ScalaHosting Review: Simplicity and Power But Is It for You?
After three years with WPX, I decided it was time for a change. I switched to ScalaHosting’s Entry Cloud plan, seeking enhanced performance and features for gauravtiwari.org. This plan offers dedicated resources, including 2 CPU cores and 2 GB RAM, along with 50 GB of upgradable NVMe SSD storage. It also comes with premium features like a free domain, real-time malware protection, a dedicated IP address, and priority support.
In this ScalaHosting review, I have shared my experiences and insights from this transition, evaluating how ScalaHosting measures up to my expectations.
I will cover its key features, managed and cloud VPS offerings, performance, pricing, and everything else you need to know before making a decision on whether or not to use ScalaHosting.
Table of Contents
What Sets ScalaHosting Apart?
The hosting world is full of lookalikes. But ScalaHosting? It actually dares to be different.
Instead of just offering the same old hosting stack, ScalaHosting reinvents the experience. Its proprietary SPanel is a game-changer—letting you ditch expensive cPanel licenses while keeping everything familiar and easy to manage.
Then there’s SShield, a real-time security system that blocks 99.998% of attacks before they even reach your site.
But that’s not all. Whether you go for their Managed VPS or Cloud VPS, you’re getting dedicated resources, built-in scalability, and next-level support—things most shared hosting plans just can’t deliver.
This isn’t just another hosting provider. It’s hosting that actually helps you grow. And in this review, we’ll see exactly how ScalaHosting lives up to that promise. 🚀
About ScalaHosting
Founded in 2007, ScalaHosting has always prioritized innovation that simplifies hosting without compromising on power.
With scalable hosting solutions and a clear commitment to user empowerment, ScalaHosting attempts to cater to everyone — from solo entrepreneurs to large-scale enterprises.
Their dedication to bridging performance, affordability, and usability is particularly evident in their managed VPS and cloud VPS services.
📝 Personally, I’ve always been impressed by hosting providers that put user experience first, and ScalaHosting does exactly that. If you’re new to web hosting, having a company that offers such intuitive tools can make a huge difference. It eliminates the need to hire an expert and gives you control over your online presence.
ScalaHosting Products and Plans
ScalaHosting offers a range of hosting solutions designed to meet the needs of different types of users—from beginners to enterprise-level clients. Here’s a quick overview of the main products and plans they offer, along with my thoughts on when each option might be the right fit:
Web Hosting
Perfect for individuals and small businesses looking for an affordable way to get started online. ScalaHosting’s shared hosting plans include all essential features, such as a free domain, free SSL, and automated daily backups.
(If you have WordPress-specific needs, refer to the section on WordPress Hosting by ScalaHosting)
| Plan | Introductory Price | Renewal Price | Storage | Websites | Type | Email Accounts | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | $2.95/month | $11.95/month | 10GB NVMe SSD | 1 | Shared Hosting | Unlimited | Free domain, free SSL, automated daily backups |
| Start | $5.95/month | $14.95/month | 50GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited | Shared Hosting | Unlimited | Free domain, free SSL, automated daily backups |
| Advanced | $9.95/month | $19.95/month | 100GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited | Shared Hosting | Unlimited | Free domain, free SSL, automated daily backups |
| Entry Cloud | $14.95/month | $34.95/month | 50GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited | Dedicated VPS | Unlimited | Free domain, free SSL, automated daily backups, dedicated IP, custom configuration |
Note: All shared hosting plans come with unmetered bandwidth and a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
If you’re just starting out and building your first website, I’d recommend the Start plan. It offers great value, and the unlimited features mean you can expand as your site grows without worrying about limitations.
Managed VPS Hosting
For those who need more power and control than shared hosting but don’t want the complexity of managing their own server, ScalaHosting’s managed VPS plans are ideal. They come with dedicated resources, SPanel, and full management by ScalaHosting’s team.
| Plan | Price (12-month term) | CPU Cores | RAM | NVMe SSD Storage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build #1 | $14.98/month | 1 | 2GB | 50GB | SPanel control panel, SShield security, daily remote backups, unmetered bandwidth |
| Build #2 | $22.48/month | 2 | 4GB | 80GB | SPanel control panel, SShield security, daily remote backups, unmetered bandwidth |
| Build #3 | $34.98/month | 4 | 8GB | 160GB | SPanel control panel, SShield security, daily remote backups, unmetered bandwidth |
| Build #4 | $47.48/month | 6 | 12GB | 240GB | SPanel control panel, SShield security, daily remote backups, unmetered bandwidth |
Note: Prices may vary based on the term length chosen.
