Bluehost is a great choice for building a website, from blogs and businesses to portfolios and online stores.
Bluehost is well-known for its affordability, with plans that can be tailored to fit a range of budgets. But, is their plan really right for you? We can help you find out!
Multiple pricing plans can make web hosting confusing. They all claim to offer amazing features, but it can be difficult to understand. Different hosting types can be suited to different websites and different users. We’ll help you understand the differences so that your life is easier.
It is time to get started!
Bluehost: What does it mean?
Bluehost is without doubt the best web hosting provider in the business. Bluehost offers a wide range of web hosting services, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting and dedicated servers.
With more than 750 employees, 2 million websites under management, and nearly 20 years of rich industry experience, Bluehost has become one of only three WordPress-recommended hosts since 2005. Bluehost web hosting services are reliable and can be relied upon without any hesitation.
What are the Bluehost pricing plans for hosting?
Bluehost offers six types hosting:
- Hosting shared
- Hosting dedicated
- VPS Hosting
- Hosting WordPress shared
- Managed WordPress hosting (WPPro)
- WooCommerce Hosting
Bluehost, like many other web hosting companies, offers promotional prices to new customers. These are discounted rates for the first term. Your hosting plan will be renewed at the regular rate once your term is over (we’ll look into these rates later).
Bluehost’s official website lists prices based upon a 36-month contract. You have the option to pay on a 12-month or 24-month basis. You can choose the term you prefer.
Bluehost hosting plans include a 30-day money back guarantee. This is a great way to test it out risk-free. This does not apply to domain names. If you cancel your hosting plan and get a domain for free, Bluehost will charge $15.99 to deduct the domain fees.
The guarantee covers Bluehost’s costs and ensures you don’t lose domain name. You can also transfer it anywhere else. Because they are not part of the main hosting plan, the guarantee does not apply to many add-ons.
Hosting shared
Bluehost offers shared hosting, which allows multiple users to share space on one server. This is similar to living in a shared home where you each have your own room but also share water, electricity and toilet paper. The rest of the group will lose out if someone is greedy.
Although shared hosting is very affordable, it’s also limited in its options. Your site may crash if you have too many resources or if there is a sudden spike in traffic to your site. Shared hosting’s major benefit is its affordability. It’s affordable, which makes it an attractive option for those just starting their online business.
Bluehost offers four different shared hosting plans. Each plan has a different level of performance and features. The more you pay for shared hosting, the more features you get. Here is a comparison of Bluehost shared hosting plans, as well as their features.
| Features | Basic | Plus | Choice Plus | Pro |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimitable | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Disk space | 50GB | Unlimitable | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Office 365 Mailbox | x | No cost for 30 days | No cost for 30 days | No cost for 30 days |
| Privacy of domain names | x | x | ||
| Automated Backup | x | x | ||
| IP dedicated | x | x | x | |
| Monthly price | $2.95 | $5.45 | $5.45 | $13.95 |
| Renewal price | $7.99 | $10.99 | $14.99 | $23.99 |
Bluehost offers a variety of shared hosting plans. Each plan has its own features but they all share the following common features:
- No cost domain for the first year
- CDN (Content Delivery Network), Free
- SSL Certificate Free
- 100 free marketing credits
- Scalability
- Design your own theme
- 24/7 customer support
Bluehost’s shared-hosting plan is the best for you?
These are the questions you should ask before you get an answer from us:
- Do you have a basic website that is just beginning?
- Is your site receiving low traffic?
- Do you want to keep your costs low and affordable?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we recommend that you start with the Basic plan depending on your needs. This plan is ideal for anyone who wants to start a website.
Bluehost shared hosting is not for you if you expect a moderate amount of traffic, lots of media to upload or an interactive site rather than a static brochure site.
VPS Hosting
Hosting with VPS (Virtual Private Server), is where virtual servers are divided into sections and resources are shared between websites. It’s like living in an apartment block. You still share the building but each has your own flat. You have your own gas and water and are more secure than sharing with others.
No matter what other users are doing on the server, your account will receive the appropriate amount of CPU, RAM and Disk Space. This ensures that your website runs more smoothly and is stable. This also ensures that your website resources are protected from other users.
Bluehost offers three VPS hosting options. Each plan has different features and performance levels. The more you pay for the services, the better. Here is a comparison of Bluehost VPS hosting plans, along with the features.
| Features | Standard | Enhanced | Ultimate |
| CPU | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB | 8GB |
| Disk Space | 30GB | 60GB | 120GB |
| Bandwidth | 1TB | 2TB | 3TB |
| IP Address | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Monthly price | $18.99 | $29.99 | $59.99 |
| Renewal price | $29.99 | $59.99 | $119.99 |
All VPS hosting plans offer the following additional features:
- No cost domain registration for the first year
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Support available 24/7
- Multi-server management
- Control of access
- File management
Bluehost’s VPS Hosting Plan is the Right Choice for You?
