A2 Hosting vs DigitalOcean
When it comes to web hosting, A2 Hosting and DigitalOcean are frequently compared, and for good reason. Both offer reliable hosting, but their target audiences and strengths differ significantly. DigitalOcean scores 8.9/10 in our testing, though your specific needs might favor the other option.
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Quick Answer
DigitalOcean beats A2 Hosting for most users. It scores 8.9/10 vs 8.4/10 and simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo. Choose A2 Hosting if you need turbo servers for 20x faster speeds.
A2 Hosting
Turbo servers with up to 20x faster speeds
Starting from
$2.99/mo
DigitalOcean
WinnerDeveloper-friendly cloud hosting with simple pricing from $4/mo
Starting from
$4/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $4/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Resources | ||
| Storage | 100GB SSD | 25GB SSD |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | 1TB |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited |
| Email Accounts | Unlimited | None |
| Features | ||
| Free Domain | ||
| WordPress Optimized | ||
| CDN Included | ||
| Security & Reliability | ||
| Free SSL | ||
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.99% |
| Backup | Daily | Weekly (20% extra) |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
A2 Hosting
- Turbo servers for 20x faster speeds
- Free site migration
- Anytime money-back guarantee
- Developer-friendly (SSH, Git, WP-CLI)
- Multiple data center locations
- Free SSL and CDN
- Turbo plans cost extra
- Renewal prices increase
- Support response times vary
DigitalOcean
- Simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo
- Developer-friendly with excellent documentation
- Global data centers (8+ locations)
- Managed databases, Kubernetes, and object storage
- $200 free credit for new accounts
- Per-second billing (from Jan 2026)
- Quick Droplet deployment in seconds
- No traditional cPanel interface
- Requires technical knowledge
- No phone support
- No email hosting included
Key Difference
The core difference lies in approach: A2 Hosting focuses on turbo servers for 20x faster speeds, while DigitalOcean emphasizes simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo. Both philosophies have merit depending on your priorities.
Which Should You Choose?
A2 Hosting
Choose A2 Hosting if you prioritize turbo servers for 20x faster speeds, need unlimited usage, or value free site migration.
DigitalOcean
Choose DigitalOcean if you prioritize simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo, need unlimited usage, or value developer-friendly with excellent documentation.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, DigitalOcean is our winner with a rating of 8.9/10 compared to A2 Hosting's 8.4/10. DigitalOcean stands out for its simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo and developer-friendly with excellent documentation. While A2 Hosting is more affordable, DigitalOcean's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, A2 Hosting remains an excellent choice if turbo servers for 20x faster speeds is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Migrating between A2 Hosting and DigitalOcean requires moving your files and databases. Both offer migration assistance, but plan for potential downtime. Consider timing your switch with your renewal date to avoid paying for overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A2 Hosting better than DigitalOcean?
DigitalOcean scores higher in our testing (8.9/10 vs 8.4/10). DigitalOcean excels at simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo, while A2 Hosting is better for turbo servers for 20x faster speeds.
Which is cheaper, A2 Hosting or DigitalOcean?
A2 Hosting is more affordable at $2.99/mo vs $4.00/mo. A2 Hosting offers 25% savings.
A2 Hosting vs DigitalOcean: which should I choose?
Choose A2 Hosting if you prioritize turbo servers for 20x faster speeds. Choose DigitalOcean if you need simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo. Both are solid web hosting options.
What's the main difference between A2 Hosting and DigitalOcean?
The main difference is A2 Hosting offers turbo servers with up to 20x faster speeds, while DigitalOcean focuses on developer-friendly cloud hosting with simple pricing from $4/mo.