Did you know that Macs make up ten percent of personal computers?

Mar 02, 2020 If you’re running applications that require the Apple OS X operating system or are developing content for OS X or the iPhone’s iOS, then you may want to look into finding a Mac host. Many hosting providers who specialize in Macs do so to provide remote computing environments that replace or supplement existing ones.

This is for good reason. After all, Macs are highly durable, well-designed computers that prove the worth of their investment over many years.

If you are a proud Mac owner, you know what we’re talking about. But did you know that there are web hosts out there that are better suited for Macs?

That’s right. All website owners must rely on a web host to support their sites. However, not all hosts are the same, and not all are appealing for Mac users.

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about a Mac host–and which hosts provide the best support and features for Mac users.

Keep reading for insight!

What is Web Hosting?

The World Wide Web is home to over 1.5 billion websites. Anyone can create a website, provided they choose a platform, a web host, and a domain name.

What is web hosting?

A web host is necessary in order to make your website visible and accessible to users. Both individuals and organizations rely on web hosts to deliver their online content effectively.

Not all web hosts are created equal! In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of hosting providers around the world, and each one is likely to deliver different support, prices, and compatibility.

Nor is every web hosting package identical. The type of hosting you choose will depend on your own website needs. These include your audience, desired loading speeds, content, and type of computer (to name just a few!).

It’s important to pinpoint these needs and do your research wisely before you select a web host. You can always change hosts down the road, but it’s always best to begin with the best–especially if you are a Mac user!

What is a Mac Centric Web Hosting?

Most website owners are familiar with the concept of a hosting provider. In fact, you may already have a host in place if you’re reading this article!

However, not a lot of site owners realize that they should be seeking hosts that support their specific operating systems.

In fact, most web hosting providers cater to Windows or Linux operating systems. It’s possible to host your website with these providers if you use a Mac. In fact, people do it all the time.

But it is definitely not ideal!

Think about it from another perspective. As a Mac user, you may be familiar with the concept of Windows-only programs and applications.

How many times have you tried to download something and realized it was only compatible with Windows?

Hosting can pose the same exact issue. You may find a way to download that software, but it may not prove as seamless or integrative as a Mac-friendly program.

Mac hosts provide hosting services for Apple operating systems. What’s more, they often come attached to Mac-friendly customer support, which can be an asset when you’re wandering the world of web hosts for the first time.

As a clarification, Apple devices all use iOS or OS X operating systems. Mac-friendly web hosts will cater specifically to these operating systems, as opposed to Linux or Windows.

It’s also important to note that your site’s operating system doesn’t have to be identical to your computer’s! Check to see what your site’s operating system is before you plunge into some web host research.

What You Should Know About Mac Centric Web Hosting

There are a couple of other things to keep in mind about Mac-friendly web hosting.

Mac Centric Hosting is Specialized

For one thing, mac web hosts are considered to be specialty providers. Most web hosting providers support largely Linux or Windows operating systems.

Remember: you can still host your site with these providers. They just may not speak the full Mac language, which can present issues when it comes to customer support.

Mac web hosts are well-versed in the language of Apple devices and Mac operating systems. They focus specifically on Mac server language–their entire approach and system are built around this language.

Because they are considered to be specialists–and rarities–web hosts can be hard to find. What’s more, it can be difficult to identify hosts that are likely to provide the services you require.

That’s why we’ve compiled a few reputable Mac-friendly hosts in the industry to help!

Mac Centric Hosting Has Advantages

Besides the fact that Mac hosts will speak your operating system’s language–and cater to it!–they also offer some other advantages.

If you need email hosting, for example, Mac-friendly web hosts can make this incredibly easy. In general, a Mac host will offer more effective and user-friendly email hosting than a non-Mac host.

Other excellent features include OS X software automated testing, which is much more cost-effective through a Mac-friendly host, and business functions like task management and address books.

Not All Mac Centric Hosts Provide Domain Registration

Website owners also need a domain name before they can launch their sites. Luckily, most web hosts provide domain registration with hosting packages.

However, not all Mac hosts do this! We strongly recommend choosing a Mac host that enables you to do both. Simplifying your providers can make your life easier, and it can streamline support if need be.

At MacHighway, for example, we provide free domain registration with every annual plan.

Make Sure Your Host Caters to Macs

It may not be obvious at first glance if a web host offers Mac-friendly hosting. This may even be the case after scrolling through a provider’s website.

Plus, simply because a hosting provider is “passionate about” Macs doesn’t mean it is Mac-friendly!

Before going with a host, confirm that they can support Apple operating systems. One of the best ways to do this is to simply get on the phone with a customer representative.

Ask about the provider’s unique experience with Mac support and hosting, and staff members’ familiarity with Apple devices. Double and triple check that the provider caters to iOS or OS X operating systems.

The Best Web Host for Mac Users in 2019

Are you seeking the best web host for Mac users in 2019? Look no further than MacHighway.

