Choosing the right web hosting provider is a big decision. In this article, we’ll be comparing two popular choices: Cloudways vs Bluehost.
Both Cloudways and Bluehost are quite popular and they offer some unique features and benefits, but which host is the best fit for your website needs? We’ll break down the differences, so you can make an informed choice.
Cloudways is known for its flexible cloud hosting options, allowing you to choose from multiple cloud providers. Bluehost, on the other hand, is often praised for its user-friendly approach, especially for beginners.
Understanding what each service offers and how they stack up against each other is critical. After all, you want to go with the best, right?
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of which web hosting service aligns best with your website’s needs.
In this article:
So, let’s begin with a quick overview of Cloudways and Bluehost.
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Overview
Cloudways Hosting Overview
Cloudways is a unique hosting platform that’s different from the usual ones you might have seen. Instead of having its own servers, it lets you pick from five top-notch cloud providers: DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud. This means you get to choose the best fit for your site’s needs.
Cloudways is all about giving you great performance at a lower cost.
With Cloudways, you get a ton of features like server-level backups, free SSL certificates, and a built-in CDN, all aimed at making your site faster and more secure. The performance is impressive too.
Most of the websites load in under half a second!
That’s really quick, especially when you think about the price.
Also, when your site gets busy, Cloudways can easily handle the traffic. You can also easily allocate more resources for your site if needed.
Top Benefits of Cloudways
Here are some key features and benefits you should know:
- Choice of multiple top-notch Cloud Providers: Pick from DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, or Google Cloud platform.
- Performance: Super quick loading times, even under pressure.
- Server Management: Easy to use dashboard for managing your server.
- Pricing: Starts at an affordable rate, with a 3-day free trial to test things out.
- Support: 24/7 help available through live chat.
- Security: Automatic backups and free SSL to keep your site safe.
Even with all these cool features, Cloudways isn’t perfect.
It’s great for those of you who’ve been around the website block a few times but might be a bit much if you’re just starting.
It offers awesome performance for the price.
But, the cost of Cloudways can add up if you need more resources.
And while you get help with server issues, if your WordPress site has a hiccup, that’s more on you to fix, unless you opt for their paid support.
Pros of Cloudways
- Your site loads fast, even with lots of visitors.
- Things like staging sites and performance plugins are included.
- Server-level SMTP means less hassle for sending emails.
- Host as many sites as your server can handle.
Cons of Cloudways
- Not the easiest for absolute beginners.
- You’ll need a separate service for custom email addresses.
- Prices jump as you upgrade.
Starting Price of Cloudways
Cloudways starts at just $10 a month, which is pretty good for what you get. Plus, there’s a 3-day free trial and you don’t need a credit card.
If you’re after top performance for your site and have a bit of website experience, Cloudways could be just what you’re looking for!
Bluehost Overview
Bluehost is one of the big names in the web hosting world. It’s known for strong customer service, solid uptime, and great value for money. If you’re thinking about hosting a WordPress site, Bluehost is a top pick. They’re so good that WordPress itself recommends them since 2005! That’s a big deal.
With over two million websites powered by Bluehost worldwide, it’s pretty clear they’re doing something right.
Top Benefits of Bluehost
- Seamless WordPress integration: One-click setups make it a breeze.
- Competitive pricing: With plans starting as low as $2.95 per month.
- Dependable features: Unmetered bandwidth, free domain, and cPanel access.
- Variety of hosting types: Shared, VPS, managed WordPress, and more.
Now, let’s get into what you might care about most: how it works for you.
With Bluehost, setting up your blog or website is easy, even if you’re not a tech genius. They offer a range of hosting plans, so whether you’re starting a small blog or a big online store, there’s something for you. And if you’re not happy with your current host, Bluehost makes switching pretty painless.
Pros of Bluehost
- It’s super user-friendly, especially for beginners.
- Great value for the features and performance you get.
- They promise 99.99%, which means your site mostly stays up.
- Even basic plans come loaded with useful tools.
Cons of Bluehost
- The renewal rates are quite high.
- The cheapest plan is quite basic, might need to upgrade as you grow.
Starting Price of Bluehost
When it comes to starting, prices are quite a steal.
Shared hosting can be as low as $2.95 per month for the first year. Remember, these are intro prices, and they go up later.
But even with the increase, you’re getting a lot for what you pay. Sometimes, they even have special deals or discounts. So keep an eye out for those!
In short, Bluehost offers a lot, especially if you’re into WordPress.
Sure, it’s got a few downsides, but which service doesn’t?
Overall, it’s a solid choice with a strong reputation. If you’re looking to start your online journey, Bluehost is definitely worth considering.
