A2 Web Hosting is currently one of the most frequently chosen hosting services worldwide.
It is tailored to meet the requirements of both bloggers and large e-commerce sites, offering dedicated email hosting solutions and being one of the most popular choices for WordPress-based websites.
Ultimately, if you care about the search engine optimization (SEO) performance of your site, selecting the right hosting service is the first step.
So, how to choose the right web hosting in such a saturated market?
By reading this review, you’ll find out:
- What characterizes A2 hosting?
- What are the benefits of using A2 hosting for your business?
- How A2 Hosting stands out from the competition, and which of its features will facilitate running & boosting your online business?
In a Nutshell:
What is A2 Web Hosting?
A2 delivers a variety of Linux-based hosting solutions, ranging from essential shared hosting to advanced managed WordPress hosting, along with VPS, reseller, and dedicated hosting options.
A2 guarantees a reliable 99.9% uptime and provides constant support all year round. A2 Hosting’s Turbo hosting plans are highlighted for their exceptional speed, designed to handle significantly increased website traffic, making them perfect for heavily trafficked or content-rich sites. Therefore, this hosting provider can be adequate for bloggers and for ecommerce sites with thousands of various products.
Each A2 plan comes with a number of complimentary benefits, including SSL certificates, site migration, and enhanced security measures. However, A2 Hosting does not provide some of the free extras like domain registration, privacy protections, a website builder, or unlimited website options that are often included by other providers.
How Does A2 Hosting Work?
A2 is a web hosting provider known for its high-speed solutions and robust server performance. It operates by offering various hosting plans, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and reseller hosting, catering to different needs from small personal blogs (like mine) to large business websites.
When you sign up for A2, you choose a hosting plan based on your website’s requirements. Each plan comes with specific resources like disk space, bandwidth, and the ability to handle a certain amount of traffic. A2 Hosting uses what they call their “Turbo Servers” which claim to load pages up to 20 times faster than standard hosting, which is a significant benefit for improving website performance and search engine optimization.
The process begins when you register a domain and select your hosting package. A2 then provides you with a control panel, typically cPanel, where you can manage your website’s files, databases, email accounts, and more. They also offer one-click installations for popular CMSs like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, making it easier for users to get their websites up and running with minimal technical knowledge (literally).
A2 Hosting also emphasizes security with features like free SSL certificates, automatic backups, and server-level firewalls. They provide 24/7 customer support to assist with any technical or account-related queries.
Who Should Use A2 Hosting (and Who Not)?
A2 Hosting is so extensive and versatile that it doesn’t impose limitations on who can or cannot use it. Nevertheless, there are certain indications that may be more dedicated to some users and less so for others.
Let me divide them into two groups: Who Should & Who Might Not.
Who Should Use A2 Hosting?
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: A2’s reliable performance and scalability options make it suitable for SMBs that anticipate growth and require stable online operations without the high costs of dedicated servers.
Bloggers and Developers: With its array of developer-friendly tools and software options, plus one-click installs for popular CMSs like WordPress, A2 Hosting is ideal for bloggers and web developers looking for flexibility and easy site management.
E-commerce Sites: Given its strong uptime records and security features, including free SSL certificates and robust server firewalls, A2 Hosting is well-suited for e-commerce businesses that need to protect customer data and ensure their site is always accessible.
Sites Requiring High Performance: Websites that need fast loading times to improve user experience and SEO will benefit from A2 Hosting’s Turbo Servers, which can significantly boost site speed.
Who Might Not Benefit from A2 Hosting?
Large Enterprises: Larger corporations with highly specific hosting needs might find A2 Hosting’s server capabilities insufficient, especially if they require extensive customization or manage exceptionally high traffic volumes. These organizations might prefer a dedicated enterprise solution.
Users Needing Specialized Hosting Services: Some niche websites requiring unique hosting arrangements (like Windows-based hosting) or specialized environments tailored for specific applications might not find A2 Hosting’s Linux-based options compatible with their needs.
As you can see, A2 is a comprehensive tool suitable for anyone who runs any kind of online activity. Are you one of them, or do you want to be? Try A2 Hosting today.
A2 Hosting: How to Set It Up?
Choosing A2 for your hosting is not complicated and requires absolutely no technical knowledge. Its solution is so user-friendly and intuitive that you can click through in 10 minutes to set up an account and purchase a domain along with hosting.
For further simplification, let me take you through a 5-step guide, where I will show you what it looks like step by step.
