Bluehost is famous for cheap web hosting, especially for WordPress websites and WooCommerce stores.
But hype aside, is Bluehost a good choice for your website or online store?
So buckle up and let’s find out.
Here in this Bluehost review, we are finding out everything you need to know about the service.
Bluehost Web Hosting at a Glance
Overall performance grade | TO |
Guaranteed Uptime | ✔ |
free SSL | ✔ |
Types of accommodation | Shared, Dedicated, WordPress, VPS |
Basic Plan Features | 1 website, 50 GB SSD storage, 24/7 support |
starting price | $2.95 |
Learn more at Bluehost.com |
What is Bluehost?
Bluehost is one of the largest Web Hosting Providers in the world.
At the time of writing this article, they host over two million web domains.
The company was founded in 2003 in Utah.
But, Bluehost really gained momentum in 2009 when the company introduced CPU throttling technology to increase the efficiency and speed of its servers.
Fast forward to 2010, and they joined a conglomerate of other web service providers under the Endurance International Group.
Since then, Bluehost has become a major player in the web hosting industry, with an estimated 3.4% market share.
Bluehost: Features and Functions
Now that we’ve covered a bit about who Bluehost is, let’s take a closer look at its features and functionality…
Bluehost Interface
Bluehost’s easy-to-use interface is one of its many draws.
In fact, there are two interface options available:
- Rock: This simplifies the Legacy model (see below). It uses vertical navigation for easy access to your websites, WordPress tools, and Bluehost’s marketplace.
- Legacy: This is Bluehost’s oldest front-end model. You can still access it within your account admin panel. That being said, it is being phased out. It uses horizontal navigation and each section is compartmentalized. In other words, you have to go into each section separately to find your websites, WordPress tools, etc.
Site Map
Within your Bluehost control panel, you will find a one-click setup for WordPress.
Installing WordPress is as simple as logging in, finding the website section on your dashboard, and pressing “Install WordPress.”
You will then be asked to choose your domain name.
At this point, you must also provide an email address and create a username and password for your new installation.
Bluehost WEB Visibility
SEO (AKA Search Engine Optimization) refers to the ease with which your website can be found in search engines.
Bluehost analyzes your website and provides you with an online marketing report that is divided into easy-to-read sections:
- Start: First, you get an overall score; the higher the score, the better. Essentially, this score reflects how well your website is optimized for SEO.
- Search Engine Submissions: Bluehost will submit your site to Google, Yahoo, and Bing.
- Visitors: This tracks how many website visitors you have and where they come from. Over time, you can compare the number of visitors for 15 days, one month, or three months.
- Rankings: Here, you can check where your site ranks in search engines and see how well your keywords are doing compared to your competitors.
- Site review: This highlights any technical issues, such as long load times.
- Search Optimization: Here, you can check how friendly your site is to search engines. For example, if the structure of your site is understandable and if the links and titles are in order.
- Content: Regularly uploading high-quality content is one of the best ways to improve your SEO. Bluehost will analyze your content and give you tips to improve it.
- Mobile – Bluehost will analyze your website and let you know if your site is responsive and loads fast enough on mobile devices.
- Popularity: Popularity is measured by the number of backlinks you have; the more links you get from other sites, the better.
Overall, Bluehost provides a wealth of information to help you improve your website’s SEO.
Bluehost Email Hosting
Using Microsoft 365, Bluehost allows you to create a personalized professional email address where your domain name is simply transferred to your new email.
If you already own a web domain, you can add it to your Office 365 subscription through your admin panel (which you can access through your Bluehost Control Panel).
There are three email hosting plans to choose from:
- Email Essentials: At $4.99 per month, you can manage your professional calendar and email.
- Activity Plus: At $9.99 per month, this is suitable for collaborating with a team
- Business Professional: At $14.99 per month, this unlocks multiple devices and access to local apps.
All Plans Include:
- Microsoft Outlook web access
- Automatic updates from Microsoft
- Microsoft 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Security and disaster recovery
- Access to an intuitive administration panel
- 24/7 support
You can upgrade or cancel your subscription whenever you want (no cancellation fees).
Before you cancel your subscription, make sure you download all the data you need; however, you can still access this for up to 30 days after you cancel.
Bluehost Customer Support
Bluehost claims to be always available to help its customers.
So, regardless of the pricing plan chosen, you are entitled to 24/7 live chat and phone support.
To use the latter, hit the “chat now” button on Bluehost’s website.
You’ll be asked if you’re a new or existing customer and a way to identify you, such as your web domain, phone number, or email address.
Bluehost also offers a blog, online knowledge base, and resource center.
