Unveiling the Best Cheap Web Hosting in 2024: A Detailed Review

Tony Nguyen | SMALL BUSSINESS
April 27, 2024


In the fast-evolving world of web hosting, finding high-performance services at a low price is a top priority for many website owners. Today, we delve into the realm of affordable web hosting solutions, focusing on Rack Nerd’s Ryzen VPS offerings in 2024.

Introduction to Rack Nerd’s Ryzen VPS Hosting

As I delve into the realm of affordable web hosting options in 2024, the quest for high-performance hosting solutions at a cost-effective price point becomes paramount. In this pursuit, RackNerd’s New Year specials emerge as promising contenders, offering a range of enticing deals that are definitely worth exploring further.

It has been quite some time since I last reviewed RackNerd, focusing on their Intel VPS offerings. However, the transition to AMD Ryzen VPS marks a significant evolution in their service lineup. By taking advantage of the New Year specials highlighted in the description, one can discover the Ryzen NVMe Premium plan – the focal point of our tests today.

My initial experience with RackNerd’s Intel VPS revealed satisfactory performance levels. Nevertheless, the Ryzen VPS exceeded expectations with its enhanced capabilities. Today, the spotlight is on the 1.2 GB RAM Ryzen VPS, powered by a Ryzen 7950X CPU. These CPUs, introduced just over a year ago, boast modern hardware specifications, all available at a price point of under $2 per month. The plan’s affordability combined with its promising features make it a compelling option for further examination.

For the purpose of this evaluation, I will refrain from providing a comprehensive setup tutorial for RackNerd, as previous guides on the channel have covered this aspect. The user-friendly dashboard illustrates that the recurring amount matches the initial signup price, assuring customers of price consistency over time. This means that the promotional rate remains unchanged for the duration of the service subscription, a commendable practice that fosters trust and transparency.

Upon configuring the 1.2 GB Ryzen 950X VPS and navigating through the basic control panel, it becomes apparent that most operations require command line inputs for execution. In this demonstration, I have opted to utilize Cloud Panel, a complimentary control panel tailored for virtual machine management. With its seamless performance for WordPress operations, I have set up a WordPress installation integrated with WooCommerce. The setup features a Cadence template for an Outdoor Store shop page and a text-oriented page for streamlined testing purposes.

Turning our attention to performance metrics, initial GTmetrix tests reveal a largest contentful paint time of 1.1 seconds for the shop page redirection, while the static page clocks in at 0.53 seconds. These results position RackNerd’s Ryzen VPS competitively against counterparts like Vultra high frequency hosting, demonstrating commendable performance efficiency.

Diving deeper, benchmark evaluations conducted using Anton Alexandrov’s WordPress Hosting Benchmark tool showcase RackNerd’s Ryzen server achieving a noteworthy score of 8.9, a significant enhancement over its Intel predecessor. Similarly, the WP Performance Tester Benchmark delivers a respectable result of 0.645 seconds, further solidifying RackNerd’s position among the top-performing hosting providers.

As we scrutinize the New Year specials, RackNerd’s offerings stand out for their generous specifications. With a monthly transfer capacity of 2,500 GB surpassing competitors like Digital Ocean and Vultra, coupled with a network port speed of 1 Gbit per second, RackNerd’s plans present robust capabilities for managing substantial traffic volumes effectively. Moreover, the higher-tier plans featuring 4,000 and 6,000 GB transfer allowances reinforce the value proposition presented by RackNerd in catering to diverse hosting needs.

 

Performance Benchmarks and Comparisons

Today, I delved into the world of affordable web hosting solutions in 2024 to find top-notch performance at pocket-friendly prices. One provider that caught my eye with its New Year specials is RackNerd. I embarked on a journey to conduct diverse benchmarks and pit them against industry competitors such as Vultra’s high-frequency hosting, Digital Ocean, SiteGround, and a few others. If you’re curious about this topic, let’s dive in.