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Differences
| Feature/Aspect | Cloudways | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
| Started Business | 2012 | 2003 |
| Data Center Locations | US, CAN, EUR, ASIA, AUS, and more | Mainly in Provo, Utah (No other locations) |
| Hosting Type | Managed Cloud Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Optimized WordPress Hosting |
| Price Range | $10/mo – $2K+/mo | $2.95/mo – $14.99/mo (Renewal prices higher) |
| Bandwidth | Varies with the provider selected | Unlimited (subject to terms and conditions) |
| Storage | Depends on the cloud provider | 50 GB – Unlimited (plan dependent) |
| Email Hosting | No (Separate via Rackspace or Google Workspace) | Yes (Unlimited on certain plans) |
| Domain Hosting | Yes, but not provided directly | Yes |
| Free Domain | No | Yes (with annual billing) |
| Uptime | 99.99% | 99.98% |
| Free Site Migration | Yes | Yes, but only for “qualified” accounts |
| Website Staging | Available with all plans | Only with WP Pro Managed WordPress plans |
| Automatic Data Backups | Yes, with additional on-demand options | Yes, through CodeGuard |
| Customer Support | 24/7 with three tiers of expert support | 24/7 via phone, chat, and ticket |
| Security | Enterprise-grade with dedicated firewalls | Basic with optional upgrades which increase the cost |
| CDN | Cloudflare CDN | Cloudflare CDN (included with some plans) |
| Server Control | Full control of Cloud Server | cPanel based (less control over the environment) |
| Free Trial | 3 days (No credit card needed) | No free trial available |
| Refund Period | Pay as you go (First use, then pay), no refund | 30 Days |
| Website Builder | No | Yes |
| WordPress Recommended | Not officially | Yes |
| User Base/Market Focus | Developers and businesses seeking flexibility | Beginners and small to medium-sized websites |
| Special Features | Over 60 global data centers, Auto Healing Services, One-Click Scaling | Guided WordPress Site Creation, Customized WordPress Dashboard, Performance Caching |
| Ease of Use | More technical but manageable with a modern interface | Generally user-friendly with cPanel and Bluehost’s easy to use dashboard |
| Performance & Speed | Generally faster due to dedicated resources and advanced caching | Varies, generally slower than Cloudways due to shared resources with other sites |
| Flexibility & Control | High with full server control and choice of 5 cloud providers | Limited compared to Cloudways, more structured plans |
| Pricing Transparency | Clear, pay-as-you-go pricing model | Low introductory rates but higher renewal fees |
| Visit Cloudways ⟶ | Visit Bluehost ⟶ |
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Features
Key Features of Cloudways
- Managed Cloud Hosting
- Choice of 5 Cloud Providers (like AWS and Google Cloud)
- Free SSL Certificates
- Dedicated Firewalls
- 24/7 Real-time Monitoring
- Automated Backups
- Easy Scaling for server size
- Advanced Caching (Varnish, Memcached, Redis)
- 1-Click App Installations
- Staging Environment
- SSH and SFTP Access
- Team Collaboration Tools
- 24/7/365 Support
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Over 60 Global Data Centers
Key Features of Bluehost
- Variety of Hosting Options (Shared, VPS, Dedicated)
- Free Domain for the First Year
- Free SSL Certificate
- One-Click WordPress Install
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Customized cPanel for easy management
- Automatic WordPress Updates
- Unmetered Bandwidth
- Standard Performance on Shared Plans
- Free Email Accounts
- Spam Protection
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Marketing Credits for Google Ads
- SiteLock Security (Add-on)
- CodeGuard Backup (Add-on)
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Key Benefits
Cloudways is an excellent choice for managed cloud hosting.
They partner with five major cloud providers, including big names like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. This means you can pick where your website lives based on what’s fastest and most reliable for you.
Pretty cool, right?
Cloudways is known for speed and it’s important for keeping your visitors happy. Their servers use advanced technology to make sure your website loads quickly, making them a top contender for the title of fastest web hosting.
Now, here’s what might make you happy:
Cloudways users have access to over 60 data centers around the globe. This means you can choose a server close to where most of your visitors are, which can make your site even faster.
They don’t offer a free trial, but they do have a 3-day test run without needing a credit card. So, you can try before you buy.
On the other hand, Bluehost is a friendly web hosting provider for beginners. They’re super popular, because they make everything easy. They offer different types of hosting, but they don’t do cloud hosting like Cloudways.
Bluehost is officially recommended by WordPress, which is a big deal if you’re planning to use this web hosting platform. They also throw in a free domain name when you sign up, which is a nice perk.
And, here’s the thing you need to know:
While Bluehost is user-friendly and affordable to start, their speeds can be a bit slower compared to Cloudways. This is because you’re sharing resources with other websites on the same server.
And when your initial plan period is over, the prices jump up quite a bit.
So, who’s winning in Cloudways vs Bluehost?
If you’re all about having the fastest web hosting and don’t mind a more hands-on approach, Cloudways is your winner. They give you a lot of control and their technology is top-notch.
