GreenGeeks is a web hosting provider whose goal is to be as environmentally friendly as possible. They offer a variety of shared hosting plans for everyone, from beginners to large companies. Their prices are affordable, and their plans include plenty of useful features. See our expert GreenGeeks review to decide if it’s the right choice for you.
All web hosting companies offer similar plans and the same promises. In this complete GreenGeeks review, we will put their promises to test in the following areas:
- Speed & Performance: How fast will your website load on GreenGeeks?
- Reliability: Can you rely on them to ensure that your website is accessible all the time?
- Customer Support: Will you be able to get quick support when you need it?
- Features: What’s included in the GreenGeek hosting plans?
- Pricing: How much does GreenGeek cost, and can you get a good deal to save money?
We will share many details in this in-depth GreenGeeks review. If you don’t want to read all that, here is a quick summary of our GreenGeeks review score.
GreenGeeks Review Summary | |
---|---|
Performance grade | A+ |
Average load time | 527 ms |
Average response time | 119.7 ms |
Free domain | Yes |
Free SSL | Yes |
1-click WordPress | Yes |
Support | Phone / Live Chat / Knowledge base |
Start with GreenGeeks |
Bottom line: In our review, we found GreenGeeks to be a good hosting provider. However, there is room for improvement in terms of performance and speed.
That being said, let’s get into the details of how we reached this conclusion.
About GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks was founded in 2007 by Trey Gardner. Based in Los Angeles, California, the company now powers over 600,000 websites and offers a green hosting solution.
What is Green Hosting?
Green hosting is an environment-friendly hosting service that uses different technologies and processes to reduce their carbon footprint.
The web hosting industry uses a massive amount of energy and has a significant environmental impact. GreenGeeks aims to mitigate this by purchasing wind energy credits. They purchase three times the amount of power they use. They’re also an EPA Green Power partner.
GreenGeeks Performance Tests
WPBeginner users trust our reviews because we only recommend products and services that we have used ourselves. We sign up for each top WordPress hosting company to thoroughly test their claims by running performance tests.
For this review, we signed up for a hosting account on GreenGeeks and installed WordPress. While using the default theme, we filled the website with dummy data, including media and images. This way, our test site looked and behaved like an actual WordPress site.
GreenGeeks Speed Test Results
Speed is crucial for any website’s success. That’s why the first test we ran was to measure the website’s speed using Pingdom.
Here are the results:
Our test site loaded in less than a second, which is great. However, this test alone does not show the full picture because the site has no traffic.
GreenGeeks Stress Test Results
Next, we wanted to see how well our test site would perform on GreenGeeks during peak traffic. To measure this, we used a tool called K6 (formerly called Load Impact).
We gradually built up to 50 unique visitors to see how the server would handle increased requests from multiple connections at once.
Here are the results:
The light green line represents page response time, and the purple line represents the number of users on the site.
GreenGeeks performed well in this test. Our site remained responsive throughout the test, and the response time remained steady, with minor fluctuations as the number of users increased.
GreenGeeks auto-installs the Litespeed cache plugin when you install WordPress. We disabled it to run our tests.
You can further improve performance by installing a WordPress caching plugin.
We also ran uptime monitoring tests throughout the testing period. Our test site remained up during all the tests.
GreenGeeks Response Time Test
Next, we wanted to test how our GreenGeeks site responds to requests from different geographic locations. To measure this, we used a tool called Bitcatcha.
Here are the results
As you can see, the response time was particularly great in North America. However, it was slower in India and Asia Pacific but still under a second.
GreenGeeks Hosting Plans and Features
GreenGeeks has a wide range of hosting plans for customers of every size. They offer basic shared hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated server hosting.
However, their main offering is their shared hosting plans. These plans include:
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth
- One free domain for the first year
- Hosting for unlimited websites (Except Lite plan)
- SSD storage (solid state drives web space) with nightly backups
- Free email accounts
- 1-click installation of WordPress
- One-click Softaculous for apps like Joomla and Drupal via cPanel
They also provide a free website migration service as an add-on, so you can easily move from your current hosting company.
