Network Solutions Web Hosting Review – A Legacy Host Revisited

Company Overview

Network Solutions operates as part of Newfold Digital, a U.S.-based web services group formed in 2021 after the merger of Web.com and Endurance Web Presence. While Web.com acquired Network Solutions in 2011, Newfold Digital is now the parent company, overseeing a broad portfolio of brands including Web.com, Register.com, Bluehost, and HostGator. While Network Solutions remains most recognized for its domain registration services, it also offers a variety of web hosting and digital tools tailored to individuals, professionals, and small businesses. Their approach focuses on providing a centralized platform for users who prefer to manage domains, hosting, site building, and email within one account. This focus on convenience and bundled services appeals to those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use over advanced customization or the latest technologies.

Their shared hosting plans include unmetered bandwidth and generous storage allocations, with support for both Linux and Windows hosting environments. Customers can also access a drag-and-drop website builder, business email options, SSL certificates, and marketing services like SEO or PPC setup, either as bundled tools or paid add-ons. While Network Solutions positions itself as a cloud hosting provider, the infrastructure includes custom-built dashboards and internal tools that differ from industry standards like cPanel. Still, the service aims to deliver stable uptime and reliable performance through its cloud-based environment.

In terms of reputation, Network Solutions has received mixed feedback. It is not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds a “Not Rated” status, while their parent company, Newfold Digital, also does not hold BBB accreditation or an official rating. The company serves a sizable customer base and manages millions of domains. While they don’t advertise any industry awards or major partnerships, their longstanding presence in the domain and hosting market contributes to their ongoing recognition.

Types of Hosting Offered

Network Solutions specializes in basic shared hosting and domain-centric services for individuals and small businesses. It’s best for users who want simple, bundled services rather than advanced infrastructure.

• Shared hosting (Linux and Windows): Core offering with support for PHP, MySQL (Linux), and ASP.NET, MSSQL (Windows). Marketed as “cloud hosting” for better reliability
• Managed WordPress hosting: Pre-installed WordPress with some performance and security optimizations. Includes cloud backups and may offer SSL, but still runs on shared infrastructure
• Website Builder hosting: Comes with the nsWebsite™ Builder. Hosting is included and managed through a visual editor—best for beginners wanting a fast setup
• Email hosting: Standalone or add-on plans for professional email under your domain. Includes large inboxes and virus/spam protection
• Reseller hosting: Available through ResellerClub and allows you to rebrand and resell Network Solutions’ hosting and domain services

Company Features & Services

Network Solutions includes a variety of features in their hosting plans, aiming to provide a one-stop experience. Below is a breakdown of key hosting features and services:

Core resources

• All plans include generous storage and unmetered bandwidth, suitable for small businesses or personal websites
• Annual plans come with a free domain name for the first year

Website building and apps

• Includes a drag-and-drop website builder for beginners
• One-click installer for WordPress and other apps like Joomla and Drupal, though some versions may be outdated
• Basic eCommerce tools are available, including Magento and WooCommerce support

Email and domain tools

• Plans include domain-branded email accounts (from 5 to unlimited), with spam filtering, webmail access, and IMAP/POP support
• Full DNS management, domain forwarding, and support for multiple sites on higher plans

Developer and tech stack

• Supports PHP, Python, Ruby, and Perl on Linux; ASP.NET and MSSQL on Windows plans
• Includes MySQL or MSSQL databases, depending on plan type
• Uses a custom control panel instead of cPanel, which may feel dated, but covers essential controls

Security and performance

• 99.9% uptime guarantee, with solid performance in independent tests
• Daily malware scans included; auto-removal on higher plans
• An SSL certificate is free for one year on mid and top-tier plans (not included on the Starter plan)
• No built-in CDN or staging environment; backups may require manual setup or be limited to WordPress plans

Hosting structure and support

• Hosting runs on a shared cloud infrastructure for redundancy
• No VPS or dedicated options—the service is designed for smaller-scale websites

Plans & Prices

Shared Hosting Tiers

• Starter ($2.99/mo promo; ~$8/mo renewal): Basic plan for one site, 10 GB storage, 5 email boxes. No SSL included. Good for simple personal sites
• Essential ($4.99/mo promo; ~$13.99/mo renewal): Hosts up to 3 sites, 20 GB storage, 1,000 email boxes. Includes free domain and SSL for the first year
• Premium ($6.99/mo promo; ~$16.99/mo renewal): Up to 10 sites, 40 GB storage, unlimited email. Also includes domain, SSL, and added security

All plans include standard features like the site builder, scripting support, and one-click app installs, but more is unlocked at higher tiers.

WordPress Hosting: Separate plans (starting at $5.99/mo) are tailored for WordPress, with pre-installed WordPress, backup features, and automatic updates. Plan tiers support one or more sites and range up to 40 GB of storage.

Network Solutions offers full-featured hosting but at a premium. It’s best suited for users who want bundled services and prefer to manage their domain and hosting under one account, particularly those needing Windows hosting. However, budget-conscious users may find better value elsewhere. Promotional prices require an upfront annual payment, and renewal rates are significantly higher, so it’s important to review the “renews at” pricing before checkout. Hosting plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though domain refunds may vary depending on whether the domain is kept. Network Solutions accepts payments via credit card and PayPal.

