Cookie Policy
Last updated: February 17, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the website remember information about your visit, which can make it easier to visit the site again and make the site more useful to you.
Cookies are widely used to make websites work or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the site owners.
2. How HostMonk Uses Cookies
HostMonk uses cookies and similar tracking technologies for the following purposes:
2.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly:
- Maintaining your session while you navigate the site
- Remembering your cookie preferences
- Enabling security features
2.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:
- Information about pages visited and time spent on pages
- Browser type and device information
- Referring source (search engine, direct link, etc.)
- Geographic location (country/city level)
Analytics Providers: Vercel Analytics, Google Analytics (anonymized IP)
2.3 Preference Cookies
These cookies remember your settings and preferences:
- Dark/light mode preference
- Language selection
- Cookie consent settings
- Filter and sort preferences in the comparison tool
2.4 Marketing and Affiliate Cookies
These cookies track affiliate link performance:
- Tracking which hosting providers you click on
- Recording UTM parameters for campaign attribution
- Monitoring conversion rates (with your consent)
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Session Cookies
Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They maintain your session while you navigate the site and enable core functionality.
3.2 Persistent Cookies
Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They remember your preferences and settings for future visits.
3.3 First-Party Cookies
Cookies set by HostMonk directly. These are used for essential functionality, analytics, and preferences.
3.4 Third-Party Cookies
Cookies set by external services we use, such as analytics providers and affiliate networks. These services have their own privacy policies.
4. Specific Cookies Used on HostMonk
Essential Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __Session | Maintains user session | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga, _gid | Google Analytics (anonymized data) | 2 years / 24 hours |
| vctx | Vercel Analytics | Session |
Preference Cookies
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| theme | Dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
| filters | Comparison tool filters | Session |
5. Third-Party Cookies
HostMonk uses the following third-party services that may set cookies:
- Vercel Analytics: For site performance and traffic analysis (Privacy Policy)
- Google Analytics: For understanding user behavior (Privacy Policy)
- Affiliate Networks: For tracking conversions to hosting providers (varies by provider)
These third parties have access to your data only through their own cookies and are subject to their respective privacy policies.
6. Managing Cookies
6.1 Browser Settings
You can control and manage cookies in various ways through your browser settings:
- Block all cookies from being set
- Delete existing cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Clear cookies when you close your browser
- Allow or block cookies from specific websites
Please note that restricting cookies may impact the functionality of HostMonk and many other websites.
6.2 Browser-Specific Instructions
Chrome
Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage cookies
6.3 Opt-Out of Analytics
You can opt-out of Google Analytics using the following tools:
7. Do Not Track (DNT)
HostMonk respects the Do Not Track browser setting. If you have enabled DNT in your browser, we will not track your activity for analytics purposes (except for essential functionality and fraud prevention).
However, please note that not all third-party services honor DNT signals.
8. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies or applicable laws.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.
9. Your Consent
By continuing to use HostMonk without changing your browser settings, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
You can withdraw or modify your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the opt-out tools mentioned above.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: