GreenGeeks emerges as a formidable contender in the eco-conscious web hosting arena, offering robust and environmentally-friendly hosting solutions. Our extensive evaluation of their offerings over the years has consistently affirmed their commendable server performance and comprehensive feature set.
This review delineates the merits and potential drawbacks of GreenGeeks, along with a detailed examination of their hosting plans. We will delve into GreenGeeks’ pricing structure, data center locations, WordPress compatibility, and their noteworthy environmental commitments. Additionally, we’ll suggest alternative hosting providers, aiding you in making a well-informed decision on whether GreenGeeks aligns with your needs. Let’s embark on this exploration.
The Genesis of GreenGeeks
Founded in 2008 by American entrepreneur Trey Gardners, GreenGeeks was conceived with the ambitious mission of becoming the world’s most eco-conscious web host. Today, it stands as a venerated leader in the green web hosting industry, having hosted over 600,000 websites for a clientele exceeding 55,000.
Geographical Presence of GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks’ headquarters is nestled in Agoura Hills, California, USA. Their infrastructure and data centers span three continents, with facilities located in Chicago, Montreal, Amsterdam, and Singapore.
Key Advantages of Choosing GreenGeeks
There are five primary benefits of hosting with GreenGeeks:
- Carbon-Negative Business Model: GreenGeeks operates with a carbon-negative business ethos, making it a pioneer in sustainable hosting.
- Lightning-Fast Servers: Their servers have consistently achieved an A+ rating on our speed assessment, underscoring their exceptional performance.
- Generous Resource Allocation: Most of their shared hosting plans offer unlimited resources, providing ample space and bandwidth.
- Affordable Entry-Level Pricing: The lowest-priced plan requires only a 12-month commitment, making it accessible to new users.
- Complimentary cPanel: Each hosting plan includes free cPanel access, simplifying site management.
Potential Drawbacks of Hosting with GreenGeeks
While GreenGeeks offers many advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Elevated Renewal Costs: The most affordable plan starts at $2.95 but increases to $11.95 upon renewal.
- Limited Phone Support Availability: Phone support is not offered 24/7, which could be inconvenient for users in different time zones.
- Linux-Only Hosting: GreenGeeks currently offers hosting exclusively on Linux servers, which may not suit users seeking other operating systems.
GreenGeeks Hosting Options
GreenGeeks provides an array of hosting types, including shared hosting, Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting, Managed WordPress hosting, Reseller hosting, and Dedicated Server hosting. Each hosting type is available in three or four different tiers, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and large enterprises.
Understanding the features and limitations of these five hosting types is essential when selecting a GreenGeeks plan.
Shared Hosting – Ideal for Novices
Shared Hosting is the most cost-effective option offered by GreenGeeks. Their shared hosting plans are available in three tiers: Lite, Pro, and Premium. The Lite plan, priced at just $2.95 per month for a one-year subscription, is the most economical choice. Shared hosting entails sharing server resources (CPU, bandwidth, RAM) with other websites on the same server. Its affordability makes it an ideal choice for first-time website owners or smaller sites.
GreenGeeks distinguishes itself from typical shared hosting providers by adhering to a strict policy of not overselling server space. They maintain that their servers host fewer clients per server compared to other providers, and they employ a container-based approach where each site is allocated its own isolated computing resources and secured virtual file system (Secure vFS). This ensures that the activities of one user’s site do not impact others.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
GreenGeeks’ VPS plans are tailored for websites requiring more substantial resources. VPS hosting involves leasing virtual segments of a larger server.
GreenGeeks offers three managed VPS plans, categorized by the amount of RAM provided: 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB. Their most affordable plan is priced at $39.95, offering 4 vCPU cores, 50 GB SSD, and 10 TB transfer. All VPS plans include cPanel, Softaculous, free SSL, and a free website migration service.
Currently, GreenGeeks does not offer unmanaged VPS hosting plans.
Managed WordPress Hosting
GreenGeeks’ Managed WordPress hosting plans are designed for WordPress website owners. Available in three tiers—Lite, Pro, and Premium—the Lite plan starts at $2.95.
These plans are optimized for WordPress and operate within a shared hosting environment, making them best suited for small to medium-sized sites utilizing the WordPress Content Management System (CMS).
Reseller Hosting
GreenGeeks’ Reseller hosting plans are aimed at web hosting entrepreneurs who wish to resell GreenGeeks’ eco-friendly hosting services. The reseller plans are available in three tiers, designated by the number of cPanel accounts offered: RH-25, RH-50, and RH-80.
