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Is TurnKey Internet the right host for your website? Short answer: it depends on what you value most. This New York-based provider has built a loyal following among users who prioritize green hosting and dedicated server reliability. But the reviews tell a more complicated story, with ratings ranging from enthusiastic 5-star praise to frustrated 1-star complaints.
This review analyzes over 2,100 aggregated customer reviews, forum discussions on WebHostingTalk, and verified pricing data. Unlike affiliate-heavy reviews, we include the negative feedback that others skip and examine what community discussions reveal about real-world experiences. We also address a significant development: TurnKey Internet was acquired by Colohouse in 2021, and the brand was formally integrated into Colohouse’s portfolio in October 2023.
Overall assessment: TurnKey Internet earns a polarized rating across review platforms, with scores ranging from 2.5/5 to 4.1/5 depending on the source. Strengths include affordable entry pricing, 100% renewable energy hosting, and solid dedicated server performance. The most common complaints involve slow tech support responses and account suspension issues. Best suited for environmentally-conscious users and those seeking budget dedicated servers with US-based data centers.
| Name | TurnKey Internet |
| Total Reviews | 30 |
| Average Score | 2.7 |
| Website | http://turnkeyinternet.net |
| Address | 175 Old Loudon Road, Latham, United States |
| Server Locations | |
Number of Reviews
Avg. Review Score
Customer Support
Features and Services
TurnKey Internet has been around since 1999, building infrastructure across multiple US locations. The company owns and operates its flagship data center in New York’s Tech Valley region. That facility earned ENERGY STAR certification in 2013 as the 39th certified data center in the United States.
Hosting Types Offered
- Shared Hosting (cPanel) – Linux-based plans from entry to e-commerce level
- Cloud VPS – KVM-based (Kernel-based Virtual Machine, a type of server virtualization) virtual servers with SSD storage
- Dedicated Servers – Dell PowerEdge hardware with various CPU and RAM configurations
- Reseller Hosting – cPanel/WHM packages for hosting businesses
- Colocation – Space in their SSAE-18 certified facilities
Key Features Customers Highlight
Based on review analysis, these features receive the most positive attention:
- 100% Renewable Energy: The New York data center runs entirely on solar panels (covering the entire roof) and hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls. This matters for businesses tracking their carbon footprint.
- SSAE-18 SOC 1 and SOC 2 Certification: The flagship facility meets enterprise compliance standards, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance for healthcare-related hosting.
- 100% Network Uptime SLA: A written guarantee covering network availability, though actual uptime experiences vary in reviews.
- Free Migration: The company handles website transfers at no additional cost, saving the USD 15-50 that competitors often charge.
Data Center Locations
TurnKey Internet operates data centers in:
- New York (Albany/Latham): Flagship facility, company-owned, Tier IV features
- California (Los Angeles): West Coast presence for lower latency to Pacific users
- Colorado: Added in 2021 for central US coverage
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: European location added in 2023 for international reach
Performance Expectations
TurnKey Internet advertises 1 Gbps network ports and SSD RAID-10 storage across its infrastructure. No independent third-party benchmarks were found during research. Customer reports are mixed: dedicated server users frequently praise performance and stability, while some shared hosting users report slower speeds. One WebHostingTalk user documented 293 downtime incidents over four months on shared hosting, though this appears to be an outlier experience.
Customer Experience
Customer sentiment toward TurnKey Internet is notably polarized. On Trustpilot, 36% of reviews are 5-star while 57% are 1-star, with almost nothing in between. This pattern suggests the experience varies dramatically based on the service type, use case, or simply luck with support staff.
What Customers Praise
Dedicated server reliability: Users running dedicated servers report strong uptime and performance. One customer noted having “five production servers online with Turnkey Internet, with excellent uptime, and outstanding support.” Multiple reviews mention years of trouble-free service on dedicated plans.
Green hosting commitment: The 100% renewable energy approach resonates with environmentally-conscious customers. Several reviews specifically mention choosing TurnKey for its solar and hydroelectric-powered infrastructure.
