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Basic
Made for a simple website or blog
$3.95/mo
For 36 month term
Renews at $9.99/mo
Websites & Hosting
- 10 Websites
- 10 GB SSD Storage
- Ideal for 40K visits/mo
- AI Site Creation Tools
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- Free Domain 1st Year
- Free Site Migration Tool
- Free CDN - Cloudflare with Argo Routing
- Managed WordPress Updates
- 24/7 Chat Support
Security
- Free SSL- Let's Encrypt
- Free Malware Scanning
- Web Application Firewall
- DDoS Protection Included
- Daily Website Backups
Marketing
- Yoast SEO - Free Plugin
- Pro Email - Free Trial
- Creative Mail - Email Marketing
Advanced
- Static Content Caching
- Object Caching
- SSH & WP-CLI
- WordPress Staging Site
Choice Plus
Ideal for multiple sites needing storage, security, + backups
$6.45/mo
For 36 month term
Renews at $14.99/mo
Websites & Hosting
- 50 Websites
- 50 GB SSD Storage
- Ideal for 200K visits/mo
- AI Site Creation Tools
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- Free Domain 1st Year
- Free Site Migration Tool
- Free CDN - Cloudflare with Argo Routing
- Managed WordPress Updates
- 24/7 Chat Support
- Phone Support Included
Security
- Free SSL- Let's Encrypt
- Free Malware Scanning
- Malware Detection/Removal
- Web Application Firewall
- DDoS Protection Included
- Domain Privacy- Free 1st year
- Daily Website Backups
Marketing
- Yoast SEO - Free Plugin
- Pro Email - Free Trial
- Creative Mail - Email Marketing
Advanced
- Static Content Caching
- Object Caching
- SSH & WP-CLI
- WordPress Staging Site
eCommerce Essentials
Essential commerce tools to sell your content online
$6.95/mo
For 36 month term
Renews at $17.99/mo
Websites & Hosting
- 100 Websites
- 100 GB MVMe Storage
- Ideal for 400K visits/mo
- AI Site Creation Tools
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- Free Domain 1st Year
- Free Site Migration Tool
- Free CDN - Cloudflare with Argo Routing
- Managed WordPress Updates
- 24/7 Chat Support
- Phone Support Included
Commerce Tools
- Secure Payment Processing
- WooCommerce Auto-Install
- Product Subscriptions
- Visitor Memberships
- Offer Paid Courses
- Affiliate Program
- Custom Email Templates
- Easy Social Logins
Security
- Free SSL- Let's Encrypt
- Free Malware Scanning
- Malware Detection/Removal
- Web Application Firewall
- DDoS Protection Included
- Domain Privacy- Free 1st year
- Daily Website Backups
Marketing
- Yoast SEO - Free Plugin
- Pro Email - Free Trial
- Creative Mail - Email Marketing
Advanced
- Static Content Caching
- Object Caching
- SSH & WP-CLI
- WordPress Staging Site
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FAQs
WHAT IS WEB HOSTING?
Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and businesses to make their websites accessible on the internet. Web hosting companies provide servers and infrastructure to store and serve website files to visitors. Without web hosting, websites would not be visible online. Bluehost is one of the leading web hosting providers in the world, and is trusted by bloggers, small businesses, WordPress users, eCommerce and online store owners, and more.
WHAT TYPES OF WEB HOSTING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are four main types of web hosting: Dedicated Hosting, Web Hosting, Cloud Hosting and VPS Hosting. Dedicated hosting provides a server solely for one user; web hosting allows multiple users to share one server; cloud hosting is powered by a redundant global server infrastructure to handle high traffic; VPS hosting is a hybrid of web hosting and dedicated hosting. Each web hosting option has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the website.
HOW CAN I GET A FREE DOMAIN NAME?
Bluehost is proud to offer a free domain name with many hosting plans. This can be a great way to save money and simplify the process of setting up a website. Be sure to check the details of the hosting plan to see if a free domain name is included, and view our full policy on free domains.
†WHAT IS THE 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE?
Your satisfaction is our top priority and we’re confident you’ll be pleased with our services. Still, if you try us and decide your account does not sufficiently meet your needs, you can cancel within 30 days for a refund as follows:
- If you cancel within 30 days you’ll receive a full refund on your hosting service only. The money-back guarantee does not apply to most add-on products, such as domains, given the unique nature of their costs.