All reseller plans include up to 30 free cPanel migrations and white-label hosting features. Users are provided with generous storage and transfer resources, as well as access to WHM. The inclusion of WHMCS billing software facilitates seamless management of client accounts.
GreenGeeks Dedicated Server Hosting
GreenGeeks’ Dedicated Server Hosting gives you full control over your server with all resources dedicated to you. You can configure it as you like with root access, and you’ll experience faster and more reliable site performance.
GreenGeeks offers four levels of dedicated server hosting. The cheapest is the Entry Server at $169/month, which uses Intel Atom 330 Dual Core technology. The most expensive is the Pro Server at $439/month, which uses the Xeon E5-2620 2.0GHz with Hyper-Threading.
Does GreenGeeks Offer Windows Hosting?
No, GreenGeeks only offers hosting on the Linux/Unix operating system. They do not support Windows-based hosting, so you can’t use technologies like ASP, .NET, Cold Fusion, MS SQL, or MS Access.
Do You Get Unlimited Storage with GreenGeeks?
Yes, if you choose the Pro shared hosting plan or higher, you get unlimited storage. This means there’s no set limit on how much disk space your website can use. This gives your website room to grow, and you’ll benefit from fast Solid State Drive (SSD) storage.
Keep in mind that GreenGeeks’ basic Lite plan only offers 50GB of web space, not unlimited storage.
Do You Get Unmetered Bandwidth with GreenGeeks?
Yes, all GreenGeeks shared hosting plans include unmetered bandwidth. This means there’s no limit on how much data your website can transfer. However, GreenGeeks has fair use policies to prevent any one website from using too much bandwidth, ensuring other sites on the same server aren’t affected.
How Much Does GreenGeeks Cost?
GreenGeeks hosting costs range from $2.95 per month for the Lite shared hosting plan to $439 per month for the Pro dedicated server hosting plan.
Their shared hosting plans are among the cheapest on the market, but these low prices only apply for the first year if you sign up for a one-year plan. After the first year, the price increases to $11.95 per month.
You can choose to pay for GreenGeeks plans on a monthly or yearly basis. Monthly plans are automatically billed every month, while yearly plans require a lump sum payment for 1, 2, or 3 years upfront. The frequency of your renewals will affect your overall hosting costs.
Shared hosting – start from $2.95/month
VPS hosting – start from $39.95/month
Managed WordPress hosting – start from $2.95/month
Reseller hosting – start from $19.95/month
Dedicated servers – start from $169/month
Should You Choose Monthly or Annual Plans?
If you want to save money, it’s better to choose GreenGeeks’ 1-year plan instead of their monthly plan. The 1-year plan gives you a big discount of $9 per month. For example, their Lite shared hosting plan costs $2.95 per month with a 1-year plan, but it jumps to $11.95 per month if you choose a monthly plan.
Monthly payments are a good option if you want flexibility and a lower upfront cost. With a monthly plan, you can switch hosts more easily if needed. This is ideal if you’re just starting or have a tight budget.
It’s important to note that GreenGeeks doesn’t offer bigger discounts for signing up for longer than 1 year. The cost per month for their 2-year and 3-year plans is the same as the monthly plan ($11.95 per month). However, with an annual plan, you don’t have to worry about paying your hosting bill every month, which can be more convenient.
Where Are GreenGeeks’ Data Centers?
GreenGeeks has 4 data centers located across 3 continents. They have one in Chicago, USA (Test IP: 184.154.26.130) and one in Montreal, Canada (Test IP: 72.55.143.196). They also have one in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Test IP: 107.6.155.186), and one in Singapore (Test IP: 23.106.53.146).
GreenGeeks Speed Performance
GreenGeeks offers top-notch speed performance with an A+ ranking. We tested a WordPress site hosted at GreenGeeks’ US data center using the Server Speed Checker, which measures server response times from 10 different locations worldwide. Our US-hosted site received an A+ ranking, with an impressive speed of 23 ms from the East Coast.
GreenGeeks achieves these fast speeds by using advanced technology like SSD RAID-10 Storage Arrays, optimized LiteSpeed web servers, and MySQL/MariaDB database servers. They also use LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) to boost page speeds even further. Additionally, GreenGeeks supports HTTP3 / QUIC for faster in-browser load times and includes a free CloudFlare CDN (Content Delivery Network) to improve global performance.
GreenGeeks Uptime
GreenGeeks guarantees 99.9% uptime, and our tests confirmed their excellent reliability. Uptime refers to the amount of time your website is accessible to visitors, and it’s a key measure of a web host’s reliability.
