Bluehost review 2024: is it the best web host for you?

Lately, the web hosting industry has been experiencing rapid growth and innovation. When choosing a web hosting provider in 2023 and beyond, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options to find the best fit for your business needs and budget. Bluehost has been around since 1996 and remains one of the most popular and affordable hosting providers, especially for new websites, and is rated the #1 web hosting service for small businesses. Furthermore, Bluehost has been an official WordPress.org recommended web hosting provider since 2005.

In this Bluehost review, we’ll dive deep into their latest hosting plans, pricing changes, new features, and overall value to help you decide if they are the right provider to handle your website and online presence. We’ll examine the pros and cons, compare plans side by side, and provide insights into what websites or blogs best suit each Bluehost package. By the end, you’ll clearly understand what Bluehost offers today and if it remains a viable and cost-effective solution for your hosting needs in 2024.

Bluehost review: Features

Bluehost, being a leading web hosting service, hosts over 2 Million websites and offers a range of awesome features to help businesses and individuals build and manage their websites with ease. Here are some amazing key features we thought we should bring to your close attention in our Bluehost review:

1. Variety of Hosting Solutions: Bluehost provides a variety of hosting options, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, WordPress hosting, and WooCommerce hosting. This makes it suitable for different types of websites and businesses (Bluehost).
2. Free Domain Name: Bluehost offers a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for a hosting account.
3. Unlimited Websites and Storage: Depending on the plan you choose, Bluehost allows you to host unlimited websites and offers unmetered storage space (Bluehost).
4. Free SSL Certificate: To ensure your website’s security, Bluehost provides a free SSL certificate for all hosted websites. An SSL certificate encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors (Bluehost).
5. 24/7 Customer Support: Bluehost offers round-the-clock customer support via phone, email, and live chat. This ensures that help is always available when you need it (Bluehost).
6. One-Click WordPress Install: Bluehost offers one-click WordPress installation, making it easy for users to install and set up their WordPress site (Bluehost).
7. Integrated Marketing Tools: Bluehost provides a suite of marketing tools, including SEO, email marketing, and social media advertising tools, to help businesses attract more visitors and drive conversions (Bluehost).
8. Email Accounts: With Bluehost, you can create custom email addresses that match your domain name, adding a professional touch to your business communication (Bluehost).

Protip-Remember, the specific features you get with Bluehost will depend on the hosting plan you choose. Always review the details of each plan to ensure it meets your needs.

Bluehost’s Hosting Plans and Pricing

Bluehost currently offers five different hosting plans: Shared, WordPress, VPS, wooCommerce, and Dedicated hosting. Each plan is designed to meet the specific needs of different types of websites, from personal blogs to large e-commerce sites. In 2023, Bluehost made significant changes to its pricing structure for all four plans, making it even more budget-friendly for new and established websites. Let’s take a closer look at each plan and what it offers. In conducting our Bluehost reviews of the hosting plans we researched credible sources to provide you with the best answers to your questions.

The Bluehost plans and pricing are;

Shared Hosting: Bluehost’s entry-level shared hosting plan is the most basic hosting package offered by Bluehost, perfect for individuals or small businesses just starting online. Starting as low as $2.95 a month. This includes one free domain name for a year, as well as free SSL certification (source: Neil Patel).

Under the shared hosting plan there are four categories, that is, Basic plan, Choice Plus, online store, and pro ( (Please note that these prices are promotional and can increase upon renewal and also vary depending on region))

VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is a step up from shared hosting, offering more resources and control over your server environment. The VPS hosting starts at $24.95 a month, which is higher than some competitors like SiteGround. However, it’s still considered cost-effective given the features and performance it offers (source: Tool Tester).