- If you cancel within 30 days and your plan includes a free domain, there will be a fee to retain that domain. Bluehost will deduct a non-refundable domain fee from your refund, at the regular cost of your domain.
- Bluehost does not offer any refunds for cancellations that occur after 30 days.
IS BLUEHOST RECOMMENDED BY WORDPRESS?
Yes, Bluehost is a recommended hosting provider by WordPress. Bluehost offers specialized WordPress Hosting plans that are optimized for the platform, as well as WooCommerce Hosting plans for eCommerce websites. This ensures that websites built on WordPress have optimal performance and security. Users love our user-friendly interface and one-click installation of WordPress, which make it easy for anyone to set up and manage a website.
We also invite you to learn more about WonderSuite, an easy WordPress website builder.
CAN I GET PROFESSIONAL EMAIL HOSTING?
Yes, professional email plans are available through Bluehost. Google Workspace is a popular option for professional email hosting, and can be integrated with many web hosting plans. With professional email hosting, users can have a custom email address with their domain name, giving a more professional look and feel to their communications.
WHY CHOOSE BLUEHOST?
Bluehost is a top-rated web hosting provider that offers reliable and affordable website hosting plans with easy-to-use tools. With 24/7 customer support, domain name registration, and specialized WordPress and WooCommerce hosting options, Bluehost is a great choice for individuals and businesses looking to launch a successful website. Bluehost is a trusted and innovative leader in the web hosting industry.
It’s easy to see why Bluehost is a top choice for web hosting among many individuals and businesses.
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BlueHost
In the ever-evolving landscape of web hosting, Bluehost remains a prominent name, trusted by millions of website owners, bloggers, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 2003 by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth, Bluehost has grown into one of the largest web hosting providers, hosting over 2 million websites and earning an official recommendation from WordPress.org since 2005. Known for its affordability, beginner-friendly interface, and robust WordPress integration, Bluehost caters to a wide range of users, from first-time bloggers to small businesses and e-commerce ventures. However, with mixed reviews on performance, customer support, and long-term value, is Bluehost still a top choice in 2025? This detailed 2,000-word review dives deep into Bluehost’s features, pricing, performance, support, and more to help you decide if it’s the right hosting provider for your needs.
Overview of Bluehost
Bluehost, now part of Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group), offers a variety of hosting solutions, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and a website builder. Its reputation is built on affordability, ease of use, and strong WordPress optimization, making it a go-to choice for beginners and small business owners. Bluehost’s shared hosting plans are particularly popular due to their low introductory prices and bundled features like free domains, SSL certificates, and one-click WordPress installation. However, as the hosting industry becomes more competitive, with providers like Hostinger, SiteGround, and A2 Hosting offering faster speeds and advanced features, Bluehost’s value proposition is under scrutiny.
This review focuses primarily on Bluehost’s shared and WordPress hosting plans, as these are the most commonly used by its target audience. We’ll evaluate key aspects such as pricing, features, performance, ease of use, customer support, and security, drawing on expert testing, user feedback, and industry benchmarks from sources like Forbes, WPBeginner, and Cybernews.
Pricing and Plans
Bluehost’s pricing structure is designed to attract new users with low introductory rates, but renewal prices can be significantly higher. As of February 2025, pricing for Bluehost’s shared hosting plans (based on a 12-month commitment) is as follows:
- Basic: Starts at $2.95/month (renews at $9.99/month)
- 1 website, 10 GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, free SSL certificate, free domain for the first year.
- Ideal for small personal sites or blogs with low traffic.
- Choice Plus: Starts at $5.45/month (renews at $14.99/month)
- Unlimited websites, 40 GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, free SSL, free domain, domain privacy, and daily backups (for the first year).
- Suitable for growing blogs or small business websites.
- Online Store: Starts at $9.95/month (renews at $24.99/month)
- Includes e-commerce features like WooCommerce integration, one online store, 100 GB SSD storage, and a storefront theme.
- Designed for small online stores.
- Pro: Starts at $13.95/month (renews at $28.99/month)
- Unlimited websites, 100 GB SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, domain privacy, daily backups, and advanced security features.
- Best for high-traffic sites or multiple websites.
Bluehost also offers WordPress hosting plans, starting at $2.95/month, which mirror the shared hosting plans but include WordPress-specific features like automatic updates and WonderSuite (an AI-powered site-building tool). Managed WordPress hosting (WP Pro) starts at $19.95/month, offering advanced features like staging environments and Jetpack Premium.
