KnownHost vs SiteGround: Which Web Hosting is Right for You?

Are you torn between KnownHost and SiteGround for your web hosting needs? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best decision.

Comparison Table

Detailed Comparison

Ease of Use

Both KnownHost and SiteGround are user-friendly, but they cater to different needs.

• KnownHost: Uses cPanel, which is familiar to many users. It also offers full SSH access, making it a favorite among developers and advanced users.

  

• SiteGround: Offers a custom control panel, Site Tools, which is as functional as cPanel but with a more modern interface. It also includes a free website builder and other intuitive tools.

  

Stability

Stability is crucial for any website.

• KnownHost: Offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, which is standard in the industry. However, it has a solid track record of reliability.

• SiteGround: Also guarantees 99.9% uptime but actually delivers an impressive 99.99% uptime, resulting in only 52 minutes of downtime per year.

Speed

Speed is a key factor in user experience and SEO.

• KnownHost: Uses LiteSpeed servers and NVMe storage, which provide fast page loads. It also includes advanced server-side caching with Edge Side Includes (ESI).

• SiteGround: Utilizes the latest technology, including HTTP/2, QUIC, TLS 1.3, and OCSP Stapling. It also offers a free CDN and NGINX reverse-proxy caching, making it one of the fastest providers in shared hosting.

Security

Security features are vital for protecting your website.

• KnownHost: Offers free malware scanning and removal, automatic SSL renewals, and robust DDoS protection. It also uses NVMe storage, which is faster and more secure than SSDs.

• SiteGround: Provides free SSL certificates, automatic updates, and 500Gbps+ DDoS protection. It also includes security optimizations and a site scanner to identify weaknesses.

Pricing and Cost

Pricing can be a significant factor in your decision.

• KnownHost: Generally more affordable, with prices starting from $3.95. It offers more storage space and resources, especially on higher-tier plans.

• SiteGround: Prices start from $2.99 but can be more expensive upon renewal. It offers discounts, but the price gap with KnownHost is significant, especially after recent price increases.

Customer Support Service

Good customer support is essential for any web hosting service.

• KnownHost: Offers 24/7 technical support via tickets, with live chat available only for sales and billing. It also has a community forum for customer support.

• SiteGround: Provides 24/7 live support, which is highly praised for its knowledge and responsiveness. This superior support comes at a cost, contributing to the higher pricing.

Client Reviews

Client reviews can give you a real-world perspective.

• KnownHost: Users appreciate its affordability, robust security features, and fast performance. However, some users find the lack of live technical support a drawback.

• SiteGround: Known for its excellent customer service, fast speeds, and reliable uptime. Users also appreciate the free tools and features included in the plans.

Pros and Cons

KnownHost Pros

• Cheaper than SiteGround
• Free WAF and malware scanning
• cPanel and full SSH access
• Advanced server-side caching with ESI
• Faster NVMe storage

KnownHost Cons

• Limited data centers (only in Chicago, Seattle, Amsterdam)
• No free CDN
• Limited databases and email IDs on basic plans
• Backup restoration isn’t immediate

SiteGround Pros

• More global data centers
• 30-day backups
• Free CDN and SSL certificates
• Excellent customer support
• Highly reliable uptime

SiteGround Cons

• More expensive, especially upon renewal
• Less storage space on lower-tier plans
• No full SSH access
• No ESI caching

FAQs

1. Which web host offers better speed performance?

Both KnownHost and SiteGround are fast, but SiteGround’s use of the latest technologies like HTTP/2, QUIC, and NGINX reverse-proxy caching makes it one of the fastest providers in shared hosting.

2. What is the main difference in pricing between KnownHost and SiteGround?

KnownHost is generally more affordable, with significant discounts available. SiteGround, however, can be more expensive, especially after the recent price increases.

3. Which web host has better customer support?

SiteGround is known for its excellent 24/7 live support, which is highly responsive and knowledgeable. KnownHost’s support is mostly ticket-based, with live chat only for sales and billing.

4. Do both web hosts offer free backups and malware scanning?

Both offer free backups, but only KnownHost provides free malware scanning and removal.

5. Which web host has more global data centers?

SiteGround has a broader range of data centers, including locations in the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Australia, and Singapore. KnownHost has data centers in Chicago, Seattle, and Amsterdam.