Hostinger and Bluehost each bring unique strengths to web hosting. Hostinger attracts with its affordability and ease of use, making it a favorite among beginners and those watching their budget. Bluehost, with its strong WordPress integration and reliable performance, appeals to a diverse client base, from individual bloggers to businesses. This analysis will dissect their individual features, shedding light on how they meet different user needs in the web hosting space.
Featured Partners
1
IONOS
$1 per month
Yes
Yes
2
Wix
$17 per month
Yes
Yes
3
ScalaHosting
$2.65 per month
Extra 10% discount with code FORBES10
Free SPanel, free domain, free SSL
Hostinger vs. Bluehost: At a Glance
Hostinger and Bluehost each bring unique strengths to web hosting. Hostinger’s affordability and easy-to-use tools, such as a no-code website builder and AI-driven website creation tools, make it ideal for beginners and budget-conscious users. It offers fast performance with NVMe storage and LiteSpeed Web Server technology, along with strong security features, including free SSL certificates, malware scanning and web application firewalls. Hostinger supports 100 to 300 websites per plan and includes free email hosting, which caters to those managing multiple sites.
Bluehost is a preferred choice for WordPress users because of its solid integration, offering features such as effortless WordPress installation, automatic updates and daily backups. Its plans cover various website needs, from personal blogs to e-commerce sites, with storage ranging from 10 to 100 GB SSD and support for 10 to 100 websites per plan. Bluehost provides free email hosting for the first three months and includes strong security measures and 24/7 customer support, making it reliable for users seeking a versatile hosting solution.
Hostinger
Starting price
$2.49/month
Free domain name privacy
Yes
Automatic backups
Yes
$2.49/month
Yes
Yes
For those just getting started with their digital presence, Hostinger offers an accessible entry point. The ease of use, highlighted by features such as the no-code website builder and artificial intelligence (AI) website creation tools, empowers users to bring their ideas online with minimal technical hurdles. Combined with 150 designer-crafted templates and AI copywriting assistance, these tools make website creation less daunting and more creative.
The use of NVMe storage and LiteSpeed Web Server technology ensures websites hosted on Hostinger load swiftly, which is a critical factor for user engagement and search engine optimization (SEO) rankings. It also has comprehensive security measures, including free secure sockets layer (SSL) certificates, malware scanners and web application firewalls, that provide peace of mind for website owners. This combination of user-friendly features, performance optimization and security makes Hostinger an appealing choice for a range of users, from beginners to more established webmasters seeking a reliable yet economical hosting solution.
Learn more: Read our Hostinger review.
- Competitive pricing with additional benefits like free domain and SSL certificates
- User-friendly interface with no-code website builder and AI tools for easy site creation
- NVMe storage and LiteSpeed technology for fast website performance
- Strong security features, including malware scanning and web application firewall
- 24/7 multilingual customer support ensuring accessible and timely assistance
- Limited resources on basic plans, requiring upgrades for growing websites
- Occasional upselling throughout the user interface
- Backup frequencies vary by plan, with daily backups reserved for higher tiers
Bluehost
Starting price
$2.95 per month for 12 months
Free domain name privacy
On higher-tiered plans
Automatic backups
On higher-tiered plans
$2.95 per month for 12 months
On higher-tiered plans
On higher-tiered plans
Bluehost’s appeal as a web hosting service rests on its solid integration with WordPress, which provides users with a smooth and effective experience. This is perfect for those who rely on WordPress for their website needs. Features such as effortless WordPress installation and automatic updates management are part of Bluehost’s service, ensuring a stable and secure presence on the web.
In terms of hosting variety, Bluehost offers options that cater to different website requirements. From small personal blogs to e-commerce sites, Bluehost’s plans are crafted to meet a variety of needs. Each plan comes with specific features that focus on improving user experience and securing online content. Having support accessible 24/7 is essential for users of different skill levels, helping to solve questions and technical problems effectively.
Learn more: Read our Bluehost review.
