Ask HN: Who is your preferred web host?
Very short and simple question, but one that I'm sure has a lot of discussion behind it.
Who is your preferred web host and domain registrar. Also, why?
Who is your preferred web host and domain registrar. Also, why?
- If compatible with your app, Heroku. Eliminates entire categories of tedium and stress.
Otherwise:
- Shared: I give a big "meh" to shared hosting in general, but if you must, then try DreamHost. (BTW, my impression is that you'll get locked to a server that doesn't get upgraded for years, but if you cared that much about performance, you probably wouldn't be on shared hosting.)
- Virtual: Linode or Slicehost (or Rackspace cloud, which is essentially Slicehost). They all seem to "just work", and feature smart responsive people.
- Dedicated: I've had good experiences with Softlayer. Very flexible system and responsive support. I don't do anything with dedicated nowadays, though.
For the registrar, I like Dynadot. Simple, fast, cheap, works.
Do consider an independent DNS provider as well (e.g., dnsmadeeasy).
+ 1and1.com - Cheap, but not terribly responsive.
+ GoDaddy - I don't like their constant upsell techniques and have clients who've been confused enough to accidentally purchase all sorts of unnecessary extras.
+ ThinkHost - I dig their green angle.
+ DreamHost - This is who I've finally settled upon, because they allow an unlimited number of domains, subdomains, and databases to their most basic account. They're affordable, I've found them responsive and upfront when there are outages, their system is pretty easy to use. And when dealing with clients, I can easily map a client's DreamHost account to mine, so I can access their account without seeing their private billing info.
For domain registrars, I've used:
+ Network Solutions - Way back in the day, I used to use them. Then they went through their shady period and I haven't gone back.
+ GoDaddy - Same reasons as above; I dislike their upsell techniques.
+ NameCheap - This is who I use now. No frills a fairly cheap. They aren't the cheapest, and don't offer discounts for purchasing multiple years, but I like their straight-forward services.
DreamHost also offers domain registrar services, though I haven't used them because I already have my accounts set up on NameCheap.
Payments to them were not going through, despite me repeatedly trying and contacting them about this. They ended up getting a collection agency to handle the money (assuming that I was refusing to pay, not unable to. Clearly their admin sucks) and I paid double what I should have once debt collection fees were factored in.
- ThePlanet - I had a good experience with a dedicated server from them. Good pricing, good control panel, good notifications on the one downtime incident I had.
- ServerBeach/Peer1 - Also had a good experience with ServerBeach. Good pricing on dedicated server. I didn't like their control panel at the time I signed up, but they've recently changed it, but I moved to cloud hosting, so didn't stick with them.
- Rackspace Cloud - I had some initial issues which I brought to the attention of their GM. He was great. Amazing service, and I've been VERY impressed with the performance of their lower tier cloud. Their documentation I thought was VERY well done.
- Linode - I've got a cloud server with Linode, I'm happy with the performance, but had to move up to a larger size then I was expecting. Their service is clear and easy to use. Upgrading/downgrading is a snap. Prices are very good.
I would say go cloud if you're into that kind of thing. Linode or RackSpace, I'm having trouble deciding which route I'm going to stick with myself.
I used ServerBeach for a few years and definitely liked them. The problem is they never improved their price:performance at all over years. They're particularly lame about extra memory. They also made a really big DNS snafu a while back, and that was the last straw for me.
Now I'm using "Joe's Data Center". Pros: Awesome price:performance (50% of ServerBeach), small responsive company. Cons: Not the greatest quality bandwidth, no access to a network power switch.
I'd recommend them if you have a bit of a tolerance for risk. So far I've had only a couple minor hiccups, but I do worry more than if I used ServerBeach or Rackspace. It's also nice to support an underdog that understands what people like me want.
For a VPS, http://prgmr.com/xen/, though they frequently close signups due to new servers selling out as fast as they can put them up (probably a sign that they should raise prices).
Domain Registrar: I like enom.com but I'm a reseller there and I'm not sure there's a huge difference among players in this space.
registrar: godaddy 'cause they're cheap and do dns... I don't actually like them but I haven't been motivated enough to move.