Service Comparison
| Feature comparison table |
 $29.95 /mo
Build 1
|
 $6.99 /mo
Cloud Startup
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
CPU cores
|
2 CPU cores
|
2 CPU cores
|
|
RAM
|
4GB RAM
|
4GB RAM
|
|
Storage
|
50GB
|
100GB
|
|
Inodes
|
yesUnlimited
|
2 million
|
|
Websites
|
yesUnlimited
|
100
|
|
Automatic Offsite Backups
|
yesDaily
|
yesDaily
|
|
External backups support
|
yesYes (S3, B2)
|
noNone
|
|
Includes Control Panel
|
yesSPanel
|
yeshPanel
|
|
Free Website Migration
|
yesYes, done by experts
|
Yes, automatic tool
|
|
Free WP Migration
|
yesYes, done by experts
|
Yes, automatic tool
|
|
Free Email Migration
|
yesYes, via IMAP sync
|
noNo, Self-service only
|
|
Free Global CDN Integration
|
yesYes, via Cloudflare
|
yesIn-house CDN
|
|
Malware Protection
|
yesYes, SShield (included)
|
yesMalware scanning + WAF
|
|
Free OpenLiteSpeed Аcceleration
|
yesYes
|
yesYes
|
|
Scalable Resources
|
yesYes, granular scaling
|
noNo, predefined options only
|
|
Dedicated IP
|
yesYes
|
yesYes
|
|
IP Blacklist Monitoring
|
yesYes, built into SPanel
|
noNo
|
|
Free SSL certificates
|
yesYes
|
yesYes
|
|
Money-back Guarantee
|
yes30-day full; Anytime pro-rated
|
30-day standard
|
|
Bandwidth
|
yesUnmetered
|
yesUnmetered
|
|
Root Access
|
yesYes, full root access
|
noNo root access
|
|
Type of Infrastructure
|
yesTrue Cloud VPS
|
Shared hosting with CloudLinux isolation
|
According to Hostinger's own chatbot and technical documentation, their "Cloud hosting" is NOT actual VPS hosting. What they offer is a fully managed shared hosting with CloudLinux isolation (cagefs). Quote from Hostinger support bot:
Hostinger Cloud hosting does not use VPS-style virtualization. Instead, it runs on a managed, high-performance infrastructure designed for reliability and scalability, with resources allocated to your account—no manual virtualization setup required.
This means Hostinger's Cloud plans are essentially oversold shared hosting with extra resources that aren't strictly guaranteed, hence the low price. In comparison, ScalaHosting as a Hostinger alternative provides true Cloud VPS with guaranteed resources and no overselling.
| Feature comparison table |
$5.95 /mo
($14.95/mo when you renew)
Start
|
$2.99 /mo
($16.99/mo when you renew)
Business
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
Number of Websites
|
Unlimited
|
100
|
|
Storage Space
|
50GB
|
200GB
|
|
Storage Type
|
NVMe SSD
|
NVMe SSD
|
|
Automatic Offsite Backups
|
yesYes, 7 days
|
yesYes, daily (Business plan)
|
|
Free SSL certificates
|
yesYes, for each site
|
yesYes
|
|
Free Website Migration
|
yesYes
|
Built-in automated tools only
|
|
Free Email Migration
|
yesYes
|
noOnly when moving to a paid Business email
|
|
Email inbox size limit
|
yesNone (abides by total GB)
|
1GB per mailbox
|
|
Free Global CDN Integration
|
yesYes, via Cloudflare
|
yesIn-house CDN
|
|
Malware Protection & Scanning
|
yesSShield on SPanel plans
|
Yes (malware scanner)
|
|
Uncapped Inodes
|
yesYes
|
no600,000 (capped)
|
|
Database Size
|
yesUnlimited
|
3GB each (limited)
|
|
Max Databases
|
yesUnlimited
|
150
|
|
Softaculous
|
yesYes (400+ scripts)
|
noNo
|
|
Money-back Guarantee
|
yes30-day full; Anytime partial
|
30-day standard
|
Hostinger's shared hosting plans are industry-standard with various limitations to prevent overuse: strict inode caps (600,000), database size limits (3GB each), and email storage limits (1GB per mailbox). These restrictions are implemented using CloudLinux.
ScalaHosting offers more flexibility with unlimited inodes, unlimited database sizes, and no per-mailbox email limits. The number of websites within the hosting account is also uncapped, compared to the maximum of 100 with Hostinger.
Support Comparison
Real Experts. Real Answers. No Waiting.
ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting provides direct access to in-house server-level specialists 24/7 via live chat and ticket system. There are no AI chatbot barriers, no outsourcing layers, and no unnecessary escalations. Complex technical issues are handled directly by experienced engineers with full control over the hosting infrastructure. With average response times of approximately 15 seconds for live chat and 15 minutes for tickets, customers receive fast, effective solutions — not scripted replies.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers 24/7 support, but the first interaction is handled by an AI chatbot, which many users find limiting before reaching a human agent. While support may be sufficient for simple issues, more complex technical problems — such as server-level configurations, billing disputes, or advanced migrations — often result in slower responses or generic guidance. Additionally, VPS plans are fully unmanaged, meaning customers are responsible for their own server administration.
| Support Response Time |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
24/7 Technical Support
|
|
|
|
Average response time
|
15 seconds (chat),
15 minutes (tickets) |
Varies; often longer for complex cases
|
|
Human Support
|
Direct access to real engineers
|
AI chatbot as first interaction
|
|
Technical Expertise
|
In-house server-level specialists
|
Varies depending on issue, often slow
|
|
VPS Support
|
Fully managed available
|
VPS plans are unmanaged
|
Performance Comparison
| Performance Comparison |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
Storage Performance
|
400MB/s, 104,000 IOPS
|
345MB/s, 88,000 IOPS
|
|
CPU Power
|
10,012 events per second
|
8,320 events per second
|
|
Storage Type
|
NVMe on all plans
|
NVMe
|
|
LiteSpeed Web Server
|
OpenLiteSpeed included
|
Available
|
|
Redis Cache
|
Redis manager included in SPanel
|
Not allowed on managed plans
|
|
Web Server Selector
|
Yes, Apache, Nginx, Openlitespeed, Litespeed available on clouds
|
No, locked to what is installed
|
The ScalaHosting services consistently outperform comparable plans with Hostinger. Knowing that every millisecond makes a significant difference when it comes to website speed, you want to ensure a server environment that gives you an optimal headstart.
ScalaHosting’s CPU power gives a significant 20% boost from the get go. You can also count on better read/write speeds and an ability to process more than 15% requests by choosing Scala as a Hostinger alternative.
Migrations Comparison
Migration Requests
The migration team works 24/7. You can schedule the migration for a desired time (nights and weekends included). The transfer will be initiated immediately after our team receives valid login credentials to start copying the data. Post-migration checks are included.
Migration services are available, but chatbot information is inconsistent. Some sources claim free unlimited migrations, others mention only automated self-service tools. No written statement about manual professional migration options.
Conditions
No conditions:
We will move you from any hosting provider, any panel, any type of website, as long as we have access to the files and database. The size, type, and number of websites don't matter - the migration is always free and guaranteed. Not limited to common CMS platforms like WordPress or Joomla.
Automated migration tools provided for common platforms. Professional migration assistance availability unclear - chatbot gives inconsistent information across interactions. Self-service for most scenarios. With the automated tools you have options to migrate WordPress or a website from cPanel (other control panels are not mentioned).
Cost
Free migration for all new hosting accounts,
regardless if shared, email, reseller, or managed cloud. Unlimited number of websites. Complex migrations are planned by experienced Level 3 support agents.
Free migrations claimed to be included across most plans according to website. However, chatbot may alternatively mention only automated self-service tools, which makes the credibility of "free website transfers" questionable.
Mail Transfer
Email data migration is free and can be performed for clients coming from any platform via IMAP sync. Professional assistance included. No limit on the maximum number of mailboxes or their size.
Self-service only. You can move your emails with their IMAP migration tool. This method can fail and requires mailbox creation by the client for all mailboxes in advance.
Resources and Scalability
| Scalability Feature |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
Traffic peaks allowed
|
Yes - No processes killed. Notification only if you exceed 17% CPU for 7 consecutive days
|
Processes are killed if exceeding limits. Performance degrades, site may slow down or not be served at all
|
|
Simultaneous processes
|
No limit
|
Limited by plan (Entry Processes capped)
|
|
Inodes limit
|
No limit
|
100,000-600,000 depending on plan
|
|
Max Database size
|
No limit
|
3GB
|
|
Max Database count
|
No limit
|
2-150 depending on plan
|
|
Max Database Tables
|
No limit
|
Limited by database size
|
|
Emails per hour
|
500-1000/hour per domain
|
100/day total, 10/minute via PHP mail()
|
|
Email inbox size
|
No per-mailbox limit (abides by total storage)
|
1GB per mailbox. Warning at 10GB total, suspension of disk write at 10GB
|
|
FTP accounts
|
No limit
|
300 maximum
|
|
Cronjobs
|
No limit
|
400 maximum
|
|
CPU usage policy
|
Percentage-based (17% threshold for 7 days)
|
Hard limits enforced. Exceeding causes degradation
|
|
RAM limits
|
No limit
|
1GB - 3GB depending on plan
|
|
I/O limits
|
No limit
|
6144 KB/s - 20480 KB/s depending on plan
|
ScalaHosting Approach:
Primarily focuses on percentage of server resources used, rather than strict hard numbers. This offers better predictability and makes resource allocation easier. Servers aren't overcrowded, so no overselling is needed to secure resources per customer. You are allowed peaks and temporary spikes without service interruption. You will receive a notification only if you consistently exceed 17% CPU for 7 consecutive days. This approach makes ScalaHosting a much more adequate Hostinger alternative when it comes to resource usage.
