InterServer vs A2 Hosting – “The Winner Is …”

InterServer vs A2 Hosting

95.8 %

Overall Score

InterServer vs A2 Hosting

98.8 %

Overall Score

InterServer offers affordable hosting solutions with a strong focus on value for money. Known for its reliable shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting services, it provides unlimited storage and bandwidth, making it a great choice for small to medium businesses. The company’s data centers are located in the U.S., ensuring fast speeds and good uptime, with a price-lock guarantee for renewal rates.

A2 Hosting is recognized for its high-performance hosting solutions, particularly with its turbocharged plans that promise faster loading speeds. It provides a variety of hosting options, including shared, VPS, reseller, and dedicated hosting. A2 Hosting’s servers are optimized for speed, with the ability to customize for high traffic needs. It also offers solid customer support and a range of features like free website migration.

Comparison: While both are strong contenders in the hosting industry, InterServer stands out for its affordability and value-added services, while A2 Hosting excels in performance, particularly with its Turbo plans. A2 Hosting can be more suited for those looking for faster speeds and performance tuning, while InterServer may appeal to budget-conscious users looking for basic, reliable hosting at a good price.

InterServer

Performance: |5.0| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

InterServer offers solid performance with an emphasis on reliability and affordability. While its speeds are competitive, especially with SSD-based storage in many plans, it may not match the ultra-fast speeds seen with higher-tier providers. Its uptime is generally strong, and it provides unlimited bandwidth, making it suitable for moderate traffic websites.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

InterServer offers a reliable uptime track record, with an uptime guarantee of 99.9%. This is backed by its in-house data centers and advanced infrastructure. Although its uptime is generally strong, it may not always be as consistent as higher-end providers, but it remains a solid option for those prioritizing cost-effective hosting.

Customer Service: |4.8|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

InterServer provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email. While the support team is generally helpful, response times can vary, especially during peak hours. Users often appreciate the technical expertise of the staff, but some have reported slower resolutions for more complex issues. Overall, InterServer’s support is reliable but not as fast as premium providers.

A2 Hosting

Performance: |4.8| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A2 Hosting is renowned for its superior performance, particularly with its Turbo plans, which use advanced caching and server optimizations to deliver faster load times. A2 Hosting’s servers are designed for high performance, making it ideal for websites that demand high speed, such as e-commerce platforms and resource-heavy sites. Their focus on speed, backed by SSD storage, gives them a performance edge over many competitors.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A2 Hosting also guarantees 99.9% uptime and delivers a consistent performance. With their emphasis on speed and server optimization, A2 Hosting tends to maintain stable uptime, making it a reliable choice for businesses that require both high performance and strong availability. Their global data centers help ensure minimal downtime.

Customer Service: |4.7|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A2 Hosting offers 24/7 customer service through live chat, phone, and ticket support. Their support team is known for being quick, professional, and knowledgeable, with many users praising the proactive assistance for troubleshooting and technical issues. A2 Hosting also provides a comprehensive knowledge base and helpful tutorials, making it easier for users to resolve basic issues independently.

Overall Comparison InterServer vs A2 Hosting

InterServer and A2 Hosting are both excellent hosting providers, so you can feel confident that either choice will serve you well. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences that might influence which one is the better fit for your needs.

To provide a fair comparison, I evaluated InterServer and A2 Hosting based on pricing, features, performance, security, and customer support. Although A2 Hosting is known for being budget-friendly, I found that InterServer stands out with even lower pricing.

Check out the latest deals from InterServer here, or continue reading for a detailed comparison of how these two hosts stack up in this tight competition.

FeatureInterServerA2 Hosting
Pricing Affordable, price-lock guarantee Higher pricing for premium features
Uptime 99.9% uptime guarantee 99.9% uptime guarantee
Performance Solid speeds, SSD storage in most plans High performance with Turbo plans for faster speeds
Customer Support 24/7 support via live chat, phone, email 24/7 support via live chat, phone, ticket
Hosting Options Shared, VPS, and dedicated hostingShared, VPS, reseller, and dedicated hosting
Features Unlimited storage and bandwidth Free website migration, SSL certificates
Data Centers U.S.-based in-house data centersMultiple global data center locations

1. Plans and Pricing

InterServer is More Affordable, Especially Over the Long Term

Both A2 Hosting and InterServer provide a wide range of hosting options, including dedicated servers, VPS, WordPress hosting, and shared hosting. However, InterServer supports both Linux and Windows hosting, while A2 Hosting primarily focuses on Linux-based plans. Additionally, InterServer includes e-commerce hosting as part of its offerings.

