I signed up for HostGator's "unlimited" Business hosting plan in 2023, drawn in by the promise of hosting an unlimited number of websites. This was a key factor in my decision, as I have multiple projects I wanted to host. Critically, I prepaid for a full three years of service based on this advertised "unlimited" feature. However, I recently discovered that HostGator has quietly implemented a cap on the number of websites allowed on this plan. This change was made without any prior notification to me, the customer.

This is extremely disappointing and feels like a bait-and-switch tactic. The very definition of "unlimited" implies no limits. To impose a website cap after I've paid in full for three years of "unlimited" service is not only misleading and dishonest, but it feels like a breach of contract. I relied on the advertised "unlimited" feature when making my purchase decision and committing to a long-term contract. Now, I'm forced to reconsider my hosting options and potentially migrate my websites, which is a significant inconvenience, especially after having already paid for three years of service.

I contacted HostGator support regarding this change. Their explanation was that they "previously used to provide unlimited websites, but with the recent updates it's reduced to accommodate the storage for the hosting package." They cited a transition to a "Scalable Shared Hosting platform" for improved speed, stability, and security. While they apologized for the lack of notification, they stated the change was necessary to "restrict users overwhelming the server with high disk usage" and to ensure "fair usage of shared resources." They provided an example of one user consuming all server resources, disadvantaging others.

However, despite their claims of improved performance, I have not seen any noticeable increase in website speed or overall performance. This makes their justification for removing the "unlimited" feature even less convincing. If the change was truly about improving performance, I would expect to see tangible results.

While I understand the need for fair resource allocation, changing the core advertised feature of the plan after I purchased it, and especially after I prepaid for three years based on that feature, is completely unacceptable. If limits were always intended, they should have been clearly stated from the beginning. Furthermore, the justification of "keeping up with the latest technological advances" doesn't excuse the bait-and-switch. A change in platform shouldn't necessitate removing a key advertised feature, particularly if the change doesn't even deliver the promised benefits. Transparency and honesty are crucial, especially when it comes to services people rely on, and even more so when significant prepayments are involved.

I would not recommend HostGator to anyone looking for truly unlimited hosting. Be aware that their "unlimited" Business plans now come with undisclosed limitations, and they may change the terms of your service without warning, even if you've prepaid for an extended period. I am extremely dissatisfied with this experience.