VPS hosting is preferred over shared or dedicated plans for most websites. VPS hosting is a good choice unless you have specific requirements or budget constraints.
If your website is large or requires a lot of traffic, dedicated hosting might be the best option.
Hosting dedicated
Hosting on dedicated servers provides users with a secure and private website hosting environment. This hosting environment gives your website access to a complete server, which means it can provide the highest level of security, customization and resource management.
Dedicated servers, unlike the other plans, provide each user with their own server so that there is no direct or indirect effect on their website. This is like having your own home, with no neighbors or roommates.
Bluehost offers three dedicated hosting packages. Each plan provides different levels of performance and features. The more you pay for dedicated hosting, the more features you get. Here is a comparison of Bluehost dedicated hosting plans, as well as their features.
| Features | Standard | Enhanced | Premium |
| CPU | 4 cores @ 2.3 GHz | 4 cores @ 2.5 GHz | 4 cores @ 3.3 GHz |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | 16GB |
| Disk Space | 500GB | 1TB | 1TB |
| Bandwidth | 5TB | 10TB | 15TB |
| IP Address | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Monthly price | $79.99 | $99.99 | $119.99 |
| Renewal price | $119.99 | $159.99 | $209.99 |
These dedicated servers are included in all Bluehost hosting plans.
- No cost domain name for the first one year
- SSL Certificate Free
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Support available 24/7
Bluehost’s dedicated hosting plans are the best for you.
Dedicated web hosting is the most advanced type available. Bluehost pricing plans are more affordable than its top competitors but it is not the best for those with smaller budgets. Before you buy, consider these questions:
- Is your website getting a lot of traffic?
- Are you able to meet any special or complex needs? (e.g. large media files, programs, custom settings or high-security needs)
If so, dedicated servers might be a good choice. Every website is unique, so make sure you choose the plan that meets your needs.
Hosting WordPress shared
The shared WordPress hosting plan functions in the same way that normal shared hosting. Different websites share the same server resources and server. It is designed specifically for WordPress sites. Although it is limited in scope, it comes with additional WordPress-specific features that will make your site as simple as possible.
This plan is great for anyone who wants a dynamic WordPress site.
Bluehost offers three shared WordPress hosting options. Each plan has different features and performance. The more you pay for the hosting, the more features you get. Here is a comparison of Bluehost shared WordPress hosting plans, as well as their features.
| Features | Basic | Plus | Choice Plus |
| Websites | 1 | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Disk Space | 50GB | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Bandwidth | 25K monthly visitors | 100K monthly visitors | Unlimited visits |
| Domains that are parked | 5 | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Subdomains | 25 | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| Microsoft 365 Mailbox | x | No cost for 30 days | No cost for 30 days |
| Monthly price | $2.95 | $5.45 | $5.45 |
| Renewal price | $7.99 | $10.99 | $14.99 |
While different plans in the WordPress hosting category may have different specifications and features, there are few common features.
- No cost domain registration for the first year
- SSL Certificate Free
- Automated WordPress installation
- Automated WordPress updates
- Microsoft 365 available
- Configure your login credentials securely
- Verify your business on Google My Business
- $200 Marketing Credit (if you spend $25 to open a new Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising account).
Bluehost’s shared WordPress hosting plans are the best for you.
Are you a proud owner of a brand new WordPress website? You want to save money but still have the best features. Bluehost’s shared WordPress plan is the best choice.
It starts at $3.95 per Month and includes all the essentials, as well as some WordPress-specific features, to make your life easier and ensure your site is safe and secure.
You will require better and more powerful hosting than you get with shared hosting. Say hello to managed WordPress hosting (WP Pro).
Managed WordPress hosting (WPPro)
Managed WordPress hosting (WPPro) is a great option if you don’t need shared WordPress hosting. Bluehost manages your server and apps, so you can focus on creating your website with unique content.
Managed WordPress hosting (WP Pro), is designed to provide users with the best experience when building and growing websites. It eliminates technical problems and enhances performance with top-notch options.
