BlueHost vs HostGator are two sides of the same coin. Although originating independently, both of these service providers are now nestled under the Endurance International Group (EIG) banner. While the devil is as usual in the detail, this comparison comes a lot closer than most.
DreamHost & BlueHost HostScore
Hosting Service Offering
| Feature | Hostgator | BlueHost |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Cloud Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Game Server Hosting | Managed WordPress, Email, and Game Server Hosting |
| Server Locations | USA, Europe, Asia, Australia | USA |
| Control Panel | cPanel | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 45 | 30 |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Support Channels | Phone, live chat, and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | Hostgator | BlueHost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $3.75 - 6.25/mo | $1.99 - 9.99/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $34.99 - 93.99/mo | $46.99 - 94.99/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $89.98 - 139.99/mo | $141.19 - 312.19/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $4.50 - 13.95/mo | $29.99 - 109.99/mo |
| Managed WP Hosting | $4.50 - 13.95/mo | $1.99 - 9.99/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $4.76 - 14.36/mo | $ - /mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
Development Features & Others
| Feature | Hostgator | BlueHost |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Python, Django, Perl, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET | PHP, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails |
| Dev Features | GIT access, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Softaculous | Built-in |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Yes | Yes |
| Global CDN | Higher plans | Yes |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Higher plans |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences Between the Two
While normally there’s a clear line to be drawn, comparing BlueHost and HostGator really isn’t overly useful head to head. Both hosting providers offer similar hosting capacity in term of data transfer, storage, and email accounts. They also come with many standard features like free website builder, website migration assistance, easy web application installers, SSD storage drives, free SSL, and more.
WordPress Support
While both of these hosts offer specialized WordPress hosting plans, it should be noted that BlueHost has the better reputation in this. As I mentioned earlier, they are one of only three service providers to gain the recommendation of WordPress.org.
BlueHost also has pre-built eCommerce hosting plans. Although technically you could do the same with HostGator, the plans on BlueHost have the advantage of coming with included secure payment gateways.
Personally, I feel that these are the only two key areas in specialized hosting from these providers that need special mention.
While not a hosting plan, I also feel the need to mention a service available on BlueHost that HostGator does not have. BlueHost offers customers website building services, inclusive of SEO. While this may cost extra, it is an option if you’re running a business and need a convenient place to outsource your website building to.
Which is Right for You?
With a close competition in both performance and features, much of the choice now boils down to utility. What your site is intended to do and where you plan for it to go will play a major part in your choice.
If I had to recommend audiences for these two hosts, it would be along the lines of;
HostGator is recommended for…
Those who are planning to build and grow their sites more significantly. Newbies are also encouraged to look here first.
For the unambitious, HostGator is an excellent choice as there is little difference across their shared plans. That does mean however that you may be forced to transition to VPS unexpectedly quickly (and earlier than intended) if for some reason your site traffic explodes.
BlueHost is Recommended for…
Basic website owners who are looking for something cost-effective yet stable.
For newbies or the non-technical folks among us, I highly recommend BlueHost. Their WordPress recognition plus the inclusion of the Weebly site builder give them a major advantage to newer users.
About Hostgator
In October 2002, Brent Oxley, then a student at Florida Atlantic University, founded HostGator, a rising star in the web hosting industry. Starting in Boca Raton, Florida, the company relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2006 as it grew. HostGator expanded internationally with offices in Canada (2006) and India (2011).
A major milestone occurred in July 2012 when Endurance International Group acquired HostGator for $299.8 million, cementing its position as a leading web hosting provider in the global market.
The company offers a range of hosting services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and reseller hosting. With shared hosting plans, you’ll snag a free domain and benefit from up to $200 in ad credits on mid- and higher-tier plans.
However, it’s not without limitations—server resources can be constrained, VPS options are limited, and the servers are exclusively US-based. Additionally, be prepared for a price increase at renewal, making it important to weigh the initial savings against the long-term costs.
Hostgator Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free domain name with all shaerd hosting plans
- Free $100 Bing and $100 Google ad credits
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Hostgator Cons
- Resources limited by server constraints
- Not much variety in VPS plans
- Only US-based servers
- Price increase during the renewal
Visit Hostgator to learn more about the features
About 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
Visit BlueHost to learn more about the features