But, if you’re new to all this and want something more straightforward and wallet-friendly to start, choose Bluehost.
Cloudways often gets high ratings for their performance and support, while Bluehost is mostly praised for being beginner-friendly.
Winner: Tie
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Pricing
Cloudways pricing starts at around $10 a month and can go up to $2000+ a month, depending on what you need. This might sound a bit expensive, but, you’re getting top-notch, managed cloud hosting. This means your website can be super fast and you get lots of control.
Plus, with Cloudways, you pay as you go. So, you only pay for what you use, and there’s no long contract tying you down.
They even offer a 3-day free hosting trial, so you can see if you like it before you spend a penny. So, give it a try today if you didn’t already.
Now, Bluehost, on the other hand, is known for being really affordable, especially at the beginning. Their plans can begin as low as $2.95 a month. That’s less than a cup of coffee!
But here’s the catch: after your first term, the price jumps up.
That cheap plan can go up to around $12 a month when it’s time to renew. Plus, while Bluehost is great for beginners and offers a free domain. But, keep in mind that their shared hosting means you might not get the same speed and performance as you would with Cloudways.
So, who’s the winner in terms of pricing?
If you’re all about saving money right now and are just starting out, Bluehost might seem like the way to go. But if you’re thinking long-term and want a website that’s fast and can grow with you, investing a bit more in Cloudways could be worth it. It’s like buying a good pair of shoes; you want something that’ll last and be comfortable as you grow.
So, take a good look, maybe even try that free trial from Cloudways, and pick the one that feels right for you.
Winner: Bluehost
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Speed
Cloudways is the sports car of web hosting. Why? Because they use cloud servers, which means your website can run super fast. They partner with big names like Google and Amazon to make sure you get top-notch speed. Plus, they let you pick from over 60 data centers around the world.
With the help of Cloudways, you can choose a server close to where your visitors are, making your site even quicker.
Users often rave about its speed and performance, making Cloudways a high-performance hosting service overall.
Now, Bluehost is extremely popular, especially with new website owners. There are over two millions domains hosted.
But here’s the thing: they mostly offer shared hosting. This means your website shares a server with other sites. If another site gets really busy, it might slow down your website too.
Bluehost is still pretty good, especially if you’re starting out.
But, it might not be as fast as Cloudways.
Bluehost can still be sufficient for most websites. Generally, reviews and users often mention that Cloudways is faster.
That doesn’t mean Bluehost is bad, though!
It’s still a solid choice, especially if you’re watching your budget.
So, who’s the winner in the speed race? If we’re talking pure speed and performance, Cloudways takes the trophy.
But remember, Bluehost is still a strong contender, especially for new site owners who might not need super speed right away.
Winner: Cloudways
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Security
When it comes to keeping your website safe, both Cloudways and Bluehost have their armor on, but they’re kind of different.
Cloudways has got firewalls that protect your site from the bad guys trying to sneak in. Plus, they offer a free SSL certificate.
But that’s not all!
Cloudways takes backups of your site really seriously.
You can even decide how often you want these backups to happen, like every day or every week. And if something goes wrong, you can bring your site back with just a click.
Here’s a quick look at what Cloudways offers:
- Dedicated firewalls on servers
- Login security with two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Free SSL certificates
- Regular security patching
- Secure databases that are inaccessible to unauthorized users
- Automated backups or take backups on-demand
- IP whitelisting to create a list of trusted IP addresses
Now, let’s talk about Bluehost. They also give you a free SSL certificate, which is great for keeping things secure.
They do automatic backups too, but it’s a bit different. You can’t really choose how often they happen, and if you want more control, you might need to use extra tools or pay a bit more.
Bluehost tries to keep your website safe from hackers, but they don’t have as many security tools as Cloudways.
So, who wins the security battle? If we’re talking about having more tools and options to keep your site super safe and backed up, Cloudways is leading. But Bluehost isn’t too far behind, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t need all the extra bells and whistles.
Winner: Cloudways
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Free Trial
Cloudways is pretty cool because they offer a 3-day free trial.
Yep, you heard that right! For three whole days, you can test out their hosting service without paying a dime, and you don’t even need to give them your credit card info.
This is super handy because it lets you poke around, set up your site, and see how fast it is, all without paying anything.
People really like this option – try Cloudways for Free.
And, it’s one of the reasons Cloudways gets a lot of thumbs up in reviews.
But, Bluehost doesn’t offer a free trial like Cloudways does.
But, they do have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
So, if you sign up for Bluehost and decide within 30 days it’s not for you, you can get your money back. It’s not the same as a free trial because you have to pay upfront, but it does give you a safety net.
So, who’s the winner?