Under the VPS hosting, there are three categories namely, Standard, Enhanced, and Ultimate (Please note that these prices are promotional and can increase upon renewal and also vary depending on region)

Dedicated Hosting: For the ultimate performance and control, dedicated hosting is the way to go. With a dedicated server, you have full access to all server resources and can customize your environment as needed. The Standard plan for dedicated hosting is priced at $99.99 per month. This is nearly $10 cheaper than HostGator, making it a competitive option for those seeking dedicated resources (source: Website Builder Expert).

Under Dedicated hosting, there are three categories namely, Standard, Enhanced, and Premium (Please note that these prices are promotional and can increase upon renewal and vary depending on region)

WordPress Hosting: WordPress hosting is designed specifically for websites and blogs using the popular content management system (CMS), WordPress. Bluehost is often recommended for WordPress hosting due to its ease of use and reliability. It’s ideal for beginners starting with WordPress (source: Themeisle).

Under WordPress hosting, there are Four categories namely, Basic, Choice Plus, Online Store, and Pro (Please note that these prices are promotional and can increase upon renewal and vary depending on region).

WooCommerce Hosting: This is a specialized form of hosting for online stores built on WooCommerce, a popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress. Bluehost offers dedicated WooCommerce hosting plans with features like pre-installed WooCommerce, SSL certificate, and specialized support. The prices for these plans start at $12.95 a month (source: HostingAdvice).

Overall, Bluehost offers a blend of superlative support, security, and reliability at an easy-to-stomach price (source: Crazy Egg). However, as with any web host, the best plan for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Bluehost Hosting management: how easy is it to use?

Bluehost’s hosting management is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for users of all skill levels to manage their websites and server environments. The Bluehost control panel, known as cPanel, is a popular choice among web hosting providers due to its simplicity and functionality.

With cPanel, users can easily manage domains, email accounts, databases, security settings, and more. It also offers one-click installation of popular applications like WordPress, making it ideal for beginners or those without technical knowledge.

In addition to cPanel, Bluehost also provides a custom website builder called Weebly, which allows users to easily create and customize websites without coding knowledge. This makes it easier for small business owners or individuals looking to create a professional website without hiring a web developer.

Additionally, Bluehost and GoDaddy, two popular web hosting providers, both offer easy website management. However, Bluehost is particularly recognized for its user-friendly interface according to CyberNews.

Bluehost Security Features

Bluehost offers a range of security features to its customers, making it a reliable option for those concerned about the safety of their websites. Here are some key security features that we came across in our research while preparing the Bluehost review:

1. SSL Certificates: Bluehost provides free SSL certificates for all accounts. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security technology that encrypts data transferred between a web server and a browser, thus safeguarding your website’s data (CyberNews).
2. Site Backups: Bluehost offers complimentary data backup and easy restoration for hosted websites. This ensures that you can recover your website data in case of any accidental loss or damage according to Bluehost Blog.
3. Secure FTP: Bluehost supports Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which allows you to transfer files securely between your local machine and your server (Quora).
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To add an extra layer of protection to your account, Bluehost offers two-factor authentication. This requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing their account according to Bluehost security features update
5. Email Security: Bluehost provides three levels of email security – Spam Experts, Spam Hammer, and Apache Spam Assassin. These tools help protect your email account from spam and other malicious threats (Mageplaza).
6. Firewalls: Bluehost uses powerful firewalls to protect your website against unauthorized access and various online threats (Digital.com).

while Bluehost offers a variety of security features, it’s also important for users to follow best practices for website security, such as keeping their software updated and using strong passwords.