Bluehost offers three managed WordPress hosting packages. Each plan provides different levels of performance and features. The more you pay for the services, the better. Here is a comparison of Bluehost managed WordPress hosting plans, as well as their features.
| Features | Construct | Grow | Scale |
| Web Storage | 20GB | 40GB | 80GB |
| Backups | Daily | Daily | Unlimitable |
| Business Review Tools | x | ||
| SEO Tools | x | ||
| Video Compression | x | 10GB | Unlimitable |
| PayPal Integration | x | x | |
| Elastic Search | x | x | |
| Blue Sky Live Chat Support | x | ||
| Monthly price | $9.95 | $29.95 | $49.95 |
| Renewal price | $29.99 | $39.99 | $59.95 |
These three managed WordPress hosting plans all share the same features you can benefit from:
- 1 Website WP
- More than 200 Global Edge Servers
- SSL Certificate Free
- High availability built-in
- Staging environment
- Malware detection and elimination
- Protection and privacy of domains
- Microsoft Email – 30-day trial
Bluehost’s managed WordPress hosting plans are the best for you.
Bluehost managed WordPress hosting is the best option for serious WordPress users. This hosting is not for hobbyists. It can be used by any WordPress site of any size that requires professional features and uncapped growth.
The Build plan is not the most expensive, but it won’t stop you from growing. It’s actually quite generous. I recommend that you start with this plan and then work your way up to more advanced plans when you feel ready.
If you’re looking to set up an E-commerce website, the last hosting plan from Bluehost is worth a look.
WooCommerce Hosting
WooCommerce, an E-commerce plugin for WordPress, is one of the most used platforms for creating an online store. WooCommerce allows you to easily create an online shop that is tailored to your business’ needs, regardless of whether your products are digital or physical.
Bluehost is your hosting provider for WooCommerce online shops. Bluehost has partnered with WooCommerce in order to offer the best quality and most customized hosting plans. WooCommerce auto-installation, secure payment gateways, and your storefront theme are all included.
Bluehost offers three WooCommerce hosting packages. Each plan has different features and performance. The more you pay for the feature, the better. Here is a comparison of Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plans, as well as their features.
| Features | Starter | Plus | Pro |
| Online shop(s) | 1 | Unlimitable | Unlimitable |
| SSD Storage | 100GB | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| CodeGuard Backup Basic | x | ||
| Monthly Price | $6.95 | $8.95 | $12.95 |
| Renewal price | $13.99 | $17.99 | $31.99 |
These are the common features of all three WooCommerce hosting plans.
- Installed Storefront theme
- SSL Certificate Free
- 1 domain free
- WooCommerce auto-install
- Unmetered bandwidth
- Protection and privacy of domains
- Setup call free
- 1 Microsoft 365 Mailbox – Free 30 Days
- Verify your business on Google My Business
- You get $100 off Microsoft Advertising, and $100 off Google Ads if you spend $25 in the first month of a new Microsoft Advertising or Google Ads account.
Is Bluehost’s WooCommerce hosting plan right for you?
It is easy to sell online with WordPress and WooCommerce. Bluehost’s WooCommerce hosting plans are a great match. It’s also a very affordable match, with most of the three plans starting at $10.
There is a plan for everyone, whether you’re a small-scale seller, a newbie, or an established business. If you manage a large online store, you should only consider dedicated hosting.
Which Bluehost plan is best for you?
It is obvious that you alone can decide what website works best for you – your specific needs, traffic, storage requirements, and whether you plan on taking big steps or going slow.
We can guide you in the right direction. Below is a list of hosting types that are most suitable for your specific needs. Let’s explore!
| Hosting plan | Best for | It’s not for |
| Shared Hosting | – Brand New Websites – Small static websites or brochure websites Websites with low traffic – For those with a limited budget | Sites that have a lot of traffic or are growing in popularity Sites that have large media files – Interactive and complex sites |
| VPS Hosting | – Sites of small and medium size – Better security and more features – More control and flexibility – This is the best option if your site needs to grow. | – WordPress users need this service – For those with a limited budget – Anyone just starting out |
| Dedicated Hosting | Sites that receive high traffic – Large online shops and websites – Anybody who wants total control – Enhanced security | – Low-traffic, small sites – For those with a limited budget – For people who have no technical knowledge or are beginners |
| Shared WordPress Hosting | – Small or new WordPress websites – Personal or blog websites Support for WordPress – For those with a limited budget | Websites that are not powered by WordPress – Complex and large WordPress websites – WordPress websites with high traffic |
| Managed WordPress Hosting | – WordPress Websites for Professionals Shared WordPress Hosting – For anyone who wants to improve performance and have more features | Websites that are not powered by WordPress – For beginners in WordPress |
| WooCommerce hosting | – E-commerce stores WooCommerce – WordPress websites built with WooCommerce | – Other Ecommerce Sites Online stores of mega-size – WooCommerce is not for everyone |
Bluehost pricing vs. Competitor pricing
Bluehost is a very popular hosting provider. However, it is not the only one. We’ve tested and rated the top hosting providers on the market.