We reviewed GreenGeeks’ uptime terms and found them solid. The guarantee doesn’t cover issues caused by client errors or cyberattacks, but if their servers go down, GreenGeeks will compensate for the downtime.
We used UptimeRobot to track uptime on our US-hosted test site, and the results were impressive.
How is GreenGeeks good for the environment?
GreenGeeks is environmentally friendly in two key ways: energy matching and tree planting. Their website also mentions that their hosting platform is designed to be energy efficient and minimize waste.
This matters because the internet is a big polluter. Data centers use 1 – 1.5% of global electricity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). GreenGeeks actively works to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in green energy, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. They are not just carbon-neutral but carbon-negative.
How does GreenGeeks’ 300% energy matching work?
GreenGeeks’ 300% energy matching works through a partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), a non-profit in Portland, Oregon. GreenGeeks calculates their yearly energy use and carbon footprint, then buys Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through BEF equal to three times their energy consumption. They claim to have replaced over 615,000 kWh per year using this system.
Are all GreenGeeks hosting plans eco-friendly?
Yes, all GreenGeeks hosting plans are eco-friendly. They work with the One Tree Planted organization to plant a tree for every new hosting account, no matter the plan. Trees are planted in North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
GreenGeeks’ 300% energy matching policy applies to all their hosting plans. So, whether you choose shared hosting or dedicated server hosting, you’re supporting their environmental efforts.
Is GreenGeeks officially verified as eco-friendly?
Yes, GreenGeeks is officially verified as eco-friendly. They’ve been an official Green Power Partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 2009.
What control panel does GreenGeeks use?
GreenGeeks uses cPanel, a popular control panel with a user-friendly interface. It’s easy enough for beginners and offers advanced tools for developers. GreenGeeks’ cPanel also includes the Softaculous installer, which allows you to install over 400 plugins and CMS like WordPress.
Do GreenGeeks VPS plans include cPanel?
Yes, GreenGeeks VPS plans include one cPanel account with their solo VPS plans, so you can manage your VPS hosting without extra cost.
Can I buy more cPanel licenses through GreenGeeks?
Yes, you can buy additional cPanel licenses through GreenGeeks for their VPS plans. Prices start at $10.99/month for a cPanel Admin license (5 accounts), $17.99/month for a cPanel Pro license (30 accounts), $27.99/month for a cPanel Pro license (50 accounts), and $65.99/month for a cPanel Premier license (200 accounts).
Does GreenGeeks offer a free website builder?
Yes, GreenGeeks includes a free website builder called SitePad. It’s easy to use, even for beginners, and lets you create a mobile-responsive website with a drag-and-drop editor. You can choose from different SitePad themes directly in cPanel.
Does GreenGeeks offer free email accounts?
Yes, GreenGeeks plans include free email accounts. The Lite plan, their cheapest shared hosting option, includes 50 email accounts. Other plans offer unlimited email accounts.
How many databases can I host on a GreenGeeks plan?
You can host unlimited databases on any GreenGeeks shared hosting plan, even the most basic one. This means there’s no limit on the number of MySQL databases you can create.
How many domains can I host on a GreenGeeks plan?
You can host unlimited domains (websites) on GreenGeeks if you choose the Pro hosting plan or higher. The basic Lite shared hosting plan allows you to host one domain/website.
How much does a domain name cost with GreenGeeks?
A domain name with GreenGeeks costs around $17.95 for a .com domain. Prices vary depending on the domain extension and whether you want to add ID Protect. For example, a .green domain costs $74.95/year, while a .work domain costs $9.95. The price is generally the same for domain transfers and renewals.
Does GreenGeeks offer a free domain name?
Yes, GreenGeeks gives you a free domain name for the first year if you sign up for their shared hosting plans. After the first year, you’ll need to pay to renew your domain name.
What are GreenGeeks’ nameservers?
GreenGeeks’ nameservers (DNS) are:
- NS1.GREENGEEKS.NET
- NS2.GREENGEEKS.NET
Nameservers help convert domain names into IP addresses, so people can find your website. GreenGeeks uses Anycast technology to make your site load faster. If you bought your domain from another place, you’ll need to change your DNS settings to use GreenGeeks’ nameservers. If you’re using GreenGeeks’ Reseller hosting, you can set up your own private nameservers.
Is GreenGeeks good for WordPress?
Yes, GreenGeeks is a good choice for WordPress. Their shared hosting plans are optimized for WordPress, and they offer a free 1-click WordPress installer. They also have a Quick Launch Wizard to help you set up your WordPress site quickly.
