Analysis
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Excellent uptime
- Free SSL with website
Cons
- Difficult control panel
Overview
If you’re looking for a reliable hosting service for your website, you’ve probably heard of Bluehost. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the features and benefits of Bluehost, as well as any potential drawbacks. We’ll cover everything from pricing and customer support to uptime and security. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether Bluehost is the right web host for your needs.
Introduction: What is Bluehost?
Bluehost, established in 2003 by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth, is one of the leading web hosting providers in the world, with millions of websites hosted on their servers. The company is headquartered in Utah, USA, and is currently owned by the Endurance International Group.
Apart from shared hosting, Bluehost also offers dedicated hosting. VPS hosting and WordPress hosting at affordable prices are another plans offered by Bluehost. Bluehost also offers a range of features, including a free domain name for the first year, unlimited bandwidth, and a free SSL certificate. Bluehost’s easy and user friendly interface of cpanel makes managing a website and hosting easy.
Bluehost has been recognized for its exceptional hosting services and has won several awards, including Best Overall Web Host by HostingAdvice.com and Best WordPress Hosting by WPBeginner. Their customer support team is available 24/7 through phone, chat, or email, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all hosting plans.
Bluehost’s webhosting is a reliable and budget-friendly service suitable for individuals and businesses looking to host a website..
Pricing and Plans
Bluehost has many plans for all types of requirements to cater to the needs of diverse businesses and individuals. The company offers four primary types of hosting plans, which are Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, Dedicated Hosting, and WordPress Hosting.
Shared Hosting:
The most fundamental hosting plan offered by Bluehost is Shared Hosting. Multiple websites share a single server and its resources with this type of hosting. Consequently, hosting costs are low, making it a cost-effective option for those with a limited budget. However, since resources are shared, the website’s speed and performance may be affected if another website on the same server experiences a surge in traffic.
Bluehost offers four shared hosting plans:
Basic:
Bluehost’s Basic plan is its most affordable shared hosting plan. It comes with hosting for one website, 10 GB of website space, unmetered bandwidth, a free domain for the first year, and five email accounts. This plan is ideal small to medium level websites that don’t require many resources.
Choice Plus:
Bluehost’s Plus plan is the most popular shared hosting plan. It includes hosting for an unlimited number of websites, unmetered website space, unmetered bandwidth, and a free domain for the first year. It also offers unlimited email accounts. This plan is ideal for businesses that require more resources and want to host multiple websites.
Pro:
Bluehost’s Choice Plus plan is the most advanced shared hosting plan. It includes all the features of the Choice Plus plan, along with domain privacy and CodeGuard Basic for backup and restore. This plan is ideal for businesses that require extra security and backup options.
Online Store:
Bluehost’s Online Store plan is the most advanced shared hosting plan. It includes all the features of the Choice Plus plan, along with domain privacy and CodeGuard Basic for backup and restoration. This plan is ideal for businesses that require extra security and backup options.
VPS Hosting
VPS Hosting is a hosting solution that provides a higher level of resources than shared hosting. With VPS hosting, a single server’s resources are divided into virtual machines, each of which operates independently. As a result, each website hosted on a VPS has its dedicated resources, and it is unaffected by the traffic or performance of other websites on the server.
Bluehost offers three VPS hosting plans with different resource allocations to meet different needs:
Standard Plan:
This plan is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and includes 2 CPU cores, 30 GB of SSD storage, 2 GB of RAM, 1 TB of bandwidth, and one IP address.
Enhanced Plan:
This plan is suitable for businesses that require more resources and want to host multiple websites. It includes 2 CPU cores, 60 GB of SSD storage, 4 GB of RAM, 2 TB of bandwidth, and two IP addresses.
Ultimate Plan:
This plan is suitable for businesses that require even more resources and want to host multiple high-traffic websites. It includes 4 CPU cores, 120 GB of SSD storage, 8 GB of RAM, 3 TB of bandwidth, and two IP addresses.
WordPress Hosting
Bluehost offers hosting plans that are specifically optimized for WordPress websites. These hosting plans are designed to provide features such as automatic WordPress updates, free SSL certificates, and advanced security features to ensure the safety and security of your WordPress site. The WordPress hosting plans offered by Bluehost are as follows:
Basic WP:
This plan is ideal for beginners with a single website and includes 50 GB SSD storage, a free domain for the first year, and a free SSL certificate. This plan is priced at $2.95 per month.
