Introduction
When it comes to choosing the right web hosting service, you’re likely faced with a multitude of options. Two popular choices are Arvixe and GoDaddy. But which one is right for you? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Arvixe | GoDaddy |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Speed | 1.05s (Pingdom) | 0.51s (Pingdom) |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited (except Economy Plan) |
| Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited (except Economy Plan) |
| Domains | Unlimited | Limited (3 on basic plans) |
| Databases | Unlimited MySQL and PostgreSQL | 10 to Unlimited MySQL |
| Control Panel | cPanel | Modified cPanel |
| Customer Support | Live Chat, Ticketing (No 24/7 Phone) | 24/7 Phone, Live Chat, Email |
| Pricing | $4.00 – $35.00/mo | $4.99 – $7.99/mo |
| Free Domain | Free for as long as you have a plan | Free for 1 year on 12+ month plans |
| SSL Certificate | Free on Business Class plans, $25 on Personal Class | Free on Ultimate Plan, add-on otherwise |
Detailed Comparison
Ease of Use
Both Arvixe and GoDaddy offer user-friendly interfaces, but there are some differences:
- Control Panel: Both use cPanel, but GoDaddy modifies the interface slightly.
- Website Builder: Arvixe provides RvSiteBuilder with a WYSIWYG editor and over 600 templates, while GoDaddy offers a drag-and-drop interface starting at $1 per month.
- One-click Installer: Both offer one-click app installations, with GoDaddy using its control panel and Arvixe using Softaculous.
Stability
Stability is crucial for any website. Here’s how these hosts stack up:
- Uptime Guarantee: Both offer a 99.9% uptime guarantee. However, GoDaddy recorded a 100% uptime in some tests, while Arvixe had a 99.99% uptime.
- Server Performance: Arvixe uses the latest Xeon processors and stores data on 15K RAID 10 drives, while GoDaddy uses Core i7 processors in shared plans and Xeons in VPS and dedicated plans.
Speed
Speed is a critical factor for user experience and search engine rankings:
- Load Time: GoDaddy sites load faster, with an average load time of 0.51s compared to Arvixe’s 1.05s.
- Performance Metrics: GoDaddy’s sites performed better in Pingdom tests, loading faster than 89% of tested sites, while Arvixe’s sites loaded faster than 56%.
Security
Security features are essential for protecting your website:
- SSL Certificates: Arvixe offers free SSL certificates on its Business Class plans, while GoDaddy includes them as an add-on or on the Ultimate Plan.
- Additional Security: Both hosts offer DDoS protection, Brute Force Detection, WAF, Spam Blocker, and more. However, Arvixe includes most of these features in the initial cost, while GoDaddy charges for some as add-ons.
Pricing and Cost
Pricing can be a significant factor in your decision:
- Initial Pricing: Arvixe’s plans start at $4.00/mo, while GoDaddy’s start at $4.99/mo.
- Long-term Pricing: Arvixe does not hike prices during renewal, unlike GoDaddy, which is known for price increases upon renewal.
- Free Extras: Arvixe offers a free domain for as long as you have a plan, free website transfer, and other free extras. GoDaddy offers a free domain for the first year on 12+ month plans.
Customer Support Service
Customer support is vital for resolving issues quickly:
- Availability: GoDaddy offers 24/7 phone, live chat, and email support. Arvixe provides live chat and ticketing but no 24/7 phone support.
- Quality: GoDaddy’s support is generally considered better, with faster response times and more reliable service. Arvixe’s support has suffered since the EIG buyout, with longer wait times.
Client Reviews
Client reviews can give you a real-world perspective:
- GoDaddy: Known for its extensive range of services and good performance, but some users complain about slow customer support and price hikes.
- Arvixe: Praised for its unlimited features and budget-friendly plans, but criticized for poor customer support and uptime issues post-EIG buyout.
Pros and Cons
Arvixe
Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth, storage, and domains
- Free domain for as long as you have a plan
- Unlimited databases
- Better value for money with included security features
- Multiple server locations to choose from
Cons:
- Poor customer support and long wait times
- Uptime issues post-EIG buyout
- No 24/7 phone support
- Automatically renews accounts early and can be hard to get refunds
GoDaddy
Pros:
- Excellent customer support with 24/7 phone, live chat, and email
- Faster load times and better performance metrics
- Wide range of additional services (domain registration, SEO, marketing)
- Easy migration and one-click installers
- Industry-leading domain name management services
Cons:
- Price hikes upon renewal
- Limited domains on basic plans
- Some essential features are add-ons
- More confusing website navigation due to the wide range of products
FAQs
1. Which host offers better performance?
GoDaddy generally offers better performance with faster load times and a 100% uptime in some tests, compared to Arvixe’s 99.99% uptime.
2. Which host provides better customer support?
GoDaddy is known for its high-quality, 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email, while Arvixe’s support has been criticized for long wait times and lack of 24/7 phone support.
3. Which host is more budget-friendly?
Arvixe is often more budget-friendly, especially in the long run, as it does not hike prices upon renewal and includes more features in its initial cost.
4. Which host offers more unlimited features?
Arvixe offers unlimited bandwidth, storage, domains, and databases, making it a better choice for those needing extensive resources.
5. Which host is better for beginners?
GoDaddy might be better suited for beginners due to its comprehensive range of web-related services, easy migration, and one-click installers, making it a one-stop shop for all your web needs.
