When it comes to selecting a dependable web hosting service, the considerations are vast – from speed and uptime to security and support.
Having evaluated numerous cloud hosting providers in recent years, Scala Hosting stands out for its exceptional performance and comprehensive feature set.
In this review of Scala Hosting for 2024, I’ll delve into its array of features, server response times, performance benchmarks, load testing results, and security measures compared to industry standards.
Furthermore, I’ll examine its pricing structure and assess both its strengths and weaknesses, including an analysis of its customer support.
So, is ScalaHosting a reliable cloud hosting provider?
Let’s find out.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and later make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Money earned through affiliate links helps keep this site running.
What is ScalaHosting?
ScalaHosting is a Dallas-based company established in 2007, renowned primarily for its cloud and VPS services.
With an impressive track record, Scala hosts over 700,000 websites across the US and Europe, as stated on its homepage.
This hosting provider has garnered considerable attention within the blogosphere and boasts commendable ratings on various platforms including Host Advice, Facebook, and BBB.
Offering a diverse range of hosting options such as WordPress, Email, Cloud VPS, and shared hosting, ScalaHosting stands out for its competitively priced VPS hosting, often comparable to the pricing of others’ shared hosting plans.
What sets ScalaHosting apart is its team of experts who handle technical aspects like software updates, security, and maintenance, making the setup process seamless even for those less technically inclined.
Let’s check out its pros and cons;
Pros
- Offers a range of hosting such as shared, VPS, and WordPress hosting.
- 1-Click Installer helps with various scripts like WordPress, PrestaShop, Joomla, and other CMS.
- Premium customer support with 24/7/365 access.
- I found 100% uptime for 30 days.
- Access to sPanel, which has more features than cPanel.
- Extensive security features include free SSL, SShield, Anti-spam, and antivirus.
- Offers white-label hosting.
Cons
- Renewal rates are higher.
- Phone support needs improvement.
- It could use some performance optimizations.
- Apache server isn’t enough for load handling.
Scala Hosting Features
Scala Hosting offers an array of impressive features across its hosting plans, with its cloud and managed VPS hosting leading the pack.
It sets itself apart with access to the proprietary S-panel and lightning-fast cloud servers, emphasizing not just quantity but quality.
Here are the features;
1. Proprietary S-Panel
Scala Hosting simplifies site management with its proprietary S-panel, providing flexibility in server and data center configurations.
While offering basic cPanel features, S-panel stands out in security, resource management, and customization options.
2. WordPress Management
Scala Hosting excels in WordPress management with its SWordPress manager, enabling direct site management from the S-panel.
Features like 1-click install, automated backups, site cloning, and admin lock enhance security and ease of use.
3. Automated Daily Backups
Scala Hosting stands out with automated daily backups, ensuring data safety without manual intervention.
Stored remotely, these backups provide a reliable fallback in case of server compromise, with one-click restore functionality.
4. Free Website Migration
Scala Hosting offers free website migration for an unlimited number of sites, minimizing downtime and ensuring seamless transitions.
A technician-assisted process ensures hassle-free migration of databases, files, and backups.
5. Free CDN Servers
Integrated with Cloudflare CDN, Scala Hosting optimizes performance by caching content across global servers, reducing loading times. Optional integration with other CDN solutions offers further customization.
6. White-Label Hosting
Scala Hosting offers a unique white-label hosting feature, allowing users to resell hosting services under their brand.
This option enhances service portfolios and revenue potential, distinguishing Scala Hosting in the market.
Major ScalaHosting Services
ScalaHosting offers many services. But, there are three major services that Scalahosting provides.
They include;
1. Email Hosting
Email hosting with Scala Hosting allows businesses and individuals to create custom email addresses using their domain name (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com).
Scala Hosting offers robust email hosting services with features such as spam filtering, virus protection, and webmail access.
With their email hosting service, users can manage their email accounts efficiently and professionally, ensuring reliable communication for their business or personal needs.
2. Shared Hosting
Scala Hosting’s shared hosting service allows multiple websites to be hosted on the same server, sharing its resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space.
Despite sharing resources, Scala Hosting ensures high-performance and reliability for each website through efficient resource allocation and management.
With affordable pricing plans and features like one-click installers and a user-friendly control panel, Scala’s shared hosting is an excellent option for individuals and small businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly and easily.
3. VPS Hosting
With VPS hosting from Scala Hosting, users get their virtual server with dedicated resources, including CPU, RAM, and disk space.
This ensures optimal performance, security, and flexibility compared to shared hosting.