Choice Plus WP:
The Choice Plus WP plan includes all the features of the Plus WP plan, as well as CodeGuard Basic Backup and Domain Privacy + Protection. This plan is priced at $5.45 per month.
Pro WP:
This plan is suitable for professionals and comes with all the features of the Choice Plus WP plan, along with a dedicated IP address and high-performance server resources. The Pro WP plan is priced at $13.95 per month.
Dedicated Hosting
If your website demands optimal security, complete control, and high-performance, Bluehost’s dedicated hosting is the perfect solution. This type of hosting provides a physical server that is entirely dedicated to your website. The following are the four plans offered:
Standard Hosting:
It gives a quad-core Intel Xeon-D CPU, 5 TB bandwidth, 4 GB RAM ,500 GB mirrored storage, and. It costs $79.99 for a month.
Enhanced:
It provides a quad-core Intel Xeon-D CPU, 8 GB RAM , 1 TB mirrored storage, and 10 TB bandwidth. It costs $99.99 monthly.
Premium:
It delivers a quad-core Intel Xeon-D CPU, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB mirrored storage, and 15 TB bandwidth. It costs $119.99 on a monthly basis.
Elite
It offers a quad-core Intel Xeon-D CPU, 1 TB mirrored storage, 30 GB RAM, and 15 TB bandwidth. It costs $209.99 per month.
Hosting Type | Price per Month | Number of Websites | SSD Storage | Bandwidth | Included Domains | Free SSL |
Shared Hosting | $2.95 – $13.95 | 1 – Unlimited | 50GB – Unlimited | Unmetered | 1 – Unlimited | Yes |
WordPress Hosting | $2.95 – $13.95 | 1 – Unlimited | 50GB – Unlimited | Unmetered | 1 – Unlimited | Yes |
VPS Hosting | $19.99 – $59.99 | 1 – Unlimited | 30GB – 120GB | 1TB – 3TB | 1 | Yes |
Dedicated Hosting | $99.99 – $139.99 | 1 – Unlimited | 500GB – 1TB | 5TB – 15TB | 1 – 3 | Yes |
Overall, Bluehost provides a wide range of hosting plans that cater to different types of websites and budgets. The pricing is competitive compared to other web hosting providers, and the features are comprehensive, making it a great option for beginners and professionals alike.
Plans for Online Stores
Bluehost has a range of specialized Online Store plans that are tailored to the unique needs of e-commerce websites. These plans offer a powerful and feature-rich platform that makes it easy for businesses to create and manage online stores.
One of the standout features of Bluehost’s Online Store plans is their seamless integration with WooCommerce, the most popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress. This enables businesses to create a highly customizable online store that seamlessly integrates with their WordPress website.
One of the standout features of Bluehost’s Online Store plans is their seamless integration with WooCommerce, the most popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress. This enables businesses to create a highly customizable online store that seamlessly integrates with their WordPress website.
In addition to this, Bluehost’s Online Store plans come equipped with support for multiple payment gateways, providing customers with a secure and efficient way to complete transactions. The built-in inventory management features also allow businesses to track and manage their product stock levels in real-time, while offering a range of shipping options, including real-time rates from popular carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
Further engaging customers are product variations and reviews, which help build trust in the business. Access to customizable e-commerce themes and marketing tools like email marketing and search engine optimization also allow businesses to create a unique and professional-looking online store.
What’s more, Bluehost’s Online Store plans are highly scalable, allowing businesses to expand their online store as needed with features like automatic backups and one-click upgrades. In conclusion, Bluehost’s Online Store plans offer a comprehensive and customizable platform for businesses to successfully sell products and services online, optimize their store’s performance, and expand their online business, without any worries about plagiarism.
Additional Services:
Bluehost also offers a range of additional services that users can add to their hosting plan for an additional fee. These services include:
Bluehost also offers a range of additional services that users can add to their hosting plan for an additional fee. These services include:
SiteLock: SiteLock is a security service that helps protect your website from malware and other security threats. Bluehost offers several SiteLock plans starting at $1.99 per month.
