HostPinnacle Review - Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons
HostPinnacle is a solid choice for individuals and small businesses seeking affordable and reliable web hosting solutions. Find out why in this comprehensive HostPinnacle review.
- Updated:22/08/2024
- 2:24 pm
Note: We may get commission from qualifying partner links. However, this doesn’t influence our opinion.
Our Verdict
There are many web hosting services in Kenya, but HostPinnacle shines from the competition in several ways. It provides competitive pricing, robust WordPress hosting solutions and exceptional value for money.
In this comprehensive review, we examined the pros and cons of HostPinnacle hosting services. We introduce you to how HostPinnacle works, its unique features, the differences across its hosting plans and how HostPinnacle compares to other hosting providers. By the end, you will learn everything you need to confidently establish if HostPinnacle is the perfect hosting solution for your needs.
On HostPinnacle’s Website
4.8
Editor rating
Starting Price
Ksh 3,500/yr
Storage and Bandwidth
NVMe SSD storage with unlimited bandwidth
Extras and Inclusions
Free lifetime domain name, free SSL certificate, 30-day moneyback guarantee, free WordPress migration, unlimited email accounts, unlimited bandwidth, free daily backups
Pros
- Value-priced starter plan
- Free lifetime domain name
- User-friendly interface
- Unlimited sites - all plans
- 99.9% Uptime guarantee
- Daily backup - all plans
Cons
- No monthly plans
- Inconsistent customer service
Jump to:
What Is HostPinnacle
HostPinnacle is a popular web hosting provider among top bloggers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. At Ke Offers, HostPinnacle features in the list of the best web hosting services.
Here’s a glimpse of what HostPinnacle brings to the table:
- HostPinnacle’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to build and manage a website.
- With HostPinnacle, you get various free features such as free SSL certificate, free daily backups and one free lifetime domain name.
- HostPinnacle’s Starter plan lets you can build and manage an online store; the plan gives you access to thousands of free plugins.
- With all HostPinnacle plans, you can launch unlimited websites using a single hosting plan.
- Each plan includes Search Engine Optimization.
- HostPinnacle is the only hosting provider that offers unlimited bandwidth across all hosting plans.
- The HostPinnacle domain manager simplifies the purchase, transfer, update and management of all your domains in one place.
While this review primarily focuses on HostPinnacle’s WordPress and shared hosting services, it’s worth noting that HostPinnacle also offers virtual private server (VPS) hosting and dedicated hosting solutions suitable for advanced hosting needs.
Featured Partners
1
HostPinnacle
On HostPinnacle’s Website
Starting Price
Ksh 3,500 per year
Storage Limit
Unmetered bandwidth, SSD storage starts at 35GB
Standout Features
Free lifetime domain name and SSL
2
HostAfrica
On HostAfrica’s Website
Starting Price
$6.15 or Ksh 420 per month
Money-back Guarantee
30 days
Standout Features
Free .co.ke domain name and daily backups
3
Truehost
On Truehost’s Website
Starting Price
Ksh 2,500 per year
Website Building
Yes
Standout Features
Unlimited bandwidth and databases
How HostPinnacle Works
HostPinnacle’s shared hosting operates on the same principles as other shared hosting services. In this setup, multiple users share the resources of a single server such as bandwidth, storage and processing power. This shared environment translates to significantly lower hosting costs compared to dedicated or VPS hosting, as each user receives a portion of the server’s resources rather than supporting the entire infrastructure.
HostPinnacle takes care of the server hardware and software while implementing robust security measures to ensure the safety and reliability of your website. Users benefit from HostPinnacle’s user-friendly dashboard that simplifies the process of building and managing websites.
Before launching your website, you need to have a domain. If you already have a domain, you can seamlessly integrate it with your HostPinnacle hosting plan. For those in need of a new domain, HostPinnacle offers a complimentary lifetime domain for each hosting package. In addition, HostPinnacle provides auto-renewal services, so you never have to worry about your domain expiring.
HostPinnacle offers domains at competitive rates, typically ranging from Ksh 350 to Ksh 1,699 annually. For instance, new .com domains are available at Ksh 1,699 while .co.ke domains attract Ksh 999 annually. All domains renew at the same rate each year. For added privacy, HostPinnacle offers domain privacy protection for free.