Cloud VPS Hosting
Combining the power of VPS with the scalability of cloud technology, ScalaHosting’s cloud VPS plans are great for businesses experiencing fluctuating traffic or needing more customization options.
ScalaHosting’s Cloud VPS plans offer scalable resources with flexible pricing. Users can customize CPU cores, RAM, and storage to meet specific requirements.
Reseller Hosting
This option is for those looking to start their own hosting business. ScalaHosting’s reseller hosting plans provide the tools and infrastructure needed to offer hosting services to your own clients.
Custom Solutions
For larger enterprises or projects that require tailored solutions, ScalaHosting offers custom hosting setups that are flexible to meet specific needs, whether it involves a dedicated server or advanced configurations.
Custom hosting is a perfect fit if you need unique configurations or handle sensitive data. I’ve found that their custom hosting is particularly useful for enterprise-level projects where data security and compliance are top priorities.
Each plan includes key features like SPanel, SShield Security, and daily remote backups, ensuring that customers get maximum value and reliability for their money.
WordPress Hosting with ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting also offers specialized WordPress hosting plans that are optimized for WordPress users, ensuring top performance and security for WordPress websites. These plans include features specifically designed to make running a WordPress site as easy and efficient as possible.
Key Features of ScalaHosting WordPress Hosting
- Optimized Performance: ScalaHosting’s WordPress hosting plans are optimized to provide fast loading times, using SSD and NVMe storage along with LiteSpeed Web Server technology to ensure that WordPress websites run smoothly and efficiently.
- SWordPress Manager: An exclusive feature of ScalaHosting’s WordPress hosting is the SWordPress Manager. This tool allows users to easily manage their WordPress installations, perform updates, create staging environments, and handle other WordPress-specific tasks with ease.
- Automatic Updates: The WordPress hosting plans include automatic core updates and security patches, helping users keep their WordPress installations secure without needing to manually manage updates.
- Enhanced Security: WordPress hosting plans come with advanced security features, including SShield Security and free SSL certificates, which help protect WordPress sites from potential threats and attacks.
- Daily Backups: Automatic daily backups are included in all WordPress hosting plans, giving users peace of mind knowing that their website data is secure and can be restored easily if needed.
- Free Site Migration: ScalaHosting offers free migration services for users looking to move their existing WordPress sites from other hosting providers, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. Migrating a WordPress site can be stressful, but ScalaHosting’s free migration service is truly hassle-free. I’ve personally used it, and it took the pressure off, knowing that experts were handling the transfer.
WordPress Hosting Plans and Pricing
ScalaHosting offers a variety of WordPress hosting plans to cater to different needs, from small personal blogs to large business websites. Here is an overview of their WordPress hosting options:
| Plan | Price (per month) | Storage | Websites Allowed | Bandwidth | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP Mini | $2.95 | 10GB NVMe SSD | 1 | Unmetered | – Free SSL Certificates- Unlimited Email Accounts- Unlimited Databases- Daily Offsite Backups- Free One-click WordPress Installer- Staging, SSH, GIT & WP-CLI |
| WP Start | $5.95 | 50GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited | Unmetered | Includes all features of WP Mini, plus:- Free Domain- Real-time Malware Protection |
| WP Advanced | $9.95 | 100GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited | Unmetered | Includes all features of WP Start, plus:- Priority Support (skip queue) |
| Entry Cloud | $14.95 | 50GB NVMe SSD* | Unlimited | Unmetered | Includes all features of WP Advanced, plus:- Guaranteed CPU & RAM- High Security- Dedicated IP Address- Blacklist Monitoring- Improved Inbox Delivery- OpenLiteSpeed Caching- Scalable Storage- Sub-users and Collaborators- Branding & Whitelabel |
*Storage for the Entry Cloud plan is upgradeable.
