Network Solutions Review
Network Solutions is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the domain registration and web hosting industry.
Founded in 1979, they have a long history in providing web services to small businesses and individuals.
However, with the evolving web hosting market, Network Solutions has faced significant competition, making it crucial to examine their offerings and compare them to other major players.
Domain Registration
Network Solutions is widely known for its domain registration services, offering a range of top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .net, .org, and more.
They also provide premium domain registration, domain forwarding, private domain registration, and tools for managing DNS.
Comparison
GoDaddy and Namecheap offer similar domain services but are generally cheaper and more user-friendly. Network Solutions tends to have higher renewal rates, and their interface for domain management feels outdated compared to competitors.
Web Hosting
Network Solutions provides three main web hosting plans:
- Web Hosting Package: Offers essential features for smaller websites.
- WordPress Hosting: Optimized hosting for WordPress users with security, backups, and WordPress-specific features.
- Website + Marketing Services: Bundles website creation and marketing tools, ideal for those looking to expand their online presence.
Performance
While their hosting services come with basic features like email accounts, SSL certificates, and unlimited bandwidth, performance metrics like speed and uptime have shown mixed reviews.
Downtime and support delays have been reported by customers, which puts them behind some competitors.
Comparison
Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator offer better value for money, especially for beginners. Their hosting services often include superior performance, customer support, and more extensive integrations.
For WordPress hosting specifically, Bluehost is an official WordPress partner and offers more robust tools and resources at a comparable price.
Website Builder
Their website builder is a drag-and-drop tool designed for beginners who want to create a website quickly. It includes customizable templates, mobile optimization, and basic SEO features.
Comparison
Network Solutions’ website builder feels somewhat limited compared to Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly, which offer a more modern and intuitive experience with a wider variety of templates and advanced customization options.
If the focus is on design and user experience, Squarespace is superior for creative professionals, while Wix excels in overall ease of use and flexibility.
Email Services
Network Solutions offers business email hosting services with Microsoft 365 integration and anti-spam features.
Their email solutions come with scalable storage and collaboration tools, which are essential for growing businesses.
Comparison
Zoho Mail and Google Workspace offer similar email hosting services but with more powerful collaboration tools, such as real-time document editing, integrated calendars, and task management.
While Network Solutions provides good email support, the other two are more widely adopted and trusted for their seamless cloud integration.
SSL Certificates and Cybersecurity
They offer various SSL certificate options and basic website security tools to protect your website from attacks.
Comparison
Most competitors like Bluehost, DreamHost, and Hostinger provide SSL certificates for free with their hosting plans, while Network Solutions often charges extra for similar features. For a basic website, this added cost can feel unnecessary when alternatives offer it by default.
SEO and Online Marketing Services
Network Solutions also offers SEO services and paid marketing tools to help businesses improve their online visibility. However, their SEO services can be quite expensive and may not offer significantly better results than DIY SEO tools available elsewhere.
Comparison
SEMrush, Moz, and Ahrefs provide more powerful and cost-effective SEO tools. Even web hosts like SiteGround and A2 Hosting offer basic SEO plugins and recommendations with hosting plans.
Pricing
Network Solutions’ pricing, especially for hosting, tends to be on the higher side when compared to other major hosting providers.
| Service | Network Solutions | Competitors (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround) |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Registration (Yearly) | $15 - $35 (varies) | $10 - $15 |
| Basic Hosting (Yearly) | Starts at $10.79/month | Starts at $2.95/month |
| WordPress Hosting (Yearly) | $13.75/month | $3.95 - $5.95/month |
| SSL Certificate | Starts at $59.99/year | Free with most plans |
| Website Builder | $7.95/month | Free to $12.95/month (Wix, Squarespace) |
Pricing Transparency
Network Solutions is notorious for hidden fees and higher-than-expected renewal prices. Many users have reported surprise when renewal prices increased significantly after the first year. In comparison, services like Namecheap and DreamHost are more transparent with pricing and offer more predictable renewal costs.
Customer Support
Network Solutions offers customer support via phone, email, and chat. However, users have frequently criticized the quality and availability of their support, citing long wait times and inconsistent issue resolution.
Comparison
SiteGround and InMotion Hosting are known for providing excellent customer service with 24/7 support, fast response times, and knowledgeable staff. Network Solutions lags behind in this area, making it less appealing to users who prioritize reliable customer assistance.
Pros and Cons
Pros 💪
- ✅ Established and trusted brand.
- ✅ Good domain registration services.
- ✅ Variety of hosting plans and services tailored to small businesses.
- ✅ Integration with Microsoft 365 for email hosting.
Cons 👎
- 🔴 Expensive hosting and add-on services.
- 🔴 Outdated user interface for managing domains and hosting.
- 🔴 Unimpressive performance compared to modern hosting providers.
- 🔴 Poor customer service reputation.
- 🔴 High renewal costs and hidden fees.
Final Verdict ⚖️
Network Solutions offers a decent range of services but falls short in many key areas, especially when compared to modern hosting giants like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator. Their services are priced higher than most, and performance issues coupled with subpar customer service make it difficult to recommend them over more user-friendly and affordable alternatives.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded web host that offers better value for money, stronger support, and fewer hidden fees, it’s worth considering one of their competitors.
🔗 Visit Network Solutions