- Advanced firewall and malware protection.
- Choice of server locations.
- Inexpensive web hosting subscriptions.
- Very basic entry-tier plan.
- Questionable support services.
- Limited details about core services on website.
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Mochahost is an end-to-end service provider offering site migrations, domains and web hosting. It’s part of World Host Group, which owns over 14 domain and web host brands. Mochahost users applaud the provider for its affordable plans and 24/7 customer support. However, it may not be the perfect fit for all businesses.
We assessed Mochahost’s service plans, pricing and features. Our evaluation also considered customer support and security options. Explore our findings to see how Mochahost compares to the competition.
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Mochahost overview
Mochahost is a shared web hosting service offering c-panel and WordPress options. Aside from websites, Mochahost provides virtual private servers (VPS) and domains. It’s been in business since 2002.
Mochahost stands out from competitors because it has nine server locations, whereas rivals typically offer less than five. It supplies SSL (secure sockets layer) certificates, and every subscription includes malware and firewall protection. The multi-core microprocessors and NVMe SSDs (non-volatile memory express solid state drives) support fast speeds.
Mochahost pros and cons
Pros
Affordability is a key selling point for Mochahost. First-time buyers can purchase web hosting at steep discounts, but prices increase upon renewal, ranging from $6.35 (Soho) to $23.90 (Ultimate). Depending on the package, you can host one to unlimited websites with unmetered traffic.
The value-packed plans have several security and peace-of-mind features, including automated backups and lifetime SSLs. All subscriptions come with Imunify360, which provides advanced firewall and malware protection.
The ability to select servers close to your site visitors is a bonus. It offers nine server locations, including two in the United States. Upper-tier packages offer 4 GB to 5 GB of dedicated memory for enhanced performance.
Cons
Mochahost’s base plan is lighter on features than we’d like. It doesn’t have a cache boost or free domain for the first year. You’ll need to upgrade to the Business package to get unlimited email hosting, and only the Ultimate plan includes premium backup solutions. Otherwise, it’s a $2.95 monthly upcharge.
We also found the lack of transparent details about the provider’s systems and services troubling. Mochahost doesn’t have a public online knowledge base or describe its security measures. Server performance differs by the plan (normal, super, turbo or mega), but there isn’t an explanation of how the variations differ.
Lastly, some Mochahost user reviews suggest recent customer service issues. While these should be taken with a grain of salt, it’s vital to interact with support before the 30-day money-back guarantee time frame is up.
Mochahost pricing and value
Mochahost is one of the cheapest web hosting services – only Namecheap and Ionos offer slightly less expensive plans for new subscribers. It has flexible billing terms, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, biennial and triennial options.
However, you don’t necessarily get a price break when renewing for longer terms. For example, the shared hosting Ultimate package costs $23.90 monthly or $860.40 with a three-year prepayment, with the only incentive being that you’ve locked-in rates. Like most web hosting services, the fees increase upon renewal.
Mochahost provides a domain for the first year with shared hosting packages, except Soho, the base plan. This subscription also lacks email and cache boost. Some competitors provide domain registration and email addresses on entry-tier packages. Soho supports one website with a lifetime SSL, whereas Business, Mocha and Ultimate allow unlimited sites and lifetime SSLs.
The solutions are scalable. Higher tiers add cache boost and 4 GB to 5 GB of dedicated memory. Server power also increases from normal to mega. All plans provide unlimited bandwidth. Although Mochahost doesn’t offer a free trial, you can request a refund within 30 days.
Type of hosting
Mochahost provides shared and dedicated hosting solutions. With shared hosting, the price is more affordable, but all users share resources on the same server. VPS options provide dedicated resources at higher price points.
Standard shared web hosting plans and c-panel plans use Linux or Windows servers. To build an e-commerce website, consider the e-commerce-ready, Windows-compatible servers with Plesk control panels. Alternatively, you can select a shared WordPress hosting site or a plan configured for Java Tomcat.
Mochahost has website builder plans, which are ideal for businesses wanting drag-and-drop design tools and free themes to create a website. These also fall under the shared hosting category. The provider offers managed and unmanaged, dedicated Linux and Windows servers for ultimate scalability and performance.
Performance and uptime
Mochahost uses cloud servers with high-speed NvME disk storage. The microprocessors continuously adapt to your website’s traffic, and super redundant network connections keep information moving quickly.
The web host aims for a 99.9% service uptime but doesn’t offer a guarantee. In contrast, DreamHost compensates customers for anything less than 100% uptime. You can pick your server location to improve loading times and decrease latency.
Mochahost offers nine server areas, including the following:
- Canada.
- U.S. East.
- U.S. Central.
- Europe.