Value for budget: Customers frequently note getting “more than I pay for.” The combination of affordable pricing, unmetered bandwidth, and included features like free migration creates perceived value.
Common Complaints
Tech support response times: This is the most consistent negative theme. It comes up repeatedly. Multiple reviews report 24+ hour response times even for high-priority tickets. One user put it bluntly: “It is a good company as long as you don’t need anything from tech support.”
Account suspension without warning: Several Trustpilot reviews describe sudden service terminations with minimal explanation. One customer reported having servers “cancelled directly” without warning, with refunds issued but no communication about the reason.
Strict verification processes: New customers sometimes face lengthy document submission requirements, creating friction during signup.
Community Feedback (WebHostingTalk and Forums)
Beyond official review platforms, forum discussions reveal additional perspectives:
Positive experiences: A 19-month review on WebHostingTalk praised the stability, noting that after trying cheaper alternatives (“you pay with peanuts and you get monkeys”), TurnKey delivered “robust, stable service.” Another user reported that TurnKey “contacted me and sorted everything out” after an initial problem.
Negative experiences: One Warrior Forum user documented what they called “the WORST performance in hosting experience I have ever had” on shared hosting. A WebHostingTalk complaint mentioned that responding to a support ticket actually sends it to the back of the queue, causing delays.
The takeaway? Dedicated server customers tend to be satisfied, while shared hosting experiences are more variable. TurnKey’s strength clearly lies in higher-tier services.
Support Quality
On paper, TurnKey Internet offers 24/7 support through phone, live chat, and email tickets. The company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has on-site staff at their data center. But actual experiences vary widely. Some customers describe “absolutely top notch” support, while others report days-long wait times. Live chat works well for sales inquiries but seems less responsive for technical issues.
When to Use TurnKey Internet
TurnKey Internet makes sense in specific scenarios:
Ideal For
Environmentally-conscious businesses: If carbon footprint matters to your brand, TurnKey’s 100% renewable energy data center (the 39th ENERGY STAR certified facility in the US) provides legitimate green credentials. This isn’t carbon offset marketing; it’s actual solar panels and hydroelectric power.
Budget dedicated server users: The USD 53/mo entry point for bare metal servers undercuts many competitors. Reviews suggest dedicated server customers have the most positive experiences overall.
US-based projects needing East Coast presence: The company-owned New York data center with Tier IV features and compliance certifications (SSAE-18, HIPAA) suits businesses requiring auditable US hosting.
You’ll Appreciate It If
- You prioritize green hosting and want verified renewable energy, not just carbon credits
- You need HIPAA-compliant infrastructure for healthcare applications
- You’re comfortable managing your own server and don’t need hand-holding support
- You want a smaller provider with its own infrastructure rather than a reseller
When NOT to Use TurnKey Internet
No host fits everyone. TurnKey Internet isn’t the right choice if:
Look Elsewhere If
You need responsive tech support: Multiple reviews document 24+ hour wait times. If you’re running mission-critical applications where you can’t afford support delays, consider providers with faster guaranteed response times.
You’re considering shared hosting: Review sentiment is notably worse for shared hosting compared to dedicated servers. The variance in shared hosting experiences suggests quality control issues at this tier.
You prefer established, predictable corporate structures: The 2021 acquisition by Colohouse and subsequent brand integration in 2023 creates uncertainty. Some customers have reported price increases following the acquisition.
Red Flags for Your Situation
- You need quick account setup: Verification requirements can delay provisioning
- You might need refunds after 30 days: No prorated refunds after the money-back period
- You want Windows hosting at Linux prices: Windows plans cost more
- You need guaranteed rapid support: Response times are inconsistent
If any of these apply, consider alternatives from our VPS hosting comparison or USA-based hosting providers with stronger support reputations.