Here you can find answers to questions, how-to guides, and gather more information on topics related to business, building a website, and marketing.
One cool feature of the resource center is that you can filter by skill level: basic, intermediate, or advanced to ensure access to the information you’ll really understand.
Bluehost cPanel
CPanel (also known as the control panel) is Bluehost’s website management platform.
You can access this through the advanced section of your Bluehost dashboard.
From here you can manage integrations and access a variety of apps where you can add useful scripts to your website, such as:
- server information
- hit counters
- mailing lists
- blogging
- eCommerce functionality
- Password protected subdirectories
- searches
Bluehost Integrations
The Bluehost Marketplace is where you browse, buy, install, and manage your WordPress plugins, plugins, and themes.
You can choose from over 900 themes and tons of plugins.
Simply log into your Bluehost account and locate the marketplace button on the left side menu to access the marketplace.
To give you an idea of the types of plugins on offer, let’s focus specifically on WooCommerce.
There are 18 WooCommerce-related extensions (plugins) that cover shipping, scheduling, and payment processing functionality.
More specifically:
- PayPal Pro
- amazon pay
- Stripe
- Xero
- WooCommerce Reservations
…to name a few.
Bluehost Performance
Performance is a must when choosing the right web hosting service.
The key metrics here are two:
- Uptime: A measure of the reliability of your website’s performance.
- Site Speed: How fast internet browsers can load pages on your website
Uptime
Bluehost boasts an impressive 99.99% uptime.
In theory, this means that your website should only experience (approximately) less than one hour (52.56 minutes) of downtime per year, which is a pretty good standard.
Compared to other hosts, Bluehost’s uptime ranks pretty competitively:
- Siteground – 100% (0 downtimes)
- Bluehost – 99.99% (52 minutes per year of downtime)
- HostGator – 99.99% (52 minutes per year of downtime)
- DreamHost – 99.96% (3 hours and 30 minutes per year of downtime)
- Hostinger – 99.92% (7 hours 0 minutes per year of downtime)
(According to tool tester and uptime.com ).
Site Speed
As we have already hinted, site speed refers to the number of seconds it takes for a web page to load.
It goes without saying that the faster the better.
According to Tool Tester and Pingdom, this is how Bluehost fares against its competitors:
As you can see, Bluehost takes a lower ranking for this brand since it needs c. 0.91 s to fully load the website while the best-tested host ( iPage ) needs only c. 0.30 s.
Not the worst, but certainly not the best either.
However, there are remedies for this problem.
If you expect high volumes of traffic, there are caching settings you can use to improve your website’s performance.
Caching allows you to store assets in a temporary storage location to load your site faster.
You can find this feature on your Bluehost portal under ‘My Site’ and then under ‘Performance’.
Security
We live in an era where digital fraud is rife, and as such, secure web hosting is essential.
With that in mind, let’s see what Bluehost offers:
- Free and paid SSL certificates :
- Free: All Bluehost plans come with a free SSL certificate.
- Paid: You can also purchase a private SSL certificate for additional encryption. Prices start at $49 per certificate.
- CDN – Bluehost uses Cloudflare’s content delivery network to ensure secure interactions between your website and visitors. You will receive a free CDN certificate on all plans.
- Firewall and attack protection:
- SiteLock: This is a PCI-compliant service to manage the security of your website. The cost of this service is charged annually and includes malware protection, page scanning, and firewall security (more on this below).
- CSF: This is a free firewall plugin for VPS and dedicated servers.
Creating Your Website with Bluehost
WordPress Creating a website can be a daunting task, but Bluehost tries to make the process as easy and fast as possible:
#1: Get Web Hosting and a Domain Name
For the uninitiated Web Hosting refers to the allocated space of a website on a web server.
Website files are stored here: code, images, etc.
This allows your website to be accessible on the web.
In contrast, a web domain is simply the URL of your website.
The problem is that many great domain names are already in use, so you have to be quite creative when choosing one.
Give it a try and see if the domain name you like is available:
You need web hosting and a domain name to launch a website.
To get started with this, click “Get Started” or “Start Building”.
From there, choose the plan you want.
Bluehost offers three pricing plans and makes it easy to understand what is included in each.
But, in a nutshell:
Basic at $2.95 per month: This is “Perfect for bloggers and personal websites.”
PLUS at $5.95 per month – Considered “Perfect for Business Sites.”
Online store at $15.95 per month – As the name suggests, this is “perfect for online stores with shipping products.”
All plans include web hosting, unlimited websites (meaning you can host as many websites as you need), and 300+ templates.