Neither host includes a free domain name, but both provide free website migration services and a 30-day money-back guarantee. A2 Hosting, however, goes a step further with its anytime money-back guarantee, allowing you to cancel your plan at any time and receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your subscription.

Plan TypeInterServerA2 Hosting
PricingAffordable with price-lock guaranteeHigher pricing for premium features
Shared Hosting Starts at $2.50/monthStarts at $2.99/month
VPS HostingStarts at $6.00/month Starts at $5.99/month
Dedicated HostingStarts at $50.00/monthStarts at $99.99/month
Renewal Rates Same as initial pricing (price-lock guarantee) Prices increase significantly after the first term

InterServer is more budget-friendly compared to A2 Hosting. For example, its fully-featured shared hosting plan costs half the monthly price of A2 Hosting’s smallest package.

While both providers increase their prices after the initial term, A2 Hosting’s renewal rates are nearly four times the introductory price. In contrast, InterServer starts at a lower price, with renewal rates only tripling, making it the more cost-effective choice both initially and over time.

The verdict? InterServer takes the lead. Although A2 Hosting is reasonably priced and includes several freebies, it remains more expensive than InterServer, particularly after renewal.

Hosting Management

Plan TypeInterServerA2 Hosting
Control Panel cPanel (included in most plans) cPanel (for shared hosting), Plesk (for Windows)
Website Builder Free website builder available Free website builder available
One-click Installations Available via Softaculous Available via Softaculous
Backup Options Daily backups (included with some plans)Daily backups (optional in some plans)
SSL Certificates Free SSL on select plans Free SSL certificates included
Resource Management Managed via cPanel, VPS & dedicated
plans provide root access
Managed via cPanel, root access for VPS/dedicated
Email Hosting Included with most plans Included with most plans
Domain Management Integrated with cPanelIntegrated with cPanel

2. Features

A2 Hosting’s Basic Shared Hosting Plans Fall Short – InterServer Delivers Greater Value

A2 Hosting provides four Linux-based shared hosting plans. The two entry-level plans use SSD storage (ranging from 100 GB to unlimited), while the higher-tier options feature unlimited NVMe storage. With the StartUp plan, the smallest package, you can host one website and access features like five databases, free SSL, unlimited email accounts, a free CDN, cPanel, and Softaculous. However, these SSD-powered plans lack advanced security features and backups.

In comparison, InterServer offers a single shared hosting plan for Linux and one for Windows. Despite the simplicity, InterServer’s Linux plan is loaded with all the premium features found in A2 Hosting’s higher-tier options.

InterServer includes unlimited everything—SSD storage, hosted websites, MySQL databases, bandwidth, email accounts, and more. It also offers free SSL, a free CDN, CloudLinux OS, weekly backups, the SitePad website builder, cPanel, and an application installer.

Check out this comparison table for a detailed breakdown of the differences between InterServer and A2 Hosting.

FeatureInterServerA2 Hosting
Hosting TypesOffers shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting Shared (Linux & Windows), reseller, email hosting,
e-commerce hosting, VPS
Free Domain
Free SSL Certificate
Disk Space30 GB – Unlimited10 GB – Unlimited
Bandwidth1 TB – Unlimited400 GB – Unlimited
Automatic BackupsDaily, Weekly
Control PanelcPanel, DirectAdmin, PleskcPanel, Plesk
Email AccountsUnlimitedUnlimited
Free CDN
Free Site Migration
Money-Back Guarantee30 days30 days
data centerIn-house data centers in the U.S. Multiple global data center locations
Support24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and ticket

Both InterServer and A2 Hosting provide a wide range of similar features in their plans. However, InterServer stands out by offering more generous resource allocations.

3. Performance

InterServer Excels in Uptime

InterServer operates two data centers, both located in the US, while A2 Hosting offers three server locations in the US, the Netherlands, and Singapore, giving it a slight advantage in global reach.

All InterServer plans use SSD storage, whereas A2 Hosting only includes SSD storage in certain plans. SSDs process data faster than traditional HDDs, leading to quicker website loading times and better overall performance.