Bluehost, DreamHost and HostGator were the top three overall providers. But how does that compare to their prices? The table below shows the initial discounted prices per month for each type of hosting.
| Provider | Hosting shared | VPS Hosting | Hosting dedicated to your needs | WordPress Hosting |
| Bluehost | $2.95 | $18.99 | $79.99 | $2.95 |
| DreamHost | $2.59 | $10.00 | $149 (yearly plans) | $2.59 |
| HostGator | $2.75 | $19.95 | $89.98 | $5.95 |
Bluehost isn’t the cheapest provider, but you get great value for your money.
Five hidden fees you need to be aware of before you sign up
Bluehost’s checkout page will take you to your chosen pricing plan. Here you can select your contract length, personal details, and payment details. You should verify everything before you proceed to the final step.
So that you are aware of what to expect at checkout, we have compiled a list with the 5 most commonly hidden costs of Bluehost.
1. Take a look at these additional items
You should first read the “Package Information”. Bluehost automatically sets up your contracts for up to 36 months. This gives you the lowest price. You can choose to change the length of your contract using the dropdown menu if you don’t want such a lengthy contract.
This section contains your “Package Additionals”. If you wish to add additional features to your plan, you can do so here. All extras that are already included in your plan will be marked with the word “Free” instead of a checkbox.
You should uncheck any features that you do not want to pay for. These extra features will not be included in your hosting plan and will be added to your monthly bill. This “Package Extras” section allows you to tailor your hosting plan to your specific needs. You can choose the cheapest shared hosting plan and then add domain privacy if you wish.
Bluehost calculates the cost automatically and displays it under “Total”. The amount can change depending on which options you select. This is the sum of all hosting plans and any extra features. Keep an eye on it to make sure you’re staying within your budget.
Before you confirm your payment, make sure to read the disclaimer as well as any terms and conditions. It is important to remember that your hosting subscription will automatically renew unless you cancel. The renewal will be for the same period as the original contract but at the regular price.
2. SSL certificate
Bluehost hosting plans come with a SSL (Secure Sockets layer) certificate. This certificate encrypts all information that passes between your website’s visitors and your website. This is a vital feature because visitors who don’t have it will be notified that their site is insecure.
Your SSL certificate is included in your hosting plan and you don’t have to pay anything. It will be listed in your plan as “Let’s Encrypt SSL”, which is the most basic SSL security version.
You can still get a premium SSL certificate for as low as $49.99 per annum if you need more security. You will need an IP address in order to purchase these premium certificates.
3. Domain name
Your domain is the name of your website and serves as its unique identity online. Ours is kobedigital.com.
Bluehost will give you a domain free of charge for the first year depending on your hosting plan. Your domain will automatically renew at the regular price after the term expires. Bluehost can also purchase your domain. Here’s a list with prices for the most popular TLDs (Top Level Domains).
- .com: $12.99/year
- .org: $9.99/year
- .net: $14.99/year
- .tech: $4.99 per year
- .co: $14.99/year
- .website: $1.99/year
Bluehost’s domain privacy cost $14.88/domain/year at the renewal price. This option can be removed by unchecking it. What is domain privacy?
Domain privacy and protection can protect your personal information from being displayed on the public registry. Your name, email addresses, number, and other personal information are all accessible on the WHOIS domain registry. It is not a requirement, but it can help protect your data. It reduces spam, and allows your website to be scanned for security alerts and malware.
4. CodeGuard Basic Backups
CodeGuard runs daily backups of your site. It is responsible for all changes and offers an easy restore option. You can also store copies of your backups in different locations.
CodeGuard is included in certain hosting plans for free. However, if you don’t have CodeGuard Basic, you can buy it as an additional. CodeGuard Basic is $2.99 per month and can be added to your plan as a lump sum. If you sign up for a 12-month subscription, $35.88 will be added.
5. Office 365
Bluehost hosting plans usually include a 30-day trial of Office 365. What happens after the 30-day free trial? We found three options for Office 365 from Bluehost. You can choose to pay monthly or yearly.
It is important to remember that renewals are charged at the one month term rates. These are more expensive than annual subscriptions.
The bottom line
Bluehost is our number one hosting provider. They offer a variety of pricing plans and many features. It is important to fully understand your needs, including budget, file storage, and bandwidth before making a final decision.
You should now be able to determine which Bluehost hosting plan is best for you. You should find a balance. Don’t spend too much on features that you don’t use, but don’t limit the resources of your site to save some bucks.