- Solid WordPress integration for an effective user experience
- Hosting plans suitable for various types of websites
- Advanced technology for improved and reliable website performance
- Strong security features for online content protection
- Dependable support team available around the clock
- Increased pricing after the initial offer
- Limited storage in basic plans
- Regular promotions of extra features within the platform
How the Hostinger and Bluehost Stack Up
Hostinger and Bluehost, each with their unique offerings, cater to varied web hosting needs. This comparison outlines their distinct features and advantages.
| Hostinger | Bluehost | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.49/month | $2.95 per month for 12 months |
| Renewal Price | $7.99 per month | $11.99 per month |
| Free Email | Yes | Only the first three months, then it’s $2.49 per month |
| Storage Limits | 100 GB SSD to 200 GB NVMe | 10 to 100 GB SSD |
| Number of Websites | 100 to 300 | 10 to 100 |
| Malware Scanner | Yes | Yes |
| Learn More | ||
| Reviews | Read Hostinger review | Read Bluehost review |
Pricing
The pricing models of Hostinger and Bluehost reveal different approaches to attracting customers. Hostinger’s initial offer starts at a slightly higher price of $2.99 per month compared to Bluehost’s $2.95. However, upon renewal, Hostinger’s rate increases to $7.99 per month while Bluehost’s jumps to $11.99.
Another thing to note is that to get the $2.99 rate for Hostinger, you must commit to a 48-month plan and pay it all upfront. To get Bluehost’s $2.95 plan, you’ll need to commit to a 12-month plan and also pay it upfront.
Email Hosting
When it comes to email hosting, Hostinger provides this service as part of its package, while Bluehost offers it free only for the first three months, after which it becomes a paid add-on. This difference highlights Hostinger’s advantage for users who need consistent email hosting without additional costs. Bluehost’s approach might suit users who either do not prioritize email hosting or are prepared to invest in this service separately.
Storage and Website Limits
Both Hostinger and Bluehost impose storage limits, a common practice in web hosting to tier services. Based on the plan you pick, Hostinger provides a higher range of websites (between 100 to 300) compared to Bluehost’s 10 to 100 range, suggesting a focus on users who manage multiple sites, such as web developers or businesses with various projects. Bluehost’s more restrictive limit could appeal to users with fewer websites, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Malware Protection
Both companies offer malware scanning, which is a vital feature for website security. This parity reflects a shared recognition of the importance of protecting websites from online threats, an essential consideration for any web hosting service. This feature is critical for users who value security and want assurance that their online presence is safeguarded against malicious activities.
Cost of Hostinger vs. Bluehost
In assessing Hostinger and Bluehost’s web hosting offerings, we look at how their plans differ in terms of cost, features and value. This comparison aims to provide insights into each provider’s approach to web hosting, allowing you to discern which service may suit your specific needs better.
| Feature | Hostinger Premium | Bluehost Basic | Bluehost Choice Plus | Hostinger Business | Bluehost Online Store | Hostinger Cloud Startup | Bluehost Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | $2.49 (then $7.99) | $2.95 (then $11.99) | $5.45 (then $21.99) | $3.99 (then $8.99) | $9.95 (then $26.99) | $9.99 (then $19.99) | $13.95 (then $28.99) |
| Websites | 100 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 50 | 300 | 100 |
| Solid-State Drive (SSD) Storage | 100 GB | 10 GB | 40 GB | 200 GB NVMe | 40 GB | 200 GB NVMe | 100 GB |
| Email | Free | Free trial | Free trial | Free | Free trial | Free | Free trial |
| Domain Included | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) | Yes (first year) |
| Backups | Weekly | N/A | Daily (first year) | Daily and on-demand | Daily (first year) | Daily and on-demand | Daily (first year) |
| SSL Certificate | Unlimited Free | Free (first year) | Free | Unlimited free | Free | Unlimited free | Free |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unlimited | Unmetered | Unlimited | Unmetered |
| Content Delivery Network (CDN) | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Dedicated IP | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Hostinger, with its slightly higher initial pricing but more affordable renewal rates, is a cost-effective long-term solution. This is attractive for users who plan to maintain their web presence over an extended period. Including email hosting in its packages and providing a higher number of websites per plan make Hostinger a compelling option for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or individuals managing multiple websites. The generous storage, especially in the Business plan, and the unlimited free SSL certificates further enhance its appeal to users who need extensive resources and security for a portfolio of sites.
