Review WebFaction 2024
WebFaction, once a popular choice for experienced web developers and system administrators, sadly shut down its services in 2021. Known for its powerful custom control panel and developer-friendly features, it offered a refreshing alternative to more commercialized hosting providers.
What Made WebFaction Stand Out?
Hosting Plans and Pricing: WebFaction never aimed for the mass market with shared hosting plans. Instead, they offered shared hosting with a focus on flexibility and control. Users got SSH access, could select their preferred version of PHP or Python, and even run custom applications. This approach, while not beginner-friendly, was a haven for experienced users. Their pricing, while not the cheapest, was competitive and offered good value for the level of control provided.
Ease of Use: WebFaction wasn't known for its user-friendliness for beginners. The custom control panel, while powerful, had a steep learning curve. This was a deliberate choice as they targeted users comfortable with command lines and server management.
Performance and Security: Generally, WebFaction received positive reviews for its performance and uptime. Their servers were known to be reliable, and they offered features like automatic backups and server monitoring. Security was also a strong point, with measures like two-factor authentication and regular security updates.
Customer Support: WebFaction's customer support was highly regarded within the community. They offered responsive and knowledgeable support via email and a ticketing system. Their help documentation was also comprehensive and well-written.
Server Speed and Data Centers: While they didn't offer a massive global network of data centers, their strategically located data centers ensured decent speeds for most users.
The Legacy of WebFaction
WebFaction's closure left a void for users who valued its specific approach to web hosting. Many users appreciated the control, flexibility, and strong community it offered. While several alternative hosting providers exist, finding one that perfectly replicates WebFaction's unique combination of features and target audience remains a challenge.
WebFaction's rating: Good hosting provider
We rate features of services on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the highest rating. e also take into account the opinions of other users when rating features. We read user reviews and feedback to get a sense of how other people are using the features and what they think of them.
Hosting provider with a stable user count and no significant complaints will be given a GOOD reputation rating. Therefore, you do not need to worry when host your website on these platforms.
Parameters | Score | Why did we give this score? |
---|---|---|
Features | 4 | Good - We consider a number of factors when rating features, including: usefulness, ease to use, effectiveness, impact.. WebFaction's feature is excellent. It provides a high level of value to the user and is easy to use and effective. |
Reliability | 4.5 | Mostly credible - WebFaction consistently meets its promises and delivers on time. They have an excellent customer service record and are very responsive to customer complaints. |
User Friendly | 3.5 | Good - Easy to Use: WebFaction is very easy to navigate and use. Users will have no trouble finding the information they need or completing tasks. |
Support | 4 | Good - The support service is good. There is a user manual and FAQ page, and they are well-written and provide adequate information. The helpdesk is responsive and helpful. The support time is fast and there is live chat with customers. The service supports multiple languages. |
Price | 3.5 | Affordable - The pricing of WebFaction is affordable. It is slightly lower than the average prices of similar services, and there is some flexibility in the price list. |
Promotion | 2.5 | Average coupon - WebFaction offers occasional promotions. Their promotions are average and have a moderate reach. There are a few bonus programs, discounted codes, or percentage discounts. They have some conditions for receiving promotions, and their targeted audience is fairly broad. Their rewards programs and loyalty programs are okay, but their discounts and special offers are few and far between. |
Other Factors | 2.5 | Average - The number of customers is moderate, and the partner reviews are mixed. The company's revenue is also moderate. |
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using WebFaction as your hosting platform.
Positives
- Flexible hosting plans
- High-performance servers
- Excellent customer support
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of features
Negatives
- Limited bandwidth on some plans
- No 24/7 phone support
- Lack of some advanced features