1/ Choose Your Plan
A2 Hosting has various plans to fit different needs, from simple shared hosting for small sites to powerful dedicated servers for large ones. Each plan offers different amounts of storage, speed, and special features like backups and site transfers. If you’re just starting out, the shared hosting plan is affordable and sufficient. For bigger websites with more traffic, consider VPS or dedicated hosting for more power. Choose a plan based on your website’s size and growth expectations.
2/ Buy Your Domain
When you’re ready to buy a domain with A2 Hosting, you can do so directly through their platform. Start by searching for your desired domain name to see if it’s available. If it is, you can proceed to purchase it. A2 Hosting often includes options for domain privacy and protection services to keep your personal information secure. Once you’ve completed the purchase, the domain is yours, and you can start setting up your website.
3/ Configure Your Plan
Once you’ve selected your plan with A2, the next step is to configure it to suit your specific needs.
This involves choosing your server location, deciding on the operating system, and selecting any additional features like SSL certificates or CDN services for faster content delivery. But no worries, it’s not complicated.
You’ll also set up your preferred control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk, which helps manage your website’s backend easily. During this process, you can adjust your plan’s resources, like RAM and storage, depending on your website’s requirements. Finally, confirm all selections to ensure they meet your expectations before finalizing the setup. That’s it.
4/ Create a Dedicated Email Address for Your New Domain
After setting up your domain with A2 Hosting, creating a dedicated email address is a simple next step.
First, access your hosting control panel, where you can find the email section.
Here, you’ll have the option to create a new email account. Choose a username and domain (e.g., contact@yourdomain.com) and set a secure password for the account. Once created, you can start using this professional email for business communications, enhancing your brand’s credibility and consistency.
Sure, you can create as many email addresses as you’d like. However, keep in mind that with a larger number, there will be additional costs to obtain extra server space.
5/ Log in to WordPress to Make the Final Steps
Once your hosting and domain are set up, the final step is to log into WordPress to start building your website.
First, install WordPress through your A2 Hosting control panel if it hasn’t been installed already—this can usually be done with a single click. After installation, you’ll receive the login credentials either via email or directly in your control panel. Use these credentials to log into your WordPress dashboard, where you can choose themes, install plugins, and begin creating content for your site.
This dashboard is your central hub for all site management activities, allowing you to customize and update your website as needed.
4-Step Guide How to Log in to the WordPress Panel 👇
—> Install WordPress
Access your A2 Hosting control panel and find the WordPress installation tool. This is typically a one-click install process found under the “Softaculous Apps Installer” menu. Click “Install” and WordPress will be set up on your domain.
—> Receive Credentials
Once WordPress is installed, you will receive the login credentials. These can either be displayed on your control panel or sent to your email address. Make sure to keep these details secure.
—> Access Your WordPress Dashboard
Open your web browser and go to your domain (e.g., www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin). Enter the username and password you received during the installation process to log in to your WordPress dashboard.
—> Customize Your Site
Inside the dashboard, you can select themes under the “Appearance” menu, install plugins via the “Plugins” menu, and start adding content by creating new posts and pages. Use the tools provided in the dashboard to personalize your site and get it ready for visitors.
A2 Hosting: Most Important Features
1/ Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple websites are stored on a single server, sharing resources such as memory, CPU power, and disk space. This makes it an economical option for small businesses, blogs, and personal websites that have moderate levels of traffic and simpler site requirements. It’s a popular choice for those starting out because it keeps costs low while offering all the basic functionalities needed to run a website.
2/ Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress Hosting is a specialized service where all technical aspects of running a WordPress site are handled by the host. This includes security, speed optimizations, daily backups, WordPress updates, and scalability.
It’s ideal for users who want to focus on their content and business without worrying about the technical maintenance of their site. This type of hosting is perfect for those with WordPress websites who need a hassle-free solution with robust support.
3/ VPS Hosting
VPS Hosting, or Virtual Private Server hosting, splits a physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each user on a VPS gets a partitioned server with their own dedicated resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space.
4/ Dedicated Server Hosting
Dedicated Server Hosting provides a website with its own server, offering the maximum control, performance, and security. Unlike shared or VPS hosting, all of the server’s resources are exclusively yours, making it ideal for high-traffic sites, large businesses, and those with specific compliance requirements that might involve handling sensitive data.
5/ Email Hosting
Email Hosting is a service that runs email servers, allowing you to send, receive, and manage email accounts through your own domain name (e.g., simon@simongorlak.com). It’s separate from website hosting, which means you can host your emails on a dedicated server, improving reliability and performance without affecting your website’s hosting setup.
This service is great for businesses that want to maintain a professional appearance with branded email addresses while ensuring secure and efficient communication. Honestly, one of my fav features.
