SiteGround WordPress Hosting Review: Is It Really The Best?

When it comes to building a successful website, blog, or online business, choosing the right web host is one of the most important things you can do. There are a lot of options out there, but in this review we’ll take a close look at SiteGround WordPress hosting.

As you’ll see, I’m a fan of SiteGround. I trust it with my businesses, and it has become my go-to WordPress hosting recommendation. With that said, every hosting service has its drawbacks, and SiteGround is no exception.

For this review, we’ll examine the features of SiteGround hosting, the pros and cons of using it, and what actual SiteGround users are saying about the service.

SiteGround WordPress Hosting Review

Without further ado, let’s dive into the specifics of SiteGround WordPress hosting—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Who Owns SiteGround?

Web hosting is a big business, and a handful of large corporations dominate the industry by purchasing its biggest players, reducing costs with cheaper infrastructure and offshore customer service, and raking in the profits.

For example, some of the most popular web hosts including Bluehost, HostGator, and iPage are owned by Endurance International Group (EIG), an enormous holding company that’s become infamous for these practices.

SiteGround is not owned by EIG or any other parent company. Since its inception in 2004, SiteGround Hosting Ltd. has remained fully independent.

This isn’t something most hosting reviews cover, but to me it’s a big deal.

Think about it: when a company like EIG holds a near-monopoly on the hosting industry, they have little incentive to innovate or offer a competitive service.

Independent companies like SiteGround, on the other hand, rely on the quality of their offerings and customer support to stay alive and compete with their deep-pocketed rivals.

Speed Technology

We live in a fast-paced world. No one has patience for a slow website, and a few extra seconds of loading time can have a measurable impact on your bottom line.

SiteGround seems to really understand this, as they’re consistently among the first to implement new speed technologies to make their customers’ websites faster.

This includes:

• Fast SSD drives
• NGINX server configuration (faster than Apache)
• WordPress-specific optimizations and caching
• High-speed PHP execution via PHP7+
• Cloudflare CDN integration
• HTTP/2 (SiteGround was one of the first to support this new, faster network protocol)

SiteGround has a full list of their speed technologies here.

50ms Server Response Time (TTFB)

Of course, those fancy specs only matter if they deliver real, measurable performance improvements—so let’s look at the data for this very site.

One metric that is closely tied to your web host (as opposed to your own on-site optimizations) is server response time, or Time To First Byte.

You can measure this using Google PageSpeed Insights:

Google recommends a server response time of 200ms or less, so I’m incredibly satisfied with 50ms.

0.8s Page Load Time

We also created a test site, populated it with dummy content, and tested its performance with GTmetrix:

Right out of the box, without any on-site speed optimization, our test site loads in just 0.8 seconds on SiteGround.

SiteGround WordPress Hosting: 100% Uptime

Another important metric for any hosting service is, of course, uptime.

SiteGround uses Linux containers and account isolation to prevent other websites on your server from affecting your performance, and they proactively monitor for security threats and other issues that could cause downtime.

Here’s a look at some of the ways SiteGround protects your site (from the features page):

All of this helps SiteGround deliver on their advertised promise of 99.9% uptime.

In fact, we’ve actually seen 100% uptime on our site over the last 12 months:

Easy WordPress Installation

Most web hosts, SiteGround included, offer an automatic WordPress installer inside of cPanel.

But SiteGround takes this a step further with its WordPress hosting plans. As soon as you sign up, you can install WordPress instantly and jump right over to your new WordPress dashboardIn WordPress, the Dashboard is a central hub for managing a website's content and settings. It is the first sc... More, without ever having to open cPanel or dig through your hosting account to find the app installer.

This is particularly helpful for beginners, but even advanced users will appreciate the added convenience.

StartUp vs. GrowBig vs. GoGeek

SiteGround offers three simple tiers on its WordPress hosting plans: StartUp, GrowBig, and GoGeek.

StartUp is an affordable plan for those just starting out. You can host one low-traffic website that doesn’t require a lot of server resources or storage—but it’s pretty easy to outgrow. As soon as you start getting serious traffic or using resource-heavy plugins, you’re going to hit a wall.

GrowBig is the most popular SiteGround plan, and it’s a perfect middle ground for those who need some additional resources but aren’t running a WooCommerce store or getting insane traffic yet. GrowBig also comes with SiteGround’s WordPress SuperCacher (to make your site load faster), free site migrations, on-demand backups, and staging.

GoGeek is a semi-dedicated hosting plan that is significantly faster than the lower tiers. It comes with everything in GrowBig, plus more server power, high-priority support, PCI-compliant servers (for e-commerce stores), and SG-GIT.

Free SSL Certificates

SiteGround is a longtime supporter of the Let’s Encrypt initiative, and it now offers unlimited free SSL certificates for all accounts. The certificates can be installed with a single click, making the transition to HTTPS easier than ever before.

Free Site Migrations On GrowBig+

If you want to move to SiteGround from another web host, a free website transfer is included on their GrowBig and GoGeek plans.