Over a year has passed since my initial review of RackNerd, focusing on their budget-friendly Intel VPS. Fast forward to the present, they have rolled out AMD Ryzen VPS options. By checking the New Year specials link in the description, you can explore the Ryzen NVMe Premium plan that I’ll be putting to the test today. While the performance of the Intel VPS in my previous assessment was decent, the Ryzen VPS pleasantly surprised me. My focus today is on testing the 1.2 GB RAM Ryzen VPS, powered by a Ryzen 7950X CPU—a relatively recent hardware release, all for under $2 a month. Let’s hone in on this plan and assess its performance.

I won’t delve into a detailed setup tutorial for RackNerd here, as I’ve covered that previously. You can find the tutorial link in the corner if you wish to explore it further. The user-friendly dashboard displays the recurring amount that aligns with your sign-up price, ensuring price consistency over time. Setting up the 1.2 GB Ryzen 950X VPS revealed a straightforward control panel that allows tasks like reinstalls and password setting, though more advanced operations require leveraging the command line.

For illustrative purposes, I opted for Cloud Panel, a robust free control panel for managing virtual machines. Having used it previously, you can access the setup link in the description for your experimentation. Cloud Panel delivers optimal performance for running WordPress, and for our test scenario, I set up WordPress paired with WooCommerce. Our shop page flaunts a Cadence template for an Outdoor Store, alongside a basic text-based page for lightweight testing. Let’s kick off by running our GTmetrix tests.

When evaluating our shop page, I prioritize testing the largest contentful paint upon customer login and redirection to the shop, clocking in at 1.1 seconds. Having conducted similar tests across various hosts, I can draw performance comparisons. For our static page, the largest contentful paint registers at 0.53 seconds. Let’s juxtapose these results with other hosts scrutinized on the channel. RackNerd Ryzen impresses with a competitive 1.1 seconds, whereas Vultra high frequency slightly outperforms at 0.9 seconds for the shop page. RackNerd’s 0.53 seconds for the static page positions it favorably, given its price point.

Further benchmarking ensued using Anton Alexandrov’s WordPress Hosting Benchmark tool, where RackNerd’s Ryzen server clinched an 8.9 score, marking a substantial improvement over the previous Intel server’s 6.7. Transitioning to the WP Performance Tester Benchmark, RackNerd secured a 0.645-second result, asserting its standing among hosts, with Vultra high frequency leading the pack.

Regarding the New Year deals, RackNerd’s offerings boast generous specs. With a 2,500 GB monthly transfer allocation, RackNerd outshines Digital Ocean and Vultra’s 1,000 GB offers. Notably, the network port speed of 1 Gbit per second surpasses several tested plans. In addition, RackNerd extends 4,000 and 6,000 GB transfer allowances on upper-tier plans, catering to substantial traffic demands. The value proposition embedded in these deals is unmatched, especially when factoring in the price point.

 

Key Features and Pricing Details

As I dive into exploring the key features and pricing details of affordable web hosting options in 2024, the focus is on finding high-performance web hosting at a budget-friendly price point. One of the providers that caught my attention with its New Year specials is RackNerd. Their offerings include generous data transfer allowances, detailed pricing breakdowns, and long-term value with no price increases on renewal.

Generous Data Transfer Allowances and Network Port Speeds

One of the standout features of RackNerd’s hosting plans is the generous data transfer allowances they provide. With options like 2,500 GB of monthly transfer, RackNerd surpasses competitors like Digital Ocean and Vultra, which offer 1,000 GB. This means that users can handle significant traffic without worrying about hitting data caps.

Additionally, RackNerd offers impressive network port speeds of 1 Gbit per second. This ensures that data transfer rates remain high, contributing to overall website performance and user experience. The higher network port speeds contribute to smoother connectivity and faster loading times for websites hosted on RackNerd servers.

Detailed Breakdown of Pricing and Upgrade Options

When it comes to pricing, RackNerd provides users with a detailed breakdown of their plans and upgrade options. This transparency allows customers to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budget constraints. By clearly outlining the features included in each plan and the associated costs, RackNerd ensures that users know exactly what they are paying for.