Both hosts include free CloudFlare CDN with all plans. A CDN (Content Delivery Network) enhances website loading speeds from various global locations by distributing content through a network of cloud servers worldwide.

While both providers guarantee 99.9% uptime, A2 Hosting users have occasionally reported minor downtimes, though its actual uptime has never fallen below 99.5%. In contrast, InterServer achieved a flawless 100% uptime with no reported downtimes.

In loading speed tests, both InterServer and A2 Hosting delivered similar results overall, with excellent performance in most locations and slower speeds in a few. Detailed test results are available in their respective reviews.

Although they tie in loading speed, InterServer edges out A2 Hosting with its superior uptime, making it the stronger performer overall.

5. Ease of Use

InterServer

cPanel Interface: Easy-to-use cPanel interface for managing websites, domains, and emails.

Simple Setup: Quick account setup and website migration process, especially for beginners.

No Complicated Customizations: No complex configurations required for basic hosting plans.

Support Accessibility: Easy access to 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, or email.

A2 Hosting

User-Friendly Control Panel:

cPanel for shared hosting and Plesk for Windows, both offering intuitive management tools.

Website Builder: Easy-to-use website builder available for beginners without coding knowledge.

One-Click Install: Softaculous one-click installations for CMSs like WordPress, Joomla, etc.

Support Assistance: Fast and professional customer support with proactive help in solving issues.

Hosting Provided by InterServer vs A2 Hosting

Hosting provided

What Our Customers Have to Say?

InterServer

Positive Reviews: Customers appreciate its affordable pricing, reliable performance, and price-lock guarantee.

Good Uptime: Many users highlight the strong uptime and steady performance, especially for budget-friendly hosting.

Customer Support: Generally positive feedback for helpful customer support, though some users mention slower response times for complex issues.

Ease of Use: Users find the cPanel interface intuitive, making it easy to manage hosting without advanced technical knowledge.

Value for Money: Several customers note that InterServer provides good value, especially for those with moderate hosting needs.

A2 Hosting

Speed and Performance: Customers rave about the fast website load times, especially with Turbo plans.

Reliable Support: Highly rated for responsive and knowledgeable customer service, with many users praising the proactive help.

User-Friendly: Positive feedback on the ease of setting up and managing websites, with intuitive tools and a smooth experience.

Performance for High Traffic: A2 Hosting is frequently recommended for users running resource-heavy or high-traffic sites due to its optimized infrastructure.

Customer Experience: Customers value the performance enhancements, including SSD storage and one-click installs, contributing to an overall positive hosting experience.

Advantage of InterServer and A2 Hosting

InterServerA2 Hosting
Affordable pricing with price-lock guarantee Fast website speeds with Turbo plans
Reliable 99.9% uptime Excellent customer support with proactive help
Variety of hosting plans (shared, VPS, dedicated)Feature-rich hosting with free SSL and migration
Unlimited storage and bandwidth SSD storage for faster performance
24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email Optimized for high-traffic and resource-heavy sites
Easy-to-use cPanel for management Multiple global data centers for better performance

Disadvantage of InterServer and A2 Hosting

InterServer A2 Hosting
Slower response times for complex issues Higher pricing, especially on renewals
May not match the speed/performance of premium hosts Complexity for beginners with advanced plans
Lacks some advanced performance-focused features Expensive renewal rates
Limited performance enhancements compared to competitors Turbo plans require higher-tier pricing
Basic features on lower-tier plans Some users report occasional server issues

5. Support

A2 Hosting’s Support Team Is More Reliable

Before reaching out to customer support, it’s worth exploring the extensive knowledge base offered by both hosts. These resources include numerous articles and tutorials covering key topics, and A2 Hosting also features a section with video tutorials.

InterServer provides 24/7 support through live chat, email, tickets, and phone. Their phone support includes native-speaking call centers in the US, UK, Israel, Brazil, and Mexico. However, the live chat option isn’t consistently available, and when I managed to connect with an agent, their responses lacked depth and there were noticeable delays between questions and answers.

InterServer

24/7 Support: Offers round-the-clock customer support via live chat, phone, and email.

Technical Expertise: Support staff is knowledgeable, especially for basic hosting issues, but some users report slower response times for more complex concerns.

Support Channels: In addition to live chat and email, phone support is available for direct assistance.

Response Time: Can vary, with some users experiencing delays during peak times.