VPS Hosting starts at $19.99/month, and Dedicated Hosting begins at $79.99/month, catering to users with high-traffic sites or advanced technical needs. Bluehost’s Website Builder plans start at $2.95/month, providing a drag-and-drop interface for non-WordPress sites.
Pricing Pros:
- Affordable Introductory Rates: Starting at $2.95/month, Bluehost is one of the cheapest options for beginners.
- Free Domain and SSL: The free domain for the first year (worth ~$12.99) and free SSL certificate save upfront costs.
- Flexible Plans: From shared to dedicated hosting, Bluehost caters to various needs and budgets.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Users can try Bluehost risk-free, with a prorated refund available after 30 days.
Pricing Cons:
- High Renewal Rates: Renewal prices can be 2–3x higher than introductory rates, which may catch budget-conscious users off guard. For example, the Basic plan jumps from $2.95 to $9.99/month.
- Upselling During Checkout: Bluehost aggressively promotes add-ons like SiteLock, CodeGuard, and SEO tools, which can inflate costs if not declined.
- Limited Storage on Basic Plans: The 10 GB storage on the Basic plan may be restrictive for media-heavy sites.
- Paid Add-Ons: Features like daily backups and domain privacy are free only for the first year on higher-tier plans or require additional fees.
Verdict on Pricing: Bluehost’s introductory pricing is highly competitive, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a tight budget. However, the steep renewal rates and upselling tactics require careful budgeting. Locking in a 36-month plan offers the best value, but users should plan for higher costs upon renewal.
Features
Bluehost offers a robust set of features, particularly for WordPress users, but some are standard across competitors, and others come with limitations.
Key Features:
- Free Domain and SSL: A free domain for the first year and a free SSL certificate (via Let’s Encrypt) are included with all plans, ensuring secure and cost-effective site setup.
- One-Click WordPress Installation: Bluehost’s streamlined WordPress setup, enhanced by the WonderSuite AI tool, makes it easy for beginners to create a site without technical expertise.
- Unmetered Bandwidth: All plans offer unmetered bandwidth, ideal for sites with fluctuating traffic, though performance may degrade during spikes.
- WonderSuite AI Tools: Includes WonderStart (onboarding), WonderTheme (customizable designs), and WonderBlocks (drag-and-drop editing), simplifying site creation.
- Free CDN: Bluehost integrates Cloudflare CDN, improving global load times by caching content closer to visitors.
- cPanel Dashboard: The user-friendly cPanel, combined with Bluehost’s custom dashboard, allows easy management of domains, emails, files, and security settings.
- E-Commerce Features: The Online Store plan includes WooCommerce integration, PayPal support, and a storefront theme, catering to small online businesses.
- Security Features: DDoS protection, a Web Application Firewall (WAF), and optional SiteLock and CodeGuard add-ons enhance site security.
- Free Site Migration: Bluehost offers one free WordPress site migration, with a backup created before the process.
- 24/7 Support: Available via phone, live chat, and email, though response quality varies.
Feature Limitations:
- No Free Backups on Basic Plan: Daily backups are included only on Choice Plus and Pro plans for the first year, requiring a paid CodeGuard subscription thereafter.
- Limited Data Centers: Bluehost’s data centers are US-based, which may result in slower load times for international visitors unless supplemented by a CDN.
- Misleading “Free” Features: Some features, like the Bluehost WordPress Marketplace, are essentially repackaged versions of free WordPress plugins and themes, adding little unique value.
- No LiteSpeed Servers: Competitors like Hostinger and ChemiCloud use LiteSpeed servers, which are faster than Bluehost’s Apache-based servers.
Verdict on Features: Bluehost’s feature set is comprehensive for beginners and WordPress users, with free domain, SSL, and AI tools adding significant value. However, the lack of free backups on lower-tier plans, US-centric data centers, and reliance on standard Apache servers put it behind competitors like SiteGround or Hostinger for advanced users.
Performance and Speed
Website speed and uptime are critical for user experience and SEO, and Bluehost’s performance has been a mixed bag based on expert testing and user feedback.