Moreover, RackNerd’s upgrade options are tailored to provide scalability for growing websites. With plans offering 4,000 and 6,000 GB transfer allowances on higher tiers, users can easily transition to more robust hosting solutions as their traffic and resource needs increase. The flexibility in pricing and upgrade paths adds to the long-term value proposition of RackNerd’s hosting services.

Long-Term Value with No Price Increases on Renewal

One of the key selling points of RackNerd’s hosting plans is their commitment to maintaining the initial price throughout the renewal period. This means that users can enjoy the promotional pricing they signed up for without worrying about sudden price hikes in subsequent years. The stability in pricing offers long-term value and ensures that users can plan their hosting expenses effectively.

Overall, RackNerd’s hosting solutions stand out for their combination of generous data transfer allowances, impressive network port speeds, detailed pricing breakdowns, and long-term price consistency. These features make RackNerd a compelling option for individuals and businesses looking for reliable and affordable web hosting in 2024.

 

User Experience and Control Panel Overview

Today, I had the opportunity to delve into the world of affordable web hosting options in 2024. The quest for high-performance web hosting at a budget-friendly price led me to explore RackNerd’s New Year specials, which boast some enticing deals.

My journey involved conducting various benchmarks and comparing RackNerd’s offerings to other providers such as Vultra’s high-frequency hosting, Digital Ocean, and SiteGround, among others. The goal was to uncover where RackNerd stands in terms of performance and affordability among its competitors.

Exploring the Dashboard and Control Panel Functionalities

After over a year since my initial review of RackNerd’s low-cost Intel VPS, I was intrigued to witness the evolution of their services, now including AMD Ryzen VPS options. The New Year specials presented an opportunity to test their Ryzen NVMe Premium plan, which featured the impressive Ryzen 7950X CPU.

Upon setting up the 1.2 GB Ryzen VPS, I navigated through RackNerd’s control panel, which offered a glimpse into the basic functionalities available. While tasks like reinstallation and password settings were easily accessible, it became apparent that more advanced operations would require command-line interventions.

Setting up Cloud Panel for Easy Server Management

To enhance the server management experience, I opted to configure Cloud Panel, a user-friendly control panel designed for the seamless management of virtual machines. Having utilized Cloud Panel in the past, I found it to be an efficient tool for tasks such as running WordPress and optimizing performance.

For testing purposes, I set up a WordPress site with WooCommerce functionality, incorporating a Cadence template for an Outdoor Store shop page. Additionally, a lightweight text-based page was created to serve as a benchmark for performance evaluation.

Running GTmetrix tests provided valuable insights into the loading speeds of the website. The largest contentful paint times on both the shop page and the static page showcased competitive performance, with RackNerd’s Ryzen VPS demonstrating noteworthy results.

Insights into Managing the VPS Via Command Line

Furthermore, benchmark tests using Anton Alexandrov’s WordPress Hosting Benchmark tool shed light on the performance capabilities of RackNerd’s Ryzen server. The impressive scores obtained in these tests highlighted the reliability and efficiency of RackNerd’s hosting solutions.

When considering the New Year deals offered by RackNerd, the generous specs, including ample monthly transfer allowances and network port speeds, positioned them favorably in the market. The value proposition presented by RackNerd’s offerings, especially in light of their competitive pricing, made them a compelling choice for users seeking high-quality web hosting.

In conclusion, my exploration of RackNerd’s Ryzen 7950X VPS systems reaffirmed their exceptional value proposition. With a focus on affordability, performance, and user-friendly features, RackNerd stands out as a reliable option in the web hosting landscape. Despite some limitations, such as the need for familiarity with command-line operations, RackNerd’s offerings cater to the needs of advanced users seeking robust hosting solutions.

 

WordPress Testing and GT Metrics Results

Today, I delved into the world of affordable web hosting options in 2024, aiming to discover where one can find top-notch web hosting solutions at a budget-friendly price point. One provider that caught my attention with its enticing New Year specials is RackNerd. In this exploration, we will analyze the performance metrics for WordPress and WooCommerce, compare the largest contentful paint times with other hosting services, and delve into the benchmark results obtained from various WordPress hosting tools.