Help Center: Includes a knowledge base with articles and guides to help resolve common issues.

A2 Hosting

24/7 Support: Provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and ticketing system.

Fast Response: Known for quick response times, especially through live chat, with a reputation for proactive assistance.

Technical Support: Highly rated for solving technical issues, including server optimizations and advanced troubleshooting.

Multiple Channels: Users can reach support through live chat, tickets, and phone, with a comprehensive knowledge base for self-service.

Proactive Assistance: Customers appreciate the fast and professional help, with many reporting quick resolution of issues.

A2 Hosting also provides 24/7 support through live chat, phone, email, and ticketing systems. Local phone numbers are available for various locations worldwide. Unlike InterServer, A2 Hosting’s live chat is reliably accessible, though you may experience a short wait of a few minutes to connect with an agent. Once connected, the support team demonstrates excellent expertise and is quick to offer helpful solutions.

6. Security

Both Hosts Provide Robust Security Features

InterServer includes a proprietary security package, InterShield, with all its plans. This suite offers DDoS and brute-force protection, a virus scanner, a machine-learning firewall, and a proprietary malware database built from data gathered across thousands of servers and websites worldwide. Additionally, InterServer provides Inter-Insurance, a feature that cleans up compromised, hacked, or exploited accounts.

A2 Hosting also includes a comprehensive security suite with its plans. This package features KernelCare (daily, automatic, rebootless kernel updates), DDoS and brute-force protection, a dual web hosting firewall, HackScan, Auto-Heal hosting protection, Barracuda spam filtering, and virus scanning.

Security FeatureInterServer A2 Hosting
SSL CertificatesFree SSL certificates on select plans Free SSL certificates included with all plans
DDoS ProtectionIncluded with most plansIncluded with all plans
Firewall Protection Built-in security features with server firewall Advanced firewall protection
Malware Protection Provides malware scanning and removal Free HackScan monitoring and malware protection
Backup Options Daily backups included with some plans Daily backups (optional on certain plans)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)Available for cPanel login Available for cPanel login
Data Encryption Strong data encryption for all stored data Strong data encryption for all stored data
Automatic Security Patches Automatic updates and patches for securityAutomatic security updates and patches

Both providers utilize CloudLinux OS, which isolates each account on the server to prevent security breaches from affecting others and ensures fair resource distribution.

In terms of backups, InterServer offers free automatic weekly backups, while A2 Hosting provides daily backups.

It’s evident that both InterServer and A2 Hosting prioritize website security, offering extensive protective measures. As a result, this round ends in a tie.

Final Recommendations

Criteria InterServer A2 Hosting
Best For Budget-conscious users looking for reliable hosting Users needing high performance and
speed optimization
Pricing Affordable, great for small to medium businessesHigher cost but offers premium features and performance
Performance Solid, reliable performance for basic websites Excellent performance, especially with Turbo plans
Customer Support Good support, but response times may vary Fast, professional, and knowledgeable support
Ease of Use User-friendly for beginners, cPanel included Easy to use but may require more technical
knowledge for advanced plans
Security FeaturesBasic security features, free SSL on select plans Advanced security with free SSL and HackScan
Hosting Options Shared, VPS, dedicated, cloud hosting Shared, VPS, dedicated, managed WordPress hosting
Overall Great for users on a budget needing reliable hostingIdeal for users who prioritize speed, performance,
and high traffic capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

InterServer’s shared hosting starts at $2.50 per month with a price-lock guarantee.

Yes, A2 Hosting offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all hosting plans.

InterServer offers shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, cloud hosting, and reseller hosting.

Yes, A2 Hosting’s Turbo plans are specifically optimized for high-traffic websites and resource-intensive applications.

Yes, InterServer includes free SSL certificates on most hosting plans, but not all.

Yes, A2 Hosting allows users to easily upgrade their hosting plans as their needs grow, including VPS and dedicated options.

InterServer guarantees 99.9% uptime for all hosting plans.

Yes, A2 Hosting provides free website migration for most hosting plans, including shared and VPS.

Yes, InterServer provides cPanel for managing shared and VPS hosting plans.

Yes, A2 Hosting offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and tickets.

Yes, InterServer allows you to host multiple websites on shared and VPS hosting plans, depending on your plan limits.

A2 Hosting’s Turbo plans provide up to 20x faster website speeds compared to their standard hosting plans due to enhanced server optimizations.

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