Rankings you cannot buy.
Most hosting comparison sites rank hosts by affiliate commission, so the recommendation follows the money. HostList does not. Every one of the 30,000+ providers is ranked by HRI, an algorithmic 0 to 100 score built from verified public signals. HostList does not sell rankings or accept payment for placement in ranked lists. Hosting companies cannot pay to improve HRI or list position. This page states exactly how HostList earns money, and why it never touches a ranked position.
The firewall, in plain terms
HRI is algorithmic
Rank order is computed from Trust, Completeness, Freshness, and Performance signals, each worth 25 points. No editor hand-places a ranked list, and no host can pay for points. The method is published in full at the HRI methodology page.
Sponsorship sits outside rankings
Labeled display advertising and sponsor banners, when offered, are kept outside ranked tables and never change HRI or sort order. See the advertising policy for inventory and disclosure rules.
Referral links are disclosed
Some “Visit” and deal outbound links may be partner or referral links. When they are, we mark them as sponsored in the link relationship. Partner or referral relationships never change HRI, sort order, or ranked list position.
Claiming does not buy rank
A hosting company can claim its listing to correct data and publish deals. Claiming improves data quality, never rank order; the score still comes only from the signals.
Accuracy & corrections
Directory data, HRI scores, prices, and features are informational and may lag real-world changes. Always confirm current details with the provider before you buy. HostList does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any purchasing decision.
Hosting companies that dispute listing data or scores can email [email protected] (or use the contact form) with the listing URL, the specific error, and supporting evidence. We aim to acknowledge within 5 business days and review within 14 business days. Filing a dispute does not require us to change a score, but we will review good-faith evidence before formal escalation.
Frequently asked
Can a hosting company pay to rank higher on HostList?
No. HostList does not sell rankings or accept payment for placement in ranked lists. Hosting companies cannot pay to improve HRI or list position. HRI is an algorithmic 0 to 100 score built from verified public signals (customer reviews, profile completeness, data freshness, and performance). There is no manual override and no paid tier that changes rank order.
How does HostList make money?
Two ways, both kept separate from rankings. (1) Featured listing subscriptions and clearly-labeled display sponsorship, which appear outside ranked tables and never change HRI or sort order. (2) Partner or referral links on some outbound "Visit" and deal buttons, marked as sponsored in the link relationship. Neither affects a single ranked position.
What about the "Visit" and deal links, are they affiliate links?
Some “Visit” and deal outbound links may be partner or referral links. When they are, we mark them as sponsored in the link relationship. Partner or referral relationships never change HRI, sort order, or ranked list position.
Are sponsor banners the same as rankings?
Labeled display advertising and sponsor banners, when offered, are kept outside ranked tables and never change HRI or sort order. See the advertising policy for inventory and disclosure rules.
Is the data always accurate?
Directory data, HRI scores, prices, and features are informational and may lag real-world changes. Always confirm current details with the provider before you buy. HostList does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any purchasing decision.
A listing has wrong data or an unfair score. How do I fix it?
Hosting companies that dispute listing data or scores can email [email protected] (or use the contact form) with the listing URL, the specific error, and supporting evidence. We aim to acknowledge within 5 business days and review within 14 business days. Filing a dispute does not require us to change a score, but we will review good-faith evidence before formal escalation.
Questions about independence? [email protected]