GreenGeeks uses advanced technologies like LiteSpeed, LSCache, MariaDB, and unlimited MySQL databases. There are also a few advanced features for more technical users and developers:
- Pre-installed Git
- PHP version selection
- WP-CLI for direct command line access
Hosting plans
Their primary shared hosting / WordPress hosting service is available in 3 levels:
- Lite – Limited to 1 WordPress install
- Pro – The Pro plan includes unlimited websites with 2x performance
- Premium – The premium plan also includes a free dedicated IP address
Each GreenGeeks web hosting plan also comes with eCommerce support, generous disk space, automatic WordPress updates, unmetered data transfer, and more.
Plus, you can easily upgrade to VPS plans or WordPress hosting as your site grows.
GreenGeeks offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. This means that within 30 days after signing up, you can cancel your account for any reason and get a full refund of your hosting fees.
Note: The refund doesn’t include domain registration fees, and you get to keep your domain.
Support and Customer Service
GreenGeeks provides support 24/7 via live chat and email support tickets. They also offer phone support Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST.
For managed WordPress hosting customers, there are WordPress expert support specialists available to help you set up your site or handle any WordPress-specific issues.
Many customer reviews of GreenGeeks rave about their top-notch support. They have a reputation for responding quickly to inquiries and providing expert help no matter the issue.
Pros and Cons of GreenGeeks
GreenGeeks is a popular web hosting company, but it may not be right for everyone. Consider these pros and cons before choosing a plan.
Pros of choosing GreenGeeks hosting
- Better for the Environment – GreenGeeks is a web hosting company with strong values, that cares about the environment. By hosting with GreenGeeks, you can help support renewable energy.
- Packed With Features – GreenGeeks hosting plans include all the features you need to help you build a website.
- Affordable – GreenGeeks offers very competitive prices for all the features they provide.
- Highly Rated Support – Customers rave about the top-notch expert support GreenGeeks provides.
Cons of choosing GreenGeeks hosting
- Phone Support Isn’t 24/7 – Phone support is not provided from midnight to 9 a.m. EST. If you have a problem in the early hours of the morning, you must use live chat or email support instead.
- Setup Fee for Monthly Billing – If you choose month-to-month billing, there’s a $15 setup fee. The fee is waived if you pay for a year or more.
Is GreenGeeks Right for You?
Now that you have read through our entire GreenGeeks hosting review, you might be wondering whether GreenGeeks is the right web host for you.
After reviewing GreenGeeks’ services in detail, we award them with the title “Most Eco-Friendly Hosting.”
The web hosting industry has a huge impact on the environment. Every web hosting server produces 1390 pounds of CO2 per year, surpassing the airline industry in environmental pollution.
As a GreenGeeks customer, you can support renewable energy by choosing eco-friendly web hosting. GreenGeeks purchases wind energy credits and is a recognized United States EPA Green Power Partner. They put back into the grid three times the amount of energy they consume, helping to lessen your web hosting’s impact on the environment in an energy-efficient manner.
GreenGeeks is a good hosting solution for newbies. For higher traffic volumes, you may need to upgrade to a high-performance plan or move to a managed WordPress hosting provider.
Ready to get started with GreenGeeks? Click here to select your GreenGeeks plan today.
FAQs About GreenGeeks Web Hosting Services
Following are some of the questions we have been asked about GreenGeeks’ website hosting services.
1. Is GreenGeeks Hosting Good?
If you are looking for eco-friendly web hosting services for a small business, then GreenGeeks hosting is among the best web hosting options out there.
They have an easy-to-use control panel for newbies, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, a friendly support team, and helpful knowledge base tutorials.
2. Where are GreekGeeks Data Centers Located?
According to the GreenGeeks website, their data centers are located in Chicago, Phoenix, Canada (Toronto and Montreal), and Europe (Amsterdam). They are powered by green energy and equipped with high-quality SSD-based Raid-10 arrays.