HostPinnacle Shared Website Hosting
HostPinnacle provides three levels of shared hosting plans, each meeting different levels of resource needs. You can use the HostPinnacle starter to build a custom website in minutes, even if lack technical or coding skills. HostPinnacle supports popular web hosting applications among them Drupal, PrestaShop and Joomla.
Also, HostPinnacle lets you build and host a website with WordPress. In fact, HostPinnacle is ranked best overall provider on our list of best WordPress hosting services in Kenya.
HostPinnacle offers self-managed WordPress hosting plans ideal for those with technical know-how to have control over their customized sites. HostPinnacle does not offer managed WordPress for the less tech-savvy users. Fortunately, our web development and management service helps eradicate the hassle for you.
Website Domain
You need a domain for your website and HostPinnacle offers one free lifetime domain across its hosting plans. If you need to host more than one website, HostPinnacle lets you create unlimited subdomains. Alternatively, you can register additional domains with HostPinnacle.
Should you need multiple domains, you can register a new domain with HostPinnacle for as low as Ksh 350 for a .xyz domain annually.
Is HostPinnacle Right for Me?
There are several things you must consider when choosing a hosting provider: cost, storage, security, reliability and customer support. Our review found that HostPinnacle is best suited to different websites and business needs.
HostPinnacle Is Best For:
- Basic WordPress sites
- Bloggers
- Budding entrepreneurs
- Startups on a tight budget
- Small-to-medium-sized businesses with modest website resource demands
- Tech-savvy DIY website builders
HostPinnacle Is Not Recommended For:
- Large company websites
- Content-heavy websites that demand storage and processing speed
What Sets HostPinnacle Apart
HostPinnacle distinguishes itself with an intuitive interface suitable for beginners couped with budget-friendly plans. These make it a top choice among users with limited budgets. This earns it a spot on our list of cheap hosting services.
HostPinnacle is popular with WordPress users thanks to its simple, one-click WordPress installation. This is why we feature the hosting provider on the best WordPress hosting services.
In the event of dissatisfaction with your current hosting provider, HostPinnacle offers hassle-free migration services for WordPress websites. HostPinnacle’s complimentary migration service allows you to effortlessly migrate one WordPress site, a feature not commonly offered by all hosting companies. For those seeking migration services for multiple websites and email accounts, HostPinnacle provides migration assistance.
HostPinnacle Features
HostPinnacle is a high-quality web hosting provider with over 20,000 clients across more than 190 countries. Although it was established in 2019, HostPinnacle is a popular player in web hosting industry in Kenya. The company provides in-demand features website owners want; the type and depth of features available change depending on the hosting plan.
Storage and Bandwidth Limits
HostPinnacle limits storage capacity on two of its plans. The Starter plan comes with 35GB of SSD storage, while the top-tier Executive plan does not have storage limitations. HostPinnacle’s storage limits are a quite generous compared to other hosting service providers.
HostPinnacle offers unmetered bandwidth, which allows for unlimited data transfer. Although there are no restrictions on the amount of data that can be uploaded or downloaded, you are sharing processing capacity with other sites on the same server. Therefore, you could run into slow file upload/download times as a HostPinnacle shared server has a simultaneous database connection limit.
Ease of Use
HostPinnacle has built its business by helping bloggers and small businesses get their websites up and running fast. It’s an easy-to-use platform for beginners and nontechnical diy-ers who build simple to complex websites.
Each HostPinnacle shared hosting plan comes with unlimited business emails and email storage. The unlimited email accounts accomodate businesses with considerable staff that need a business email address.
Extras and Inclusions
Each plan includes one free lifetime domain, resource protection and an SSL certificate. The storage allocations vary by plan. Higher-tier plans offer more depth and breadth of features among them e-commerce capabilities, online store analytics and optimized CPU resources that deliver stronger site speed.
HostPinnacle also features free WordPress website migration and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Free daily backups are available on every plan.
HostPinnacle Website Builder
As mentioned, HostPinnacle can automatically install WordPress for you. Besides, if you prefer, you can build your website using the free website builder. The website builder has a drag-and-drop interface and comes with hundreds of themes and simple design tools for designing a professional website.
User Dashboard/cPanel
The intuitive and attractive user dashboard makes navigation simple. Access your cPanel by clicking on the cPanel button once you log in to your HostPinnacle account.
Security
All HostPinnacle hosting plans include a free SSL certificate. Beyond that, HostPinnacle’s security measures are a mystery; very little about its security standards is included on its website.
