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Testing procedures at Hosttest
Author:
Christopher | 1 Sept 2021
Here you will find all the information about our approach to web hosting test reviews.
The most important thing in advance:
Our goal with web hosting test reviews is to provide aspiring webmasters with transparent and illustrative guidance in the decision-making process for the right web hosting package.
The expert Hosttest editorial team conducts the web hosting tests anonymously, neutrally, and objectively. Web hosting providers have no influence on the process or the results of the tests. Furthermore, there is no external monetary influence. The web hosting being tested is ordered by the Hosttest editorial team at normal end customer rates and then thoroughly examined.
Our Approach to Test Reviews
To ensure that the various web hosting offers can be compared more easily and that potential customers can make an informed purchasing decision, we use standardized processes for our test reviews.
So that you can precisely understand our approach to creating the test reviews, we present our standardized testing process step by step in detail here:
Step 1
To find a suitable candidate for the web hosting test, the Hosttest editorial team selects a web host that is popular among customers in the market. This includes both well-known brands and smaller owner-operated web hosts.
Step 2
Next, we take a closer look at the product range of the selected web host and consider which hosting offer should be examined in the test. To enable a meaningful comparison between the different web hosts in the test, we pay attention to a similar range of features and a similar price range when selecting the hosting offers to be tested.
Step 3
Before deciding on a specific plan, we compare the performance features of all the available plans, taking a closer look at key contract details such as durations and cancellation policies. For web hosting packages, we opt for offers in the price range of about £2 to £5 per month, where the Content Management System WordPress can be hosted.
Step 4
Once we have found a suitable web hosting package, we proceed to order it and then create a WordPress website on it. We document our process from the ordering stage to the set-up of the website, and finally, we evaluate the web hosting package based on performance data such as availability and loading times.
Step 5
Finally, taking into account our own practical experiences, we create a test report where we delve deeper into and assess the selected web hosting across various categories. When determining the overall rating, we also consider feedback from other customers about the web host.
Our Evaluation Criteria for Test Reports
To ensure optimal comparability between different web hosts and hosting packages, we adhere to specific evaluation criteria in our test reports. This allows interested parties to better compare the various offers and make a purchase decision more easily.
The evaluation criteria are divided into the following points:
Features (up to 5 points)
Here, we examine the range of features offered by the selected web hosting. We not only focus on key criteria such as storage space, databases, or included domains, but also provide information on other interesting features in the areas of technology and security. Criteria such as the ability to use external domains, the provision of free SSL certificates, or individual PHP settings also play a significant role in the evaluation.
User-friendliness (up to 5 points)
Here we guide potential customers step by step through the ordering process and then assess the user-friendliness of the management interface provided to customers. We then document and evaluate the process of installing and setting up a WordPress website. Criteria such as the variety of payment options offered or the time taken to provision the web hosting also play a crucial role in the evaluation.
Performance (up to 5 points)
Once the WordPress website is set up on the web hosting, we closely examine its performance. We use the Livewatch service to check availability, the Sucuri Load Time Tester service to analyse loading times, and the Google PageSpeed Insights service to determine performance data relevant to search engines. Fast accessibility of the web hosting for visitors from the UK is particularly important for the evaluation.
Customer Service (up to 5 points)
Here we delve into the various customer support options provided by the web host. We look at the FAQ sections on the host's website and also explore the direct contact options with customer support. Our own experiences with customer support interactions are also taken into account in the evaluation.
Cost (up to 5 points)
Next, we examine the costs and, in this context, the price-performance ratio of the web hosting. We focus on tariff selection, optional additional costs, as well as discounts such as limited-time offers or free trial accounts. We also explore potential savings when using included domains and provide detailed information on performance parameters such as the amount of storage space provided per pound.
Customer Ratings (up to 5 points)
Finally, the evaluation of the tested web host by its customers also contributes to the test result. We rely on customer reviews submitted by active customers and listed in the respective provider profile on Hosttest. Customer reviews on external review platforms such as trusted.de or ausgezeichnet.org are also taken into consideration.
Test Conclusion
In the test conclusion, there is a summary of the offer. Additionally, the evaluation points of the individual evaluation criteria are added up here (maximum 30 points) and divided by the number of evaluation criteria (6). This finally results in the overall rating of the test report on a scale of 0.0 (worst) to 5.0 (best) points. In the end, we convert this score into the familiar school grading system.
