HostGator vs InMotion – A Complete Comparison Review (2023)

HostGator and InMotion are two well-known names when it comes to web hosting. Each host offers unique features to satisfy the needs of every type of user.

Now, comparing the two can be somewhat difficult as they have similar package options. This is why, instead of talking about their packages, we’ll focus on a few key factors, such as:

• Uptime and performance

• Ease of use

• Migration services

• Features

• Security

• Pricing

• Customer support

This will give you an insight into what you can expect before choosing one over the other. 

So let’s start our HostGator vs InMotion comprehensive comparison review. 

HostGator vs InMotion - A Side by Side Comparison

Let’s look, in detail, at each key factor. 

Uptime and Performance

Sure, both InMotion and HostGator don’t have the best uptime average. However, they don’t have the worse either. 

We’ll say that their uptimes are good enough.  

HostGator’s average of 99.89% (August 2023) edges out InMotion’s 99.99% (August 2023) by a few decimal points, which translates into fewer hours of downtime per year.

Both web hosts also provide fast loading speeds. In turn, it’ll give your users a better experience and your website fewer bounce rates. 

One reason why HostGator loads quickly is because it comes with a free CDN that optimizes data transfer to the nearest server.

However, HostGator supports HDD storage space which may be a tad bit slower at loading data-heavy content compared to InMotion’s faster SSD storage.

Ease of Use

Both hosting providers support WordPress and come with easy-to-use one-click software downloads. This will enable you to get hold of the most popular software that you’ll need for your site, whether it’s an online store, blog, or whatnot. 

Now, WordPress support means you’ll be able to get access to the WP web builder. This is great as it’ll allow you to choose among a wide variety of different themes. You’ll be able to easily design your website. 

But if you’re looking to use a different CMS, HostGator offers its own site builder for FREE. InMotion, on the other hand, has a BoldGrid site builder.

What’s more, both providers offer the traditional cPanel. If you’re familiar with that, then there should be no learning curve here. 

With the cPanel, you’ll get access to all site control and management options such as site analytics, email, and security from one easy location.

Migration Services

Both providers offer site migration services, too. 

As you might expect, this makes the whole process fuss-free. 

InMotion promises zero downtime with quick and seamless migration that’ll have your site running in no time.

Meanwhile, HostGator offers more FREE migrations depending on the package. So if you’re looking to migrate multiple sites, HostGator might be a better option for you. And this is regardless if they are WordPress sites or not. 

Features

Let’s take a look at some of the best features offered by each web host.

Bandwidth and Storage

Great news! Both providers offer unmetered/unlimited bandwidth even on their cheapest plans. 

HostGator goes above and beyond by offering unmetered storage space as well. This means you can upload even more files, videos, and images onto your site.

InMotion, on the other hand, does have a data cap of 100GB on their Core Plan, which is still more than enough for any small to medium scale site. Of course, you have the option to get unlimited storage on their premium Shared Hosting plans. 

Email Address

Want to communicate professionally with your site users or clients?

While HostGator gives you 1 email address, InMotion gives you access to 10 email addresses.

If you’re running a business or online store, these email addresses might be important to you. But if not, then the email address feature isn’t really a big deal. 

Money-Back Guarantee

InMotion provides a 90-day money-back guarantee which is double HostGator’s 45 days. So you can rest assured that you’ll have an ample amount of time to try each hosting provider’s services. If not satisfied, no worries, you can get a refund (terms and conditions apply).

For some, HostGator is better with unmetered storage and bandwidth. For others, InMotion is better with a longer money-back guarantee and more email addresses. 

Security

Both hosting providers take security very seriously, as they should. 

For starters, both offer free SSL certification that’ll ensure your users’ sensitive information remains encrypted and out of the reach of any nosy hacker.

You’ll also get DDoS protection that keeps a firewall in place to block any bots that try to take your site offline.

Plus, both providers abide by the highest safety standards with protection systems in place as well as backup power to keep your data secure at all times.

However, while InMotion offers backups to keep your data safe and up to date in case you need it, HostGator’s automatic backups come as an add-on with an additional fee. You’ll be restricted to infrequent manual backups that you’ll have to implement yourself unless you pay for the add-on. 

Pricing

When it comes to Shared Hosting plans, HostGator offers the cheaper starting option at $2.75 going up to $5.25 on its higher-end Shared Hosting plan.

WordPress Hosting ranges from $5.95 to $9.95, while VPS starts from $19.95 going up to $39.95. Dedicated Hosting is a bit restricting, with only a few package options ranging from around $89 to $140 a month.

InMotion’s pricing is a tad more expensive. The prices for their Shared Hosting plan range from $3.49 to $14.99 (for a 1-year subscription). If you want it cheaper, you have to subscribe for 2 years. 

As for their WordPress pricing, it is somewhat similar, starting from $7.99 going to $22.99. Again, if you want it cheaper, you have to subscribe for 2 years. 

VPS options range from $26.99 to $83.99. Their Dedicated Hosting solution packages are entirely customizable, so the price will depend. 

Customer Support

And finally, both providers offer great customer support.

They have customer service reps available 24/7 on phone or through live chat to deal with your queries. They have similar response times that are quicker if you get the higher-end packages. 

Also, both hosts have extensive knowledge hubs filled with informational guides and articles that’ll help you get through most routine problems without having to wait on customer support.

Conclusion

Overall, both are great web hosting providers. They have a wide array of plans to choose from to suit your unique needs.

HostGator offers more affordable packages to small and medium-scale sites used by local businesses or bloggers with features that appeal to their needs.

InMotion, on the other hand, focuses more on the heavy-duty user and large sites that require a lot of resources to support the traffic that they’re getting.

So the choice between these two respected web hosts will largely depend on the features you value and the type of site you’re looking to make.