Each WordPress hosting plan is designed to offer a seamless experience for users, with high performance, strong security, and easy-to-use management tools.
ScalaHosting Review
The online user and expert reviews are all-the praises for ScalaHosting. Here’s what top reviewers have said about the hosting service.
- Best VPS Hosting (2024): Recognized by CNN, Forbes, TechRadar, and Hosting Advice.Best
- Web Hosting (2024): Praised by Fortune, ZDNet, and Tom’s Guide.
- Best Managed VPS: Geekflare, GeeksforGeeks.
- Best Cloud Hosting: CNET.
- Best WordPress VPS: WPBeginner.
- Top Choices for Small Businesses: First Site Guide and Fit Small Business.
- Endorsed for Excellence: PCMag and USA Today.
Now, here is what I think.
| Feature | My Rating |
|---|---|
| Performance and Usability | 8.5/10 |
| Website Management | 9/10 |
| Security | 9.5/10 |
| Pricing | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 10/10 |
| Total | 9.2/10 or 4.6 ⭐ |
Performance and Usability
When it comes to hosting, performance isn’t optional—it’s essential. I feel ScalaHosting nails this by delivering consistently fast and reliable hosting powered by:
- SSD and NVMe Storage: Your website loads faster, improving the experience for visitors and search engines alike.
- LiteSpeed Web Server Integration: Advanced caching ensures your site stays lightning-quick, even during traffic spikes.
But speed alone isn’t enough. What I think truly sets ScalaHosting apart is how it makes this power easy to access. For example:
- Spectra Website Builder: Drag-and-drop simplicity makes creating a stunning site easy for non-technical users.
- Developer-Friendly Features: If you’re like me and want a little more control, Spectra and SPanel offer plenty of advanced customization options.
The SPanel Advantage: Redefining Website Management
SPanel is more than just a control panel—it’s a gateway to effortless website management. I feel it eliminates the hassle of complex tools like cPanel, giving you:
- A Clean, Intuitive Interface: All your essential tools—email, backups, databases—are in one place.
- Bundled Spectra Website Builder: Build professional sites without needing an extra subscription or tool.
Spectra
See the detailed Spectra Review.
- Ease of Use: Whether you’re new to hosting or a seasoned pro, Spectra offers:
- Drag-and-drop design.
- Pre-built, customizable templates.
- Full mobile responsiveness for every design.
- No Hidden Costs: Spectra is included with SPanel, meaning:
- No third-party subscriptions.
- More value without additional fees.
- SEO and Performance Optimized:
- Built-in tools help your site rank higher on search engines.
- Responsive designs keep users engaged across devices.
Security That Keeps Up with Threats
I think good hosting should make you feel safe, and ScalaHosting does just that with:
- SShield Security: Real-time monitoring that blocks 99.998% of threats.
- Free SSL Certificates: Secure your site and reassure visitors without paying extra.
- Proactive Patch Management: Vulnerabilities are addressed before they become problems.
Transparent Pricing and Honest Value
I’ve tried some hosts with hidden fees for boosts, upgrades and addons, and it’s frustrating. That’s why I love ScalaHosting’s transparent pricing. You get:
- No Surprises: What you see is what you pay.
- Packed Features: Every plan includes premium perks like SPanel, SShield, and daily backups.
- Affordable Plans: Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, there’s a plan for you.
Max 30-Second Wait on Customer Support
ScalaHosting brags about 30-seconds to chat support and 15 minutes for ticket support, which is insanely good.
Other features
- Free website migration.
- 100% SSD powered — optimized for performance.
- 99.9 percent uptime guarantee.
Room for Improvement
While ScalaHosting excels in many areas, there’s room for improvement to make its offerings even more competitive. Expanding its data center footprint to regions like Asia-Pacific could significantly enhance performance for users targeting those markets, ensuring faster load times and better reliability for global audiences. Additionally, integrating specialized support for niche CMS platforms like Magento would cater to developers and businesses with specific technical needs, broadening ScalaHosting’s appeal to a wider audience.
