Quick summary
- Best for: Small sites, business sites and online stores on WordPress
- Main strength: Clear tiered plans for small sites through stores
- Keep in mind: Renewal prices are noticeably higher than intro prices
Overview
Choosing hosting is easier when you can see the full cost. Bluehost is a long-running web host that markets WordPress hosting for small sites, business sites and online stores, and is listed as a hosting provider recommended by WordPress.org.
This page is based on Bluehost's public information. We have not hosted a site with it, so we describe stated features rather than rank performance. Intro prices rise at renewal, so we show both. Confirm current terms on the official website.
Bluehost at a glance
Key features
Free domain for the first year
A domain is included for the first year; renewal pricing applies afterwards.
Free SSL certificate
An SSL certificate is included so your site can load over HTTPS.
Daily backups and updates
Automatic WordPress updates and daily backups are listed on all plans.
Security tools
Malware scanning, DDoS protection and a web application firewall are listed.
Performance
NVMe SSD storage and a global CDN are listed, with storage from 10GB on Starter to 100GB on eCommerce Essentials.
Migration tool
A free site migration tool is listed for moving an existing WordPress site.
24/7 support
Chat and phone support is listed as available around the clock.
Who it suits and who may look elsewhere
A good fit if you are
- First-time site owners who want WordPress set up with guidance
- Small businesses that want backups, SSL and support included
- Store owners comparing an eCommerce-ready plan
You may prefer another option if
- Anyone who needs a very low price after the first term
- Large sites that need custom server control
- Buyers who dislike intro-price-then-renewal pricing
Pricing and plans
Bluehost lists Starter at $3.99 per month renewing at $9.99, Business at $6.99 renewing at $13.99, and eCommerce Essentials at $14.99 renewing at $21.99. Intro prices apply to the first term and renewal prices apply after. A 30-day money-back guarantee is stated. Always check the official pricing page for the current term length and total.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear tiered plans for small sites through stores
- Domain, SSL and backups included
- Migration tool and 24/7 support listed
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Recommended hosting listed by WordPress.org
Cons
- Renewal prices are noticeably higher than intro prices
- Visit limits apply per plan
- Free domain is for the first year only
- Advanced users may want more server control
How to get started
- Estimate your monthly visitors and storage needs.
- Compare Starter, Business and eCommerce Essentials.
- Check the intro price, the renewal price and the term length.
- Check what is and is not included in the first-year domain offer.
- Plan your backup and migration steps before switching.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What is the renewal price, not just the intro price?
- How many visitors do I expect?
- Do I need the eCommerce plan?
- How will I back up before migrating?
Frequently asked questions
Does the price go up after the first term?
Yes. Bluehost lists intro prices and higher renewal prices for each plan, for example Starter at $3.99 renewing at $9.99 per month.
Is the domain really free?
A domain is included for the first year. Check the official terms for renewal cost.
Can I move an existing WordPress site?
A free site migration tool is listed. Review the instructions on the official site first.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
A 30-day money-back guarantee is stated. Read the full terms before you buy.
Ready to look at Bluehost?
Check current plans, terms and features on the official website before you decide.
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