3. How does GreenGeeks.com Compare to Other Hosting Companies?
We are often asked to compare GreenGeeks with other hosting companies, such as Bluehost, GoDaddy, SiteGround, HostGator, Hostinger, and more.
We believe Bluehost and Hostinger are better than GreenGeeks in terms of performance and user experience. GreenGeeks will be a better option than GoDaddy due to better customer support. SiteGround is more expensive but far superior in terms of technology, customer support, and user experience.
GreenGeeks Coupon
WPBeginner users get a free new domain and 75% off their web hosting with our GreenGeeks coupon code.
All you have to do is click on this link to purchase. The discount will be auto-applied.
Jocelyne Leach
I have used Green Geeks for 10 years and have no intention of changing! What else do you need to know?
Jai Ferraro
GreenGeeks has some of the best customer service around. Always very helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for making my job easier!
Dawn Sea Kahrs, DC
Green Geeks has been our web hosting platform for…..nearly a decade! Their customer service availability and help has been great – including by phone. So many companies aren’t available by phone now and answers come with an enormous delay (and sometimes at a cost as a result). That has never been the case with Green Geeks. They have have gone above and beyond with us on at least one occasion, and consistently good help on the others. I will always refer as a result! And – consistent and reliable service as well.
Jimmy Davis
Customer service is outstanding, extremely little downtime, and friendly people. Great job I recommend y’all to everyone I hear of looking for a provider.
Donna Bugdin
I’ve been with GreenGeeks since 2011. Almost 10 years tells you they are a solid, consistent company who genuinely cares about their customers.
They are quick to alert you if any components within your sites are creating suspicious activity, in addition to monitoring all other functions. Their auto-pay billing keeps me on-time which is a lifesaver for me. If I have a question about anything with my account, all I do is fill out their support ticket and their response is almost immediate and their knowledge, first class. They have helped me migrate outside sites over with more ease than any others I have worked with in the past.
I appreciate GreenGeeks. They make my life a little bit easier. I can count on them like true friends. And best of all, They are a bunch of really cool people who love what they do. Their green footprint is pretty darn awesome too!
Nikki Lee
I am a digital immigrant and don’t speak code or script or anything remotely related. A friend suggested Green Geeks to me and I am grateful. My blog and website work; whenever there is anything that sends me into a panic, the staff at GreenGeeks are patient and prompt and useful. I am satisfied.
Jeysi
I’ve used several other hosting companies & here are a few things that stand out. Support really knows their stuff, fast response, fast load times & reliable service.
Fred Goddard
I have been working with websites hosted on GreenGeeks for over ten years. I have to say that the support has always been excellent, professional, and prompt. I am an “in-between” techie. I know enough to set up and maintain a website but lack the more advanced skills. GreenGeeks support staff have saved me on a number of occasions. With so many people working from home, I appreciate their work and dedication more than ever.
A.R.Kazmi
I am with GreenGeeks from long time and found them responsible, fast, secure and reliable, always got solution when connected with support, i am happy that such a excellent hosting place for me online, i wish them good luck. Thanks GreenGeeks
John Kuowoo Wu
GreenGeeks is the top one of web-providers, very low price, tons of features, excellent customer supports and communications !!!!!!!!
Juliana Essen
In several years of service, I’ve rarely had a problem, and when I do have a question, the help is immediate and effective. thank you!
Ross Green
Fast customer service. When I have an issue your team is online within 5 minutes and my problem is solved. You have hired good people and enough of them. In this day and age that is rare. I wont be changing from your company ever if you continue to hire knowledgeable staff that get it done.
Sebastian Barbieri
GreenGeeks are awesome! They have Very good pricing but they don’t skimp out on service. Any problem I ever had I contacted them on the web chat and was almost instantly connected to a person who helped me fix my issues in a very timely manor! Thank you GreenGeeks for your continued commitment to customer satisfaction.
Sebastian Akesson
Wonderful service, both the actual service itself and the support team. Best thing, it’s GREEN!
