Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick in this Hostinger vs Bluehost comparison? The better web hosting provider for most people is Hostinger.
Introduction to our Hostinger vs Bluehost Comparison test:
Getting a good hosting service is one of the necessary things to do when one puts up a website. So you have to consider getting a hosting service that works: one that never seems to have any downtime, one that can scale up when you feel that your site’s horizons need expanding, and – most especially – one that’s priced just right for your budget.
In this particular review, Hostinger vs Bluehost, we will see how these two stalwarts of the online hosting sector fare against each other and which one works best for today’s site creators.
Overview:
Hostinger:
Founded in Lithuania in 2004 as Hosting Media and renamed to its current brand persona in 2011, Hostinger boasts of having over 29 million users in nearly 180 countries. Its constant drive for innovation and development has made it a company to watch and it is considered one of Europe’s most trusted tech brands.
Bluehost:
Since 2003, Bluehost has been considered one of the world’s top 20 hosting providers. One reason for this is because it’s a WordPress Premium Partner. Over two million sites use it to host websites and ecommerce hubs made using WordPress.org.
Ease of Use:
Hostinger:
We have to hand it to this European stalwart: Hostinger was developed with optimal ease of use in mind. The 2021 iteration of the platform’s user interface (UI) does away with the classic cPanel which has become pro forma for many hosting services and site builders. Instead, it relies upon its own proprietary management dashboard that has been designed to be intuitive and offers maximum accessibility for users. Plus, the learning curve on this one isn’t so hard.
Bluehost:
Simple on the outside, but not so simple on the inside is the best way we can describe Bluehost at this point in the review. Technically, it’s easy enough to set up, but running the backend of the platform may be a pain in the backside for complete novices. Customised settings for CMS, DNS, and FTP need to be set manually – and this can be challenging unless you have a reliable tech person on your team.
Winner – Hostinger! Hostinger takes this ‘Ease of Use' round in our Hostinger vs Bluehost showdown.
Features:
Let's examine what features our contenders bring in this Hostinger vs Bluehost comparison.
Domain Names:
Does Bluehost or Hostinger offer domain registration?
Hostinger:
Only one domain name comes free if you’re on either the Premium or Business web hosting plans. If you need additional domain names, it will cost you $8.99 annually.
Bluehost:
Like Hostinger Bluehost offers a similar deal: one subscriber = one domain. As above, additional domains and/or domain names will set you back by a certain amount, and the price is dependent on the base cost of your subscription package.
Email Rating:
Do either Hostinger or Bluehost offer email service?
Hostinger:
At its most basic, Hostinger allows subscribers just one email address per plan. However, if you’re on either a Premium or Business subscription, you’re allowed to create 100 email inboxes for your account. We think it’s worth the cost.
Bluehost:
Bluehost allows users on the most basic subscription plan to create five mailboxes for their accounts. Those on mid-tier and premium plans, however, have the option to create as many inboxes as necessary.
Databases:
Let's talk databases – what do Hostinger vs Bluehost bring to the table?
Hostinger:
Those on Hostinger’s Single Web Hosting subscription plan can only use one MySQL database, but those on more expensive plans can create an unlimited number of databases for their sites.
Bluehost:
Even at its most basic, Bluehost still gives users a better deal when it comes to databases. Users can create 20 databases for their accounts if they’re on the starter plan, while those on mid-tier and premium plans can create an unlimited number of databases.
Applications:
How many and what sort of applications can you install with Hostinger or Bluehost?
Hostinger:
The platform offers a one-click installer that enables users to download, install, and use a number of popular software packages and applications, including WordPress and a number of ecommerce solutions. In which case, it can be said that this will enable Hostinger subscribers to use the full range of applications and plugins available for WordPress users.
Bluehost:
Because Bluehost is a preferred partner for WordPress, you can use all 60,000 apps and plugins offered by the building platform, including the ecommerce plugin WooCommerce.
Hostinger vs Bluehost for WordPress:
So which is better Hostinger vs Bluehost for WordPress?
Both of these hosting platforms do work with WordPress and they both allow you to take full advantage of the many sub-apps and plugins available for the CMS builder. However, we need to stress at this point that most of these plugins were developed by members of WordPress’ online community – which means that some have not necessarily gone through the developmental protocols of applications made by professional developers, so their reliability may come under question.
Site Staging:
Does Bluehost or Hostinger offer a staging environment?
Hostinger:
For WordPress sites, yes. Users may find that staging is only available if the default site builder used for their site is WordPress, as the building platform has its own staging tool built into its UI.
Bluehost:
This is one instance where you can be grateful that Bluehost is one of WordPress’ technical partners. The staging feature included in the WordPress interface gives users and developers a sandbox in which they can test sites for functionality and browser appeal before going live.
Website Builder:
Are either Hostinger or Bluehost capable of website creation?