Alternatives to TurnKey Internet
If TurnKey Internet doesn’t fit your needs, these alternatives address common gaps:
For Better Support Responsiveness: InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting offers US-based support with stronger response time guarantees. They provide similar hosting types (shared, VPS, dedicated) with a reputation for helpful customer service. Pricing is comparable at the VPS tier.
For Budget VPS with More Locations: Contabo
Contabo undercuts TurnKey on VPS pricing while offering more global data center locations. You won’t get the green hosting credentials, but you’ll get more resources per dollar. See our VPS hosting guide for detailed comparisons.
For Green Hosting Alternative: GreenGeeks
If environmental sustainability is your priority but TurnKey’s support concerns worry you, GreenGeeks offers 300% renewable energy matching with stronger shared hosting reviews. They’re particularly good for WordPress sites.
For bare metal options, see our dedicated server guide where TurnKey-level pricing can be found from several providers.
- TurnKey Internet reviews from United States
| Average score | 3.06 |
| Number of reviews | 18 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Sri Lanka
| Average score | 5.00 |
| Number of reviews | 5 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from India
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 3 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Egypt
| Average score | 2.00 |
| Number of reviews | 2 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from United Arab Emirates
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 2 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Bangladesh
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 2 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Brazil
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 2 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Costa Rica
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 2 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Poland
| Average score | 5.00 |
| Number of reviews | 1 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Canada
| Average score | 5.00 |
| Number of reviews | 1 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Cambodia
| Average score | 4.40 |
| Number of reviews | 1 reviews |
- TurnKey Internet reviews from Pakistan
| Average score | 1.00 |
| Number of reviews | 1 reviews |
TurnKey Internet Plans and Pricing
TurnKey Internet positions itself in the budget-to-mid-range market. Unlike many competitors, they don’t appear to use aggressive promotional pricing with large renewal jumps. Prices remain relatively consistent.
Note: TurnKey Internet offers 10% off for annual billing across all plans.
Shared Hosting
Entry price: USD 2.49/mo (C10 cPanel plan)
All shared plans include unlimited bandwidth and free SSL certificates (1 year). Storage varies by tier:
- C10 cPanel: USD 2.49/mo, unlimited storage
- Unlimited cPanel: USD 4.99/mo, unlimited storage
- Professional: USD 7.99/mo, 20 GB storage
- Business: USD 14.99/mo, 50 GB storage
- E-Commerce: USD 29.99/mo, 100 GB storage
Cloud VPS Hosting
Starting at: USD 4.99/mo
VPS plans use KVM virtualization with SSD RAID-10 storage, 1 Gbps network ports, and unmetered bandwidth:
- Custom Cloud VPS: USD 4.99/mo (5 GB SSD, 1 core, 1 GB RAM)
- T40 Cloud VPS: USD 14.99/mo (40 GB SSD, 4 cores, 4 GB RAM)
- T80 Cloud VPS: USD 24.99/mo (80 GB SSD, 8 cores, 8 GB RAM)
- T120 Cloud VPS: USD 34.99/mo (120 GB SSD, 12 cores, 12 GB RAM)
Dedicated Servers
Starting at: USD 53/mo
Dedicated offerings feature Dell PowerEdge hardware:
- Entry (Dual Hexa-Core Xeon): USD 53/mo (8 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD, 10 TB bandwidth)
- Pro Series (Intel Xeon E5): USD 99/mo (8-22 cores, 120 GB SSD)
- Dual Octa-Core: USD 139/mo (16 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD)
- High-End Dual 12-Core: USD 185/mo (16 GB RAM, 240 GB SSD)
Reseller Hosting
- cPanel/WHM Reseller Shared: USD 29.99/mo (150 GB storage)
- cPanel/WHM Reseller VPS: USD 99.99/mo (150 GB storage)
- cPanel/WHM Reseller Dedicated: USD 229.99/mo (multiple drive options)
Hidden Costs to Watch
- Domain registration: Not included, costs extra
- SSL certificate: Free for 1 year (valued at USD 69), then paid renewal
- Windows hosting: More expensive than Linux equivalents
- Post-30-day cancellation: No prorated refunds after the money-back period
Pricing Verdict
So where does TurnKey stand on value? Their pricing sits in competitive territory. The USD 4.99/mo VPS entry point undercuts many competitors, and the USD 53/mo dedicated server starting price is genuinely affordable for bare metal. The lack of aggressive promotional-to-renewal price jumps is refreshing. However, Windows users and those needing domain registration should factor in additional costs.