- Singapore.
- Australia.
- India.
- United Kingdom.
- Latin America.
Bandwidth and storage
Many shared web hosting services offer unlimited bandwidth, and Mochahost is no exception. The four shared hosting plans allow unmetered traffic without restrictions. Of course, Mochahost balances resources behind the scenes and prevents users from overindulging if it affects system stability.
The plans offer 30 GB to unlimited site storage. All include 1 GB of virtual memory. We especially liked that the Mocha and Ultimate plans provide 4 GB and 5 GB of dedicated RAM – perfect for growing businesses.
Shared web hosting subscriptions include regular backups, safeguarding your website against unexpected data loss. But Mochahost recommends that site owners also back up their files. To do so within the hosting software requires the premium backup features, available with the Ultimate plan or as an add-on for $2.95 monthly.
Security features
The company protects shared hosting services with Imunify360, a Linux malware server scanner. However, this security feature doesn’t come with Windows-based shared hosting plans.
Aside from this, Mochahost is vague about its security posture. The website doesn’t explain security tools or features in-depth. Nor does it disclose how it handles security for servers, employees and data centers. In general terms, Mochahost monitors the services and provides regular security updates, firewalls and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection.
Customer support
Customers can reach Mochahost 24/7 through live chat or phone. Alternatively, you can log into your dashboard and create a support ticket. The round-the-clock phone support is excellent for beginners and not offered by every provider in our rating of the best web hosting services.
Agents can assist with cPanel questions, WordPress installations and other technical matters. Shared web hosting packages include migration support. New users add a support ticket, and the Mochahost team handles it from there.
Mochahost vs. top competitors
*InMotion requires one, two or three-year billing terms for Core, Launch and Power plans.
The best website hosting services offer competitive rates, your choice of data centers and email hosting with some or all subscriptions. However, billing cadence and features differ among providers.
Mochahost vs DreamHost
WordPress.org recommends DreamHost for WordPress users. It provides no-code tools and starter site templates with all plans. The base plan has more storage than Mochahost Soho (50 GB vs 30 GB). Yet, DreamHost’s shared hosting packages are meant for low traffic volumes.
Mochahost offers better rates for new customers, but DreamHost is cheaper upon renewal. Neither of DreamHost’s shared hosting plans comes with a domain. Mochahost is more scalable than DreamHost and might offer higher speeds on upper-tier plans. Conversely, you could consider other DreamHost solutions, such as managed WordPress or VPS hosting.
Mochahost vs Namecheap
Namecheap’s base package is a cheap solution for startups and small businesses. It includes 30 email addresses, one domain name and three hosted sites. SpamAssassin prevents unwanted messages from clogging your inboxes, whereas Mochahost’s SpamExperts is an add-on.
We also appreciate that all Namecheap shared hosting plans come with a free website builder. Mochahost has different site builder packages with storage and bandwidth limitations. However, Namecheap doesn’t offer phone support. It also gives fewer data center options, and data center location could affect pricing.
Mochahost vs InMotion
Mochahost offers nine data center locations versus InMotion’s three. It automatically backs up your site daily and includes premium backup tools on the Ultimate plan. InMotion users must add automated backup capabilities for $2.50 monthly.
Indeed, if cash flow is tight, InMotion may not be the best option. It requires one to three-year prepayment for all plans except the highest tier, Pro. Mochahost offers monthly, quarterly and semi-annual subscriptions on top of one, two and three-year packages. Still, InMotion’s 90-day money-back guarantee is much more generous than Mochahost’s 30 days.
Our team researches the key competitors within an industry to find the best products and services for your business. We identify what matters most, including pricing, features and customer support options, to ensure that our recommendations offer products that will meet the needs of various businesses.
We evaluate website hosting services based on the inclusion of unlimited storage and bandwidth, a free domain name and SSL certificate, a free business email and automatic backups. Our data-driven approach encapsulates each company’s entire offerings and promotes a non-biased evaluation of the products and services.
Read our full guide to learn more about how we determine the best website hosting services of 2024.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Mochahost ticks off all the boxes for affordability, speed and scalability. It automatically backs up sites daily and offers nine data center options. Support is available round-the-clock through phone, chat or online ticketing.
Mochahost is one of over 14 brands owned by the World Host Group. Panos Kesisis and Chris Garner are co-founders, and the company directors include President Sebastian de Lemos and Secretary David Spellenberg.
No, Mochahost doesn’t have a free plan. Monthly subscriptions start at $6.35, but the vendor offers discounts for new customers. If your budget is limited, check out our comparison of the best free website builders. Free web hosting often comes with design tools but not a custom domain.
https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/business/web-hosting/mochahost-review/