Hostinger:
The good news: Hostinger does have its own website building platform called Zyro. Zyro can actually stand alone and you can have a site made with it hosted on a different platform, but why go farther? It touts that you can build a site with it in minutes: just choose a template, customise it to your liking, and then publish online.
The bad news: creative options are somewhat limited, so you may have to consider using a third-party builder like Wix and Weebly for standard websites or Squarespace and Shopify for an online store if you want maximum flexibility in terms of design and functionality.
Bluehost:
The good news: Bluehost has its own site builder, too. Both Bluehost or Hostinger deliver on the promise of letting you create a functional site in barely any time at all.
The bad news: Like WordPress, it’s CMS-driven so it offers a whole lot less in terms of spanking-fancy templates or more advanced bells and whistles. We daresay you’re better off working with WordPress on your site.
eCommerce and SSL certificate:
What about when you have an online store – what provisions does Hostinger vs Bluehost have?
Hostinger:
The platform offers ecommerce-specific hosting plans and these usually include applications for order, inventory, and tax management, along with provisions for monitoring shipping and delivery.
A free SSL certificate is already included across all subscription packages, but the coverage is quite basic. If you pay a little extra, Hostinger will upgrade your basic SSL to a Comodo SSL certificate which allows for ample security for ecommerce sites.
Bluehost:
Bluehost supports websites using the WooCommerce plugin, but does not offer hosting packages specific for ecommerce site creation and hosting.
Across all subscriptions, SSL certificates are already included when you sign up for a hosting plan.
Hostinger vs Bluehost for Security and Backups:
The Web has malware lurking in every corner – so how does Bluehost vs Hostinger provide you peace of mind in terms of website security? How often does Bluehost or Hostinger perform backups?
Hostinger:
In this Hostinger or Bluehost comparison, Hostinger ensures the security of user sites through a two-factor authentication process. In which case, site owners can use either or both their email and phone number to identify themselves as the owner of the account.
Likewise, automated backups are included across all subscription packages and these are done on a weekly basis.
Bluehost:
Along with a triple-layer spam filter to keep out unwanted messages or marketing materials, Bluehost gives its users password-protected directories, as well as one-click integration with Cloudflare to work against potential DDoS attacks.
Note, however, in this Bluehost vs Hostinger comparison, that site backup for Bluehost only available for those on mid-tier and premium hosting. For those who do have the feature available to them, backups are done on a daily basis.
Winner – Draw! We’re calling this Bluehost vs Hostinger ‘Features match a draw.
Hostinger vs Bluehost for Performance:
Now that we've dealt with ease of use and features of our contenders – Hostinger vs Bluehost – let's talk performance. Which is faster and has better uptime – Bluehost or Hostinger?
Server Locations:
In this Hostinger vs Bluehost ciomparison, we all know that server locations and number of data centres matter. So how do Bluehost or Hostinger compare?
Hostinger:
In this Hostinger or Bluehost match-up, the former's servers are located in seven countries. Its headquarters in Lithuania, the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Bluehost:
For this Bluehost or Hostinger comparison, Bluehost’s nerve center is located in Provo, Utah with an auxiliary data center in the neighbouring town of Orem. Its global servers are located in the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.
Speed Results:
The need for speed is a key criterion in this Bluehost vs Hostinger comparison. So which has faster loading times – Bluehost vs Hostinger?
Hostinger:
Comparing Hostinger vs Bluehost, Hostinger is faster. It is one of the fastest in the business as it clocks in at 345 milliseconds.
Bluehost:
The average loading time for sites hosted through the service is currently at 3.22 seconds.
Average Uptime, Bandwidth, and Webspace limits/Storage:
Uptime is crucial to the success of any website or blog. So how does Bluehost vs Hostinger measure up in terms of uptime? What storage capacities does Bluehost or Hostinger offer? Are there bandwidth limits in Hostinger or Bluehost we should know about?
Hostinger:
Unfortunately, for this Hostinger vs Bluehost derby, fast doesn’t always mean reliable. In Hostinger’s case, it falls short of the global standard uptime as its uptime only hits 99.91%
Likewise, while its Premium and Business subscriptions offer unlimited amounts of both bandwidth and storage, the most basic account only gives users 100GB of bandwidth and 10GB of storage.
Bluehost:
Unlimited is the keyword where Bluehost is concerned where bandwidth is concerned. Unlimited bandwidth is provided across all plans, but storage is another story. Those on the most basic plan only get 50GB; on other tiers, storage is unlimited.
Also, the service falls behind slightly in terms of uptime: Bluehost’s uptime is currently pegged at 99.98% – but that’s still considerably better than Hostinger’s.
Winner – Draw! in this Bluehost vs Hostinger ‘Performance' matchup. Hostinger may take the lead in terms of speed, but Bluehost takes the Performance round in terms of reliability.
