Host Metro In 2021: What Do Host Metro Client Reviews Say?
Disclosure: Your support helps keep the site running! We earn a referral fee for some of the services we recommend on this page. Learn more
Our overview of Host Metro…
Expert Opinion
Hear from our web hosting expert, Claire Broadley.
Best Reviews
See what 30 Host Metro customers have to say.
Hosting Plans
Compare the best Host Metro hosting plans and their prices.
FAQs
Most asked Questions about Host Metro – answered!
Host Metro Introduction
Host Metro is a privately owned and managed web hosting company. The business was launched in 2003 and the management team have a combined total of over 50 years experience in the web hosting industry.
Host Metro is specialized in shared web hosting only. It has a decade of experience in this niche, so we can assume customers are in safe hands.
Host Metro Hosting Plans
The shared hosting plans from Host Metro are easy to understand. There are just two options, the Mega Max Hosting plan and the Business Max Hosting plan. The longer the length of your contract, the cheaper the monthly fee.
On both plans, customers get ‘maximum’ disk space and bandwidth. This is a bit of a strange clause. It actually means customers are set a quota, and Host Metro says that the quotas are enough to satisfy 95% of their customers’ needs. Customers can request more space if they need it, but they will be turned down if 15% of the existing space is taken up by files that aren’t used to build the website. This is all rather vague; it’s designed to prevent customers from using the service as a file storage facility, but some people won’t feel comfortable without figures to rely on.
Both hosting plans include unlimited FTP accounts, MySQL databases, weekly backups, and site builders. Customers can use unlimited domains and set up unlimited email accounts. The Business Max Hosting plan comes with an SSL, dedicated IP and a few other minor bonuses.
Host Metro Uptime/Downtime
Host Metro’s hosting plans are covered by a 99.9% uptime guarantee, but it has an important get-out clause for the host. It will compensate customers if uptime falls below 99.9% over the period of a year – not a month. In this situation, customers are given an extra month of hosting for free, but it’s highly unlikely that any period of downtime would trigger the guarantee in the first place. If it did, would you remember to claim?
There is little information regarding the Host Metro datacenter on its website. The company says that its facility is one of the most efficient in the world; perhaps this is because of its odd approach to resource allocation. I managed to deduce that the datacenters are redundantly powered and networked. There also feature security, fire suppression, HVAC conditioning units and backup power.
Host Metro Support
Host Metro’s support options include US-based 24/7 live chat, email and telephone channels. There is also a knowledgebase for self help purposes, and it includes articles, guides and frequently asked question lists.
Customers can follow the Host Metro Facebook page and Twitter account. While the Twitter feed is lively, the Facebook page is barely used.
Host Metro in the News
Host Metro is a relatively small hosting company, so its lack of press is unsurprising – and a good sign.
Host Metro Control Panel
cPanel is offered across all Host Metro plans, which is always a plus point. As there are no advanced hosting options, cPanel is the one and only option here.
Host Metro Extras
Host Metro offers a range of freebies and extras to tempt customers to sign up. These include a free domain name, free access to SSL certificates and a Google adwords coupon worth $100.
The host supports a range of e-commerce features including Google checkout, PayPal, Zen Cart and OSCommerce. Softaculous is also installed as you’d expect.
Host Metro Money Back Guarantee / Cancellation Policy
It’s good to see that there is a 45 day money back guarantee available for anyone who signs up for a Host Metro plan. This is slightly longer than the average money back guarantee on shared hosting generally. The guarantee does not cover add-on services (such as the cost of registering domain name or an SSL certificate). It’s also only available to genuine, new customers, although there is a 5 day guarantee which covers any future renewals.
Host Metro Summary
Host Metro is no-fuss shared hosting company. It’s clear that the plans are designed to be as straightforward as possible, although that has its drawbacks.
Whilst many companies offer unlimited space and bandwidth with strings attached, Host Metro only offers customers the space they need. This may be great for anyone getting started on the web, but if you need more space it can be restrictive, especially if you sign up for a three year term. Who’s to say your site won’t breach the rules in future? We prefer to see terms set in stone. But despite our scepticism, there is something to be said for a low cost hosting provider that doesn’t blind its customers with technical jargon.
Host Metro Reviews by Our Community
Overall Rating from 30 Reviews by Host Metro Customers
| Support | |
|---|---|
| Quality | |
| Features | |
| Value |
Most Helpful Reviews
Matt Hill eliteaviationfiji.com
Oct 02, 2018
Darren Jones homeproreports.com
Jul 02, 2018
My experience while using HostMetro was not bad. It’s a budget host and that’s about what to expect. Their customer care is abysmal!
I transferred my domain to another company and canceled the auto renew on my Hostmetro account. They sent several emails about it being time to renew but I disregarded them until the last minute. When I finally did log in I didn’t see anything about an "auto" renew and their chat for Billing Dept was down.
