A Small Orange vs WebHostingPad

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 While A Small Orange is no longer active, their review offers context for what customers valued and where the service fell short.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

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, WebHostingPad has built its reputation as a budget hosting provider focused on accessibility and ease of use. Their core services include shared hosting, WordPress-optimized hosting, and VPS plans, all offered at some of the lowest introductory prices in the industry. Key features include a free domain in the first year, free SSL certificates, unlimited email accounts, unlimited bandwidth and storage on many plans, and an easy-to-use website builder powered by Weebly. Their 99.9% uptime promise, one-click WordPress installation, and beginner-focused setup make them popular among personal website owners and small businesses. BBB accreditation with an A+ rating reinforces their credibility, while mixed customer reviews highlight both affordability and some performance trade-offs. With 24/7 support channels and straightforward tools, they remain a competitive choice for users who value cost savings and simplicity over advanced hosting features.