CodeGuard: CodeGuard is a backup service that automatically backs up your website on a daily basis. Bluehost offers several CodeGuard plans starting at $2.99 per month.
SEO Tools: Bluehost provides a range of SEO tools to help users optimize their website for search engines. These tools include Site Booster, which helps users list their website in online directories, and SEO Tools Start, which provides keyword research and other SEO insights. These tools are available starting at $1.99 per month.
Blue Sky: Blue Sky is Bluehost’s premium support service, which provides users with access to a dedicated team of experts who can help with website design, marketing, and other aspects of website management. Blue Sky is available starting at $29.99 per month.
Bluehost’s pricing and plans are competitive with other web hosting providers, and their range of additional services can help users customize their hosting experience to meet their specific needs. However, users should be aware of the potential for higher renewal rates and limited storage on lower-tier plans.
Bluehost Features
Bluehost gives a wide range of features that are designed to make web hosting easy and efficient. Some of their key features include:
1. Uptime
One of the most important features of any hosting service provider is uptime. Bluehost provides an uptime guarantee of 99.9%, which means that your website should be up and running almost all the time. Bluehost also has a team of experts who monitor their servers 24/7 to ensure maximum uptime.
2. Security
Bluehost takes security seriously, and they offer a variety of features to keep your website safe. Their plans include free SSL certificates, which encrypt data and protect sensitive information. They also offer SiteLock, a security tool that scans your website for malware and vulnerabilities.
3. Customer Support
If you run into any issues with your website, Bluehost has a team of experts who are available 24/7 to help you out. They offer support via phone, email, and live chat. Bluehost also has a knowledge base with articles and tutorials that can help you troubleshoot common problems.
4. WordPress Integration
Bluehost is one of the best web hosts for WordPress, and they offer a variety of features that are designed specifically for WordPress users. Their plans include one-click WordPress installation, automatic WordPress updates, and access to WordPress-specific support.
5. Customizable cPanel
Bluehost’s cPanel is easy to use and customizable. You can customize your dashboard to include the features and tools that you use most often, making it easy to manage your website.
5. Customizable cPanel
Bluehost’s cPanel is easy to use and customizable. You can customize your dashboard to include the features and tools that you use most often, making it easy to manage your website.
Pros and Cons of Bluehost
Pros
Cons
Pros
Reliable Uptime:
Bluehost guarantees an uptime of 99.99%, which means that your website will be up and running almost all the time. This is a crucial factor to consider since website downtime can lead to a loss of potential customers and revenue.
User-Friendly Interface:
Bluehost’s interface is easy to navigate, even for beginners. Their control panel, cPanel, is intuitive and makes it simple to manage a hosting account with websites. This is especially useful for users who are not tech-savvy and want a hassle-free experience.
Good Security Features:
Bluehost provides advanced security options that includes SiteLock and CodeGuard, to protect your website from potential threats. These features help to prevent malware attacks, hacking attempts, and other security breaches that can compromise your website’s data and integrity.
Good Customer Support: Bluehost’s customer support is available 24/7 through live chat, phone, and email. Their agents are knowledgeable and helpful in resolving technical issues. This is an important factor to consider since technical issues can arise at any time and can be frustrating if you do not have reliable support.
Affordable Prices: Bluehost brings affordable prices, especially for their shared hosting plans, making it a great option for those on a budget. This is a significant advantage for small businesses, bloggers, and individuals who want to host their website without breaking the bank.
Cons
Upselling:
Bluehost is known for aggressively promoting their add-ons during the signup process, which can be overwhelming for some users. This can lead to users feeling pressured into buying unnecessary features, which can add up quickly.
Higher Renewal Prices:
While Bluehost’s introductory prices are affordable, the renewal prices can be higher, which may not be suitable for some users. This can be a significant disadvantage for users who plan to use Bluehost in the long-term.
No Free Site Migration:
Unlike some other hosting providers, Bluehost does not offer free site migration, which can be a hassle for users who want to transfer their website from another hosting provider. This means that users have to go through the process of transferring their website manually, which can be time-consuming and challenging for some users.
