BlueHost vs Cloudways

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Overall

Cloudways offers a superior cloud hosting solution with higher performance, scalability, and a broad range of server locations. BlueHost, in contrast, provides a more traditional hosting approach with its range of shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting options.

In the head-to-head comparison between the two, Cloudways significantly outperforms BlueHost with a HostScore of 82.8%, placing it well above the industry average of 67% derived from over 30 hosting company evaluations. BlueHost, in comparison, falls below our industry benchmark with a HostScore of 53.3%.

BlueHost - HostScore: 71.9%
Cloudways - HostScore: 80.8%

Service Offering

FeatureBlueHostCloudways
Hosting ServicesShared, VPS, Dedicated, and Cloud HostingCloud, and Reseller Hosting
Specialized ServicesManaged WordPress, Email, and Game Server HostingManaged WordPress Hosting
Server LocationsUSACanada, USA, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Australia
Control PanelcPanelIn-House
Uptime Guarantee99.9%100%
Money Back (Days)303
Free MigrationYesYes
Support ChannelsPhone, live chat, and emailLive chat and email

BlueHost offers a wide range of hosting services, including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting, along with specialized services like managed WordPress hosting. Cloudways focuses exclusively on cloud hosting, providing a platform that integrates with multiple cloud providers for a customizable and scalable hosting environment.

Plans & Pricing

Hosting TypeBlueHostCloudways
Shared Hosting$1.99 - 9.99/mo$ - /mo
VPS Hosting$46.99 - 94.99/mo$ - /mo
Dedicated Hosting$141.19 - 312.19/mo$ - /mo
Cloud Hosting$29.99 - 109.99/mo$11.00 - 1056.00/mo
Managed WP Hosting$1.99 - 9.99/mo$35.00 - 1640.00/mo
Windows Hosting$ - /mo$ - /mo
Coupon-HOSTSCORE
Coupon Details-30% Discount for 3 Months

BlueHost provides a variety of hosting plans at competitive prices, making it an attractive option for users on a budget. Cloudways employs a pay-as-you-go pricing model that can offer better cost efficiency and scalability for growing businesses. Cloudways’ flexible pricing is particularly appealing for users who anticipate variable traffic, while BlueHost is more suitable for users looking for predictable monthly costs.

Development Features & Others

FeatureBlueHostCloudways
Language SupportPHP, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on RailsPHP, Java, Python, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails
Dev FeaturesGIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH accessGIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access
Staging ToolBuilt-inBuilt-in
Free SSLYesYes
Built-in CacheYesYes
Global CDNYesYes
Free Malware ScanHigher plansYes
DDoS ProtectionYesYes
Web Application Firewall (WAF)YesYes

Both BlueHost and Cloudways support key development features, including multiple programming languages and GIT access. Cloudways offers advanced features such as built-in staging environments and a custom control panel designed for managing cloud hosting efficiently. BlueHost provides a user-friendly experience with cPanel and built-in tools for WordPress sites.


About BlueHost

BlueHost

Founded in 2003 by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth, Bluehost has grown to become one of the world’s largest web hosting providers. Initially acquired by Endurance International Group (EIG) in 2010, it is now a flagship brand under NewFold Digital. Bluehost offers a comprehensive range of hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and WordPress hosting. As one of the few hosts officially recommended by WordPress.org, it remains a popular choice for both beginners and experienced website owners.

BlueHost Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Lowest shared hosting plan supports up to 10 websites
  • Key server speed features included in all shared plans
  • Easy WordPress site building with WonderSuite (their new AI tool)
  • Officially recommended by WordPress.org

BlueHost Cons

  • Endless upsells on expensive addons
  • Daily website backup only free for first year
  • Only US-based servers

About Cloudways

Cloudways

Established in 2011 by co-founders Aaqib Gadit, Pere Hospital, and Uzair Gadit, Cloudways is a managed hosting platform that initially focused on leveraging partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Digital Ocean to serve its customers better. The acquisition by DigitalOcean in August 2022 further solidified this partnership, enhancing Cloudways' ability to provide superior managed hosting solutions.

Cloudways Pros

  • Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
  • Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
  • Outstanding customer support
  • High scalability; Autonomous plan supports auto-scaling
  • Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
  • Host unlimited applications in one account
  • 25% discount for first two months with coupon "HOSTSCORE"

Cloudways Cons

  • Getting expensive - Prices increased steadily for the past few years
  • Limited trial period

Our Recommendation

Key Considerations

  • Performance and Scalability: Cloudways’ standout performance and scalability make it an excellent choice for users requiring high reliability and the ability to adjust resources dynamically according to demand.
  • Hosting Needs: While Cloudways shines in cloud hosting, BlueHost’s array of hosting services, including shared, VPS, and dedicated options, might still appeal to users looking for a more conventional hosting approach.
  • Global Server Reach: Cloudways’ broad range of server locations offers a distinct advantage for businesses targeting a global audience, offering better speed and performance worldwide.
  • Industry Average Context: Given that Cloudways significantly surpasses the industry average HostScore, it represents a top-tier choice within the hosting market. Conversely, potential BlueHost users should consider its below-average performance in relation to other available hosting options.

Final Verdict

If you are in need of a high-performance, scalable cloud hosting service with a global reach, Cloudways is the clear choice. It’s ideal for businesses and developers requiring flexible and robust hosting solutions.

BlueHost remains an option for users new to web hosting or those in search of straightforward, traditional hosting solutions. Despite its below-average HostScore, BlueHost’s ease of use, integrated cPanel, and managed WordPress hosting services could meet the needs of beginners or even small businesses not requiring the extensive scalability and performance Cloudways offers.


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Article by Jerry Low

Jerry Low has immersed himself in web technologies for over a decade and has built many successful sites from scratch. He is a self-professed geek who has made it his life’s ambition to keep the web hosting industry honest. For latest personal updates and news, follow Jerry on Facebook and Twitter.
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