I am starting my review of web hosts starting with BlueHost. BlueHost is highly recommend by the makers of WordPress as a preferred host.
This article does include BlueHost affiliate links and if you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is BlueHost
Established in 1996, BlueHost is now one of the largest web hosting companies in the world, powering over 2 million websites. They are based in Orem, Utah and pride themselves in offering 24/7 support. Since 2006, BlueHost has been an officially recommended WordPress hosting partner.
In 2010, they joined the Endurance International Group’s family of hosting brands. They released their Optimized Hosting for WordPress plans in 2014.
Shared Hosting Plans
BlueHost offers a wide range of hosting plans for everyone from complete beginners to larger businesses. Their plans include shared hosting, VPS, dedicated server, cloud hosting, eCommerce hosting, and managed WordPress hosting.
For beginners, BlueHost’s affordable shared hosting plans are perfect for getting started. All plans have unmetered bandwidth, and their Plus and Prime plans also include unlimited websites, storage space, and email accounts.
Basic = this basic plan is a great option for people who plan on starting their first site. You don’t need unlimited space for a starter site. One domain name is included, and just about everything else you need for your starter site is packaged into the basic plan.
Plus = The ideal choice for people who need a bit more space for their site. A great happy medium between the three plan options.
Prime = The big shot plan. Great for people who really do need those add-ons included into their package. Also perfect for people who want to make sure their site backup is included in the base rate.
BlueHost offers a wide range of hosting plans for everyone from complete beginners to larger businessesClick To TweetCloud Hosting
The cloud hosting plans offer a bit more power and flexibility for users who are more technically inclined. You can add CPU and RAM a la carte as needed, and get detailed performance data on your dashboard.
Managed WordPress Hosting
For those with growing WordPress sites who need more powerful hosting without wanting to deal with all the technical details, BlueHost offers managed hosting optimized for WordPress.
The managed WordPress hosting comes in four levels: WP Standard, WP Enhanced, WP Premium, and WP Ultimate. BlueHost’s WordPress hosting uses specially optimized VPS technology, without the hassle of having to manage your own server.
Customer Service
BlueHost staffs over 750 people who’re there around the clock to make sure you receive the best service.
Technical support is available 24/7 via phone, live chat, and support ticket. You can choose from either general support or WordPress-specific support.
BlueHost has a team of in-house WordPress experts who can help you to setup and use WordPress, migrate your WordPress website, troubleshoot WordPress, and more.
UpTime
They’re not perfect, but not too bad. On average, their up time is about 99.3%.
Control Panel
The BlueHost Control Panel is straightforward and very intuitive. All of your go-to items are there for you, with instructions and resources right at your fingertips.
It’s easy to manage your email, monitor web performance, keep tabs on your account, error messages, and more.
Data Backups
BlueHost initiates automatic backups of your account every day, week, and month. Your site can be restored by you, or you can choose to take advantage of the special service Bluehost offers (pro version), that has the capability to restore particular files in your database.
Tutorials and Training
BlueHost also offers a number of self-help resources on their website and a YouTube channel with detailed tutorials on every aspect of web hosting and getting started with WordPress.
Is BlueHost Right for You?
Now that you have read through my entire BlueHost review, you might be wondering whether BlueHost is the right web host for you?
For small business owners just getting started with their websites, BlueHost’s shared hosting plans are ideal. Their excellent customer support is always there if you need help creating your website.
BlueHost is also an excellent choice if you’re just starting a blog or an online store.
Once your business website grows in traffic and popularity, BlueHost offers plenty of options to upgrade your account. With their managed WordPress hosting plan, you can focus on growing your business instead of dealing with the technical details of web hosting.
Money Back Guarantee
BlueHost covers its plans with a 30-day money back guarantee. That means if you cancel within the first 30 days, you will get a full refund. If you choose to cancel after that, you will get a prorated refund for the period of your hosting term which you have not used. Domain fees are not refundable.
Conclusions and Review
For people who need a ton of space and plan to host many sites on one web host, perhaps look elsewhere. You’ll be fine with BlueHost, but this might not be the best solution for you.
For bloggers and first time website “starters”, BlueHost is a legitimate option for you. You’ll experience quick startup, ease of use, and quality uptime. It’s cheap and effective. Can’t really ask for more than that. Click the link below to explore the BlueHost site. Link will open in a new window.
Do You use BlueHost? Have you used them in the past? I would like to know your thoughts about BlueHost in the comments below.
Robin McDonald
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Hey Rob,
I just signed up with Blue Host for another site I operate in January and it’s been a great experience so far. I had a problem early on but they were able to fix it promptly and the shared hosting is more than enough for now, since that new site isn’t generating a boatload of traffic yet.
I haven’t experienced any down time as Bren suggested, but I’m not bothered by that right now since the site is early. I’d have a major problem with it later on, but I’ll worry about that when the time comes.
– Andrew
Hey Andrew and thanks for stopping by.
I am glad your experience with Blue Host has been good so far. Its good to know that when you have a problem, a web host is able to fix it promptly.
Andrew, I am also glad to hear that you have not experienced any down time yet with Blue Host. It makes a big difference when you have confidence in your web host. It takes a little of the worry out of having a website if you don’t have to worry about your web host.
Thanks for your feedback on Blue Host Andrew, and I hope you have a great week!
–Rob
Robin McDonald recently posted…WordPress Web Hosting With Bluehost
Hello Bob,
Blue host is an amazing platform to host our website. It is important that we host our website with a service provider who is reliable. We often hear complaints like web server down, these technical snags will have a negative impact on the SEO of that particular website.
A good web host always gives the end user a better user experience.
Hey Nishant and thanks for stopping by my blog.
It is good to hear your positive feedback on BlueHost. The makers of WordPress still recommend them so I have to think that they are not all bad. Yet still there has been some that are not too happy with them.
Nishant, I think it is good to hear user experiences, like yourself, so that people looking for a web host can have some basis to make their decision on.
Thanks, for your comment Nishant and hope you have a great week!
–Rob
Robin McDonald recently posted…WordPress Web Hosting With Bluehost
Hey Rob!
I’ve used Bluehost many years ago and once again this past year when they approached me to become an affiliate. Years ago, I loved them. This past year, I found myself getting a lot of downtime, well more than the norm during my first month of hosting. However, I find myself still giving them the benefit of the doubt. Several of my client’s host on Bluehost, those I haven’t converted to SiteGround, and there are mixed reviews. Some have no issues and others can’t stand it. The biggest complaint I have found is Customer Technical Service. However, again, it is about 50/50. At first, I decided not to be affiliated with them, but after thinking long and hard about the other worse alternatives, Bluehost is ranked amongst 3 in my recommended web hosts.
I don’t think it would be so bad for a hobby blogger, someone who isn’t monetizing and not expecting a lot of traffic to use Bluehost. But any type of business, I wouldn’t recommend because downtime is imminent.
I appreciate your review, Rob. I would love to read the opinions of your other commenters. Thank you for sharing this!
Bren
Hey Bren,
Thanks for stopping by.
Yeah, I agree with you I have been getting mixed reviews as well. I know they are one of the hosting companies that is owned by EIG, same as Hostgator, who I don’t recommend, but they are still recommended by the makers of WordPress. So I try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Sometimes you don’t really know if a host is right for you until you try. That’s why I like to get feedback from users like yourself. The biggest thing I noticed with them is the customer service. That seems to be a issue with all companies that belong to EIG.
Anyway, thanks for experience with them, I am sure my readers will appreciate that when it comes time to pick a web host.
–Rob
Robin McDonald recently posted…WordPress Web Hosting With Bluehost