Hostinger Approach:
Allocates a fixed bucket of resources per plan with strict caps. Unlike ScalaHosting's liberal model, Hostinger enforces specific limits on inodes, database size/count, CPU, RAM, I/O, Entry Processes, and PHP workers. When limits are reached, performance will degrade (slower page responses, queued requests, errors) and you'll receive warnings to upgrade.
According to Hostinger's hosting agreement: "In the event plan limitations are exceeded, you may need to reduce the number of files or database size, your site may slow down or not be served until resources are released or more resources are added, and your site may be temporarily or permanently suspended, in our sole discretion."
Cloud VPS Scalability
| Performance Comparison |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
Scalability
|
Full, granular scalability (add individual resources as needed)
|
No granular scalability; upgrades are from one fixed plan to another
|
|
Resource Limits
|
Up to 24 CPU cores, 128GB RAM, cluster options above that
|
No scalability above 10 CPU cores
|
|
Upgrades/Migrations
|
No server migrations required for upgrades
|
Must upgrade entire tier/move plans to a higher package
|
|
Upgrade Downtime
|
Quick server reboot for CPU/RAM upgrades (instant for storage)
|
Not specified (Implied change in plan tier)
|
|
Resource Guarantee
|
Guaranteed resources - no overselling
|
Not explicitly stated (Implied fixed plan resources)
|
|
Fair Usage/Limits
|
No such limits, always guaranteed resources
|
"Unlimited" services actually have usage caps (6GB for cloud)
|
Full, granular scalability - add individual resources as needed
Up to 24 CPU cores, 128GB RAM, 2000GB storage
No server migrations required for upgrades
Quick server reboot for CPU/RAM upgrades (instant for storage)
Guaranteed resources - no overselling
No granular scalability
VPS plans (aside from being fully unmanaged) allow upgrades only from one plan to another)
Example: KVM1 → KVM2 → KVM4 (must upgrade entire tier)
No control panel included on VPS (100% unmanaged)
Only the OS is preinstalled
Virtualization is KVM, but resources are very limited
Scalability is non-existent - fixed plan tiers only
Cloud plans: also no granular scaling, predefined options only
"Unlimited" services have fair usage caps (3GB database limit for shared, 6GB for cloud)
Security Comparison
| Security |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature Name
|
||
|
SSL Certificates
|
Included free
|
Included free
|
|
Backups
|
Daily, with a remote option
|
Weekly on lower plans, Daily on Business and Cloud plans
|
|
Server Monitoring
|
Constant, proactive
|
Not available
|
|
Malware Detection
|
SShield: Standard across all SPanel plans (real-time detection)
|
Included (basic scanning)
|
|
Firewall
|
CSF firewall on cPanel, integrated firewall on SPanel
|
WAF (Web Application Firewall) mentioned as included
|
|
Account Isolation
|
Full isolation on Cloud VPS
|
Not available
|
|
WordPress Protection
|
WP-Lock included
|
Not available
|
ScalaHosting includes SShield security monitoring as a standard functionality across all SPanel-based plans, providing proactive, real-time malware detection and prevention. The client is immediately notified in security risk cases.
Hostinger provides basic malware scanning. Advanced security features and professional cleanup cost extra. The approach is more reactive than proactive.
Control Panel Comparison
| Control panels |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Feature / Tool
|
||
|
Control Panel
|
SPanel by default (free, cPanel-compatible); cPanel available at an additional fee (not popular)
|
hPanel across most shared/cloud plans (proprietary panel); No control panel on VPS (100% unmanaged, SSH access only)
|
|
Feature Set
|
Full feature set included
|
Basic feature set on shared/cloud
|
|
Root Access
|
Root access on Cloud VPS
|
No root access on shared/cloud plans
|
|
Included Tools
|
Email management, DNS editor, File Manager are all included
|
Limited customization options
|
|
WordPress Management
|
WordPress Manager with auto-updates, security, staging
|
Basic WordPress tools
|
|
Redis
|
Redis manager with GUI
|
Not supported on shared/cloud
|
|
Node.js
|
Node.js manager with n8n integration
|
n8n available only on unmanaged servers
|
|
Malware protection tool
|
SShield included
|
Basic
|
|
Web Server Management
|
Switch between 4 web servers at any time
|
No such option
|
|
Website Monitoring
|
Included
|
Not available
|
|
Reseller functionality
|
Included
|
Not available
|
|
Customization & White-label
|
Included
|
Not available
|
Refunds and Hidden Fees Comparison
30-day full money-back guarantee
Anytime prorated refunds
Applies to web hosting services
Does not apply to extras like domains, SSL, LS licenses
Optional add-ons clearly disclosed
No mandatory extras
Fully-featured email included
Daily Remote backup included
Premium Support included for cloud plans
AI sitebuilder included
30-day standard money-back policy
Products and services available for refunds described in their Refund Policy
Not everything is refundable (domains, VPS licenses excluded)
Business email: Paid option starting at $0.35/mo per mailbox (renews at $1.59/mo)
Required because default mail service is quite limited (1GB per mailbox)
Email storage addons: Additional cost for larger mailboxes
Daily backup extension: Extra cost on lower plans (Premium and Single plans have weekly only)
AI sitebuilder is paid extra
Hostinger charges extra for essential services that should be a natural part of the package. The advertised promotional price doesn't reflect the true cost of running a production website.