6/ cPanel Hosting
cPanel Hosting refers to web hosting that includes the cPanel control panel interface, a popular tool for managing a web hosting environment.
It allows users to easily administer domains, create email accounts, organize web files, and manage databases through a user-friendly dashboard.
This type of hosting is particularly suited for those new to web hosting because it simplifies complex server tasks with its straightforward graphical interface.
Whether you’re setting up a website, managing FTP accounts, or installing software, cPanel makes these processes more accessible and manageable.
Looks like a plan? 👇
A2 Hosting: Pricing & Plans
A2 in a Nutshell:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed🚀 | USA loads in 4.42s. |
| Uptime⏱ | Reliable at 99.94% for the past year. |
| Data Centers🏢 | Located across the USA, Europe, and Asia/Singapore. |
| Backups & Restoration💾 | Offers automatic backups with a 30-day retention and one-click restoration. |
| Migration🔄 | Provides one free site migration for shared hosting plans. |
| Customer Support🤝 | Available around the clock via email, live chat, and phone, with an extensive knowledge base. |
| Features✨ | Includes free Sectigo SSL, cPanel access, A2’s own website builder, Cloudflare CDN, unlimited email accounts, and 100 GB SSD storage. Turbo plans come with Litespeed servers. |
| Security🔒 | Enhanced security for $3/month with 2FA, virus scans, SSH access, an IP blocker, ModSecurity, Imunify360, Hotlink Protection, HackScan, Patchman security, and a Barracuda Spam Firewall. |
| Hosting Plans📄 | A range from shared to VPS, WordPress optimized, dedicated, and reseller hosting. |
| Payment Methods💳 | Accepts most credit/debit cards, PayPal, UnionPay, bank transfers, Skrill, checks, or money orders. |
| Refund Policy🛡 | Offers a 30-day refund plus a prorated refund policy at any time. |
| Pricing💲 | Starts as low as $2.99 a month. |
| Coupon🔥 | Get Up to 76% Off! |
What Does A2’s Pricing Include?
Startup Plan (starts at $2.99/mo):
—> One website
—> 100 GB SSD storage
—> Website staging feature
—> Unlimited email accounts
—> Selectable data center location
—> Complimentary website builder
Drive Plan (starts at $5.99/mo):
—> Unlimited websites
—> Unlimited SSD storage
—> Money-back guarantee
—> Free automatic backups
—> Free and simple site migration
Turbo Boost (starts at $6.99/mo):
—> Unlimited websites
—> Money-back guarantee
—> Free automatic backups
—> Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
—> Turbo speed (up to 20x faster)
—> Complimentary and straightforward site migration
Turbo Max (starts at $14.99/mo):
—> Unlimited websites
—> Money-back guarantee
—> Free automatic backups
—> Five times more resources
—> Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
—> Turbo speed (up to 20x faster)
—> Complimentary and easy site migration
Don’t wait and save up to 76%! 👇
A2 Pros and Cons
Let’s get started with Pros:
➕ 99.9% Uptime
➕ cPanel Interface
➕ Unlimited Storage
➕ Solid-State Drives
➕ Attracta SEO Tools
➕ Unlimited Websites
➕ Unlimited Databases
➕ Free CloudFlare CDN
➕ Unlimited Data Transfer
➕ Website Staging Included
➕ Server Rewind Data Backups
➕ Quadruple Redundant Network
➕ Anytime Money-Back Guarantee
➕ HackScan for Perpetual Security
➕ Free Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificates
➕ Optimized WordPress Environment
➕ Turbo Server Option for Up to 20x Faster Speed
➕ Responsive Customer Support from the Guru Crew
➕ Optimized Software for WordPress, Drupal, PrestaShop
Something About Cons:
➖ Not all plans offer Windows hosting.
➖ More data centers would be beneficial (there’s currently one primary and three secondary ones).
Result: 19:2 for cons ✅
I definitely recommend it; now you know why.
The Expert Opinion on A2 Hosting
A2 is a very comprehensive solution that can meet all the requirements for new hosting.
Indeed, the hosting market is really saturated. Besides A2, you have options like GoDaddy, CyberFolks, HostingGator, and many others. Nonetheless, choosing this one is crucial because you don’t have to worry about making changes.
A2 is one of the most frequently chosen hosting providers because, apart from its dynamism, it is secure, has a very extensive service backend, and (one of the most important elements) it has support at a very high level. Support from the support team is crucial, especially if you want to solve a problem that may affect the rise (or fall) of sales in your store or the visibility of your site.
What’s my tip? Give it a shot with A2.