Marc Copland
I’m a 71-year-old jazz musician reasonably adept at navigating the modern world, but usually stumped by html coding and website technology. The tech support people at Green Geeks have been consistently patient and helpful, and making it possible for me to maintain my own site.
Ken Goehring
I have been handling web servers for 20 years and have used several hosting services–with some painful results. Green Geeks caught my eye with their desire to be energy efficient, but once I started hosting with them I realized they were excellent. The interface is clean and clear. The integration of the necessary software seems perfect. The one time I needed clarification, the response was quick and complete. I’m gearing up to transfer a couple of involved, dynamic sites from a competitor to Green Geeks. I can highly recommend these folks, they’re the best!
tiliya brar
i really appreciate, that whenever i contact greengeeks via chat they whoever on the other end is able to help me! many companies out there do not always have efficient & knowledgeable people helping their clients
Ember-Leigh Hamilton
I have been with Green Geeks for several years now .
The price is very reasonable and I have never had any interruption of my web page.
I would highly recommend Green Geeks for hosting your web page.
Daniel Hirsh
I had some major issues with my website disappearing upon migration to another server, but with GreekGeeks, it was essentially seamless and we recovered most of the site. The interface is super easy to use and priced reasonably for what they include. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for hosting with immaculate support.
Joe
Green Geeks provides fantastic service all around. Uptime is great. Customer care is great. I have never had any problems with them at all and I highly recommend them for website hosting!
Jorge Cruz
I subscribed web hosting plan at GreenGeeks in 2009 because they are eco-friendly. In the years that follows, they have answer and solve any issue i have had. For me, this company is the best.
Diane H
Our school had been with Green Geeks for 10 years. As a small non-profit, The cost was reasonable and customer support was excellent.
Unfortunately, the program had to close and we no longer have a website, but I would still recommend Green Geeks as a web provider. It was important that they are eco-friendly and the template- based site easy to use and maintain.
Amy Trompetter
Green Geeks has been easy to use, responsive to any questions and quick in clarifying issues. It never feels like an imposition when contacting them for clarification. I am not a computer whiz, yet I feel respected & listened to.
Jason Wagner
I currently have 3 seperate hosting accounts that I manage on GreenGeeks with the first one at about 1.5 years so far. GreenGeeks has had fantastic pricing and have had zero interruptions. I have had to contact support a couple times for SSL setup and their support has been amazing as well.
John Jewett
My shared hosting never goes down, 24/7 support (by chat) with a HUMAN (not “help topics” or case filing), and green energy that powers the servers
Mark Mayerson
I built myself a website from the ground up, not using a template of any kind. I went with GreenGeeks because they were using renewable power sources. I had some questions about file directories and SSL certificates, and the support team answered them and got me up and running. The site has been completely reliable since I started it.
Steve Peachey
The most amazing feature of GreenGeeks is the support. The questions I asked week day or not were always answered quickly and accurately. This is the true test of professional hosting.
TONY RADOCCHIA
We have been using Green Geeks for several months now and we are happy with their services and we signed on for a three year term.
They provide a very good service at a very reasonable cost.
We had frustrating service interruptions and issues with our previous web host and so far the service provided by Green Geeks is very good. Keep up the great work Green Geeks
John Corbett
Green Geeks offers superior service and access to my digital real estate while allowing me to help the planet a little bit at a time.
Owen Brown
They answer the phone, they are attentive, they fix things, and then they explain what they did. So what’s not to like? I’d recommend them, particularly if like me, you have very to no little time to spare on uptime, security, and latency issues.
Michael W Rogers
I have used GreenGeeks for a few years now for some of my personal sites and my professional website clients. I have been through dozens of web host providers over the last two decades for hosting multi-platform web sites, cPanel and php database support. There have been a few times I’ve ran into problems with a script I installed and they have been hands down the the most reliable with multi-tiered technical support. Quick responses every time. It appears they must hire and pay well for their support staff because I immediately recognize the same name names from years ago.
Keep it up GG! It frustrates your competition!
Joe Barshaw
You would expect a webhost this cheap to have issues with uptime or ticket response time. GreenGeeks excels in both.