Another area for enhancement could be the addition of phone support. While their live chat and ticketing systems are effective, some users may prefer the immediacy and reassurance of resolving issues via direct verbal communication. By addressing these gaps, ScalaHosting could solidify its position as a truly global and versatile hosting provider.
Verdict
4.6
Final Verdict: ScalaHosting – A Solid Choice, But Is It the Best?
ScalaHosting is one of those names that doesn’t make as much noise as WPX, Kinsta, or SiteGround, but maybe that’s a good thing. Instead of relying on aggressive marketing, they focus on offering real value with performance-driven hosting. And for the most part, they deliver.
The WordPress hosting plans are a great deal for the price, offering NVMe SSD storage, free SSLs, and unmetered bandwidth, which is more than what many hosts at this tier provide. Compared to SiteGround, which restricts resources aggressively, ScalaHosting feels more flexible. However, there’s no LiteSpeed caching on the lower-tier plans, which is a bit of a letdown since WPX and Rocket.net optimize heavily for speed at no extra cost.
Where ScalaHosting really stands out is its Managed VPS and Cloud VPS offerings. The combination of dedicated resources, SPanel (a cPanel alternative), and SShield security makes it a strong alternative to expensive managed hosts like Kinsta or Cloudways. But let’s be honest—while their Entry Cloud plan starts at $14.95/month, Cloudways (DigitalOcean) offers a comparable VPS at around the same price with more flexibility. Plus, Cloudways integrates better with CDN solutions, whereas ScalaHosting expects you to configure things manually.
Security-wise, SShield is a nice addition, but it’s not exactly a Cloudflare WAF replacement. WPX, for instance, has an in-house firewall that’s battle-tested, and Kinsta integrates with Google Cloud’s premium security stack. So, while ScalaHosting is definitely secure, it’s not necessarily the most advanced in the market.
So, Who Should Pick ScalaHosting?
If you want an affordable VPS with a managed feel, ScalaHosting is an excellent choice. It’s great for WordPress users who want a step up from shared hosting without paying Kinsta-like prices. But if you prioritize absolute speed, premium caching, or a global CDN network out-of-the-box, Cloud and Cloudways might be better suited.
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FAQs about ScalaHosting
What is ScalaHosting?
ScalaHosting is a web hosting provider offering managed VPS, shared hosting, reseller hosting, and email hosting solutions. It is known for its custom-built SPanel, performance, and security features.
Is ScalaHosting better than traditional shared hosting providers?
Yes, ScalaHosting offers managed VPS solutions that provide better security, performance, and scalability than traditional shared hosting. Their proprietary SPanel is an alternative to cPanel with more features and lower costs.
What makes ScalaHosting’s VPS different?
ScalaHosting’s VPS hosting includes full root access, dedicated resources, and a proprietary control panel called SPanel. It also integrates security features like SShield for real-time protection.
Does ScalaHosting offer free website migration?
Yes, ScalaHosting provides free website migration services, ensuring a hassle-free transfer from your current hosting provider.
Is SPanel better than cPanel?
SPanel is a lightweight, cPanel alternative developed by ScalaHosting. It offers similar functionalities without additional licensing fees and is optimized for better performance.
What kind of support does ScalaHosting provide?
ScalaHosting offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and ticket system. Their team is known for quick response times and expert assistance.
Does ScalaHosting provide automatic backups?
Yes, ScalaHosting includes automatic daily backups in most hosting plans, ensuring that your data is safe and can be restored easily.
Can I host a WordPress website on ScalaHosting?
Yes, ScalaHosting offers optimized WordPress hosting with enhanced security, automatic updates, and performance tuning.
Is ScalaHosting good for eCommerce websites?
Yes, ScalaHosting is suitable for eCommerce websites as it offers managed VPS solutions with high-speed performance, security, and scalability for growing online stores.
Does ScalaHosting offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, ScalaHosting provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on most hosting plans, allowing users to try their services risk-free.
Disclaimer: My content is reader-supported, meaning that if you click on some of the links in my posts and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links help me keep the content on gauravtiwari.org free and full of valuable insights. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe will genuinely benefit you. Your support through these links is greatly appreciated—it helps me continue to create helpful content and resources for you. Thank you! ~ Gaurav Tiwari