Bluehost attracts users with its lower initial cost and smaller commitment term (12 months vs. 48 months with Hostinger), a strategy that may appeal to those starting out or looking to minimize upfront expenses. However, the significant jump in renewal prices should be a consideration for long-term budgeting. Bluehost’s plans, particularly those beyond the Basic tier, are rich in features such as daily backups and enhanced storage, making them suitable for users who prioritize these aspects but are comfortable with a higher long-term cost.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
The reviews for Bluehost present a mixed bag of sentiments. While some users appreciate the platform for its affordability and easy-to-use interface, there are significant concerns about customer service and technical support. Several users mention experiencing difficulties with server issues, site outages and unresponsive or inconsistent support. The frustration with automatic renewal settings and what some perceive as “scammy” business practices is a recurring theme.
However, there are positive comments as well, with some users finding value in Bluehost’s services for hosting multiple websites and appreciating its integration with WordPress. These mixed reviews suggest that while Bluehost may be a viable option for users looking for a cost-effective solution with WordPress compatibility, potential customers should be cautious of the service inconsistencies, particularly in terms of support.
Hostinger’s reviews tend to lean more positively, with users frequently highlighting the platform’s user-friendliness and efficient customer support. The inclusion of AI tools for website creation and ease of WordPress installation is often praised. However, some users note higher prices compared to competitors and occasional challenges with the website builder for less experienced users. The appreciation for Hostinger’s customer support contrasts with the criticism faced by Bluehost in this area.
Users who prioritize cost-effective solutions, along with supportive and user-friendly experiences, might find Hostinger more aligned with their needs, albeit with consideration for the slightly higher price point and longer-term commitment compared to some competitors.
Top Hostinger and Bluehost Alternatives
When exploring alternatives to Hostinger and Bluehost for web hosting services, several notable options come to the forefront. GoDaddy, SiteGround and DreamHost each bring their unique strengths to the table. GoDaddy is a well-established name in the industry, known for its user-friendly approach. SiteGround garners accolades for its exceptional support and high-performance hosting, particularly for WordPress sites. Similarly, DreamHost earns recognition for its excellent security features and strong performance.
This comparison aims to highlight key differences in WordPress integration, customer support, performance and starting prices, offering a clear perspective for users considering their web hosting options.
| WordPress Integration | Customer Support | Performance | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoDaddy | Moderate | Good | Moderate | $5.99 per month |
| SiteGround | Strong | Excellent | High | $2.99 per month |
| DreamHost | Strong | Excellent | High | $2.95 per month |
Bottom Line
Hostinger suits budget-conscious users, offering affordability and support for managing multiple websites. Bluehost, with its strong WordPress integration and diverse features, is apt for users needing specialized WordPress hosting and reliable support.
Hostinger is best for:
- Users who prioritize affordable long-term hosting since Hostinger’s pricing favors those planning for extended web presence without heavy financial commitment
- Those who manage multiple websites due to Hostinger’s high website allowance
- Newcomers to web hosting, thanks to its straightforward interface and supportive customer service
Bluehost is best for:
- WordPress-focused users due to Bluehost’s integration and tools for WordPress
- Businesses or individuals looking for a balance between functionality and price, especially for moderately scaled online operations
- Those valuing a mix of reliability and supportive services despite varied feedback on customer experiences
Featured Partners
1
IONOS
$1 per month
Yes
Yes
2
Wix
$17 per month
Yes
Yes
3
ScalaHosting
$2.65 per month
Extra 10% discount with code FORBES10
Free SPanel, free domain, free SSL
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is more affordable, Hostinger or Bluehost?
Hostinger generally offers more affordable plans, especially for long-term hosting. Its initial prices are slightly higher, but the renewal rates are lower than Bluehost, making it more budget-friendly over time.
How does customer support compare between Hostinger and Bluehost?
Customer support experiences vary. Hostinger is known for its responsive and helpful support, which is especially valuable for beginners. Bluehost, while offering 24/7 support, has received mixed reviews, with some users finding the support less consistent.
Which is better for WordPress, Hostinger or Bluehost?
Bluehost is often recommended for WordPress websites because of its strong integration and specialized tools for WordPress. Hostinger also supports WordPress, but Bluehost’s features are more tailored toward this platform.
Can I host multiple websites on Hostinger and Bluehost?
Yes, both Hostinger and Bluehost allow multiple websites on their plans. Typically, Hostinger offers a higher limit on the number of websites, making it suitable for users managing several sites.
Which is easier to use for beginners, Hostinger or Bluehost?
Hostinger is generally considered more user-friendly, especially for beginners, because of its straightforward interface and supportive customer service. Bluehost also offers a user-friendly experience but its interface might be more suited for those with some experience in website management.
