How we evaluate hosting providers.

Every provider on Hostilo is scored on a 10-point editorial scale derived from four weighted factors. The score is published alongside the verdict on every review.

Performance (35%)

We measure time-to-first-byte, full-page load, and response stability under synthetic load. Tests run from multiple geographies, repeated across weeks rather than single snapshots.

Support (25%)

We open real tickets with real questions and measure response time, accuracy, and willingness to dig into actual problems — not just script-driven replies.

Pricing transparency (25%)

Renewal pricing, lock-in terms, and the gap between sticker and effective price are weighed heavily. Year-two cost matters as much as year-one.

Refund and risk (15%)

Refund window length, payment-method flexibility, and the friction of actually getting a refund.

What we explicitly do not weight

Affiliate commission rates. Marketing claims. Sponsorship offers. None of these factor into the score.