HostPinnacle support stated that HostPinnacle protects its servers—though they declined to give any details about how they do this. These same reps reported it is up to the developer to code their site and keep it up to date. Most other hosting providers give at least some pertinent security details, such as whether their server sites are ISO certified and how data is encrypted.
HostPinnacle Pricing and Plans
HostPinnacle quotes pricing at an annual rate. Keep this in mind when deciding which plan is best for your needs.
The starting price for HostPinnacle’s shared hosting plan is Ksh 3,500 for 12 months and renews at the same rate each year.
If you’re certain you want to use HostPinnacle for hosting your website, you can start with this plan or others in the shared hosting space that suit your need.
HostPinnacle allows you to upgrade your account at any time as your website needs increase.
| Starter | Standard | Premium | Executive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price /Year |
Ksh 3,500 |
Ksh 4,500 |
Ksh 7,500 |
Ksh 11,500 |
Renewal Price |
Ksh 3,500 |
Ksh 4,500 |
Ksh 7,500 |
Ksh 11,500 |
Contract Lengths Available |
1 Year |
1 Year |
1 Year |
1 Year |
Storage |
35GB |
100GB |
200GB |
Unlimited |
Bandwidth |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Free Domain |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Free SSL Certificate | ||||
Business Email |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Money-Back Guarantee |
30 Days |
30 Days |
30 Days |
30 Days |
Customer Support |
24/7 online chat, email and phone support |
24/7 online chat, email and phone support |
24/7 online chat, email and phone support |
24/7 online chat, email and phone support |
The Starter Plan
The Starter plan is HostPinnacle’s lowest-priced offering that costs Ksh 3,500 per year and renews at the same price. This plan is suitable for bloggers and small websites, as it comes with just 4GB Ram and 35GB of storage. It lets you host unlimited websites.
The Standard Plan
The price for the Standard plan is Ksh 4,500 per year and renews at the same price. For that price you get 8GB RAM and 100GB of storage, unlimited websites and daily website backups plus all features of the Starter plan.
The Premium Plan
The Premium plan is Ksh 7,500 per year and renews at the same price. In this package, you get 8GB RAM and 200GB of storage, unlimited websites and daily website backups plus all features of the Standard plan.
The Executive Package Plan
The Executive Package plan is HostPinnacle’s top-tier shared hosting plan. For Ksh 11,500 per year you have access to 16GB RAM and unlimited storage. You can use the plan to host busy websites. More intense website traffic will benefit from the improved performance delivered by its optimized CPU resources.
Customer Service and Support
HostPinnacle offers 24/7 support via phone, online chat and email for all plan levels, which is unusual for hosting providers. The company also hosts an extensive online Resource Center on its blog.
Interactions with HostPinnacle representatives can be inconsistent. Online chat is slow to respond, but when support representative responds it works. Telephone support is somewhat fast to respond and more helpful in answering direct questions.
We also reviewed hundreds of online reviews from actual HostPinnacle customers, where we found feedback on HostPinnacle customer service was mixed. Many said that support agents are helpful and courteous and were able to troubleshoot problems and answer questions effectively. Those who were dissatisfied reported long wait times for support and inadequate support to resolve issues.
Featured Partners
1
HostPinnacle
On HostPinnacle’s Website
Starting Price
Ksh 3,500 per year
Storage Limit
Unmetered bandwidth, SSD storage starts at 35GB
Standout Features
Free lifetime domain name and SSL
2
HostAfrica
On HostAfrica’s Website
Starting Price
$6.15 or Ksh 420 per month
Money-back Guarantee
30 days
Standout Features
Free .co.ke domain name and daily backups
3
Truehost
On Truehost’s Website
Starting Price
Ksh 2,500 per year
Website Building
Yes
Standout Features
Unlimited bandwidth and databases
Additional Features Worth Noting
HostPinnacle has a few features worthy of a shout-out, even though some come with an additional fee that may or may not be worth paying extra, depending on your needs. Free lifetime domain, WordPress migration services and website design services are a few features of note.
Free Lifetime Domain
HostPinnacle offers a unique value proposition for its customers: a free lifetime domain with every hosting package. This offering underscores their commitment to providing affordable and accessible web solutions. You can choose from a variety of domain extensions. This free lifetime domain initiative is part of HostPinnacle’s broader strategy to deliver world-class services and customer satisfaction.
WordPress Migration and Website Design Service
HostPinnacle offers consultative services for full-service website design and website migration. Fees vary by solution and level of need; contact HostPinnacle directly for more information.