If we’re talking about free trial availability, Cloudways takes the cake. They let you dive in and try their service for free without even asking for your credit card. That’s pretty awesome and it’s something a lot of people love. Bluehost, while they don’t offer a free trial, do have that 30-day money-back guarantee, which is still pretty good.
Winner: Cloudways
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Refund
Cloudways has a unique payment setup because they don’t have a traditional refund policy. Instead, they offer a pay-as-you-go system. This means you’re only charged for the resources you use.
If you decide to stop using their services, there’s no need for a refund because you’re not locked into a long-term contract.
Plus, they offer that sweet 3-day free trial I mentioned earlier, so you can test things out before you even spend a penny.
On the other hand, Bluehost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means if you sign up and then within 30 days decide it’s not for you, you can get a full refund. It’s a pretty straightforward process.
You just need to let them know you want to cancel and ask for your money back. Just remember, this only applies to the hosting services. If you bought extras like domain names or other add-ons, those are not refundable.
So, who’s the winner?
Well, it’s not really a clear-cut answer.
If you love the idea of not being tied down and having the flexibility to pay only for what you use, then Cloudways is a great choice.
But if you prefer having a set period where you know you can get your money back if you’re not happy, then Bluehost’s 30-day money-back guarantee might be more up your alley.
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Usability
Let’s start with Cloudways. It’s a bit more complex because it’s a managed cloud hosting platform. This means they give you a lot of control and options to fine-tune your hosting. But with great power comes a bit more complexity.
While Cloudways is not hard to use, it might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re new to cloud hosting and server setup.
They have a modern interface that’s clean and organized, but you might need to spend a little time getting to know your way around.
Now, Bluehost is known for being user-friendly, especially for beginners. They use a standard control panel called cPanel, which many people are familiar with. It’s easy to navigate, and you can do things like set up your website, manage domains, and install WordPress with just a few clicks. They even offer guided steps for setting up your site.
So, who’s the winner? If you’re new to hosting and want something straightforward and simple, Bluehost is probably going to make you smile. But if you’re okay with a bit of a learning curve and want more control over your hosting and server resources, choose Cloudways.
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Scalability
Cloudways is the best option when it comes to scaling. They’re all about giving you what you need when you need it.
With Cloudways, you can upgrade or downgrade your server resources anytime. This means if your site starts getting more visitors, you can easily add more RAM or CPU to keep everything running smoothly. And if things slow down, you can scale back to save money. It’s all very flexible and doesn’t require migrating your site to a new server.
But, Bluehost offers different types of hosting, including shared, VPS, and dedicated servers. If you start with shared hosting and outgrow it, you’ll need to move to VPS or dedicated hosting, which can handle more traffic. This process isn’t as seamless as Cloudways.
It might also involve some downtime or a bit of technical work.
Bluehost is still a good option, especially if you’re starting small, but scaling up might not be as smooth.
So, who’s the winner in scalability?
If you’re looking for the easiest, most flexible way to grow your website, Cloudways is probably your best bet. They make it easy to adjust your resources as you go. Bluehost can still support your growth, but it might involve a bit more work on your end.
Both services have thousands of users and generally positive reviews, but when it comes to scaling up without a fuss, Cloudways has the edge. The best part? You can try Cloudways free.
Winner: Cloudways
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Support
Cloudways is known for pretty solid support. They’ve got 24/7 live chat, so whenever you have a question or hit a snag, someone’s there to help. They also offer a ticketing system if your issue is more complex.
Plus, Cloudways has three levels of support, including standard (which everyone gets), advanced, and premium. The advanced and premium offer faster and more in-depth help, but they cost extra.
Now, onto Bluehost. They also offer 24/7 live chat and phone support, which is great. You’ll find their support team friendly and useful, especially if you’re just starting out and need extra guidance.
However, when it gets really technical, the support can be hit or miss.
So, who’s the winner in customer support?
It’s a bit of a tie.
Both Cloudways and Bluehost offer round-the-clock support with live chat, which is awesome. Cloudways might have an edge if you’re looking for more advanced, technical support and don’t mind paying extra for it. Bluehost is still friendly and helpful, especially for newbies.
Winner: Tie
Cloudways vs Bluehost: Final Verdict
When you’re weighing up Cloudways vs Bluehost, think about what’s important for you and your website.
If I were picking, I’d lean towards Cloudways.
Here’s why: their speed and flexibility are top-notch. This is essential if you believe your website may start getting more visitors suddenly and you need to adjust your resources quickly.
Fast, secure, and flexible – that’s what sets them apart.
Sure, Cloudways might cost a bit more upfront, but they’re worth it for the performance and the freedom to scale up or down as needed.
Now, Bluehost isn’t a bad choice, especially if you’re new to this whole website thing. Also, Bluehost is very affordable.
So, while both Cloudways and Bluehost have their perks, I’d recommend Cloudways for its awesome speed and flexibility.