Speed Tests:
- GTmetrix Results: Tests conducted in 2025 showed Bluehost’s shared hosting plans delivering load times under 2 seconds, with a fully loaded time of 1.4 seconds for a fully functioning site using the Neve theme. Time to First Byte (TTFB) was 589 ms, and Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) was 1.0 second, earning a GTmetrix Grade A (98% performance, 95% structure). However, competitors like Hostinger and SiteGround achieved sub-1-second load times with similar configurations.
- PageSpeed Insights: Bluehost’s average page load time is around 1.1–1.2 seconds, which is fast but not class-leading.
- Caching and CDN: Bluehost’s built-in caching and Cloudflare CDN improve performance, but users may need additional optimization (e.g., cache plugins like W3 Total Cache) to match competitors’ speeds.
Uptime:
- Bluehost advertises a 99.9% uptime guarantee, and tests in 2025 reported an average of 99.99% uptime, with no significant downtime.
- However, some user reviews on Trustpilot mention occasional downtime, particularly during “scheduled maintenance,” which isn’t counted in uptime guarantees.
Performance Under Traffic:
- Bluehost performs well for low- to moderate-traffic sites (e.g., 500–1,000 visitors/month). However, shared hosting plans may experience slowdowns during traffic spikes due to resource sharing.
- For high-traffic sites, upgrading to VPS or dedicated hosting is recommended to ensure consistent performance.
Performance Pros:
- Fast for Small Sites: Load times of 1.1–2 seconds are sufficient for blogs and small business sites.
- Reliable Uptime: 99.99% uptime ensures sites are consistently accessible.
- NVMe SSD Storage: All shared plans use NVMe SSDs, which are faster than traditional HDDs.
Performance Cons:
- Not the Fastest: Competitors like Hostinger, SiteGround, and GreenGeeks offer faster load times, often under 1 second.
- US-Centric Data Centers: International users may experience latency without additional CDN optimization.
- Shared Hosting Limitations: Traffic spikes can degrade performance on shared plans.
Verdict on Performance: Bluehost delivers reliable performance for small to medium sites, with strong uptime and decent load times. However, it lags behind competitors like Hostinger and SiteGround in speed, particularly for international audiences or high-traffic sites. Users with growing sites may need to upgrade to VPS or optimize with plugins to maintain performance.Ease of Use
Bluehost’s user-friendly interface is one of its strongest selling points, particularly for beginners.
- Setup Process: The sign-up process is quick, with a guided wizard for installing WordPress or setting up the website builder. Users can create a site in under 5 minutes using WonderSuite’s AI tools.
- Dashboard: Bluehost’s custom dashboard, integrated with cPanel, is intuitive, offering one-click access to domains, emails, security settings, and WordPress management.
- WordPress Integration: One-click WordPress installation, automatic updates, and a curated marketplace for themes and plugins simplify site management.
- WonderSuite: The AI-powered WonderSuite tools (WonderStart, WonderTheme, WonderBlocks) guide users through site creation, making it accessible for non-technical users.
Ease of Use Pros:
- Beginner-Friendly: The setup wizard and AI tools make Bluehost ideal for first-time website owners.
- Clean Dashboard: The cPanel-based interface is logical and uncluttered, reducing the learning curve.
- WordPress Simplicity: Automatic updates and one-click installs streamline WordPress management.
Ease of Use Cons:
- Upselling During Setup: The checkout process includes aggressive upselling, which can confuse beginners.
- Dashboard Load Times: Some users report slow dashboard navigation (5–10 seconds per page), though this is not universal.
Verdict on Ease of Use: Bluehost excels in usability, with a beginner-friendly setup and intuitive dashboard. The AI-powered WonderSuite tools and WordPress integration make it a top choice for non-technical users, though upselling during checkout can be off-putting.
Customer Support
Bluehost offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, but the quality of support is inconsistent based on user feedback and expert testing.
- Live Chat: Response times vary, with some users reporting quick resolutions (under 10 minutes) for simple issues like DNS settings, while others experienced slow or scripted responses.
- Phone Support: Phone support is generally more helpful for complex issues, though wait times can be long, and representatives may lack depth on technical queries.
- Knowledge Base: Bluehost’s knowledge base is extensive, covering topics like WordPress setup, domain management, and security, but it may not address advanced issues.
- Trustpilot Reviews: As of June 2025, Bluehost has a 4.0/5 rating on Trustpilot based on 21,748 reviews, with many praising responsive and knowledgeable agents. However, negative reviews highlight long wait times (30+ minutes) and unhelpful scripted responses.
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