5.00 - 4.50 Excellent
4.49 - 4.00 Good
3.99 - 3.00 Satisfactory
2.99 - 2.00 Sufficient
1.99 - 1.00 Unsatisfactory
Our Performance Test
To assess the continuous performance of web hosting providers effectively, we measure three performance values for each web hosting at three different time points within a month and then calculate an average value. This way, we can evaluate the performance of web hosting providers over an extended period.
Here are the values we use:
Uptime
What is Uptime?
Uptime in web hosting refers to the period during which a server or website is online and available without any outages or interruptions.
How is Uptime determined?
We use a self-programmed tool to determine Uptime.
How are the Uptime measurement values interpreted?
The Uptime measurement value should be in the range of 100% to be rated as good. Values between 98% and 99% are considered average. Any values below 97% are deemed poor.
TTFB (Time to First Byte)
What is TTFB (Time to First Byte)?
The measurement value TTFB (Time to First Byte) can determine the response time of the web server by measuring the time between the request for a resource and the arrival of the first byte of a response.
How is TTFB (Time to First Byte) determined?
We use the Uptrends Website Speed Test with settings Desktop / Chrome / Frankfurt to determine TTFB.
How are the TTFB measurement values interpreted?
The TTFB measurement value must be below 300ms to be rated as good. Values between 300ms and 500ms are considered average. Any values above 500ms are considered poor.
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)
What is LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)?
With the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) metric, the rendering time of the largest image or text block in the viewport can be determined, which typically corresponds to when the main content of the page has loaded.
Info: While speed tests are usually conducted from data centres with broadband connections, Google simulates real users in its testing procedures and therefore uses throttled data connections, resulting in significantly higher metrics in comparison.
How is the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measured?
To measure the LCP (Largest Contentful Paint), we use Google PageSpeed Insights with settings for Browser Location: Europe / Throttled Mobile Connection.
How are the metrics for Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) interpreted?
The LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) metric should be below 1500ms to be considered good. Values between 1500ms and 2500ms are considered moderate. Any values above 2500ms are considered poor.
Pagespeed
What is Pagespeed?
With the Pagespeed metric, the loading time of a web hosting service can be determined, indicating how long it takes for the entire webpage to load in the browser.
How is Pagespeed measured?
To measure Pagespeed, we use the Pingdom Website Speed Test with settings for Europe / Germany / Frankfurt.
How are the metrics for Pagespeed interpreted?
The Pagespeed metric should be below 500ms to be considered good. Values between 500ms and 1000ms are considered moderate. Any values above 1000ms are considered poor.
Performance Evaluation
Ratings: Each of the four metrics should be classified into three categories: good, moderate, and poor. Points are assigned to these categories:
- Good: 3 points
- Moderate: 2 points
- Poor: 1 point
Calculation of Total Score: The total score is determined by adding up the points from all four measurements. Since each measurement can have up to 3 points, the total score varies between 4 (all measurements are poor) and 12 (all measurements are good).
Conversion to Stars: The total score must now be converted into a star rating. The following scale can be used:
- 4 points = 1 star
- 5-6 points = 2 stars
- 7-8 points = 3 stars
- 9-10 points = 4 stars
- 11-12 points = 5 stars
Our Code of Conduct Regarding Test Reports
- In our test reports, we address both the strengths and weaknesses of the offers.
- We regularly review the offers we test for their relevance and provide transparent information about these updates.
- Our test results are not for sale, and we categorically reject any financial contributions from providers to influence our evaluation.
- We do not have investments in companies whose offers we test, nor do we have external investors to maintain our independence and avoid any conflicts of interest.
- Feedback is always welcome! Both customers and providers can express their opinions on our platform.
Previous Web Hosting Providers Tested
Throughout the year, we publish several new test reports. Additionally, we regularly update existing test reports and adjust any changes in conditions or other criteria relevant to the tests.
Comprehensive test reports are available for the following web hosting providers:
Rainbow-Web.com Web Hosting Test
IP-Projects Web Hosting Review
Updating Test Reports
As the web hosting market is constantly evolving and providers are continuously adjusting their packages, we also regularly update our test reports. This typically occurs on an annual basis in January, where we re-examine the features, conditions, and other test criteria, making necessary adjustments to the test reports in case of any changes. This way, our readers can always rely on up-to-date information about the tested web space packages.
Test Procedures Updated:
07.05.24: Updated information on the test procedures and performance test
If you have any questions about our tests, please contact us.
Our article is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from external sources.
Sources & further links on the topic: none
Image credit: Gerd Altmann on Pixabay
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