Leaseweb Review

Leaseweb, a renowned name in the hosting industry, stands out with its robust server solutions and a global network designed to empower businesses. Known for its expansive array of products ranging from dedicated servers to cloud solutions, Leaseweb caters to diverse IT needs with precision.

Our in-depth review dives into the intricacies of Leaseweb’s offerings, scrutinizing each aspect from performance to customer support. Reading this review is crucial for anyone considering Leaseweb, as it provides essential insights and unbiased evaluations, helping you make an informed decision before signing up.

Key Takeaways:

• Hardware Quality: Leaseweb employs robust hardware from top brands like HP and Dell, ensuring reliable server performance.
• User Interface Challenges: The platform’s user interface can be less intuitive than its competitors, posing a learning curve for new users.
• Network Performance: Although Leaseweb has a strong global network, regional variations in connectivity and latency are noticeable.
• Customer Support: Support is knowledgeable, but response times can be slower compared to industry leaders, impacting issue resolution.
• Pricing Complexity: Leaseweb offers competitive rates, but their billing system can be intricate and less transparent.
• Security Management: Comprehensive security features are available, but they require more manual effort to implement effectively.
• Scalability and Downtime: The platform provides good scalability options, yet scaling operations might involve some downtime.

What is Leaseweb

Leaseweb, a global web hosting company, presents a comprehensive range of services tailored for a variety of industries and needs. Their offerings include dedicated servers, cloud hosting, cloud storage solutions, and Content Delivery Network services, all designed to cater to the dynamic requirements of sectors such as MarTech & AdTech, SaaS, Gaming, iGaming, E-commerce, Big Data, Test & Development, SAP HANA Hosting, and Startups.

Leaseweb’s web hosting services are engineered for a spectrum of websites, from personal blogs to professional business portals. They offer a blend of data traffic, intuitive control panels, security services, backup solutions, and much more, ensuring a balanced offering for different hosting needs.

Their hosting plans cater to diverse operating system preferences, with detailed packages that include features like disk space, traffic limits, database options, email accounts, security features, and more.

The backbone of Leaseweb’s offerings lies in its robust network architecture and data centers. With a core uptime of 99.999%, impressive bandwidth capacity, and a global spread of ISO-certified data centers, they ensure high performance, reliability, and security.

The company takes security seriously, boasting certifications such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 1, HIPAA, and NEN 7510. Their commitment to security is evident in their comprehensive approach, covering aspects like logical and physical security, incident management, and operational resilience.

Leaseweb’s dedication to offering a balanced blend of performance, flexibility, security, and value is evident in their diverse product range and commitment to customer satisfaction. Their global reach and comprehensive infrastructure make them a formidable player in the web hosting arena.

Why Choose Leaseweb

Leaseweb offers a comprehensive suite of web hosting services that excel in performance, scalability, and security. However, the complexity of options and pricing could be challenging for some clients. Their global infrastructure is robust, though regional disparities in coverage should be considered.

Overall, Leaseweb is a strong contender in the web hosting market, particularly for businesses looking for a blend of performance and flexibility.

1. Dedicated Server Solutions:

• Performance: Leaseweb’s dedicated servers are robust and well-suited for high-demand applications. The customizable configurations provide clients with the flexibility to tailor resources according to specific needs. However, the range of options can be overwhelming for less experienced users.
• Pricing: Their pricing model offers good value, particularly for businesses requiring high computing power. The transparency in pricing for different configurations is commendable, although setup fees for customization might deter some potential customers.

2. Cloud and Cloud Storage Services:

• Scalability and Flexibility: The cloud services demonstrate excellent scalability, vital for businesses experiencing rapid growth or fluctuating demands. The virtualized solutions are user-friendly and easily adjustable.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While offering scalable solutions, the pricing structure is somewhat complex, which could be a hurdle for smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets.

3. Content Delivery Network:

• Global Reach and Performance: The CDN utilizes a vast network, ensuring fast content delivery worldwide. This is particularly beneficial for businesses targeting a global audience.
• Complexity: The technical aspects of CDN setup and management require a certain level of expertise, which might not suit all businesses, especially those without dedicated IT teams.