You get a free WordPress migration service from their experts, and you can enable automatic WordPress updates. This keeps your WordPress core and plugins up to date. They also use LiteSpeed’s LS cache, which can make your WordPress site run up to 4 times faster.
Can I use WordPress on the regular shared hosting plan?
Yes, you can use WordPress on GreenGeeks’ regular shared hosting plan. The plans listed under their shared hosting and WordPress hosting pages (Lite, Pro, Premium) are the same. It’s just a different way of marketing. They want you to know their shared hosting works well with WordPress.
Does GreenGeeks offer unmanaged WordPress hosting?
No, GreenGeeks doesn’t offer unmanaged WordPress hosting. All their shared hosting plans include managed WordPress services. This means they take care of things like updating your WordPress version and security patches for you.
Is GreenGeeks good for WooCommerce?
Yes, GreenGeeks is good for WooCommerce, which is a popular plugin for eCommerce sites on WordPress. They even have specialized WooCommerce hosting plans with a 1-Click WooCommerce Installer. GreenGeeks offers unlimited storage and fast servers, so your WooCommerce store loads quickly, even if you have a lot of products. They also let you add a green badge to show your store is eco-friendly.
Is GreenGeeks secure?
Yes, GreenGeeks is secure. They use four main strategies to keep your website safe:
- They use a container-based approach, so if another site on the same server is attacked, your site stays safe.
- They have a proactive Server Monitoring system that scans for malware in real-time.
- They use clustered security, combining different software to detect and stop potential attacks.
- Their data centers have 24/7 security, fire suppression, and water detection systems. GreenGeeks also offers free security features with their plans to help you protect your site and data.
Do I get free SSL with GreenGeeks?
Yes, GreenGeeks provides free SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) with all their plans. An SSL certificate helps protect the information exchanged between your website and your visitors, making it more secure.
All GreenGeeks plans include a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate. You can also buy a Premium AlphaSSL Wildcard SSL Certificate for $99.95 per year if you need extra security.
Do I get regular website backups with GreenGeeks?
Yes, most GreenGeeks plans include regular website backups. Your website is backed up every night to keep your data safe. GreenGeeks also does regular disaster recovery backups on their EcoSite and Reseller hosting platforms, keeping about 30 backup sets. However, VPS and Dedicated Server plans don’t include automatic backups.
Is my data secure on GreenGeeks?
Yes, your data is secure with GreenGeeks. They have strong privacy policies and operate a top-tier data center in Montreal, Canada, a country known for strict privacy laws like PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). GreenGeeks takes strong steps to protect your data from loss, misuse, or changes.
If there’s ever a data breach, GreenGeeks is prepared. They will notify affected customers and authorities within 72 hours, as required by PIPEDA. You can also request access to your data or ask for it to be deleted.
Do I get root access with GreenGeeks?
Yes, if you choose a VPS or dedicated server plan with GreenGeeks, you get root access. This means you have full control over your server, allowing you to install software, manage security settings, and customize it to fit your website’s needs.
Is Python supported on GreenGeeks?
Yes, GreenGeeks supports Python, a popular programming language for web development. They currently support Python version 2.7.5. While there are some limits on shared servers, VPS plans come with root access and have no such restrictions.
Is Node.js supported on GreenGeeks?
Yes, GreenGeeks supports Node.js, an open-source JavaScript runtime. However, support is limited to certain platforms, like EcoSite Premium and Managed VPS. While you can use Node.js, GreenGeeks won’t assist with configuration, debugging, or deployment.
What customer support does GreenGeeks offer?
GreenGeeks offers customer support through email, Live Chat, and phone. You can reach them 24/7 via email and Live Chat. We tested their Live Chat at different times, and always got a quick and friendly response within 1-2 minutes.
When you have specific questions, such as about PIPEDA compliance, GreenGeeks offers a reliable support system. If an issue requires escalation, they promptly open a ticket and get back to you quickly. Their customer support has received positive feedback from many users, and GreenGeeks proudly states that their support staff is based in North America, ensuring clear communication in English.
Free Website Migration
GreenGeeks offers a free website migration service when you sign up for one of their hosting plans. This service is available for 30 days from your sign-up date. After these 30 days, migrations are available but not free of charge.
Money-Back Guarantee
GreenGeeks provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for all hosting plans. If you’re not satisfied with their services within the first 30 days, you’ll receive a full refund of your hosting fee, no questions asked. However, keep in mind that services like domain registration are not refundable.
Canceling Your Subscription
To cancel your GreenGeeks subscription, complete their online cancellation request form and include the email address associated with your account. GreenGeeks will then issue a Ticket ID and ask you to confirm via email. Cancellation is processed within 7 working days, and you’ll be billed for the entire month in which you cancel.