Additionally, its main distinguishing feature is the price. Regardless of how early in your journey you are, the price of $2.99 seems really affordable 😉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for A2
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that provides space and resources on a server for your website’s files, making it possible for you to publish your site online so others can see it.
Think of it like this: just as you need physical space to build a store or home, your website needs a place to store its files, like text, images, videos, and databases. While your domain name acts as your website’s address, the actual files need a physical spot, which is where web hosting comes in. It stores your files on a server, a powerful computer that sends these files to your visitors’ web browsers when they access your site. Each server has a unique IP address, helping visitors’ computers locate your website to view it.
Do I Need to Buy Web hosting?
Web hosting is crucial if you want to have a functioning, public website. Simply registering a domain name isn’t enough to get your site online; you also need web hosting. This service provides space on a server where all your website’s components are stored. Once your site is hosted, for instance by A2 Hosting, it becomes accessible to visitors. Here’s how it works:
—> Visitors type your domain name into their web browser.
—> Their computer connects to the server where your website is hosted.
—> The server sends the files that make up your website to the visitor’s browser, allowing them to view your site.
Why Should I Choose A2 Over Competition?
Choosing A2 Hosting over other hosting providers can be beneficial for several reasons:
1. Speed: A2 Hosting is renowned for its focus on speed and performance. They offer features like Turbo Servers that can deliver up to 20x faster page loads compared to standard hosting, which is particularly beneficial for websites with high traffic or complex applications.
2. Customer Support: A2 prides itself on its “Guru Crew” support team. They provide 24/7 customer service with knowledgeable and friendly staff who are ready to help with any technical issues or questions you might have.
3. Reliability: A2 Hosting offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring that your website remains available and functional around the clock. This reliability is crucial for maintaining the trust of your visitors and customers.
4. Security Features: A2 has robust security measures in place, including free HackScan protection to help block attacks before they can damage your site, free SSL certificates for site security, and automatic backups.
5. Developer-Friendly Environment: If you’re a developer, A2 Hosting provides a range of tools and software options that are developer-friendly, supporting various programming languages and frameworks which can be seamlessly integrated.
6. Flexible Plans: A2 offers a variety of hosting plans, from shared hosting and VPS to dedicated servers and cloud hosting, allowing you to scale your hosting environment as your site grows.
7. Anytime Money-Back Guarantee: Unlike many other hosting providers that offer limited trial periods, A2 Hosting provides an anytime money-back guarantee, giving you a risk-free way to try their service and ensure it meets your needs.
These factors make A2 a compelling option for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable, fast, and secure web hosting service.
What is A2 the Cheapest Plan, and Is It Worthy Taking It?
The cheapest plan is ‘Startup’ and starts at $2.99, assuming you purchase it upfront for three years. Is it worth it? Definitely for starters.
Is A2 Hosting User-Friendly & Easy to Use?
A2 is generally considered user-friendly, particularly for those who are new to website management. It features an intuitive control panel that simplifies tasks such as setting up email accounts, managing domains, and installing applications like WordPress with just a few clicks.
Can I Get Money Back From A2 Anytime?
Yes. The refund policy is valid for 30 days from the purchase of the hosting. You can get a refund without stating the reason.
Is A2 Hosting Safe?
Yes, A2 Hosting is safe to use. They provide robust security measures including free HackScan protection, automatic backups, and free SSL certificates to ensure the security and integrity of your website.
Does A2 Hosting Offer Assistance With Website Migration?
Indeed. A2 Hosting provides free migration for your existing website, including databases and emails, if your current web host uses cPanel. However, they charge $25 for migrating each additional website beyond the first one.
Now you know the entire A2 web hosting review from within.
Do you have any questions?
Let me know in the comments, or hit me up in private—I’ll be glad to help 😉
But if not—try it out today 👇
Thank you for reading,
Simon
Author Profile
- Simon Gorlak is a Digital Marketing Expert with over 8 years of experience. He specializes in 3 areas: SEO, Copywriting, and Email Marketing. Simon's blog gathers knowledge that helps Marketers & C-level to increase profits from their online businesses. Also, his content helps to reach the most difficult customers, make others' content to be read & purchased. Besides digital marketing, Simon speaks 4 languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish & works as a Head of Business at an Indian Start-up.
Latest entries
- October 15, 2024Social Media Tools9 Best Strategies to Generate B2B Leads on LinkedIn
- September 17, 2024Email MarketingEmail Marketing: The Most Comprehensive Guide (+ Tips)
- September 13, 2024SEO for Business6 Key Elements of an Effective SEO Product Description
- September 9, 2024SEO for Business5 Expert Tips on How to Double Traffic with Graphics