BlueHost Web Hosting – Review, Pros & Cons
Founded in 2003, BlueHost has grown exponentially, making a name for itself as a reliable and cost-effective hosting provider. Headquartered in Provo, Utah, USA, it now powers millions of websites worldwide. Owned by Endurance International Group, BlueHost has positioned itself as an optimal choice for WordPress hosting, even enjoying a recommendation from WordPress.org.
Web hosting is the unsung hero of the internet; every website you visit, every online service you use, is powered by a server somewhere. Picking a reliable hosting provider is a crucial decision for anyone serious about their online presence. One of the household names in this realm is BlueHost. In this review, we’ll be diving deep into the intricacies of BlueHost’s services, focusing on its data centers, pricing, speed, and customer support.
BlueHost Features
BlueHost’s hosting is a popular choice for many, especially beginners and small to medium-sized websites. Basic hosting comes with a slew of features tailored for varying needs. Here are the primary features associated with their shared hosting plans:
- Multiple Plans: BlueHost typically offers multiple tiers of shared hosting, such as Basic, Plus, Choice Plus, and Pro, each catering to different needs and budgets.
- Free Domain: All shared hosting plans usually include a free domain name for the first year.
- Storage: Depending on the plan, users receive a specified amount of SSD storage. The basic plan might have a limit, while higher-tier plans offer unmetered storage.
- Data Transfer: BlueHost shared hosting plans generally come with unmetered bandwidth.
- Free SSL Certificate: Every website on their shared hosting gets a free SSL certificate, crucial for website security and potentially boosting SEO rankings.
- Standard Performance: The basic shared plans provide standard performance, while the top-tier might offer more resources and enhanced performance.
- Email: Depending on the plan, users can create a set number of custom email accounts with their domain or even have unlimited email accounts.
- Domains and Websites: While the basic plan usually allows for one website, higher-tier plans permit unlimited websites and domains.
- cPanel Access: BlueHost provides cPanel, a widely-used web hosting control panel, to manage website files, databases, and other functionalities.
- 1-Click WordPress Install: Users can easily install WordPress with a single click, simplifying the setup process for those new to the CMS.
- Automatic WordPress Updates: BlueHost ensures that WordPress installations receive automatic updates, helping with security and functionality.
- Automated Backups: Daily backups and website restorations are often included in their plans, although the frequency and retention might vary based on the chosen package.
- Security: BlueHost implements security measures like spam protection, hotlink protection, and more.
- Integrated Cloudflare CDN: Helps with faster content delivery globally by caching content in multiple locations around the world.
- Resource Protection: Their technology identifies websites using excessive resources and temporarily re-assigns them to isolated systems. This defends well-behaved sites against performance drops.
- Scalability: Easy scalability allows users to upgrade to a more resource-intensive plan if their website outgrows the shared environment.
- 24/7 Support: BlueHost provides constant customer support through phone, live chat, and email ticketing for any queries or issues related to shared hosting.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If customers aren’t satisfied with their shared hosting, BlueHost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
BlueHost Data Centers
Arguably the backbone of any hosting service, the quality, and efficiency of data centers determine uptime, security, and the speed of hosted websites. BlueHost’s primary data center is located in their home base of Provo, Utah. What’s impressive is the investment BlueHost has made in ensuring that this facility is state-of-the-art. It boasts high-speed connections, emergency generators, and advanced cooling systems to ensure servers are always at the optimal temperature.
Furthermore, the emphasis on redundancy ensures that any hardware failures do not lead to downtime. The data centers also have advanced security protocols in place, including multiple layers of access control such as biometric recognition and mantraps, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the servers.
BlueHost Pricing
Pricing is always a concern when choosing a hosting provider. BlueHost offers a spectrum of pricing tiers catering to different needs. For beginners, the shared hosting plan is affordable and provides ample resources to get started.
As your website grows, you might consider transitioning to VPS or even dedicated hosting, and BlueHost has got you covered here too. While not the absolute cheapest on the market, the balance of price and features offered makes them a competitive choice. It’s also worth noting that their pricing structure is transparent. However, always be aware of renewal rates which can be higher than the initial promotional prices.
BlueHost Speed
Speed can make or break a website. BlueHost, given its robust data centers and infrastructure, performs admirably in this department. With the integration of technologies like Solid State Drives (SSDs) for storage and Cloudflare CDN (Content Delivery Network) for faster content delivery, websites hosted on BlueHost generally offer quick loading times.
Additionally, BlueHost has shown a commitment to staying updated with the latest technologies, which indirectly translates to better speed for its users. For instance, the inclusion of PHP7, HTTP/2, and NGINX caching ensures optimal performance.
BlueHost Customer Support
With 24/7 availability, users can reach out through live chat, phone, or email ticketing. What’s commendable is not just the availability but also the quality of support. BlueHost’s support staff are knowledgeable and patient, helping users navigate both basic queries and more complex technical challenges. Additionally, their extensive online documentation and tutorials can be a goldmine for DIY problem solvers.
BlueHost’s customer support is designed to provide users with timely and efficient assistance. While no support system is flawless, the company has invested significantly in ensuring that customer issues are addressed, and their extensive knowledge base aids users in self-troubleshooting many common problems. As always, potential customers should consider both official and third-party reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of the current support landscape.
