A Small Orange vs ScalaHosting

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 While A Small Orange is no longer active, their review offers context for what customers valued and where the service fell short.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.

ScalaHosting, founded in 2007 and based in Dallas, Texas, with an international office in Sofia, Bulgaria, has steadily built a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative hosting solutions. They offer a range of services including shared hosting, managed VPS hosting, WordPress hosting, and reseller options, making them a versatile choice for individuals, small businesses, and developers. What really sets them apart is their proprietary SPanel control panel, a cost-effective alternative to cPanel that comes with built-in tools for security, WordPress management, and backups. Their hosting plans focus heavily on performance and protection, featuring SShield AI-powered threat detection, daily offsite backups, and strategically placed global data centers to ensure fast, stable websites. Customers frequently praise their 24/7 live chat and ticket support for being responsive and knowledgeable, while also highlighting the platform’s ease of use and reliable uptime. While there are occasional mentions of a learning curve with SPanel and higher costs when scaling cloud resources, ScalaHosting maintains high ratings on sites like Trustpilot and G2. With a strong mix of innovation, security, and customer-first service, they’ve positioned themselves as a compelling choice for anyone looking to build or grow an online presence.