What sets Bluehost apart from other web hosting providers

There are many web hosting providers available, but Bluehost stands out for its strong emphasis on security. Here are some factors that set Bluehost apart from the rest:

1. Expertise in WordPress Security: Bluehost has a team of experts who specialize in securing WordPress websites. With over 2 million WordPress sites hosted on their platform, they have extensive experience in protecting these sites from security threats.
2. Custom-built Server Architecture: Bluehost has designed its own server architecture, which includes advanced storage systems and a custom firewall solution. This allows for better protection against DDoS attacks and other online threats.
3. Automated Backups: Bluehost offers automated backups for all of its hosting plans, ensuring that in the event of a security breach or other disaster, your website’s data can be easily restored.
4. SSL Certificates Included: With every hosting plan, Bluehost provides free SSL certificates to protect your website’s data and ensure secure browsing for your visitors.
5. 24/7 Network Monitoring: Bluehost has a dedicated team that monitors their network 24/7 for any suspicious activity, ensuring that any security threats are detected and addressed promptly.
6. Anti-Spam Solutions: Bluehost offers advanced anti-spam solutions to protect your website from malicious emails and spam attacks.
7. Knowledgeable Support Team: In case of any security concerns or issues, Bluehost’s support team is available 24/7 to provide assistance and guidance.

Bluehost customer service and support

Bluehost is known for its top-notch customer service and support. Their knowledgeable and friendly team is available 24/7 to assist customers with any concerns or issues they may have. They also offer a variety of support channels, including live chat, phone, and email, making it easy for customers to get in touch with them. Here are some key aspects of their customer support:

• 24/7 Phone Support: Bluehost provides round-the-clock phone support, which allows customers to connect with a support representative at any time. I have benefited from the support they have offered me over the years to run my websites with ease.

• Live Chat: They also offer live chat support that’s available 24/7. This feature is ideal for those who prefer text-based communication or need quick answers to simple questions according to Website Builder Expert). (In my request for support from Bluehost live chat has been my favorite because it helped me overcome issues affecting my website very fast )
• Email Support: Bluehost offers email support where you can submit your queries and receive a response from their team (Bluehost Support).
• Knowledge Base: Bluehost has an extensive knowledge base filled with articles, guides, and how-tos. This is a great resource for self-help and learning more about web hosting (Bluehost Help Center).
• Ticket System: For more complex issues, they have a ticket system where you can submit a detailed description of your problem and get a solution from their support team (HostAdvice).
• Social Media Support: Bluehost also responds to customer queries on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

While their customer support is generally seen as responsive and helpful, some users have reported longer wait times during peak hours or for more complex issues. As with any service, experiences may vary.

Bluehost e-commerce hosting

Bluehost also offers specialized hosting plans for e-commerce websites/online stores. These plans come with additional features and tools specifically designed to help online stores succeed.

Some of the e-commerce key features identified during the Bluehost review include:

• Domain Privacy: Protect your personal information from being displayed on the internet by adding domain privacy to your plan.
• SSL Certificates: Bluehost provides free SSL certificates with their e-commerce hosting plans, ensuring secure transactions on your website.
• Online Store Setup: Bluehost has a one-click installation for popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce and Magento, making it easy to set up your online store.
• Marketing Tools: With Bluehost’s e-commerce plans, you have access to marketing tools such as Google AdWords credit and email marketing tools to help promote your online store.
• 24/7 Monitoring: To ensure the security and uptime of your online store, Bluehost offers 24/7 monitoring services.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily upgrade to a higher hosting plan with Bluehost to accommodate increased traffic and sales.
• Expert Support: Bluehost’s e-commerce hosting plans come with expert support from their technical team, who can assist with any issues or questions related to your online store.

Whether you are just starting with your online business or have an established e-commerce site, Bluehost’s specialized hosting plans offer the tools and support needed for success. With reliable uptime, fast loading speeds, and dedicated e-commerce features.

Is Bluehost good for affiliate marketing websites?

Yes, Bluehost is considered a good platform for building affiliate marketing websites.

Bluehost has been around for a long time and is well known in the web hosting industry. It offers a range of affordable hosting plans, starting at $2.95, making it an attractive option for those looking to start affiliate marketing.

According to a blog post on Bluehost’s own site, using a website builder like WordPress in conjunction with a shared hosting service like Bluehost can result in a professional-looking website with little effort. Thus it is a guarantee that with Bluehost you can build a professional-looking Affiliate website with ease and begin your hustling journey.

