JustHost, a well-established web hosting provider owned by Newfold Digital (formerly known as Endurance International Group), offers a range of Linux-based web hosting solutions. While the company provides shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting, their primary focus is on shared hosting services, which cater to the majority of website owners. With their data center located in Provo, Utah, JustHost shares facilities with its sister brand, Bluehost.
JustHost Pricing and Plans
Plan Breakdown
| Plan | Initial Price* | Renewal Price | Websites | Storage | Bandwidth | Free Domain Name | Free SSL | CDN | Dedicated IP | Daily Backups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3.95/mo | $9.99/mo | 1 | 50 GB | Unmetered | 1 year | Yes | No | No | No |
| Plus | $6.95/mo | $17.99/mo | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unmetered | 1 year | Yes | No | No | No |
| Choice Plus | $6.95/mo | $17.99/mo | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unmetered | 1 year | Yes | No | No | No |
| Go Pro | $14.95/mo | $33.99/mo | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unmetered | 1 year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Pricing per month for a 36-month subscription
Advantages of JustHost
User-Friendly cPanel Backend
One of JustHost’s key strengths is its use of cPanel as the backend for hosting accounts. cPanel is widely recognized as an industry standard, offering a clean, straightforward interface that simplifies website management. The integration of billing and profile settings within cPanel, with minimal upsells and ads, enhances user experience by allowing immediate access to essential functions.
Easy Application Installation
JustHost leverages the MOJO Marketplace, a platform offering themes and templates, for its one-click application installations. This marketplace, despite containing some ads and upsells, provides a wide array of apps and scripts that are simple to install, making it a practical feature for users looking to quickly set up their websites.
Attractive Introductory Discounts
For new customers, JustHost offers substantial introductory discounts, particularly on their Basic and Plus plans. These deep discounts can reduce initial costs significantly, making it an appealing option for those launching a small website and looking to save money during the first year of service.
Drawbacks of JustHost
Long-Term Value and Pricing
When compared to other hosting providers, JustHost falls short in terms of value and long-term pricing. Their plans have lower caps on core hosting features, which diminishes their competitiveness. For instance, HostGator, a sister brand, offers more features at better prices. Similarly, other independent brands provide more comprehensive packages at comparable or lower rates.
Perceived Neglect by Parent Company
JustHost appears to be less prioritized by its parent company, Newfold Digital, compared to its sister brands like Bluehost and HostGator. This perceived neglect manifests in less frequent updates and fewer enhancements, suggesting a lack of significant investment and attention from the parent company.
Subpar Customer Support Infrastructure
While JustHost offers multiple support channels, their investment in customer support infrastructure, such as a comprehensive knowledge base and forums, is lacking. This can lead to a less satisfying customer support experience compared to other providers that prioritize proactive support and extensive user resources.
Performance Issues
Website performance is crucial, and JustHost’s performance has been found lacking. Measurements like Time To First Byte (TTFB) indicate slower server responses, which can impact overall website speed. Despite re-testing, JustHost’s performance remained mediocre, making it less suitable for websites requiring fast load times and robust performance.
JustHost Alternatives
HostGator
HostGator, another sister brand under Newfold Digital, offers superior value and performance compared to JustHost. With better pricing structures and performance metrics, HostGator is a more attractive option for those seeking reliable hosting services.
Bluehost
Bluehost, also owned by Newfold Digital, is a more robust and better-supported alternative to JustHost. With a broader range of services, frequent updates, and a stronger brand presence, Bluehost is generally the preferred choice for most users.
InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting, an independent hosting provider, offers a compelling alternative with better performance and support. While their pricing may not be as low initially, the overall value and reliability make InMotion Hosting a strong contender for those seeking high-quality hosting services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, JustHost offers a straightforward, user-friendly hosting service with some attractive introductory pricing. However, its long-term value, performance issues, and perceived neglect by its parent company make it less appealing compared to its sister brands and other independent hosting providers. For those seeking better performance, value, and support, alternatives like HostGator, Bluehost, and InMotion Hosting are worth considering.