Scala Hosting’s VPS hosting plans offer a range of features, including access to their proprietary S-panel for easy server management, automated backups, and free SSL certificates.
Whether you’re a developer needing a sandbox environment or a business requiring more control over your hosting environment, Scala’s VPS hosting provides the scalability and customization options you need.
Is ScalaHosting Easy to Use?
Navigating Scala Hosting is straightforward, with minimal initial challenges. Even for users with limited technical expertise, mastering the Scala dashboard is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive layout and guided tour feature.
In the client area, located on the left side, users find a concise list of options: My Details, My Services, My Domains, Billing, and Support. With just a click, users can access functions such as server reboot, shutdown, or destruction.
The Services tab provides detailed information about active hosting plans, while My Domains houses all domain-related details.
However, while the interface is generally user-friendly, some actions may be misleading. For instance, clicking on the homepage logo doesn’t directly lead to sPanel access.
Regarding sPanel, users can seamlessly manage tasks like WordPress installation and SSL certificate setup.
Supporting various web servers like Apache, Nginx, LiteSpeed Enterprise, and OpenLiteSpeed, sPanel enhances website loading times and offers essential hosting features such as free site migrations, SSL certificates, and unlimited hosting of sites, emails, and databases.
Moreover, even users lacking technical skills can utilize Scala Hosting’s VPS hosting option, thanks to its fully managed service. Users need not worry about VPS server management, as Scala provides comprehensive support.
As a bonus, users can experience a live demo of Scala Hosting’s SPanel for free. By reaching out to their support staff, users can access a server and explore SPanel’s functionalities firsthand.
Is Scala Hosting Secure?
When it comes to web hosting security, skepticism often arises due to providers failing to meet expectations.
However, Scala Hosting distinguishes itself by prioritizing robust security measures to safeguard your website.
At the forefront, Scala Hosting offers free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates with its hosting plans.
Going beyond the basics, Scala Hosting provides additional security features such as:
- SShield Security Guard: A custom AI-powered security solution by Scala, continuously monitoring websites for any signs of hacking activity and promptly notifying users.
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): Enhancing login security, 2FA generates one-time passwords through authenticator apps, adding an extra layer of protection.
- Spam Assassin: Filtering out spam emails, Spam Assassin automatically marks junk emails to keep inboxes clutter-free.
- ClamAV: This open-source antivirus tool safeguards against malware, viruses, trojans, and other online threats.
- Dedicated IP: Included with every VPS hosting plan, a dedicated IP enhances privacy and provides a professional email account, safeguarding email reputation and minimizing spam.
Overall features like SSL, SpamAssassin, and 2FA appear well-equipped to address major security concerns for website owners.
While direct testing of SShield wasn’t possible, positive online reviews provide reassurance regarding its efficacy.
ScalaHosting Pricing
Pricing stands as a crucial factor in selecting a web host, and Scala Hosting impresses with its diverse range of pricing plans.
Offering monthly, yearly, and triennial subscription options, Scala Hosting ensures flexibility to suit varied preferences.
Their shared hosting plans start as low as $9.95 per month for monthly subscriptions, though long-term commitments might warrant exploring other options.
Scala Hosting presents four pricing tiers, outlined below for triennial subscriptions:
Build #1: Priced at just $29.95 per month, this plan allows installation of a single website with 50 GB of storage.
Build #2: For $44.95 per month, users receive 100 GB of storage along with access to “SShield Cyber-security.”
Build #3: At $69.95 per month, this plan supports multiple websites with 150 GB storage and unlimited bandwidth.
Build #4: For $94.95 per month, users can install unlimited websites with 200 GB (upgradable) storage.
VPS hosting emerges as an enticing option, featuring a wealth of features including free domain, unmetered bandwidth, SSL certificates, daily backups, and the user-friendly SPanel control panel.
Though slightly pricier, Scala VPS hosting delivers excellent value for beginners and yields impressive results in tests.
Upon plan selection, users can opt for one of three data centers (Dallas, New York, or Europe) and customize backup storage, RAM, CPU cores, and additional disk space for a supplementary fee.
The choice between proprietary sPanel or cPanel licenses is available at an extra cost.
Furthermore, users have the option to switch from Scala servers to AWS or Digital Ocean for enhanced performance, albeit at an additional expense.
ScalaHosting Payment Terms and Refund Policy
Scala Hosting facilitates payments through a range of methods, including International Credit and Debit cards, PayPal, and Bank Transfers.