4. Web Hosting Services:

• Diverse Offerings: The range of hosting services, from Linux to Windows hosting, caters to various preferences. The inclusion of unlimited subdomains and domain aliases in most plans is a significant advantage.
• Resource Limitations: Some of the lower-tier plans have limited resources, which might not be sufficient for websites with higher traffic or storage needs.

5. Network Infrastructure and Data Centers:

• Reliability and Security: The 99.999% core uptime and extensive bandwidth capacity are impressive, ensuring reliability and speed. The ISO-certified data centers reinforce their commitment to security and performance.
• Coverage Gaps: While Leaseweb has a strong presence in certain regions, there are geographical areas where their network might not be as robust, affecting clients targeting those specific markets.

6. Customer Portal and API:

• User Experience: The portal and API are well-designed, offering extensive control and integration capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for clients requiring custom solutions.
• Learning Curve: The depth of features available through the portal and API might require a steep learning curve for new users or those not familiar with such systems.

7. Compliance and Security Standards:

• Comprehensive Security: The adherence to international standards like ISO 27001 and PCI DSS is a strong indicator of their commitment to security.
• Certification Limitations: While they have a broad range of certifications, some industry-specific or regional certifications might be lacking, which could be a concern for certain niche sectors.

Leaseweb Virtual Servers

Leaseweb’s VPS offerings are well-suited for a spectrum of use cases, from basic web servers and code repositories to more resource-intensive applications like Dev/Test servers and complex web applications.

The blend of high-performance computing, flexible configurations, robust security measures, and advanced API access makes Leaseweb a strong contender in the VPS hosting market, especially for technically advanced users who require granular control and scalable solutions.

1. High-Performance VPS Options:

• Leaseweb’s VPS lineup, spanning from ‘gp micro’ to ‘gp 2xlarge’, caters to diverse computational needs. The vCPU allocation ranges from 1 core in the micro plan to 16 cores in the 2xlarge plan, accommodating varying levels of processing requirements.
• The vRAM provided starts at 1GB, scaling up to a substantial 64GB in the higher tiers, making these VPS solutions viable for both lightweight applications and more demanding environments like high-traffic web servers or complex databases.

2. SSD Storage and Traffic Allowances:

• Each VPS plan is backed by all-flash SSD storage, ensuring reduced latency and enhanced reliability. Storage capacity scales from 20GB to 240GB, suitable for different data storage demands.
• Traffic allowances are generous, starting from 4 TB in the micro plan and extending up to 15 TB in the 2xlarge plan, catering to varying bandwidth needs.

3. Customization and Scalability:

• Leaseweb allows complete customization of VPS solutions, including package size, data center location, operating systems, and control panels. This flexibility is crucial for businesses that need a tailored hosting environment.
• The infrastructure’s scalability is a key advantage, with the ability to increase storage capacity without the need to upgrade the entire VPS package, offering cost-effective scalability.

4. Network Infrastructure:

• The VPS infrastructure is connected to a state-of-the-art, fully redundant network. This setup ensures high availability and resilience, critical for maintaining continuous operation.
• Multiple Tier-1 transit providers, coupled with extensive private and public peering arrangements, ensure robust and speedy network performance.

5. Security and Protection:

• Standard DDoS protection on every VPS guards against both volumetric and protocol-based attacks, ensuring uninterrupted service.
• The included Basic Firewall provides essential protection, with traffic filtering capabilities for TCP, UDP, and ICMP protocols.

6. Data Protection and Recovery:

• VPS Snapshots, a standard feature, provide a critical safety net, allowing for the restoration of data to a specific point in time, especially before significant changes.
• Optional Acronis Backup solutions, ranging from 25GB to 500GB, offer an additional layer of data protection, safeguarding files, applications, and complete systems.

7. Management and Monitoring:

• The Leaseweb Customer Portal allows for comprehensive control and monitoring of virtual servers, including traffic data, SLA management, and firewall configuration.
• The Leaseweb Monitoring add-on delivers valuable insights into infrastructure health, enhancing operational awareness and proactive management.

8. Advanced API Access:

• Leaseweb’s robust APIs provide sophisticated control over the VPS environment, enabling advanced users to automate and streamline their server management tasks efficiently.