What Our Customers Say About ScalaHosting
I have been operating websites on a commercial basis since 1993 and have never been exposed to such a satisfying and positive hosting experience. We are using the NY based servers and our speed is fantastic with First Contentful paint at 0.8s and Speed Index at 1.0s. You could not get faster!
Receiving a prompt, positive response when having a question or issue is very important, particularly when working with live ecommerce sites. I moved the 90+ websites I manage to ScalaHosting almost two years ago. It's a decision I've never regretted and has really been beneficial to my business.
I was having troubles with my online store going down every day losing visitors and sales. Then I found ScalaHosting. Those people moved my site for free and without downtime. My website never stopped loading. I recommend them with both hands and thumbs up!
Ready To Experience True Cloud Hosting?
Looking for a proven Hostinger alternative that delivers real performance, transparency, and professional support? ScalaHosting provides everything that Hostinger promises, but actually delivers on it.
True Cloud VPS with guaranteed resources
20% more CPU power and 16% faster storage performance
Full root access and complete server control
Free unlimited professional migrations with zero downtime
Real human support from experts (no AI chatbot barriers)
No hidden limits that cause sudden performance degradation or suspension
Make the Switch Today
Our migration team works 24/7 to move your websites, databases, and emails with zero downtime. No restrictions on size, type, or number of websites. Professional assistance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Hostinger's Cloud hosting really cloud hosting?
No. According to Hostinger's own documentation and support chatbot, their "Cloud hosting does not use VPS-style virtualization." The service is essentially shared hosting with CloudLinux isolation and more allocated resources - but these resources aren't strictly guaranteed like true cloud VPS. ScalaHosting provides genuine cloud VPS with guaranteed, non-oversold resources.
-
Can I install custom software on Hostinger Cloud hosting?
No. Hostinger Cloud hosting has no root access and does not allow installation of additional software. You're locked to their pre-configured stack. ScalaHosting provides full root access on Cloud VPS plans, allowing you to install any software and customize server configurations.
-
Are Hostinger's "unlimited" features really unlimited?
No. According to their hosting agreement, "unlimited" services have hard caps: 3GB per database for shared hosting, 6GB for cloud hosting, 600,000 inodes for shared, 2 million for cloud, 300 FTP accounts, 400 cronjobs, 100 emails/day, and more. ScalaHosting provides truly unlimited inodes, databases, and websites on appropriate plans.
-
What happens if I exceed Hostinger's limits?
According to the Hostinger agreement: "your site may slow down or not be served until resources are released or more resources are added, and your site may be temporarily or permanently suspended, in our sole discretion."
-
Does Hostinger provide email hosting?
Yes, but very limited. Default email accounts have 1GB storage limit per mailbox. If you exceed 10GB total email storage, they will suspend disk write functionality. For professional email with larger mailboxes, you must pay extra ($0.35-$1.59/mo per mailbox). ScalaHosting includes full email services with no per-mailbox limits.
-
Is Hostinger VPS managed or unmanaged?
Completely unmanaged. You get a bare server with only the OS installed, no control panel (not even hPanel), no backups, and no support for server management tasks. This is only suitable for experienced system administrators. ScalaHosting provides fully managed VPS with SPanel, backups, monitoring, and professional support.
-
How much do Hostinger's renewal prices increase?
Significantly. Premium plan increases 452% ($1.99 → $10.99/mo), Business plan increases by 468% ($2.99 → $16.99/mo), Cloud Startup increases by 271% ($6.99 → $25.99/mo). ScalaHosting's renewal rates are more predictable and transparent.
-
Can ScalaHosting help me migrate from Hostinger?
Yes, absolutely. ScalaHosting provides unlimited free professional migrations 24/7 with no restrictions on size, type, or number of websites. The team handles everything, including websites, databases, emails, and configurations with zero downtime. Hostinger primarily offers self-service automated tools only.