One of their experts will migrate your content, conduct a health check, and make performance optimizations to get your website up and running on SiteGround with zero downtime.

Outstanding Support

SiteGround is also known for going above and beyond when it comes to customer support.

They provide support 24/7 through tickets, live chat, and phone calls—and they don’t keep you waiting (you can generally expect a ticket response within ten minutes).

With that said, what makes their support exceptional is not just their responsiveness, but the scope of issues they’re willing and able to help with.

There may be times when you need technical support for an issue that’s not strictly hosting-related—e.g. a problem with WordPress or a pluginA plugin is a software component that adds specific features and functionality to your WordPress website. Esse... More or themeA WordPress theme is a set of files that determine the design and layout of a website. It controls everything ... More you’re using. Most hosts will dismiss these requests as beyond their scope, but SiteGround has trained WordPress experts on staff who are happy to investigate such problems for you.

Renewal Prices

Something to be aware of, and one of the “cons” of SiteGround hosting, are the renewal prices.

If you take a look at the pricing page here, you’ll see that there is a special promotional price, as well as a “regular” price for each package:

When you sign up, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a billing period of 12, 24, or 36 months.

The special promotional price applies only to your first billing period, after which it will return to the regular price (about 3x the promo price). In other words, if you want to save the most money over the long term, you’ll want to go with a longer billing cycle.

In an ideal world, you’d get the 36-month period. It’s definitely a commitment, but you will not find a better value for money than SiteGround’s promotional price.

In any case, the promotional period gives you some time to try out the service and determine whether it’s a long-term fit for your business and worth the cost of renewal.

Beware Of CPU Overages

One of the ways SiteGround keeps its servers operating at peak performance is by enforcing strict CPU limits.

This is a pro when it’s someone else’s site, but definitely more of a con when it’s yours.

If your website and plugins routinely exceed your monthly resource limits, SiteGround will send you warnings and, eventually, shut down your site.

Of course, SiteGround support can assist you in solving performance issues and reducing your site’s footprint, but the best way to avoid this is by proactively performing on-site optimizations ahead of time.

We have a WordPress speed optimization tutorial that should help keep your site well within the limits of your account, on SiteGround or any other host.

What Actual SiteGround Users Are Saying

To add some additional perspective to this review, let’s take a look at what people are saying about SiteGround around the web.

Consistently #1 In Facebook Polls

A good way to get a feel for a web host’s reputation is by polling professionals in industry Facebook groups. SiteGround is highly favored in these groups:

Rave Reviews On Twitter And Facebook

There’s no shortage of A+ feedback for SiteGround on Twitter and Facebook:

SiteGround WordPress Hosting: Endorsed by WordPress.org

SiteGround has long held a spot as one of three recommended web hosts on WordPress.org:

SiteGround WordPress Hosting: Endorsed by Yoast

SiteGround is also used and endorsed by Yoast, the company behind the popular WordPress SEO plugin:

How Can Websites Be Transferred To Different SiteGround Clients For Collaboration Purposes?

SiteGround provides a user-friendly process for transferring websites between accounts, ideal for designers, developers, and agencies needing to hand off completed sites to clients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Website Transfer

1. Initiate the Transfer

• Log in to your SiteGround account.
• Locate and select the option to initiate a site transfer.

2. Select the Recipient

• Enter the details of the client’s SiteGround account to which you are transferring the website.
• This step ensures that the site is securely moved to the correct recipient.

3. Recommend Plans and Services

• During the transfer process, you can advise the client on the best hosting plans and additional services offered by SiteGround.
• This helps clients optimize the performance and security of their new website.

Benefits of Using SiteGround’s Transfer Feature

This streamlined transfer process simplifies the handover of sites, ensuring clients receive fully functional, high-quality websites with recommended hosting solutions. It enhances collaboration, making it easier for digital agencies and independent web professionals to deliver final projects efficiently. By using SiteGround’s transfer feature, you can ensure a smooth and professional transition, benefiting both your workflow and your clients’ satisfaction.

The Pros & Cons Of SiteGround WordPress Hosting

SiteGround is a well-known web hosting provider that has garnered attention for its performance, customer support, and array of features. However, like any service, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of SiteGround hosting to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of SiteGround Hosting

1. Exceptional Customer Support
   • 24/7 Availability: SiteGround offers round-the-clock customer support via live chat, phone, and email.
   • Expert Assistance: Their support team is highly knowledgeable and can quickly resolve technical issues, making it a reliable choice for beginners and experienced users alike.
2. High Performance and Reliability
   • Fast Load Times: SiteGround is known for its excellent server performance, which translates to faster pageIn WordPress, a page is a content type that is used to create non-dynamic pages on a website. Pages are typica... More load times.
   • 99.99% Uptime Guarantee: With a robust infrastructure, SiteGround ensures your website remains accessible virtually all the time.
3. Advanced Security Features
   • Daily Backups: Automatic daily backups help protect your data.
   • Free SSL Certificates: Secure your website with free SSL certificates, which are essential for data protection and SEO.
   • AI Anti-Bot System: This feature helps prevent malicious attacks and keeps your website safe from potential threats.
4. User-Friendly Tools
   • Intuitive Control Panel: The SiteGround interface is easy to navigate, with tools like cPanel and Softaculous making site management a breeze.
   • Website Builder: They offer a free site builder that allows even those without technical skills to create a professional-looking website.
5. Flexible Hosting Plans
   • Variety of Plans: SiteGround offers a range of plans, from shared hosting to dedicated servers, catering to different needs and budgets.
   • Scalability: As your website grows, you can easily upgrade to a more powerful hosting plan without experiencing downtime.