I originally went with this webhost for the price, but have found out that their technicians know their stuff and their service is reliable.
This is a great host for web developers, and I fully recommend them.
Gennadii Spirin
My experience with GreenGeeks is very positive.
I had tried several hosting providers in the past before I decided to stay with GreenGeeks.
The reason is very simple – high quality service, reliability and willingness to assist.
Their response is swift both for chat and ticket customer care.
It’s not always other hosting providers are capable of really solving your problem. Instead, they try to shift responsibility on customer.
I would recommend to try GreenGeeks and see yourself.
Andrew Edmond
Unbelievable help, everytime
I have been using Greengeeks as my hosting providers for a year now and am simply blown away with the level of support the team have given me. The knowledge they have and ease of support offered is something I have not known form any other hosting provider. I recommend Greengeeks whilst chatting on forums all the time and would always score them 10/10. Well done team!!!
Christine Crean
The guys at Greengeeks have saved me time and time again. Always so super helpful and they never ever let me down. As soon as I have something I need help with they have it fixed before I even need to worry about it. You guys rock!!!
Charles
Highly Recommended……
Dr. Dawn Sea Kahrs, DC
Our business has been a Green Geeks Customer for…at least 10 years?!! Amazing! Over this span of time, the customer service has consistently been great, and if anything it’s only gotten better. The last time I needed help, the rep went so above and beyond in helping me, that I felt compelled to leave a review. (Like…2 HOURS of help, and I would not have gotten through it without them!!!)
Alex
I’ve been with GreenGeeks for years with multiple domains. Their uptime is fantastic, and the very few times I’ve ever needed customer support, they have been responsive, efficient, and nice. All and all an outstanding service. I would never consider switching.
Glenn
Great support! I highly recommend Green Geeks.
jennie forson
I have used Green Geeks for a long time now and I see no reason why I would change. They have fantastic customer service and very competitive and industry leading products and services. I have recommended them and will continue to do so.
Vicki Senn
GreenGeeks Web Hosting is the best! They always help when you need it, even if it is not their duty! They are always expanding opportunities to meet all our needs. They genuinely care about our success and give what they say they give, but then more. I’ve never been disappointed with their reaction time and always understood what to do by their response. Some of us don’t know everything but they sure do! I love being part of GreenGeeks family and I can’t think of any better people to work with. Love all of you GreenGeek techs and thank you for all your hard work to satisfy all of us.
Seth Yarden
The folks at GreenGeeks have always been helpful and punctual in all their correspondence with me, and their support people are great. Whenever I have an issue with my website or email settings or the like, even when it’s probably something basic or obvious or that I might have even asked on a previous occasion, they help me out promptly, conscientiously and patiently. Thank you GreenGeeks!
Michael Akard
Great hosting service!
Oyvind Bornes
10 years with Green Geeks. Never an issue, always up. Best customer support and service. Highly recommended!
Eduardo Vergel
To give you a clear idea, I do not have any knowledge related IT and it has been really easy to set it up and how to use it. Of course, you should need to read the guide book provided by them. Easy to handle !
Lauren Sewalt
I’m not the best with websites….. but I make do for the company I work for. There have been times I have crashed our website, our website was hacked. I was pretty lost with what to do…. but green geeks saved me and has the best support!!!!! They have helped us recover our hacked website. They are the best.
Graciela Carmona
Great service. Easy to work with. Quick and effectively support. I strongly recommended.
Caroline Metzler
Internet servers are one of the hidden but very potent contributors to carbon emissions and therefore climate destabilization.
GreenGeeks has conscientiously provided an alternative, giving me peace of mind about my web presence.
Igor Sotoncic
I just want to say that i never had a problem after i transfer to GG. And im here more then a tree years…
They are frendly professionalists, and suport is geat. No trouble at all.
Recomend.
Igor
Matt Lawrence
I have been with Green Geeks a very long time. I host my sites with them and also purchase my domains through them. They offer great customer service in a timely fashion. They are very reliable and green friendly as the name would suggest.