- Bandwidth Unlimited
- Panel cPanel
- Number of Sites 10
- Bandwidth Unlimited
- Panel cPanel
- Number of Sites Unlimited
- CPU 2 cores
- RAM 4 GB
- CPU 4 cores
- RAM 8 GB
- CPU 8 cores
- RAM 16 GB
- CPU 32 x 2.20GHz
- RAM 16 GB
TurnKey Internet Transparency Score
We assess how upfront TurnKey Internet is with important information:
- Company Information: Good. Founding year (1999), headquarters address, and data center locations are clearly stated. The Colohouse acquisition is acknowledged on LinkedIn.
- Pricing Transparency: Good. Prices are visible without signup. The lack of hidden renewal jumps is a positive. However, Windows pricing and add-on costs require digging.
- Technical Documentation: Limited. Specific server specs and data center details are available, but independent uptime/performance data is not published.
- Terms and Policies: Good. The 30-day money-back guarantee and 100% network uptime SLA are documented, though the SLA credit process isn’t detailed publicly.
Overall Transparency: Above average for a smaller provider. The green hosting claims are backed by verifiable certifications (ENERGY STAR, SSAE-18), which builds credibility. The main gap is post-acquisition clarity about how services may evolve under Colohouse ownership.
Conclusion
TurnKey Internet delivers genuine value in specific use cases but isn’t a universal recommendation.
The Bottom Line
With review scores ranging from 2.5/5 to 4.1/5 across platforms, TurnKey Internet’s quality varies by service tier. Dedicated server customers report strong uptime and fair pricing. Shared hosting users face more inconsistent experiences. The 100% renewable energy infrastructure is a legitimate differentiator, not marketing fluff.
Choose TurnKey if you want budget dedicated servers, verified green hosting, or US-based data centers with compliance certifications. Look elsewhere if responsive support is critical or if you’re primarily interested in shared hosting.
For more options, see our USA colocation hosting guide or cloud hosting comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TurnKey Internet good for beginners?
Not particularly. While the cPanel interface is beginner-friendly, the inconsistent support response times make TurnKey less suitable for users who need guidance. Beginners may find better experiences with hosts known for responsive customer service.
Is TurnKey Internet worth the price?
For dedicated servers, yes. The USD 53/mo entry point for bare metal with decent specs represents good value. For shared hosting, the value proposition is weaker given the mixed reviews. VPS pricing is competitive but not exceptional.
What do customers complain about most?
Tech support response times dominate negative reviews. Users report waiting 24+ hours even for high-priority tickets. The second most common complaint involves account suspensions or service terminations with minimal warning or explanation.
How does TurnKey Internet compare to GreenGeeks?
Both offer green hosting, but differently. TurnKey owns its solar/hydroelectric-powered data center. GreenGeeks uses 300% renewable energy matching (credits). TurnKey offers dedicated servers; GreenGeeks focuses on shared and managed hosting. GreenGeeks has stronger shared hosting reviews.
Is TurnKey Internet good for WordPress?
It’s adequate but not optimized. You can host WordPress on their shared or VPS plans, but they don’t offer WordPress-specific features like managed updates, staging environments, or specialized caching. For WordPress-focused hosting, consider dedicated WordPress hosts.
Does TurnKey Internet offer refunds?
Yes, a 30-day money-back guarantee applies to hosting purchases. However, after 30 days, no prorated refunds are available. Domain registrations and some add-ons may not be refundable. Some customers have reported difficulty getting refunds in practice.