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Advantages

• Established provider: Over 40 years in the industry with a strong reputation for stability and longevity
• All-in-one services: Domains, hosting, email, SSL, builder, and marketing tools under one account
• Generous resources: Higher plans support up to 10 sites, unmetered bandwidth, and large or unlimited storage and email
• Freebies included: Free domain and free SSL certificate for the first year on most annual plans
• Strong uptime: 99.9% guarantee, with independent tests showing ~99.98% performance
• Linux and Windows hosting: Supports PHP, Python, and ASP.NET—ideal for mixed tech stacks or legacy apps
• Robust email tools: Custom domain email, spam filters, autoresponders, and shared calendars included
• Helpful support content: Solid knowledge base, tutorials, and FAQs for self-service troubleshooting
• Onboarding assistance: Free setup help from a technical advisor with hosting packages

Disadvantages

• Outdated tech stack: Uses older software like PHP 7.4 and outdated WordPress versions. The control panel feels dated, with no support for HTTP/2 or LiteSpeed
• Slow performance: Server response times are below industry average, with tests showing over 4-second delays. Speed issues are common under traffic spikes
• High pricing and costly renewals: Intro rates jump significantly on renewal. SSLs, backups, and domain privacy often cost extra, making long-term costs high
• Limited scalability: No VPS or dedicated options. No staging environments or developer tools like Git. Not ideal for growing sites or advanced users
• Missing essentials on basic plans: No SSL on Starter plan, no free site migration, and limited backup options. Some features are locked behind higher tiers or paid services
• Weak customer support: Frequent complaints about long wait times, unresolved issues, and inconsistent help
• Aggressive upselling: Add-ons may be auto-selected at checkout. Users report surprise charges, high domain renewal prices, and unclear billing practices

Customer Experience

On major review platforms, Network Solutions receives mixed ratings. On Trustpilot, they hold a score of 1.1 out of 5, based on over 1,300 reviews. On G2, they’re rated around 1.8 out of 5, reflecting limited satisfaction among users. SiteJabber shows a somewhat better score of 3.5 out of 5 from 40+ reviews. On the BBB website, Network Solutions is on alert by the BBB for a pattern of complaints.

Many long-time users say the service has been reliable for domain registration and email, particularly for simple websites that don’t require frequent updates. Some reviewers mention consistent uptime and smooth account management, especially for domain-related tasks. Others highlight helpful interactions with individual support agents and note that the platform works well once everything is set up.

At the same time, concerns persist around customer support and billing. Some users report long wait times or difficulty getting consistent help, while others mention frustration with upselling during support interactions. Billing complaints often involve unexpected renewal fees or issues with canceling services. A smaller portion of users cite performance concerns, such as slow website speeds or occasional email outages. The custom control panel also draws criticism from some for being less user-friendly than more common alternatives. Additionally, there are scattered reports of delays with domain transfers or DNS updates, though these experiences vary.

While Network Solutions does respond to some online reviews with offers to assist, users often report similar issues across platforms. At the same time, the company serves a wide customer base, and it’s possible that many users have a routine experience and don’t post reviews. Overall, customer sentiment suggests that while the service may meet the needs of some, others may face challenges depending on their support expectations and technical needs.

Customer Support

Network Solutions offers a variety of support channels, including phone, live chat, support tickets, and a searchable knowledge base. General phone support is available from 7:00 AM to midnight ET, seven days a week, with separate lines for technical help and sales. While it’s helpful that phone support exists—especially since some budget hosts have moved away from it—many users report long wait times during peak hours. Live chat is listed as available 24/7 and works well for quick questions or basic issues, though more complex problems may be escalated or require a phone call. Support tickets can be submitted through the Account Manager portal, which is useful for non-urgent matters, though response times may vary.

The support site includes a fairly comprehensive knowledge base with articles on common topics like WordPress setup and email troubleshooting. This section is especially helpful for users who prefer self-service or need faster solutions. Network Solutions also offers a premium support service called MyTime Support™, where customers can pay for assistance with tasks like malware removal, file transfers, and website updates. Some users find this option convenient, while others have noted that it’s occasionally recommended for issues that might otherwise be addressed through regular support.

Conclusion

Network Solutions offers a reliable all-in-one solution backed by decades of experience. Their main strengths lie in convenience and stability; features include domain management, hosting, email, site building, and security tools from a single account. Uptime is solid, and the bundled extras like a free domain and SSL (on some plans) are practical perks for small business owners or non-technical users who value simplicity over technical depth.

While the platform may not offer the most cutting-edge tools, it covers the essentials well. Some users might find the control panel and tech stack more traditional compared to newer hosts, and features like always-on free SSL or one-click staging aren’t included on all plans. Server speeds vary, and support reviews are mixed, but many users still rely on the platform for its consistency and bundled services. For those who prefer to manage everything in one place and value long-term provider stability, Network Solutions remains a solid option.

If you decide Network Solutions isn’t the right fit, don’t worry – the hosting market is full of options. You might check out our in-depth hosting reviews or read our head-to-head comparisons to see how it stacks up. Additionally, our blog has a guide on choosing the best hosting for your needs and tips on migrating your website, should you need to move from one host to another. The goal is to ensure you find a hosting service that keeps your website running smoothly, quickly, and with support you can count on.

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