You also have unlimited access to their image library, email marketing tools and blog post management features.
The Plus and Online Store options unlock additional features, including additional premium template designs, domain privacy, and online selling features.
Once you’ve chosen your plan, if you already have a web domain name, enter it now.
Or you can skip this step if you want to tackle it later.
If you’re creating a new web domain, enter the desired URL and Bluehost will tell you if it’s available.
If so, you can continue.
It’s worth noting that their web domain is free for just one year; after that, you will have to pay.
You will then be asked to enter your personal details and agree to their terms and conditions.
Bluehost wants to tailor the user experience as much as possible.
Therefore, they will ask you a few short questions about the type of website you intend to build, your goals, and how comfortable you are with building websites.
#2: Building Your WordPress Website
Bluehost automatically provides a default website layout for you, which you can view by clicking “visit site”.
However, you will probably want to change this as it is very simple.
WordPress is pre-installed to save you the hassle of doing it yourself.
To create, edit, and design your website, head over to your WordPress dashboard.
First, you will most likely want to select a theme for your website.
To do this, click on “Appearance”, then on “Themes” and finally on “Add a new theme”.
From here, you can search for a topic.
Scrolling through the vast array of options can seem overwhelming.
But you can use the filters to help narrow your search.
Some themes are free, while others come with a price.
The best theme for your website comes down to how you view your website.
It may be worth paying a bit for the look you want, but the choice is yours.
When you find a template you’re happy with, simply install it and then hit “Activate”.
Step 3: Simplified Editing
After logging into your Bluehost control panel, go to “My Site” which is on the left-hand menu, followed by the “Manage site” button.
This takes you to your WordPress dashboard, where you can click on “website builder”.
From there, you can start editing to your heart’s content.
You can click on any web page and select the different elements that you want to change.
For example, you can edit text, button text, images, color preferences, and backgrounds.
You can also edit the images by searching through Bluehost’s extensive library of images or uploading your own.
Whatever aesthetic you’re after, WordPress can help you achieve it.
You can even change the headers and logos using the “customize” button.
To add new pages, simply click on the “Pages” tab in the left menu and then locate “Add new” next to the “Pages” heading.
Bluehost’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to edit your template and add features to your website.
In general, creating and editing your website with Bluehost really is that simple.
What it really takes is a bit of exploration and an idea of what you want your finished product to look like.
Bluehost: Pros and Cons
We’ve covered a lot of information here, so let’s summarize what we’ve discussed into a quick list of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Low prices (at least initially)
- Bluehost is beginner friendly
- Recommended by WordPress
- Website creation is quick and easy.
- Flexibility in creating designs
- Access to security features: SSL and CDN certificates
- You benefit from a free web domain name
- 24/7 access to customer service
- You benefit from a reliable hosting service with good uptime
Cons:
- Bluehost websites suffer from slower load times than the competition
- Higher renewal prices
- Bluehost servers are located in the US so loading time may be slower if you live outside of this region.
Bluehost Alternatives
If you decide Bluehost is not for you, don’t worry.
There are many other great options to choose from:
Hostinger – Most Affordable Web Hosting
Hostinger is a European-based web hosting company that boasts decent website speeds and affordable hosting plans.
Their shared hosting package starts at $1.99 per month (for a 12-month subscription and a $5.99 renewal fee).
You can host up to 100 websites with this plan and you will get a free web domain.
Other freebies include an SSL certificate, Google ad credit, and weekly site backups.
On the downside, they have a lower uptime score than Bluehost, and they don’t have their own website builder.
Hostgator – Web Hosting with a Website Builder
Hostgator is a popular US-based web hosting solution.
They have been around since 2002 and have made their mark, by offering low and competitive prices.
Starting at $2.75 a month, you can expect to host a website, connect a custom domain, and have an SSL certificate.
Also, Hostgator boasts a good uptime speed, so you can be sure of its reliability.
You’ll also get access to an AI-powered website builder, so you can set up a WordPress site in a few clicks.
Hostgator’s drawbacks lie in its poor customer service.
For example, they have notoriously long wait times for their support chats.
Additionally, customers have complained that their team did not have a good technical understanding of website management.
Also, as noted above, they have one of the slowest website speeds of all the competitors listed here.
Siteground: Best Shared Host Customer Support
SiteGround is a great option if you’re looking for fast website speeds and reliable uptime, as they reign supreme in both areas.
It is another Europe-based provider that is gradually gaining popularity for its fast and cheap hosting services.
Their $2.99 (per month) starter plan gets you a website, SSL, and CDN certificate.