HostPinnacle Shared Hosting Alternatives and How They Compare
| HostPinnacle | HostAfrica | HostRaha | Truehost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Rating | ||||
Starting Price |
Ksh 3,500 |
Ksh 420 |
Ksh 1,875 |
Ksh 480 |
Contract Lengths Available |
1 year |
1 to 36 months |
1 year |
1 to 36 months |
Storage |
35GB |
20GB |
35GB |
30GB |
Bandwidth |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Free Domain |
Lifetime |
Yes |
No |
No |
Free SSL Certificate | ||||
Daily Backup |
__ |
No | ||
Email Accounts |
Unlimited |
25 |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Money-Back Guarantee |
30 Days |
30 Days |
No |
No |
Customer Support |
Live Chat, Email & Phone call |
Live Chat, Email & Phone call |
Live Chat, Email, ticket & Phone call |
Live Chat, WhatsApp, Email & Phone call |
Uptime Guarantee |
99.99% |
99.99% |
99.9% |
99.999% |
Learn More | ||||
Read Reviews |
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HostPinnacle, HostAfrica, Truehost and HostRaha all offer strong uptime guarantees, a free SSL certificate and a 30-day money-back guarantee on their starter plans. HostPinnacle is the only hosting provider among the options presented above that does not offer month-to-month contracts. There are many more differences among HostPinnacle alternatives.
HostPinnacle vs HostAfrica
The comparison between HostPinnacle vs. HostAfrica shows HostPinnacle offers a lower starting price Ksh3,500/year vs Ksh420/month. That’s Ksh1,540 less per year than the HostAfrica’s monthly fee if you stick with the plan for a year. HostAfrica requires a one-year commitment to get the discounted price.
Along with HostAfrica, HostPinnacle offers a free lifetime domain while HostAfrica offers it in the first year. HostAfrica provides up to 25 business emails while HostPinnacle offers unlimited emails. HostPinnacle comes with a generous 35GB of storage, compared to HostAfrica’s 20GB. Both hosting providers offer multiple customer support options, including chat, phone and email.
View more on HostPinnacle’s and HostAfrica’s website.
HostRaha vs HostPinnacle
HostRaha shares several features with HostPinnacle, including a one-year commitment for the pricing, 35GB of storage and customer support in the form of live chat, phone and email.
However, there are several differences between HostPinnacle and HostRaha features. For instance, HostPinnacle offers a lifetime domain for free while the base plan on HostRaha does not offer a free domain even for a year.
There are a few more differences between these two hosting providers. HostPinnacle offers daily backups, HostRaha does not. HostRaha offers a 10% discount with the BESTDEAL1 coupon; HostPinnacle does not have a discount.
View more details on HostRaha’s and HostPinnacle’s website.
HostPinnacle vs Truehost
The comparison between HostPinnacle and Truehost is a close one, with HostPinnacle receiving a 4.8 rating out of five stars and Truehost earning 4.5 stars. HostPinnacle’s starting price is Ksh3,500 per year while Truehost charges Ksh480 per month. A one-year commitment is required to receive Truehost’s lowest price.
View more details on Truehost’s and HostPinnacle’s website.
Our Opinion
HostPinnacle serves those with modest website needs, including bloggers, startups, small businesses and new entrepreneurs. The hosting platform is easy to use for all technical levels, which makes it a great choice for beginners.
In case your needs are relatively modest, you don’t expect massive traffic on your website and your budget is razor-thin, HostPinnacle is a solid hosting service provider. Just beware that customer service may take time to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Building a decent website on a shared hosting plan will set you back anywhere from Ksh 1900, if you already have a domain, to as high as Ksh 15,000 per year. Of course, the cost varies depending on your needs and hosting provider. Also, the cost increases if you hire a professional to build it.
The cost of maintaining a website in Kenya is between Ksh8,000 per year for simple blogs/websites to over Ksh100,000 for large e-commerce platforms. Check out our affordable web maintenance fees.
In Kenya, the cost of hiring a professional developer to build you website varies from as little as Ksh10,000 for an individual or blog website to as high as Ksh100,000 for institution websites. Factors such as design, hosting and maintenance increase the cost of building a website through a professional developer.
On average, the cost of building a basic WordPress website is between Ksh10,000 and Ksh40,000. However, a complex institution website will easily set you back Ksh100,000 and above.