9. Operating System and Control Panel Options:

• A range of operating systems, including Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, FreeBSD, Windows, Almalinux, and Rocky Linux, cater to various application requirements and user preferences.
• Control panels like Plesk and cPanel are available, providing user-friendly interfaces for website and hosting management.

10. Price Range:

• Leaseweb’s VPS hosting plans are priced competitively, starting at €4.27/month for the gp micro plan and going up to €138.19/month for the gp 2xlarge plan.

Leaseweb Dedicated Servers

Leaseweb’s dedicated server hosting solutions are characterized by their wide array of powerful configurations, extensive storage options, high-bandwidth capabilities, and global reach.

This approach makes them highly suitable for advanced users who require customized, high-performance hosting solutions for various applications, including heavy computational tasks, large-scale web hosting, and data-intensive applications. The pricing, while varied, caters to a broad range of needs, ensuring that both budget-conscious and performance-seeking users can find suitable options.

1. Server Specifications and Performance:

• Leaseweb’s dedicated server offerings span a wide range of specifications, with models such as Intel Xeon E3 and E5 series, providing options for single, dual, and quad CPU configurations. These CPUs vary in core count, ranging from 2 to 24 cores per CPU, addressing diverse computational demands.
• RAM options are extensive, ranging from 16GB to 128GB, catering to various levels of memory-intensive applications. The high RAM capacity is particularly advantageous for demanding workloads like large databases, virtualization, and high-traffic web applications.

2. Storage Solutions:

• Storage configurations include a mix of HDD and SSD options, with capacities ranging significantly. The inclusion of NVMe SSD options highlights a focus on high-speed, low-latency storage solutions, essential for applications demanding rapid data access.
• The availability of servers with up to 4x8TB SATA drives indicates a strong emphasis on high-capacity storage solutions, suitable for data-heavy applications.

3. Network and Bandwidth:

• Bandwidth offerings are robust, with some servers providing up to 100TB of traffic. This feature is critical for bandwidth-intensive operations like streaming services, large-scale web hosting, and data transfer-intensive applications.
• Network options include 100Mbps, 1000Mbps, and 10Gbps uplinks, ensuring high-speed connectivity and rapid data transfer capabilities, vital for ensuring low-latency and high-throughput network performance.

4. Geographical Diversity:

• Server locations are globally distributed, including Amsterdam, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Phoenix, Tokyo, Montreal, San Francisco, Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, and Washington D.C. This wide geographical spread facilitates localized hosting solutions, reducing latency for end-users and adhering to regional data sovereignty requirements.

5. Server Categories and Customization:

• Categories such as High Performance, Storage, Bandwidth, Gaming, and AMD servers indicate a targeted approach to different use cases. Each category is tailored to specific needs, like high compute power, extensive storage, or specialized gaming requirements.
• The customization options allow users to tailor servers to their specific needs, choosing from various CPU types, RAM sizes, storage configurations, and network speeds.

6. Pricing Structure:

• Prices for dedicated servers vary widely, reflecting the diverse range of specifications and use cases. This pricing structure ensures accessibility for a wide range of budgetary constraints, from cost-effective solutions to high-end, performance-oriented setups.

7. Advanced Technical Features:

• The servers are equipped with advanced technical features suitable for a wide range of applications, from complex web hosting environments to high-performance computing tasks.
• For users requiring specific configurations, such as high GPU power or immense storage capacity, Leaseweb’s dedicated server options seem to provide ample flexibility and performance.

Leaseweb Cloud Solutions

Leaseweb’s cloud solutions are well-suited for advanced users seeking a blend of performance, flexibility, and security.

The range of products, from elastic compute to dedicated VMware environments, caters to a spectrum of cloud computing needs. The emphasis on network options, security, and global data center presence makes these solutions particularly attractive for enterprises with complex, multi-faceted IT requirements. The transparent pricing and robust API support further enhance their appeal to businesses looking for a reliable, scalable, and secure cloud infrastructure partner.

