration with dedicated support to make the transition seamless for new users.

Resourceful Knowledge Base: A comprehensive library of articles, guides, and tutorials is available to help users troubleshoot independently.

Personalized Service: GreenGeeks’ support is often noted for a personalized approach, catering to specific issues rather than general responses.

GoDaddy:

24/7 Support: GoDaddy also offers 24/7 customer service through phone and live chat, supporting users globally.

Multilingual Support: The company provides support in multiple languages, which is beneficial for international users.

Extensive Help Center: GoDaddy has a vast knowledge base and FAQ section covering a range of topics, from hosting to website building.

Mixed User Feedback: While some customers find GoDaddy’s support helpful, others report longer wait times and inconsistent responses.

Paid Expert Services: GoDaddy offers optional paid support for advanced services, providing personalized guidance for complex issues.

6. Security

Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy offer basic security features

They use DDoS defense and round-the-clock monitoring to secure servers.

GreenGeeks uses container technology and account isolation software to shield each account on a server from threats affecting other accounts, while GoDaddy achieves similar isolation using CloudLinux OS.

Both hosts include spam protection, malware scanning, automatic app and security updates, and daily backups.

Overall, it’s a tie. Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy provide a limited, yet sufficient, range of security features to keep your website safe.

Security FeatureGreenGeeks GoDaddy
SSL CertificatesFree SSL with all plans Free SSL on certain plans, add-on for others
Daily Backups Daily automatic backups Daily backups available
Malware Protection Free malware scanning and cleanup Malware protection available as paid add-on
DDoS Protection Basic DDoS protection included Advanced DDoS protection with certain plans
Account Isolation Isolates accounts on shared hosting for security Limited account isolation on shared hosting
Spam Protection Spam protection for email hosting Email spam protection available
Advanced Security Add-Ons Fewer advanced paid add-ons Multiple add-ons (website security, backups)
Firewall Protection Web application firewall (WAF) includedWeb application firewall available

Final Recommendation

AspectGreenGeeks GoDaddy
Best For Eco-conscious users, small to medium-sized businesses Beginners, users needing a wide range of
services (domains, hosting, e-commerce)
Ease of Use User-friendly, especially for hosting-focused tasks Beginner-friendly, with an easy-to-use
website builder
Customer Support Responsive, helpful, and personal support 24/7 support, but mixed feedback on wait times
Performance Dependable uptime, quick SSD and CDN speeds. Strong uptime and fast speeds with global data centers
Security Strong security features, free SSL, malware protectionSolid security features, paid add-ons
for advanced protection
Pricing Competitive pricing, higher renewal rates Lower initial pricing, higher renewal
rates for basic plans
Hosting Types Shared, VPS, WordPress, Reseller HostingShared, VPS, WordPress, E-commerce, Website Builder
Sustainability 300% energy offset for eco-friendly hosting No specific focus on sustainability
Website BuildingNo built-in website builder Free website builder included, but with limited customization

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Reseller, WordPress, VPS, and shared hosting are all available from GreenGeeks. 

GoDaddy provides Shared, VPS, WordPress, Dedicated, E-commerce hosting, and a Website Builder.

  • GreenGeeks is highly eco-conscious, offsetting 300% of its energy use with renewable energy credits. GoDaddy doesn’t have a focus on eco-friendly hosting.
  • GreenGeeks includes free SSL with all plans. GoDaddy offers free SSL on certain plans, though it is a paid add-on for some others.
  • Yes, GreenGeeks offers daily automatic backups, while GoDaddy provides daily backups, but some advanced backup features may cost extra.
  • GreenGeeks has 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email, praised for its personalized service. GoDaddy also offers 24/7 support via phone and chat but has mixed reviews, with some users reporting longer wait times.

GreenGeeks offers free site migration, while GoDaddy charges a fee for site migration services.

  • GoDaddy is generally more beginner-friendly, offering a website builder and easy setup options. GreenGeeks also provides a straightforward experience but doesn’t include a website builder.
  • Yes, GreenGeeks offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. GoDaddy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual plans and 48 hours for monthly plans.

Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring reliable service with minimal downtime

  • GoDaddy has specific e-commerce hosting plans and a website builder with integrated e-commerce tools. GreenGeeks supports e-commerce via its hosting plans but doesn’t have dedicated e-commerce hosting.
  • Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy offer SSD storage and CDN, contributing to fast loading speeds. However, GreenGeeks may have a slight edge due to its focus on high-performance, eco-friendly infrastructure.
  • Both GreenGeeks and GoDaddy offer promotional pricing for the first term, with higher renewal rates afterward. Renewal rates are typically higher than introductory prices for both providers.
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