Furthermore, we at Hustle Nerds, have used Bluehost for several years and have been consistently impressed with the reliability and performance of their hosting services. From our personal experience, we can confidently recommend Bluehost to small business owners, bloggers, Affiliate Marketers and entrepreneurs looking for a budget-friendly and reliable hosting solution. Their customer support is top-notch and their user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to get started with creating and managing whatever type of website they build.

Pros and cons of Bluehost

Pros:

• Affordable pricing: Bluehost offers affordable hosting plans with a range of features suitable for various websites.
• User-friendly interface: Their user-friendly control panel makes it easy to set up and manage your website, even for beginners.
• Reliable uptime: With an average uptime of 99.98%, Bluehost ensures that your website stays up and running.
• Free domain name: When you sign up for a hosting plan, Bluehost offers a free domain name for the first year.
• Security features: Bluehost provides advanced security features such as Sitelock Security and Codeguard Basic to keep your website safe from malware and hacks.

Cons:

• Renewal prices can be higher: After the initial discount period, renewal prices for hosting plans can increase significantly.
• Limited storage: The basic shared hosting plan offers only 10 GB of storage, which may not be enough for larger websites.
• Upselling tactics: Some users have reported experiencing upselling tactics when purchasing a hosting plan or add-ons.

What are the limitations of Bluehost?

In our review of Bluehost features, pricing, and hosting plans, Bluehost is generally well-regarded for its affordability, uptime, customer service, and free SSL certificates. However, like any hosting provider, it also comes with some limitations. Here are a few that we came across in our Bluehost review:

1. Storage Limitations: The Basic plan allows for only 1 website and has a storage limit of 10 GB, which may not be enough for larger projects (Tooltester).
2. File Count Limit: Bluehost allocates fewer users per server and each user is given a file count of 300,000. This means there is a limit to the number of files you can have (Bitcatcha).
3. Renewal Price: While their initial prices are competitive, Bluehost’s renewal prices can be significantly higher (Make A Website Hub).
4. No Root Access: Shared plans have a lot of restrictions so that websites on one server remain isolated. If you need root access to the server, this might be a limitation (Bluehost).
5. Database Limits: Server performance can degrade when the MySQL usage is over 5,000 tables and/or 10 GB on a single account or 5,000 tables and/or 5 GB on a shared or reseller account (Bluehost).
6. Scalability: While Bluehost offers scalability, it’s worth noting that upgrading to a higher plan will come with increased costs (Quick Sprout).

Bluehost review: Conclusion

As we come to a close of our Bluehost review, we want to highlight some key takeaways from our experience with this popular web hosting provider. First and foremost, Bluehost offers a reliable and budget-friendly option for individuals and small businesses looking to create a website. With their easy-to-use interface and one-click WordPress installation, even those with limited technical knowledge can quickly set up a professional-looking site.

Another standout feature of Bluehost is its excellent customer support. Whether you have a question about your account or need help troubleshooting an issue, their 24/7 support team is always available via phone, live chat, or email.

In terms of performance, Bluehost boasts impressive uptime and fast loading speeds. This is crucial for any website, as slow load times can significantly impact user experience and even affect your search engine rankings.

When it comes to pricing, Bluehost offers competitive plans with flexible options to fit different needs and budgets. For those just starting out, their shared hosting plans start as low as $2.95 per month. If you need more resources or want to upgrade in the future, they also offer VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting options.

While there are some downsides such as higher renewal prices and limited storage, Bluehost remains a popular choice among users for its overall quality of service. Whether you’re just starting with a small website or have more complex hosting needs, Bluehost has various plans to choose from. So if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable web hosting option, Bluehost is worth considering from our analysis of its web hosting services. Remember to always do your own research and compare different hosting providers before making a decision that best fits your specific needs and budget.