What Security Measures Does iPower Implement?
All plans include SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and daily malware scans. iPower’s proprietary SiteLock tool identifies vulnerabilities but requires separate subscriptions for advanced fixes. Automated backups are excluded from base packages, requiring manual setup—a notable gap compared to Hostinger’s default weekly backups.
What Is Dedicated Hosting and How Does It Work?
SiteLock performs daily scans for malware and outdated software, though remediation services start at $2.99/month. For eCommerce users, iPower supports PCI compliance through its payment gateway integrations but doesn’t provide automatic vulnerability patching. Security-conscious users should note that two-factor authentication is only available for email accounts, not the hosting control panel. Compared to A2 Hosting’s HackScan protection included in all plans, iPower’s piecemeal approach increases long-term costs for comprehensive security.
| Security Feature | iPower | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Malware Removal | Paid Add-on | Included (83% of hosts) |
| Web Application Firewall | Not Available | Basic WAF (67% of hosts) |
| Backup Frequency | Manual | Daily (45% of hosts) |
How User-Friendly Is iPower’s Control Panel?
iPower’s custom control panel uses icon-based navigation rather than cPanel’s text-heavy interface. While intuitive for beginners, advanced users face limitations like restricted cron job configurations and missing Git integration. File management operates through a simplified drag-and-drop system but lacks SSH access in basic plans.
The redesigned dashboard features one-click installers for 150+ apps including WordPress and Joomla. Users can manage email forwarding rules and DNS records through visual workflows, though advanced settings like PHP version management require navigating nested menus. Mobile responsiveness varies—the control panel adapts to smartphones but loses functionality in tablet view. For developers, the absence of staging environments and limited database privileges (max 25 concurrent connections) creates workflow bottlenecks compared to SiteGround’s DevKit tools.
Are There Hidden Costs in iPower’s Pricing Structure?
Renewal rates jump 300% after initial terms (e.g., $3.99 → $12.99/month). Domain privacy costs $9.95/year extra, while SiteLock security starts at $2.99/month. Early termination fees apply: $30 for annual plans canceled within 30 days.
| Fee Type | Cost | Competitor Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Renewal | $19.99/year | Bluehost: $17.99 |
| Backup Restoration | $15/request | HostGator: Free |
| Priority Support | $9.95/month | Not offered by most hosts |
“iPower delivers exceptional value for entry-level sites but shows cracks under scalability pressure,” notes hosting analyst Clara Mendez. “The absence of staging environments for WordPress and restrictive resource caps make it ill-suited for developers. However, first-time site owners benefit from its streamlined setup and included marketing tools.”
FAQs
- Does iPower support PHP 8.3?
- Yes, but manual configuration via .htaccess is required—no auto-version switching.
- Can I host multiple domains under one plan?
- Only on the Pro plan ($6.99/month), which allows unlimited domains.
- Is WordPress auto-updates included?
- No—users must manually update core/plugins through the control panel.