1. What is HostScore really?
HostScore is a scoring model we use to rate a web hosting company’s products.
The score is calculated based on a weighted combination of server response speed, uptime, editor’s rating, and user’s rating.
HostScore calculation algorithm is published here.
2. Does affiliate commission affect scores?
No.
We do not claim to be 100% unbiased, but we are aiming to create a web host ratings system that offers a much higher degree of accuracy and reliability compared to traditional methods.
HostScore is designed to be calculated automatically on our server daily. Updates are pushed onto the site once a week.
We do not have a “backdoor” in our system which allow us to adjust the score for a particular web host. The editor’s rating represents a 20% weight in HostScore calculation – that is the maximum effect of our personal intervention in any score..
We strongly believe that the only viable way for HostScore to survive in the long term is through honesty and transparency. Because of this, we have disclosed on our site the complete algorithm used in the calculation of HostScore. Any business partnerships we may have are also fully disclosed on this page.
3. What is “Uptime” in HostScore calculation?
Uptime is the amount of time which a web hosting service is accessible. It reflects on the reliability of the service – an important part of overall quality.
4. Why does uptime have the highest weight in HostScore calculation?
We place great emphasis on “Uptime” because of the massive implications possible when a site goes down. These implications surpass mere inconvenience and can result in potential consequences ranging from loss of financial opportunity to brand damage.
Nothing is more important than having a 24×7 operating web host so your users can reach your website at anytime from anywhere they want. Having the fastest server in the world means little unless the server can be reached.
5. Why is Host X running on 100% uptime but gets a poor rating?
There are a number of possibilities why a host may score poorly even if they are running on 100% uptime;
- They may perform badly in terms of speed. Server response speed carries 30% weight in our calculations. Speed is measured from 10 locations worldwide, a host will need to match our benchmark from all these locations to get a good score in speed.
- They may score badly in the editor’s review. The editor’s review is intended to look at other facets of a web hosting solution other than performance. For example, companies with bad billing practices (hidden fees, difficulties in processing refunds, etc) and poor reputation (slow customer support, dishonest practices, etc) will get a lower score in editor’s rating.
- Lack of or poor user reviews. User ratings carries 10% weight in our calculation. A host which has poor or very few user reviews will have relatively lower ratings. Note that this is partly our responsibility – HostScore is more accurate when we have more users’ ratings. This is why we strongly encourage users to contribute legitimate feedback.
6. What is “Speed” in HostScore calculation?
Speed is the time it takes a web host takes to acknowledge the request for a TCP connection. It’s one way to measure how fast a server (and its network) respond.
By Google’s benchmark, optimal server response time is anything below 200ms.
7. How is server response speed dIfferent from website speed?
“Speed” in HostScore calculation is NOT a measurement of how fast a web page loads. The loading speed of a web page relies on many factors, which we discuss in more detail here.
Response speed is simply how long it takes a server to acknowledge a connection request. Website speed is always higher than response speed as it includes the time a server takes to load all the scripts and files necessary to display the website.
8. Is the hosting service with the highest score the best choice for my website?
Not necessarily.
Different websites have different needs. HostScore is effective in judging the overall quality of a web host in terms of server performance and a general user’s experience. However, it doesn’t consider the particular needs of certain types of users. Please refer to our comparison articles below for more detailed hosting recommendations.
- Best Web Hosting for Bloggers
- Best Hosting for Business
- Best Hosting for Freelancers
- Best Hosting for Online Stores
- Best Hosting for Python Developers
- Best Hosting for Node.js Applications
9. I want to know which host is best for my country, how can HostScore help?
To learn more about a particular web host, click on individual hosting reviews on HostScore.net,
- Read editor’s review – see if the web host operates a data center in your region;
- Check speed from your country (or location nearest to your country).
10. I spotted a mistake on your website, what can I do?
While we endeavor to provide information which is as accurate as possible, there may from time to time be errors. For this we apologies and would deeply appreciate if you would kindly use this contact form to inform us so we can rectify the errors as soon as possible.
11. Do you accept guest posts on HostScore.net?
No, we do not.
11. How can I add my company to HostScore.net; how much does it cost?
Basic listing on HostScore.net is free of charge. We do, however, require a number of details from you – please use this form to submit your application for listing.
12. How often do you update your listings?
Our web host listings are updated at the beginning of every month. Should your listing request be approved, your company will be added to HostScore.net at the beginning of the subsequent month.
More Questions?
Please use this contact form to send us an email or reach out to us on social media if you have more questions about HostScore.net