Refund Process
For a refund, submit the online cancellation request form within the initial 30-day period from your sign-up date. Note that certain services, such as domain registrations or add-ons, are not eligible for refunds, even within the 30-day trial period.
Alternatives to GreenGeeks
Here are five notable alternatives to GreenGeeks:
- Hostinger: Known for its lower introductory prices starting at $1.99/month, Hostinger offers A+ speeds and a user-friendly custom control panel called hPanel. While Hostinger is cost-effective, GreenGeeks stands out for its environmental initiatives.
- Bluehost: Endorsed by WordPress, Bluehost provides good speeds, especially in the U.S. While both Bluehost and GreenGeeks offer cPanel, GreenGeeks provides better global coverage.
- SiteGround: Offering premium hosting with higher prices, SiteGround boasts superior reliability and speed thanks to its infrastructure built on Google Cloud. Check out our detailed SiteGround review for more information.
- HostGator: HostGator delivers strong and fast hosting, though it is slightly more expensive than GreenGeeks. They previously purchased green energy credits to offset their carbon footprint, but recent information confirming this is not available. For more details, review our HostGator assessment.
- GoDaddy: A well-known domain registrar, GoDaddy provides a broad range of hosting plans and also uses cPanel. However, GreenGeeks has more extensive environmental efforts compared to GoDaddy. For a thorough review, see our GoDaddy analysis.
What deals do GreenGeeks have?
GreenGeeks frequently offers significant discounts during specific times of the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and July 4th. For instance, last year, they provided an impressive 84% off their shared hosting plans, dropping the Lite plan to just $1.95 per month. Stay updated with our coverage for GreenGeeks Black Friday Deals for the latest offers.
Verdict: Is GreenGeeks Recommended?
GreenGeeks stands out as a strong contender in the web hosting market. They offer a great blend of environmental sustainability, speed, uptime, and value for money. Their commitment to a negative carbon footprint, along with reliable support and robust security, makes GreenGeeks an excellent choice, particularly if eco-friendliness is a priority for you.
FAQs about GreenGeeks
How does GreenGeeks handle support and customer service?
GreenGeeks provides prompt and effective customer support. If your issue requires escalation, they will open a ticket and get back to you quickly. Their support staff is based in North America and communicates clearly in English.
Do I get free website migration with GreenGeeks?
Yes, GreenGeeks offers a free website migration service for new customers. This service is available within 30 days from the date you sign up. After these 30 days, you will need to pay for any website migrations.
What kind of money-back guarantee does GreenGeeks offer?
GreenGeeks has a 30-day money-back guarantee for all hosting plans. If you are not satisfied with their services within the first 30 days, you will receive a full refund of your hosting fees. Note that certain services, such as domain registration, are not refundable.
How do I cancel my GreenGeeks subscription?
To cancel your GreenGeeks subscription, fill out their online cancellation request form and provide the email address associated with your account. GreenGeeks will send you a Ticket ID and request email confirmation to proceed with the cancellation. Your cancellation will be processed within 7 working days, and you will be billed for the full month in which you cancel.
How do I get a refund from GreenGeeks?
To receive a refund, you need to fill out the online cancellation request form within the first 30 days from the start date of your service. Be aware that services such as domain registrations and add-ons are not eligible for refunds, even within the 30-day trial period.
What are some alternatives to GreenGeeks?
Here are five alternatives to consider:
Hostinger: Offers lower introductory prices and A+ speeds with a user-friendly control panel. GreenGeeks, however, is known for its better environmental practices.
Bluehost: Endorsed by WordPress, providing good speeds, especially in the U.S. GreenGeeks offers better global coverage.
SiteGround: Known for high-end hosting with superior reliability and speed, built on Google Cloud. Check SiteGround reviews for more details.
HostGator: Offers strong hosting performance, though slightly more expensive. They previously purchased green energy credits, but recent confirmation is lacking.
GoDaddy: A major domain registrar with a wide variety of hosting plans. GreenGeeks has more comprehensive environmental efforts compared to GoDaddy.
What kind of deals does GreenGeeks offer?
GreenGeeks often provides significant discounts during special times of the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. For instance, last year they offered up to 84% off their shared hosting plans. Keep an eye on GreenGeeks’ promotions for the latest deals.
Is GreenGeeks a recommended web hosting provider?
Yes, GreenGeeks is highly recommended for those looking for a web hosting provider that combines environmental sustainability with strong performance. They offer good value for money, reliable support, and robust security, making them a great choice, especially if you are passionate about eco-friendly hosting.