Hostinger vs Bluehost for Support and Resources:
Getting prompt and competent help is important in our Bluehost vs Hostinger comparison. How many support channels does Bluehost or Hostinger have? Do Hostinger or Bluehost have a great knowledge database?
Hostinger:
In this Hostinger or Bluehost match-up, Hostinger has multiple channel support. It is available 24/7. Moreover, it has the additional advantage of having a multilingual support team who can talk to users in their native language for clarity.
The platform’s knowledge base is also quite extensive and it is regularly updated.
Bluehost:
Comparing Bluehost or Hostinger, Bluehost offers 24/7 customer and technical service via email, LiveChat, and phone. Its knowledge base is also well-maintained.
Winner – Draw! Again, we are calling this Hostinger vs Bluehost ‘Support and Resources' showdown a draw.
Hostinger vs Bluehost Pricing :
No matter how great the features or performance may be, it won't do any good if you can't afford the web host. So in his Hostinger or Bluehost review, which has better value for money?
Plans:
Here are the pricing plans offered by Hostinger or Bluehost:
Hostinger:
As of September 2021, price ranges for Hostinger's subscription plans are as follows:
- Shared web hosting: $0.99 – $3.99 per month.
- WordPress hosting: $1.99 – $11.59 per month.
- VPS hosting: $3.95 – $29.95 per month.
- Cloud hosting: $7.45 – $37 per month.
- Windows VPS hosting: $26 – $250 per month.
- Minecraft hosting: $8.95 – $29.95 per month.
>> Check for our latest Hostinger discount code pricing plans <<
Bluehost:
Comparing Bluehost or Hostinger, this hosting service’s subscription plans will set users back between $3.95 and $13.95 every month. Take note, however, that key security features are only offered for all plans except for Basic Hosting.
WordPress Pro plans start from $19.95;
Scalable corporate or enterprise plans can cost up to $119.99 per month.
>> Check for our latest GoDadddy discount code pricing plans <<
Free trial, refund policy, and money-back guarantee:
Hostinger:
Like many of its contemporaries, Hostinger no longer offers a trial period. It does, however, have a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can ask for a refund within the first 30 days if you aren't satisfied with the service.
Bluehost:
Bluehost offers a thirty-day free trial; after which, users must commit to a paid subscription plan. If you aren’t satisfied with the service, you may cancel your paid subscription within the first thirty days for a refund.
Winner – Hostinger! In terms of value for money, we’re giving this Hostinger vs Bluehost ‘Pricing' round to Hostinger.
Comparison Winner: Hostinger vs Bluehost?
This is a close call. Despite the fact that the two hosting services – Bluehost vs Hostinger – are equally matched in terms of features and service quality, we are calling this match for Hostinger as Comparison Winner.
Conclusion and Recommendations to our Hostinger vs Bluehost Comparison:
What is Hostinger best for?
Hostinger is an excellent choice for site creators on a tight budget, but it also offers a scalable platform that grows along with the site and/or the business.
What is Bluehost best for?
Bluehost is a great choice for long-time WordPress users who want to step up their site-building game.
Hostinger vs Bluehost Alternatives:
| Ranking | Hosting Company | Our View |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WPX Hosting | Best for Managed Wordpress Hosting |
| 2 | SiteGround | Best for Customer Support *Wordpress.org Recommended! |
| 3 | Kinsta | Best for Uptime |
| 4 | A2 Hosting | Best for Reliability |
| 5 | GreenGeeks | Best Budget Friendly *Eco-Friendly Hosting |
| 6 | Bluehost | Best for Beginners *Wordpress.org Recommended! |
| 7 | Nexcess | Best for small & medium eCommerce enterprises built in WooCommerce or Magento |
| 8 | LiquidWeb | Best for medium and large eCommerce enterprises |
| 9 | Scala Hosting | Best for VPS or Dedicated Hosting |
| 10 | Digital Ocean | Best for Cloud Hosting (Advanced Users) |
Delver deeper and look for alternatives that are a better fit. For instance, look into Hostinger vs Bluehost vs Siteground comparisons.
Hostinger vs Bluehost Final word:
We may have called our Hostinger vs Bluehost comparison in favour of Hostinger, but we recommend that you shop around online for a hosting service that suits your particular requirements.
Click for the best Hostinger pricing
FAQs:
Do either of these platforms offer a staging feature?
Not a proprietary one, but both use the one-click staging tool that comes when you install WordPress.
Can I use a different site builder with these platforms?
Yes, as both have their own proprietary site-building platforms and you may also choose to use an ecommerce-specific building tool.
That’s all for now:
If you've read our Hostinger vs Bluehost comparison review up to here, we are grateful. Remember always to keep abreast of the latest developments on website builders, eCommerce, and other articles, such as the ones below;
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