It has been more than a year since I initially reviewed RackNerd, focusing on their affordable Intel VPS solutions. Since then, they have introduced AMD Ryzen VPS plans. By clicking on the link provided in the description for their New Year specials, you can explore their Ryzen NVMe Premium plan, which we will be putting to the test today. My past experience with the Intel VPS showcased average performance; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Ryzen VPS. Today, I will be examining the 1.2 GB RAM Ryzen VPS, featuring a Ryzen 7950X CPU, released just over a year ago, all for under $2 a month. I will concentrate on this specific plan for our testing to evaluate its performance.

I won’t delve into a comprehensive setup tutorial for RackNerd here since I have covered that previously on the channel. For those interested, the link is available in the corner. The dashboard indicates that the recurring amount matches the price you initially signed up for, ensuring price consistency over time. Setting up the 1.2 GB Ryzen 950X VPS was straightforward, and while the control panel is basic, it allows for essential tasks like reinstallation or password setting. However, more advanced operations mostly require command line input.

For the testing process, I opted to utilize Cloud Panel, a free control panel designed for managing virtual machines. Having used it previously, I can attest to its excellent performance when running WordPress. In our testing environment, I configured WordPress with WooCommerce, featuring a Cadence template for our Outdoor Store shop page and a simple text-based page for lightweight testing purposes. Our analysis began with running GTmetrix tests.

When analyzing the largest contentful paint on our shop page, the result stood at 1.1 seconds once a customer logs in and is redirected to the shop. Comparing this with similar tests conducted on various other hosts, we found RackNerd Ryzen to perform competitively at 1.1 seconds, with Vultra high frequency slightly edging ahead at 0.9 seconds for the shop page. In terms of the static page, RackNerd secured a commendable 0.53 seconds, showcasing competitive performance given its price point.

Further benchmarks were conducted using Anton Alexandrov’s WordPress Hosting Benchmark tool, where RackNerd’s Ryzen server attained a score of 8.9, marking a significant improvement over the Intel server’s previous score of 6.7. Transitioning to the WP Performance Tester Benchmark, RackNerd achieved a time of 0.645 seconds, standing solidly among other hosting providers, with Vultra high frequency claiming the top spot in terms of speed.

Delving into the New Year specials, RackNerd offers generous specifications. With a monthly transfer capacity of 2,500 GB, RackNerd surpasses Digital Ocean and Vultra, both offering 1,000 GB. Additionally, the network port speed of 1 Gbit per second outshines many other tested plans. RackNerd also extends their offerings to include 4,000 and 6,000 GB transfer allowances on higher-tier plans, making them well-suited for managing substantial traffic. The value proposition presented by these deals is remarkable, especially when considering the competitive price point.

 

Conclusions and Recommendations

After thoroughly evaluating RackNerd’s Ryzen VPS performance and value, I am confident in recommending their services to a wide range of users. Here are the key takeaways:

Outstanding Value and Performance

My testing of the Ryzen VPS, particularly the 7950X model, revealed exceptional value. The performance, especially in comparison to the price point, exceeded my expectations. With no price increase upon renewal, generous data transfer allowances, and impressive benchmark results, RackNerd stands out among its competitors.

Pros and Cons Analysis

For potential users, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. On the positive side, RackNerd offers excellent value, generous data transfer limits, and impressive benchmark scores. Additionally, the availability of Port 25 for running a mail server is a unique feature. However, users should be comfortable with command line installations and consider the limited server locations on the US East Coast as potential drawbacks.

Final Thoughts on User Suitability

When considering different user profiles, RackNerd’s Ryzen VPS caters well to more advanced users who value performance and affordability. The service is particularly suitable for those who require substantial data transfer allowances and are comfortable with command line operations. While the limited server locations may impact some users, the overall value and performance make RackNerd a compelling choice for those seeking reliability without breaking the bank.

TL;DR

RackNerd’s Ryzen VPS shines with outstanding value and performance, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize affordability and performance. Despite some limitations like command line installations and limited server locations, its generous data transfer allowances and benchmark results set it apart in the market.