1. Cloud Products and Infrastructure:

• Leaseweb offers a comprehensive suite of cloud products including Virtual Private Servers (VPS), Elastic Compute, VMware vCloud, VMware vSphere, and hybrid cloud solutions. This range caters to varying needs, from simple web hosting to complex enterprise-grade applications.
• The infrastructure is built on leading-brand hardware such as HP, Dell, NetApp, Arista, and Juniper, ensuring high performance and reliability. Options for single-tenant and multi-tenant deployments provide flexibility in resource allocation and security requirements.

2. Computing and Storage Options:

• Elastic Compute is a scalable public cloud solution powered by CloudStack, offering flexible compute resource pools with on-demand and reserved billing options. This is suitable for scalable web applications and big data analytics.
• VMware-based solutions like vCloud and vSphere offer more controlled environments with dedicated resources, ideal for enterprises requiring robust, isolated, and secure cloud environments for their critical applications.

3. Storage Solutions:

• Leaseweb’s cloud storage solutions are diverse, including object storage compatible with S3 APIs, block storage over iSCSI, and file storage with NFS or CIFS protocols. These options cater to a range of use cases from high-speed database operations to shared file systems.

4. Hybrid Cloud Capabilities:

• Hybrid cloud solutions combine public and private clouds with dedicated servers, offering an ideal environment for businesses looking to leverage both the scalability of cloud and the control of dedicated resources. This is particularly advantageous for organizations seeking to balance regulatory compliance with the need for agile cloud services.

5. Network and Connectivity:

• Leaseweb’s cloud solutions offer extensive networking options with free private and hybrid networking within a data center. This facilitates secure, high-speed connectivity essential for enterprise applications.
• The availability of floating IPs, dedicated network setups, and cloud connectivity options ensure flexible and efficient network architectures.

6. Security and Compliance:

• Security features include built-in DDoS protection, role-based access control, and compliance with standards like ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. This makes Leaseweb’s cloud solutions suitable for industries with stringent security and compliance requirements.
• Managed cybersecurity services including penetration testing and IP protection add another layer of security for enterprises.

7. Billing and Cost-Efficiency:

• Leaseweb’s transparent pricing and billing models, including traffic-based and 95th-bandwidth bursting, allow businesses to predict and control their operational expenses effectively.

8. Developer and API Support:

• Strong support for developers is evident in Leaseweb’s offering of powerful APIs for seamless integration and management of cloud resources.

9. Global Reach and Local Compliance:

• With data centers in key locations like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, and Washington, Leaseweb ensures global reach while adhering to local compliance and data sovereignty requirements.

Recommendations for Leaseweb Hosting Options

When selecting a hosting plan from Leaseweb, consider the following practical recommendations based on various needs and scenarios:

These recommendations are based on the provided details about Leaseweb’s offerings and are intended to guide you towards the most suitable plan for different needs and scenarios. Prices and features may vary, so it’s advisable to check Leaseweb’s latest offerings for the most current information.

1. For Small to Medium-Sized Websites:
   • Plan: Linux Web Hosting – ‘M’ Plan
   • Price: €6.43/month
   • Features: 1GB Disk, 100GB Traffic, 5 MySQL databases, PHP support, unlimited subdomains and domain aliases, 250 email accounts, 5GB mailbox space.
   • Best For: Small businesses, personal blogs, and medium-traffic websites.
2. For E-Commerce and High-Traffic Websites:
   • Plan: Linux Web Hosting – ‘XL’ Plan
   • Price: €15.35/month
   • Features: 10GB Disk, 1000GB Traffic, 50 MySQL databases, PHP support, unlimited subdomains, 250 email accounts, 5GB mailbox space.
   • Best For: E-commerce sites, high-traffic blogs, and content-heavy sites.
3. For Startups and Tech Companies:
   • Plan: Dedicated Server – Intel Quad-Core Xeon E-2374G
   • Price: US$224.06/month
   • Features: 4 cores 3.70GHz CPU, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 2x960GB SSD HDD, 10TB Traffic.
   • Best For: Tech startups, SaaS platforms, and companies with resource-intensive applications.
4. For Businesses Requiring Scalable Cloud Solutions:
   • Plan: Cloud Hosting – Customizable
   • Price: Varies based on customization
   • Features: Scalable virtual resources, customizable configurations.
   • Best For: Businesses needing scalable and flexible cloud infrastructure.
5. For Companies with Global Audiences:
   • Plan: CDN Services
   • Price: Custom pricing based on requirements
   • Features: Global content delivery, enhanced website performance.
   • Best For: Media companies, global e-commerce, and businesses with international audiences.
6. For Data-Intensive Applications:
   • Plan: High-Performance Server – 2x Intel 16-Core Xeon Gold 5218
   • Price: US$402.54/month
   • Features: 2x 16 cores 2.30GHz CPU, 128GB DDR4 RAM, 2x960GB SSD HDD, 10TB Traffic.
   • Best For: Big data analytics, complex database applications, and large-scale enterprise projects.
7. For Customizable and Automated Solutions:
   • Plan: Utilize Leaseweb API and Automation Tools
   • Price: Depends on the usage and implementation
   • Features: Custom control over infrastructure, integration capabilities.
   • Best For: Tech-oriented businesses needing bespoke hosting solutions.