Cons of SiteGround Hosting

1. Higher Renewal Rates
   • Initial vs. Renewal Pricing: While the introductory prices are competitive, renewal rates can be significantly higher. This may come as a surprise if you’re not prepared for the price increase.
2. Limited Storage
   • Storage Caps: SiteGround plans come with limited storage space, which can be a drawback for websites that require a lot of storage, such as large e-commerce sites or media-heavy blogs.
3. No Free Domain
   • Domain Costs: Unlike some competitors, SiteGround does not offer a free domain name with its hosting plans. This means you’ll need to budget for the cost of domain registration separately.
4. Monthly Billing Not Available
   • Payment Options: SiteGround does not offer a monthly billing cycle, which means you have to commit to at least a one-year plan. This can be less flexible for those who prefer to pay month-to-month.
5. Resource Usage Limits
   • CPU Limits: SiteGround has strict resource usage policies, which can throttle your site’s performance if it exceeds the allocated resources. This might be an issue for sites experiencing rapid growth or unexpected traffic spikes.

SiteGround offers a robust hosting solution with excellent customer support, high performance, and a variety of security features. However, potential customers should be aware of higher renewal rates, limited storage, and the lack of a free domain. By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine whether SiteGround is the right hosting provider for your needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or running an e-commerce site, SiteGround provides reliable hosting services that can cater to a wide range of requirements.

What Developer Tools And Conveniences Are Provided For WordPress Developers?

WordPress developers have access to a variety of tools and features designed to streamline their workflow and enhance efficiency. Here are some key resources provided:

1. Seamless Command Line Management: With WP-CLI pre-installed across all hosting plans, developers can easily manage their WordPress sites directly from the command line, improving speed and efficiency in executing tasks.
2. Unrestricted SSH Access: Every plan includes secure and unrestricted SSH access, enabling remote management and enhancing security during development processes.
3. Simplified Site Management: MultisiteMultisite is a feature of WordPress that allows a user to create and manage multiple websites from a single Wo... More SFTP allows developers to manage multiple sites effortlessly with a single SFTP key, making file transfers and updates more straightforward.
4. Flexible PHP Configuration: Developers can switch PHP versions for individual sites, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance based on the specific needs of each project.
5. Advanced Git Integration: On GoGeek accounts, integrated Git repositories facilitate robust version control and seamless collaboration, crucial for maintaining code integrity and teamwork.

These features collectively equip WordPress developers with the necessary tools to manage, update, and secure their projects effectively, ensuring a smoother development experience and higher-quality outcomes.

What Backup Solutions Are Provided For Websites Hosted On The Platform?

1. Multi-Location Automated Backups

To ensure the highest level of data security, our platform automatically creates daily backups of your website. We maintain up to 30 backup copies for each account, securely distributed across multiple data centers. This geographic redundancy ensures that your data remains safe and recoverable even in the event of local disruptions. This robust backup system protects against data loss due to hacking, human error, or unexpected incidents.

2. On-Demand Backups

Flexibility is crucial in website management, and our on-demand backup feature provides just that. You can manually initiate backups at any time using our intuitive Site Tools interface. For those on our GrowBig and GoGeek plans, this service is included at no additional cost. Users on the StartUp plan can access on-demand backups for a nominal fee of $29.95. This ensures you can secure your data whenever you need, giving you control and peace of mind.

3. Zero-Cost Backup Restores

If you need to restore your website from a backup, the process is quick and free across all our shared hosting plans. Easy and fast backup restores are vital for minimizing website downtime and traffic loss, ensuring your site is back online swiftly. This service is designed to reduce the impact of any disruptions, keeping your operations smooth and uninterrupted.

The comprehensive backup solutions are engineered to provide you with peace of mind and ensure your website remains operational and secure, regardless of unforeseen challenges. With multi-location automated backups, flexible on-demand backups, and zero-cost restores, you can be confident that your data is protected and easily recoverable whenever needed.

The Bottom Line About SiteGround WordPress Hosting

From its fast servers and cutting-edge speed technology to its world-class customer support, SiteGround has a well-earned reputation as one of the best web hosts in the industry.

While renewal prices after the first 1-3 years are a bit high, the value for money on SiteGround’s promotional prices for new customers is unmatched.

At the end of the day, I trust SiteGround with my businesses and I’m happy to recommend them. (Unfortunately I can’t say the same about many of the other hosts I’ve used in the past.)

I hope this review has been helpful! If you have any questions about SiteGround or another web host you’re considering, please feel free to leave a comment below.