I called the phone number and there was a message about it being renovated and not working. The following Monday I receive an emailed receipt for 3 years more hosting. I tried to chat and phone again with the same response so I sent and email to customer support.
They promptly responded with "Sorry no refund. That’s our policy, you should have canceled." I tried a number of times to explain my mistake and lack of ability to contact them but they keep saying "Sorry, that’s our policy". So on the first business day after being charged for 3 years of hosting they refuse to refund my money.
That’s just bad business, policy or not, they could have made the refund and acknowledged I just made a mistake. Be warned, they don’t care about their customer base.
Randy Odland real-times.co
Aug 30, 2015
No rating they are totaly useless they are not worth it everything they advertise is BS. They say 99% uptime well that should be the other way around. I’ve been suspended 3 times now and I’m getting sick and tiered of what they say is happening.
Most Popular Host Metro Hosting Plans
| Mega Max Hosting | Business Max Hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Space | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Price | $4.45 / mo (Billed as $4.45 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate. Usual price: – Get % off! | $6.95 / mo (Billed as $4.45 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate. Usual price: – Get % off! |
| Visit Host Metro Now | Visit Host Metro Now |
Host Metro Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HostMetro’s fee structure and how can I pay?
HostMetro charges per month with discounts for a two or three year contract. Discounts range from 10% to 40%.
They also offer a price fix promise, which means that whatever price you sign up at is the price you pay for life.
They accept payment via PayPal or any major credit card.
- What programming languages does HostMetro support?
HostMetro supports PHP 5.6, Perl 5.10, Python 2.6, and Ruby on Rails 1.8.
- What services does HostMetro offer?
HostMetro offers shared hosting with two tiers. They’re higher tier plan includes an SSL certificate and SiteLock Security Seal. They do not offer reseller, VPS, or dedicated hosting.
- Where are HostMetro’s datacenters?
The HostMetro has a datacenter in Elk Grove Village, IL. The company is based out of Arlington Heights, IL.
- Does HostMetro have Windows hosting?
No. HostMetro only offers Linux-based hosting with CentOS.
- Does HostMetro have a money back guarantee?
HostMetro has a 30 day money back guarantee for any new account.
- What applications can I easily install?
HostMetro uses Softaculous to provide access to over 100 popular applications including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and popular ecommerce shopping carts.
- Does HostMetro include domain registration?
Yes. Every account includes free domain registration for one domain for one year. Each domain after that will be charged normally. The initial domain registration does not include domain privacy.
- How many domains can be registered to one account?
HostMetro has unlimited domains on all their accounts, including parked domains and subdomains.
- Does HostMetro have free backups?
Yes. They back up their shared servers accounts every week. But they do recommend that you have your own backups just in case, and only back up sites that are smaller than 1 GB.
- What site security does HostMetro provide?
The top tier plan comes with free access to SiteLock Security Seal, which scans daily for security problems. The top tier plan also includes an SSL certificate. The lower tier plan can add these services for a nominal fee.
- Does HostMetro include site building software?
Yes. They provide free access to RVSite Builder on all accounts.
- Do they provide a control panel?
Yes. HostMetro provides free access to cPanel for all accounts.
- Do they have an uptime guarantee?
Yes. They guarantee 99.99% uptime over 12 months, and credit customers with one month of free service if they do not meet that target.
However, they exclude any downtime that was caused by things that they don’t influence. Examples of such things are DDoS attacks, backbone power provider failure, and DNS issues.
- Do they have CDN services available?
Yes. They offer CDN services through CloudFlare for free for all customers.
- Are there any restrictions on what I use my site for?
Yes. Customers are not allowed to run video streaming sites, use their sites as a backup, run image hosting sites, or do anything illegal.
They are also not allowed to sell controlled substances or run gambling websites. Contact HostMetro for more information.
Most Popular Host Metro Alternatives
Starts at:
$3.95
per month
(Billed as $4.45 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate.
Usual price: – Get % off!
Starts at:
$2.75
per month
(Billed as $4.45 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate.
Usual price: – Get % off!
Starts at:
$3.92
per month
(Billed as $4.45 Per Month) ⓘPrices in are approximate, based on current exchange rates. The host will likely charge you in USD, or at a different exchange rate.
Usual price: – Get % off!
I have been with Hostmetro for 4 years. Nobody can beat their value for money. This doesn’t mean they have cut corners to provide such a great rate.
When the 3 times I have had issues they have been very helpful in bringing a resolution to the matter not within days but within minutes
I have been with the larger hosts such as the main ones who target $1 domains but wrap their own versions of Microsoft cluttering up ones system, Hostmetro is a DIY offering made so simple even the non tech people like myself can find all you need to know in their huge knowledge database or a few clicks for live chat with a helpful customer service attendant like Brian. I would recommend Hostmetro (and I do) to any small business owner wanting a simple and efficient hosting solution. Three words. Fast , Simple, Affordable!