Analysis of Leaseweb

Leaseweb, with its range of services and strong infrastructure, is a competent player in the hosting and cloud services market. However, when put to the test against industry leaders, it exhibits areas that need improvement, particularly in terms of network consistency, customer support response times, and user interface design.

While it offers competitive pricing and robust hardware, businesses with very specific needs or those requiring top-tier customer support might find better solutions elsewhere. For companies looking for a balance between cost and performance, especially those who can navigate through a slightly steeper learning curve, Leaseweb remains a viable option.

1. Performance and Reliability:

• During the tests, I found that while Leaseweb’s hardware, powered by brands like HP and Dell, is robust, the performance can be inconsistent, especially under heavy loads. Comparing to industry leaders, Leaseweb’s performance is competent, but there are occasional lags in response times, which could be a concern for high-traffic websites or critical business applications.

2. User Interface and Ease of Use:

• The user interface, particularly the control panel, is less intuitive than some of the top competitors like AWS or Google Cloud. New users or those transitioning from other platforms might face a learning curve. However, once accustomed, the management of resources becomes straightforward.

3. Network and Speed:

• Network performance is a mixed bag. While Leaseweb boasts a robust global network, some regional data centers seem to have better connectivity and lower latency than others. In comparison, services like Azure or AWS offer more consistent network performance globally.

4. Customer Support and Responsiveness:

• Leaseweb’s customer support is knowledgeable but not always as prompt as one would expect, especially when dealing with complex or urgent server issues. This is an area where competitors like SiteGround and Bluehost tend to excel with their quick and efficient customer service.

5. Pricing and Transparency:

• Pricing is competitive, but the billing can be complex and sometimes lacks transparency, which can be a point of frustration. In this aspect, platforms like DigitalOcean offer simpler and more straightforward pricing models.

6. Security Features:

• Security features are comprehensive, but the implementation can be cumbersome, requiring more manual configuration than some other providers. This might be challenging for businesses without a dedicated IT security team.

7. Customization and Flexibility:

• Leaseweb offers good customization options, but they sometimes fall short in comparison to the flexibility provided by AWS or Google Cloud, especially when it comes to specific and advanced configurations.

8. Scalability:

• Scalability is one of Leaseweb’s stronger points, although the process of scaling resources is not always as seamless as with some cloud-native providers. There can be noticeable downtime during scaling operations.

9. Downtime and Maintenance:

• Scheduled maintenance is communicated well in advance, but there have been instances of unscheduled downtime, which can be a serious concern for businesses relying on continuous uptime.

10. Cloud and Hybrid Solutions:

• The hybrid cloud solutions are robust, yet they lack the integration ease found with Azure’s hybrid offerings. This could be a deciding factor for businesses looking for a smooth hybrid cloud experience.

11. Industry-Specific Solutions:

• While Leaseweb offers solutions tailored to various industries, they are not as specialized or optimized as those from providers like IBM Cloud, which offers highly industry-specific cloud solutions.

Leaseweb Alternatives

Each alternative has its unique strengths, catering to different segments of the hosting market.

While Leaseweb offers robust dedicated servers and a strong CDN, competitors like AWS and Azure provide broader cloud service portfolios and global reach. GCP stands out in analytics and AI, while DigitalOcean and Bluehost are more accessible for smaller businesses or those seeking simplicity.