You also receive free daily backups, access to their website builder tool, and free firewall security built right into your website.
Finally, they also have WooCommerce integration options available.
On the downside, Siteground only offers shared hosting plans.
they do not provide VPS or dedicated servers.
Its resource space is also considerably limited (10 GB) compared to the competitors.
Also, it does not offer a free domain name.
Bluehost: Our Final Thoughts
There you have it. This concludes our Bluehost review. We hope we’ve given you everything you need to decide if they’re a good fit for your website.
There are many aspects to consider, from security to functionality and ease of use.
But, Bluehost is considered one of the best overall hosting providers on the market.
As we’ve discussed, it allows you to design, optimize, and host your website for a reasonably low price.
The price increase to renew your subscription is still quite reasonable for beginners looking to get their business off the ground.
All in all, Bluehost provides everything you need to boost your business online, from an intuitive website builder to useful web domains and plugins, and much more to boot!
Is Bluehost the right choice for your business?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment box below!
We hope this review has been helpful.
Click below to let us know what you think or leave a comment in the comments section!
Thanks for Reading.
Bluehost FAQ
Q: Are Bluehost any good?
Bluehost is a popular web hosting company that offers a range of hosting services, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and more. The company was founded in 2003 and is currently hosting over 2 million websites worldwide.
Overall, Bluehost has received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers have praised the company for its reliable service, user-friendly interface, and helpful customer support, while others have criticized its slow loading speeds, occasional downtime, and difficulty in getting in touch with customer support.
If you’re considering Bluehost as your web hosting provider, it’s important to carefully evaluate your hosting needs and compare the features and pricing of Bluehost to other hosting providers. Additionally, it’s recommended to read customer reviews and get feedback from other website owners before making a decision.
Q: Is Bluehost better than GoDaddy?
Bluehost and GoDaddy are both popular web hosting companies that offer a range of hosting plans, domain registration, and other services. Some factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider include reliability, uptime, pricing, customer support, user interface, and additional features.
Bluehost is known for its reliable hosting services and excellent customer support, and it offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. It also has an easy-to-use interface and a range of additional features, such as website builders, marketing tools, and eCommerce solutions.
GoDaddy also offers a range of hosting plans and domain registration services, along with a variety of additional features like website builders, online marketing tools, and SEO services. It has a user-friendly interface and is known for its affordable pricing.
Ultimately, the choice between Bluehost and GoDaddy will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to do your research, read reviews, and compare plans and pricing to find the best fit for your website.
Q: Which hosting is better than Bluehost?
There are many hosting providers that offer similar or better services than Bluehost. Here are some options you might consider:
- SiteGround – SiteGround is a highly reliable hosting provider with excellent customer support and fast loading times. They offer a range of hosting options, including shared hosting, cloud hosting, and dedicated hosting.
- A2 Hosting – A2 Hosting offers high-performance hosting with a range of plans for different needs, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. They have a reputation for excellent customer service and fast page loading times.
- Hostinger – Hostinger offers affordable hosting plans with great features, including fast loading times and excellent uptime. They offer shared hosting, cloud hosting, and VPS hosting, as well as domain registration and website builder tools.
- InMotion Hosting – InMotion Hosting offers a range of hosting plans for businesses and individuals, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. They have a reputation for excellent customer support and fast loading times.
- DreamHost – DreamHost is a reliable hosting provider that offers a range of hosting plans, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. They offer fast loading times, excellent uptime, and a user-friendly control panel.
Ultimately, the best hosting provider for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s always a good idea to research and compare multiple hosting providers before making a decision.
Q: Why is Bluehost so cheap?
Bluehost is a popular web hosting provider that offers various hosting solutions such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting at relatively affordable prices. Here are some reasons why Bluehost can offer hosting services at a low cost:
- Economies of scale: Bluehost is a large web hosting provider with many customers, which enables them to take advantage of economies of scale. This means that they can purchase hardware, software, and other resources at a lower cost per unit than a smaller provider.
- Efficient use of resources: Bluehost uses efficient server management and resource allocation techniques to ensure that they can offer hosting services at a low cost without compromising on quality.
- Automated systems: Bluehost has invested in automation technologies that allow them to optimize its operations and reduce its overhead costs.
- Long-term contracts: Bluehost offers discounts for customers who sign up for longer-term contracts, which helps to lower the overall cost of their hosting services.
- Competition: Bluehost operates in a highly competitive market, and they need to keep its prices low to remain competitive.
It’s important to note that while Bluehost may be relatively inexpensive compared to other web hosting providers, their services are still high-quality and reliable.
Thanks for Reading.