Unlimited hosting plans are a trend on the internet and are a main marketing strategy for hosting companies. Web hosting companies that claim to offer “unlimited” disk space and “unlimited” bandwidth are not being completely honest with you. The truth is, there is no such thing as truly unlimited storage capacity. All storage options, whether local or through a storage area network (SAN), have limits.
Look for the fine print
Reviewing the Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy, you can find the true limits of these “unlimited” plans. These documents often reveal restrictions on the types of files you can store and how they must be used. Even though the disk space may be labeled as unlimited, your account may have a limit on the number of files and directories, known as an inode limit. For example, an account with a 250,000 inode limit can only contain a maximum of 250,000 files and directories. This includes your website and log files, databases, emails, cache files, and more. So, the “unlimited” storage is not as unlimited as it may seem.
If you bought an “unlimited” web hosting plan or are considering one, take it from people who have been in the field: unlimited hosting is the worst plan to buy. Marketers understand that certain words like “free,” “new,” and “unlimited” are designed to appeal to our instincts. When people are looking to buy services, they often prioritize security. Additionally, as many seek the best deals, “unlimited” is used prominently and engagingly. Although this word has a significant psychological impact, it is not difficult to recognize that it is merely a marketing strategy.
Many hosting providers offer their customers unlimited bandwidth, disk space, websites, domains, and more. However, these “unlimited” offerings are primarily for marketing purposes, and the benefits are not unlimited. The unlimited plan is unlikely to be feasible from a business and technological standpoint. Therefore, it is recommended that the details be scrutinized and a practical perspective maintained.
Instead of looking for an “unlimited hosting plan,” look for reliability
Excessive promotion can cause client problems and damage the hosting provider's reputation. Occasionally, shady companies are exposed as fraudulent web hosting services, often targeting less experienced users. Warning signs of a web hosting scam include unlimited hosting plans, free offers, and extremely low prices. Psychologically, unlimited plans can provide a sense of security. Still, without clear usage limits, it can lead to a lack of trust, especially for those who have had bad experiences. Companies that hide their terms and conditions tend to appear untrustworthy, ultimately harming the clients. Therefore, taking your time when selecting a web hosting provider is advisable.
When selecting a web hosting service, consider the following:
- Most customer reviews are positive;
- Has a real phone number to contact;
- The company offers reliable customer support;
- It guarantees at least 99.99% uptime;
- Do not make unrealistic “unlimited storage” claims;
- It has a money-back policy;
- it allows you to migrate or build your website easily;
- it provides fast loading speeds;
- it has servers in multiple locations;
- it monitors its servers 24/7;
- and it has a user-friendly client area.
Wrapping up
Unlimited web hosting may not be the best option, but you shouldn't be afraid. The main idea is to avoid getting caught up in marketing promises of “unlimited” features. Instead of unlimited hosting plans, focus on web hosts that provide reliable 24/7 support and a strong uptime guarantee. When all other factors are equal, a web host that offers a specific amount of disk space for a monthly fee may be better than one that claims to offer “unlimited” disk space for the same or a lower price.