When comparing Linode and Vultr to Leaseweb, the choice depends on the specific needs of the user. Linode is ideal for those seeking simplicity and affordability, while Vultr offers enhanced performance and a global presence. SiteGround offers excellent WordPress services, and IBM Cloud caters well to enterprise-grade requirements, especially in hybrid cloud and AI.

1. Amazon Web Services:
   • Target Audience: Ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those requiring extensive cloud services.
   • Key Benefits: AWS offers a highly comprehensive and scalable suite of cloud services, including advanced analytics, machine learning, and IoT solutions. Their global data center footprint is unrivaled, providing excellent geographic reach.
2. Microsoft Azure:
   • Target Audience: Best suited for enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem.
   • Key Benefits: Azure seamlessly integrates with existing Microsoft products, making it a strong choice for businesses using Windows servers, SQL databases, or other Microsoft tools. They also offer robust hybrid cloud capabilities.
3. Google Cloud Platform:
   • Target Audience: Ideal for data-driven companies requiring strong analytics and machine learning tools.
   • Key Benefits: GCP excels in data analytics, machine learning, and open-source technologies, with highly competitive pricing models. They are also known for their commitment to sustainability and green data centers.
4. DigitalOcean:
   • Target Audience: A great option for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and developers.
   • Key Benefits: DigitalOcean is known for its simplicity and developer-friendly environment. Their pricing is straightforward and affordable, making them a good choice for businesses with limited budgets.
5. IBM Cloud:
   • Target Audience: Large enterprises looking for hybrid cloud solutions and AI-powered services.
   • Key Benefits: IBM Cloud offers a wide range of services including AI, blockchain, and IoT. Their focus on hybrid cloud solutions and security makes them a strong choice for enterprises with complex requirements.
6. Linode:
   • Target Audience: Linode caters primarily to developers, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses looking for simple, scalable, and affordable cloud hosting solutions. It’s an excellent option for those who prioritize ease of use and quick deployment.
   • Key Benefits: Linode’s interface and toolsets are designed for simplicity and ease of use, making cloud deployment more accessible. Offers cost-effective plans with transparent pricing, suitable for businesses with a tight budget.
7. Vultr:
   • Target Audience: Vultr appeals to a broad spectrum of users, including independent developers, small businesses, and larger enterprises. It’s particularly favored by those needing high-performance SSD cloud servers and a wide range of global data centers.
   • Key Benefits: Known for its high-performance SSD (Solid State Drives) cloud servers, ensuring speedy and efficient operations. Provides a vast network of data centers around the world, allowing users to deploy servers close to their audience for reduced latency.
8. Bluehost:
   • Target Audience: Best for small businesses, bloggers, and those needing straightforward web hosting solutions.
   • Key Benefits: Bluehost is renowned for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service. They offer a range of affordable shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and dedicated servers.
9. SiteGround:
   • Target Audience: Suitable for small to medium businesses, especially those using WordPress.
   • Key Benefits: SiteGround is known for its excellent customer support, high-performance hosting, and WordPress-optimized services.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Leaseweb exhibits a strong commitment to quality and reliability in its hosting services, backed by advanced hardware and a global network presence. While the platform excels in providing a range of scalable solutions, potential users should be prepared for a steeper learning curve due to its complex user interface.

In short:

1. Leaseweb’s infrastructure, powered by renowned OEMs, ensures a sturdy and reliable server environment.
2. The platform’s control interface demands acclimatization, presenting an initial barrier to seamless resource management.
3. Network throughput and latency metrics vary across Leaseweb’s geographically dispersed data centers.
4. The technical support, while adept, lags in rapid response, a critical factor in dynamic IT environments.
5. Competitive in pricing, Leaseweb’s billing schema requires elucidation for clarity in financial planning.
6. Leaseweb’s security solutions offer comprehensive protection, albeit with an onus on manual configuration.
7. Scalability, a key attribute, is marred by operational downtimes, a notable concern in continuous deployment scenarios.

Overall, Leaseweb remains a formidable choice for businesses seeking robust and versatile hosting solutions.