A Small Orange vs HostPapa

A Small Orange launched in 2003 and became known for offering simple hosting plans designed for both beginners and growing businesses. They provided shared, VPS, reseller, and dedicated hosting, giving users flexible options based on site size and performance needs. Their shared hosting plans stood out for including cPanel, SSD storage, unlimited email accounts, and Weebly’s drag-and-drop builder, which helped users create and manage websites without technical experience. WordPress-optimized servers, one-click installs, and a wide app marketplace added convenience for personal and business sites. Security features were solid, with password-protected directories, spam filtering, hotlink protection, and daily backups included across plans. Developers also had access to multiple coding languages, MySQL databases, and custom error page tools. Customer support was available through 24/7 live chat and email, though some users found responses brief and missed having phone support. Pricing tended to run higher than many competitors, and users needed to buy SSL certificates separately, which increased total costs. While A Small Orange is no longer active, their review offers context for what customers valued and where the service fell short. Readers can use these insights to compare today’s hosting providers and choose an option that matches their budget and website goals.

HostPapa is a Canadian web hosting provider founded in 2006 and headquartered in Burlington, Ontario. They have grown into a global company that focuses on delivering reliable hosting solutions for individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Their services include shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, and reseller hosting, giving users a clear path to scale as their needs evolve. What sets HostPapa apart is their commitment to sustainability, with all servers and data centers powered by 100% renewable energy. They also offer standout features like a Price Lock Guarantee, a drag-and-drop website builder, enhanced caching for speed, and free professional website migration. Their multilingual support team is available 24/7, and new customers benefit from a free one-on-one onboarding session to help them get started smoothly. HostPapa has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized on Canada’s PROFIT 500 list, reflecting their focus on reliability and customer satisfaction. With strong ratings on platforms like Trustpilot and G2, they are known for fast, knowledgeable support, though some customers have raised concerns about renewal pricing and upgrade prompts.