Limited Server Locations:
Bluehost only has data centers located in the US, which may not be ideal for users who have a global audience. This can lead to slower website speeds and performance for users who are located far away from Bluehost’s data centers.
Overcrowded Servers:
Bluehost’s shared hosting plans can suffer from overcrowded servers, leading to slower website speeds and performance. This can be frustrating for users who need fast website speeds and performance to provide a good user experience for their visitors.
Bluehost Comparison
Here is a comparison of Bluehost with other hosting providers.
Bluehost v/s. HostGator:
Both Bluehost and HostGator are the products of the Endurance International Group and bring almost identical servers and plans and pricing. However, when it comes to uptime, Bluehost has a slightly better track record, with an average uptime of 99.99%, compared to HostGator’s 99.97%. Bluehost also gives better and more features, such as SSD storage and free SSL certificates, which are not included in HostGator’s basic plans. On the other hand, HostGator has a reputation for better customer support, with a 24/7 live chat and phone support. Additionally, HostGator’s cloud hosting plans may be a better fit for users who require scalability and flexibility. Overall, both Bluehost and HostGator are solid choices for web hosting, and the decision between them may come down to personal preference and specific hosting needs.
Bluehost vs. SiteGround:
SiteGround is a well-regarded web hosts known for its fast loading times and exceptional customer support. While Bluehost offers many hosting options, SiteGround is often considered a better choice for WordPress hosting due to its optimized servers and WordPress-specific features, such as the SG Optimizer plugin and automatic WordPress updates. SiteGround also offers free daily backups and advanced security features, which are not included in Bluehost’s basic plans. On the other hand, Bluehost offers value for money pricing and a a collection of hosting choices, including dedicated and VPS hosting. Overall, both Bluehost and SiteGround are great options for web hosting, and the decision may come down to specific hosting needs and budget.
Bluehost vs. DreamHost:
DreamHost is known for its affordable pricing and commitment to privacy, with a strong stance against data mining and targeted advertising. However, Bluehost offers a a diverse selection of servers, including VPS, shared, dedicated, and cloud hosting. If you want a free domain then choose Bluehost as it includes one domain with every hosting plan absolutely free, while DreamHost charges an additional fee for domain registration. On the other hand, DreamHost offers unlimited storage and bandwidth with all plans, while Bluehost’s basic plans have storage and bandwidth limitations. Both Bluehost and DreamHost offer reliable uptime and user-friendly features, but the decision may come down to specific hosting needs and budget.
Bluehost vs. InMotion Hosting:
InMotion Hosting is known for its fast speeds and excellent customer support, that gives 24/7 phone, chat, and email support. Bluehost gives economical pricing and a vast array of hosting choices, InMotion Hosting’s plans include free SSL certificates and daily backups, which are not included in Bluehost’s basic plans. One free domain along with ad credits is offered under InMotion Hosting’s business hosting plans. This may be beneficial for users looking to start an online business. Overall, both Bluehost and InMotion Hosting are solid choices for web hosting, and the decision may come down to specific hosting needs and budget.
Bluehost vs. A2 Hosting:
A2 Hosting is known for its fast performance and developer-friendly features, such as SSH access and staging environments. Where Bluehost delivers budget friendly pricing and a wide selection of hosting solutions, A2 Hosting may be a better fit for users who require advanced features and customization options. A2 Hosting’s Turbo plans also offer up to 20 times faster speeds than Bluehost’s basic plans. However, Bluehost’s plans include more user-friendly features, such as website builders and 1-click WordPress installations. Overall, the decision between Bluehost and A2 Hosting may come down to specific hosting needs and technical expertise.
24/7 Help & Support
24/7
customer Support is Available
Phone Support
Phone support
between 8 am and 5 pm on
weekdays.
Email support is available
and also 24/4 using contact
form on website
FAQ
Basic
FAQ section on website
Conclusion
Bluehost can be considered trust worthy and a pocket friendly hosting provider that offers a wide range of hosting plans to meet the needs of various businesses and individuals. Its customer support is top-notch, and its uptime and loading speed are impressive. There can be some drawbacks such as the limited storage space and lack of free backups on some plans, the overall benefits outweigh the cons. it is a great option for those looking for an easy-to-use, feature-rich, and cost-effective web hosting solution.
