Debating between the industry’s “Top Host” (HostMonster) and the company voted “Best Features” (IX Web Hosting)? The two companies share a lot of similar features and benefits– it can be tough choosing between the two. To assist you in the decision-making process, let’s compare what the two companies have in common – as well as what they don’t – to help identify which one will best serve your hosting needs.

Compare Web hosting Features

Pricing
If you choose a 24 or 36-month package, both HostMonster and IX Web Hosting cost virtually the same – $3.95 a month.

If you are interested in making a shorter commitment (3-6 months), IX Web Hosting might save you a couple of bucks. HostMonster charges $9.95 per month for 3 and 6 month contracts, where IX Web charges $7.95 a month for 3-month and $6.95 for 6-month contracts, plus set up.

Set up costs for both HostMonster and IX Web Hosting are the same – a $30.00 set-up fee and $10.00 domain registration charge. Both of these fees are waived if you choose a 12, 24, or 36-month contract.

Update: In February 2011, HostMonster changed its minimum contract to 1 year and now charges $4.50/month whether you purchase a 1, 2 or 3 year contract. There are no set-up fees and a free domain still comes with every package.

Features
Both HostMonster and IX Web Hosting offer easy to use control panels. HostMonster uses cPanel, the industry’s most popular web hosting control panel today. IX Web Hosting uses H-Sphere, an easy to use control panel that looks very similar to a computer desktop, with obvious icons for E-mail, FTP, Tools, etc. Both services offer a wide selection of free software, scripts and Front Page extensions; allowing you to easily:

o Design and manage your website
o Start a blog or forum
o Open an online store
o House a customer list
o Conduct polls and surveys
o Host your own photo galleries and videos
o Measure your site’s performance
o And much, much, more

Both plans offer unlimited domain names and ample email accounts for any small business – however, IX Web Hosting caps its email accounts off at 2500. Both have shopping cart capabilities, spam filters, streaming audio/video options, and MySQL databases. Both also offer basically unlimited bandwidth and disk space.

Security
HostMonster and IX Web Hosting both employ the most current industry best practices to ensure optimal security:

o HostMonster employs SSH or Secure Shell Access; this allows you to make changes to your site and development environment within a secure channel. HostMonster also provides SSL (Secure Socket Layer) secure servers, ensuring that any information exchanged between your visitors and the website is encrypted and safe.

o IX Web Hosting manages its own data center and has taken all the precautions to ensure your website and data are safe. This includes a multi-layer security infrastructure that has been certified as “Hacker-Safe.”

Reliability
Both services use the latest servers to make sure your website loads quickly for visitors and performs its absolute best. HostMonster uses the latest quad processor servers for good website speed and performance. IX Hosting has multiple tier-1 Internet connections through telecom partners such as Verizon and BellSouth, offering a wide variety of ways for your website and visitors to connect. They both support a number of features, including multiple power supplies and a 24/7 technical staff.

Customer Service
Both HostMonster and IX Web Hosting have get high marks for responsive, friendly support. Both services provide:

o 24/7 Phone support
o 24/7 Live chat
o 24/7 Ticket system

Both companies boasts quick, responsive wait times and a phone support team that is based in the United States. If you prefer the DIY approach, both services support an extensive library of self-help articles, in-depth FAQs, and video tutorials.

Bonuses
In both instances, every new web hosting account receives a free domain for life and free set-up, provided you choose a 24-month plan or more. Each new customer also receives $100 in free marketing credits for use with Google and Yahoo Search Marketing to help you get more traffic. Both services offer a no-questions-asked 30-day money back guarantee.

Conclusion
When it comes to affordable, robust, reliable, and secure web hosting, HostMonster or IX Web Hosting both are excellent choices. If you’re signing up for a shorter plan, IX Web Hosting may be slightly less expensive, but otherwise the two companies cost comparatively the same. If you like and are accustomed to using cPanel to manage your site, you may prefer HostMonster, but IX Web Hosting’s “H-Sphere” is equally as intuitive and user-friendly. We hope this helps you in your decision making process – good luck with your website!