By Mac Users and For Mac Users

Here at MacHighway, we are all Mac users. We speak Apple language, and we know it well!

All of our hosting plans are also designed specifically for Apple operating systems. You can feel confident when contacting our 24/7/365 support team that you’ll be speaking with someone who understands your concerns.

Uptime Guarantee & Lightning Speeds

We provide a 99.9% uptime guarantee to all of our users. You can rest assured that with MacHighway hosting, your site won’t encounter downtime.

Our lightning fast SSD powered servers and global CDN will ensure that your content loads quickly for every user, every time. If you’re not happy with this, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

Multiple Cost-Effective Hosting Plans

We understand that one size does not fit all with Mac users. That’s why we offer multiple Mac-friendly web hosting plans, starting at only $2.95 a month.

Plus, all of our hosting plans come with added perks, including a $100 Google AdWords credit, SEO tools, a free domain registration, and free cloud storage. Users also can make use of our free Weebly site builder.

We are also proud to say that we are 100% wind-powered. The environment is always part of our concern!

The Best of the Rest

We’re confident Mac users don’t need to look further than MacHighway for web hosting. However, if you’re doing your research, here are a few other Mac-friendly web hosts available to consumers.

1. FatCow

Don’t be dissuaded by this web host’s title or its cartoon-y website. FatCow offers Mac-friendly hosting which, according to its site, is “udderly fantastic.”

FatCow has been around since 1998 and has built a reputation as a cost-effective provider with excellent customer support.

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Plan members get a free domain when they sign up. Plus, plans are as low as $3.15 a month if you snatch one during FatCow’s period sales.

FatCow hosts unlimited domains and provides unlimited disk space, an asset if you anticipate scaling in coming years.

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There are no set-up fees to get started with FatCow, and the provider offers 24/7 support to all plan members. You’ll even get your money back after 30 days if you aren’t satisfied with their hosting services.

FatCow is especially ideal for first-time website owners, as FatCow enables users to build a site from the ground up.

2. DreamHost

DreamHost has been providing hosting services for over twenty years, and it is particularly suited for Mac users. If you like choosing between a variety of hosting plans, don’t overlook DreamHost.

For example, DreamHost provides shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting plans. The one you choose will depend on your hosting needs.

For example, most new website owners start out with shared hosting, which tends to be the most cost-effective option. Larger corporations requiring additional support will likely appreciate dedicated hosting plans.

DreamHost staff are known for their Mac experience, so you can feel confident turning to customer support for assistance with Mac hosting. Plus, DreamHost support is available 24/7.

A shared DreamHost hosting plan gives you unlimited email, disk space, and a free domain! Pricing for this plan begins at $2.59 a month, depending on the length of plan you choose.

Mac users will likely appreciate DreamHost’s commitment to uptime. Uptime is the amount of time your website is fully operating and accessible. Downtime can be detrimental, especially if you depend on your site for profit (like e-commerce sites).

DreamHost actually guarantees uptime 100% of the time, and it has a 97-day money-back guarantee.

3. SiteGround

SiteGround is a highly rated web hosting provider likely to meet the needs of every Mac user. It currently hosts over 2 million sites!

If you need to create a website from scratch or migrate an existing one, SiteGround can make this process particularly user-friendly.

Domain registration is not free with SiteGround.

However, you can still host multiple sites at an affordable rate and enjoy higher server power–an asset if you require a workhorse of a Mac host.

SiteGround will also back up your site on the daily, so you never have to worry about losing all of that precious content.

Hosting plans start at $3.95 / month for a StartUp plan.

4. HostGator

HostGator currently hosts approximately 9 million websites on the world wide web. It does not offer Mac-only hosting services, but it does cater to all operating systems, including iOS and OS X.

This means that if you choose this host, you can rest assured you’ll chat with a team member who is familiar with how Macs work. Just keep in mind that that individual may not be a dedicated Mac user themselves.

HostGator definitely makes life affordable as a website owner.

If you want to build your website, HostGator makes it easy to do so. Users also get to choose between different types of hosting, including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans.

Most users appreciate HostGator for its ease of use. If the idea of web hosts intimidates you a bit, HostGator is there to take away that intimidation and to make the process quick and painless.

5. A2 Hosting

If speed is your priority when searching for Mac-friendly hosts, look no further than A2 Hosting. This provider promises 20 times faster servers, ensuring that your content loads at lightning speeds.

This can be a particular asset for Mac users who rely on WordPress. WordPress can be notorious for its slow loading capacities, and A2 Hosting offers WordPress-specific hosting plans.

A2 Hosting members will also appreciate the security this host provides. You’ll get free HTTPS protection with A2 Hosting, unlimited storage, and free SSL & SSD.

Plans begin at $3.92 / month when the provider offers a sale.

6. BlueHost

BlueHost is one of the most well-known hosting providers on the market.

You’ll get to choose from the usual slew of shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans with BlueHost. While the provider caters to all operating systems, its customer service teams are Mac-fluent.