For peace of mind, Scala Hosting offers a 30-day refund policy, allowing customers to cancel their subscription within this period and receive a full 100% refund.
However, refunds are not applicable for renewals and software licenses.
For those seeking a more extended refund window, alternatives such as FastComet and ChemiCloud provide a 45-day guarantee.
ScalaHosting Customer Support
Scala Hosting offers multiple support channels available 24/7, including live chat, phone, email, and social media.
Additionally, a comprehensive knowledge base covers a wide array of topics, from getting started to billing inquiries.
In testing each support channel, I found the live chat option easily accessible at the bottom right corner, promising a “We’re humans” interaction.
Agents responded promptly and provided real-time assistance, demonstrating a commitment to quality service.
Upon emailing a query about the SShield security feature, I received a detailed response within just 20 minutes.
The email response surpassed the live chat in depth and included helpful links to additional resources.
While my experience with phone support initially encountered unanswered calls, the third attempt yielded assistance, albeit with some limitations.
Is Scala Hosting Legitimate?
Absolutely! Scala Hosting is a completely legitimate web hosting service with a solid reputation in the hosting industry.
Offering a variety of hosting options including shared, VPS, WordPress, and Reseller hosting services, Scala stands out for its extensive features and impressive security measures.
Upon thorough research, I found overwhelmingly positive real customer reviews, with few negative remarks.
Customers praise Scala Hosting for its fast servers and exceptional customer support, making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and user-friendly hosting services.
If you prioritize speed and customer satisfaction in your hosting provider, Scala Hosting is definitely worth considering.
Read Also:
TrueHost Review 2024: Services, Features, Pros & Cons
9 Best Web Hosting Companies in Kenya 2024
ScalaHosting Alternatives
While ScalaHosting is a reliable cloud hosting company, it has its drawbacks that I shared before.
So, it isn’t for everyone.
Therefore, I have shared 4 Scalahosting alternatives.
They include:
1. HostPapa
HostPapa is a well-established web hosting company known for its environmentally-friendly hosting solutions and excellent customer service.
With a wide range of hosting options including shared, VPS, and reseller hosting, HostPapa caters to various needs and budgets.
Their hosting plans come with features like free domain registration, SSL certificates, and website builders, making it easy for users to get started with their online presence.
HostPapa also boasts robust security measures and a user-friendly control panel for easy management of websites.
Overall, HostPapa is a reliable choice for those looking for eco-friendly hosting with reliable support.
2. Host Africa
Host Africa is a leading web hosting provider based in Africa, offering a range of hosting services tailored to the needs of businesses and individuals across the continent.
With data centers located in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, Host Africa ensures fast and reliable hosting services for African customers.
Their hosting plans include shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers, providing scalability and flexibility to accommodate various website needs.
Host Africa prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering responsive support and a user-friendly interface for easy management of hosting accounts.
For businesses and individuals seeking reliable hosting solutions with a focus on African markets, Host Africa is an excellent choice.
3. Namecheap
Namecheap is a renowned domain registrar and web hosting company known for its affordable prices and user-friendly interface.
Offering a variety of hosting options including shared, VPS, and dedicated server hosting, Namecheap caters to both individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Their hosting plans come with features like free website migration, SSL certificates, and a website builder, making it easy for users to create and manage their online presence.
Namecheap also provides excellent customer support and a robust knowledge base to assist users with any questions or issues they may encounter.
With competitive pricing and reliable services, Namecheap is a popular choice for those looking for budget-friendly hosting solutions.
4. TrueHost
Truehost is a leading web hosting provider in Africa, offering a range of hosting solutions tailored to the needs of businesses and individuals across the continent.
With data centers located in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, Truehost ensures fast and reliable hosting services for African customers.
Their hosting plans include shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers, providing scalability and flexibility to accommodate various website needs.
Truehost emphasizes security and reliability, offering features like SSL certificates, daily backups, and DDoS protection to keep websites secure.
With responsive customer support and a commitment to serving African markets, Truehost is a trusted choice for hosting in the region.
Is ScalaHosting Ideal for You?
Without a doubt!
With its combination of speed, security, and affordability, Scala Hosting ticks many boxes for those seeking reliable web hosting solutions.
One standout aspect is its streamlined design, avoiding unnecessary clutter and focusing on delivering essential features efficiently.
While Scala Hosting may not be the absolute best web hosting provider on the market, it certainly shines for businesses such as online stores and commercial blogs.
If you prioritize performance, security, and affordability in your hosting provider, Scala Hosting is definitely worth considering.
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