What is HostGator?
HostGator is one of the most recognizable names in web hosting, founded in 2002 and now hosting over 8 million domains worldwide. Known for their friendly alligator mascot and extensive range of hosting options, HostGator offers solutions for everyone from beginners to enterprise clients.
Part of the Newfold Digital family (along with Bluehost), HostGator is known for competitive pricing, reliable uptime, and 24/7/365 customer support via phone, chat, and email.
✓ Pros
- ✓ 45-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Free domain first year
- ✓ Unmetered bandwidth
- ✓ 24/7/365 support
- ✓ Easy-to-use website builder
- ✓ Free SSL certificate
✗ Cons
- ✗ Higher renewal rates
- ✗ Backup restoration costs money
- ✗ Upsells during checkout
- ✗ Basic plan has limited features
Performance & Speed
Pricing Plans (January 2026)
15 days longer than most competitors! Unmetered bandwidth, free SSL, and cPanel included on all plans.
- ✅ Unmetered Bandwidth
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ Free SSL Certificate
- ✅ cPanel Included
- ✅ Unlimited Websites
- ✅ Unmetered Bandwidth
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ Unlimited Subdomains
- ✅ Dedicated IP Address
- ✅ Positive SSL Upgrade
- ✅ SEO Tools Included
- ✅ Priority Support
✅ Why 45 Days Matters
HostGator gives you 50% more time to test than the industry standard:
⚠️ Refund Exclusions
- Domain registration: Not refundable ($15.99 deducted if free domain used)
- Installation fees: Custom software installations not covered
- Backup restoration: Costs $30+ if you need professional help
- Add-ons: SiteLock, CodeGuard, SEO tools not refundable
Final Verdict
HostGator is a solid all-around hosting provider with competitive pricing and reliable service. Their 45-day money-back guarantee is generous, and the unmetered bandwidth is great for growing sites. While not the fastest, they offer good value for the price.
Recommended for small businesses and bloggers who want reliable hosting without overcomplicating things.
Get Started with HostGator →Frequently Asked Questions
Is HostGator owned by Bluehost?
Yes, both HostGator and Bluehost are owned by Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group). They share some infrastructure but operate as separate brands with different features.
What happens after my term ends?
After your initial term, your plan will renew at the regular rate, which is higher than the introductory offer. Be sure to check renewal prices before signing up.
Does HostGator use cPanel?
Yes, HostGator provides the industry-standard cPanel control panel, making it easy to manage your website, emails, and databases.