BlueHost is especially known for its compatibility with WordPress sites, offering users a WordPress-specific hosting plan. You do get one domain with BlueHost’s basic plan, as well as a free SSL Certificate, unmetered bandwidth, and 50 GB of SSD storage.

E-commerce entrepreneurs will also appreciate BlueHosts e-commerce hosting solutions.

Final Thoughts: Your Mac Centric Web Host

A Mac host can give you greater peace of mind as a Mac user, especially if your site relies on an Apple operating system.

MacHighway caters specifically to Mac users when it comes to hosting. Everyone here at MacHighway is an experienced Mac user and excited to speak your server language!

We also pride ourselves on our 24/7 support system, designed to make Mac hosting as easy and seamless as possible.

Plus, we’ve always got a lot of specials on offer! Check these out now to get started on your affordable Mac hosting journey.

With our dedicated Mac mini server packages you manage all of the software while the engineers at Mac Mini Vault maintain the networking and hardware. All of our dedicated Mac mini servers are connected to the network at 1 Gbps. There are no long term commitments, and you can cancel any time.

• 3.0GHz Dual-Core i7
• 3.5GHz Turbo Boost
• 16GB LPDDR3 Memory
• No Memory Upgrades
• 1 TB SATA Hard Drive
• Intel Iris Graphics
• 2014 Mac mini Model
• Gigabit Network Port
• HDMI Video Dongle

• 2.3GHz Quad-Core i7
• 3.3GHz Turbo Boost
• 16GB DDR3 Memory
• No Memory Upgrades
• 2 x 1 TB SATA Hard Drive
• Intel HD Graphics 4000
• 2012 Mac mini Model
• Gigabit Network Port
• HDMI Video Dongle

• 3.6GHz Quad-Core i3
• No Turbo Boost
• 16GB DDR4 Memory
• Memory Up to 64GB
• 256 GB PCIe SSD
• Intel UHD 630 GPU
• 2018 Mac mini Model
• Gigabit Network Port
• HDMI Video Dongle

• 3.0GHz Hex-Core i5
• 4.1GHz Turbo Boost
• 16GB DDR4 Memory
• Memory Up to 64GB
• 512 GB PCIe SSD
• Intel UHD 630 GPU
• 2018 Mac mini Model
• Gigabit Network Port
• HDMI Video Dongle

• 3.2GHz Hex-Core i7
• 4.6GHz Turbo Boost
• 16GB DDR4 Memory
• Memory Up to 64GB
• 1 or 2 TB PCIe SSD
• Intel UHD 630 GPU
• 2018 Mac mini Model
• Gigabit Network Port
• HDMI Video Dongle

• 1 Gbps network port
• Redundant internal 10 Gbps network infrastructure (using Cisco 6509 switches)
• IPv4 and IPv6 Peering with multiple Tier 1 backbone connections (MKE1 AS21554 / PHX1 AS21624)
• (1) Public IPv4 address
• Reverse DNS entry of your choice
• /96 IPv6 address block available upon request

• Remote reboot control
• Network port graphs
• Physically and electronically secured data center rack space
• Free and discounted software from our partners (more info)
• World class 24×7 support with decades of Mac expertise
• Free hands-on support during first shift business hours (8am to 5pm US Central Time M-F)
• Support for our open-source automation scripts (more info)

What is the difference between a Dedicated Server and Colocation?

Dedicated Server – MacMiniVault.com owns the hardware and you are simply renting the hardware on a monthly basis. MacMiniVault.com pays for all the hardware repairs and you are never charged for repairs. We have 2012, 2014, and 2018 model Mac minis in stock.

Colocation – The customer owns the hardware and is responsible for any hardware failures. Do you already own a Mac mini? Would you like to purchase a Mac mini? Consider our Mac mini Colocation service.

How much bandwidth do I get?

All of our Dedicated Mac mini servers are connected to the Internet at 1Gbps. As long as you are not violating our terms of service and acceptable use policy you will enjoy all the bandwidth you can use.

When will my account be provisioned?

Best Web Hosting For Mac Users

All of our Dedicated Mac mini servers are provisioned within 24 hours during business days. Once your mini is provisioned in the datacenter, the hosting instructions will be sent to the email address you provided during the sign up process.

Who is responsible for backups?

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You responsible for backing up the data on any Mac mini server. You will have full root / administrator access to your mini and once you change the password MacMiniVault.com engineers will not have access to your mini. We offer two different external drive options (2TB or 4TB) so that you can perform time machine backups or clone your drive. If your mini ever fails, our engineers can restore from your external drive backup.

How many IP addresses does each mini get assigned?

Every Dedicated Mac mini receives (1) IPv4 address. Additional IPv4 addresses can be added on to your hosting account for $1.99 per month. If you would like an IPv6 allocation free of charge, open a support ticket or send an email support@macminivault.com.

Do you offer free trials?

Mac Os X Versions

We offer 24 hour demo machines that run the latest version of OS X Server. Take a test drive of a Mac mini here.