Don't Pay! Read This Honest Bluehost Web Hosting Review 2020

Choosing the best web hosting service in 2020 can be the difference between success and failure if you are an online entrepreneur.

The internet is full of noise about the leading website hosts.

I saw it fit to create this review as an insider because I use Bluehost web hosting for many of my websites and my clients’ websites.

Bluehost web hosting review from a real customer

There are high chances that you have read many positive Bluehost reviews on various blogs.

This review is different because it originates from a customer who has been using the service for five years.

This Bluehost customer review delves into the ins and outs of the service together with the frequently asked questions which other articles do not cover.

By the time you finish reading this article, you will find answers to the following questions:

Is Bluehost worthy the hype?

What other services does Bluehost provide?

Which is Bluehost’s cheapest plans for business websites?

What is the load time and uptime of Bluehost?

How much does a Bluehost website hosting service cost?

What are other customer reviews of Bluehost?

Why should I use Bluehost and not the other webhosting services?

Bluehost Pricing Review

Bluehost web hosting prices depend on the the hosting service (product) and the hosting duration that you choose.

Bluehost offers five types of web hosting services namely:

Advantages of managed WordPress web hosting

You can build many websites without limitation of resources
Ability to point unlimited domains to your managed account
Unlimited subdomains on your website
No web storage limits
Ample staging environment to test your website before final launch
Can accept unlimited traffic without slowing down
Free SSL certificate
Ability to install WordPress instantly
Enhanced spam protection
Solid State Drives (SSDs) make your website faster
Package is CDN enabled
30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support and WordPress auto-updates

Bluehost VPS Hosting

Bluehost’s Virtual Private Server Hosting boasts of the best SSD storage technology, higher performance, flexibility and better control of your website.

Bluehost VPS has standard, enhanced and ultimate VPS hosting plans as shown in the pricing table below.

Pros of Bluehost Web Hosting

Here is an unbiased review of the advantages or strong points of using Bluehost.

The highest uptime of 99.99%

Of all the webhosting providers that I have checked using Pingdom, Bluehost is the leading in uptime – It has the strongest uptime (99.99%) against an impossible 100%

This means that the servers are up and running 99.99% of the time.

The lowest the Bluehost servers ever go is 99.99% uptime. For instance, in 2017, the servers were down due to DDoS attacks directed at their servers.

Ever since then, Bluehost has always provided the best uptime in the market.

The average uptime for Bluehost has always been 99.99%

What does this mean?

This means that your website shall always be online if you host it on Bluehost.

Comparing its uptime with other websites’ it is clear that Bluehost is the most reliable web hosting in terms of uptime.

Bluehost Loading Speed– 424ms (5th Fastest in the world)

You already know that the server speed is one of the great factors which impact the speed of your website.

The smaller the server load time, the better the web hosting service.

Honestly, Bluehost has come from far.

In 2016, it was in position 21 of the best website hosting service providers in terms of fast page loading.

During that time, its average loading speed was about 1,600ms

However, the company revamped their servers and this worked the greatest miracle.

In less than one and half years, Bluehost reduced the average load time by one third.

Currently, Bluehost servers have an average load time of 425 ms.

This brings Bluehost to the third position in terms of server speed.

Introductory price of Bluehost

People are always looking for the cheapest web hosting services.

What they don’t know is that affordable web hosting comes at a price such as a slow server, high downtimes and other hidden features.

The price of Bluehost web hosting starts from $2.75 per month depending on the number of months you want to pay for. This is far below what similar we hosting services charge.

Formerly, it was difficult to justify the high price tag of Bluehost given that its speed and uptime were low.

However, the company is now giving other webhosting services a run for their money.

Bluehost has managed to offer high quality services at inexpensive prices – This is a combination which is hard to come by.

And it is the main reason for the Bluehost hype.

You can enjoy the fastest web hosting service at the lowest price here.

Good security at Bluehost

You can bear me witness than the number of cyber attacks has increased over the last few years.

This means that your website needs top security for you to do any profitable online business.

After all, who is ready to toil away creating a fancy website only to be hacked by ruthless hackers.

Nowadays, some hackers can even hold your website and demand a ransom before releasing it.

That is why you need secure servers.

Does Bluehost provide server security worth your money?

Bluehost offers great tools which can enhance your cyber security and help in combating cyber attacks and all manner of online risks.

Some of the most common Bluehost tools that can guarantee the online safety of your website include Spam Assassin, Spam Experts, and Spam Hammer.

To prevent fake traffic which can overwhelm your servers, Bluehost supports Cloudflare.

Cloudflare is an online service which prevents DDoS attacks that may overwhelm and bring your site down.

If you want to protect your images from people who love hotlinking, Bluehost has the solution. Above all, it gives you options to blacklist bad ip addresses from hackers and SSH access for secure web sessions

Bluehost also allows protection of your databases, directories, management of digital certificates and creation of private keys.

The service integrates with other third party security tools to protect your account.

Protected login through a two-step authentication ensures that nobody will steal your server login information. It stops any attempt to login to your account unless you authorize it using your phone.

Bluehost makes it difficult for anybody to impersonate you when contacting customer support. They give you a security token – a six-digit security code with which to verify your identity before giving your account password as proof of identity.

Clearly, you can see that Bluehost has enough security features to keep your website and the information on your website safe from attackers.

Ready Integration with Apps, and eCommerce Tools

Who doesn’t want a web hosting solution that intergrates with other apps and ecommerce tools?

If you are looking for such functionality, Bluehost offers a number of them.

Its dashboard is equipped with different integrations some of which you may not use – they are too many!

For instance, you can integrate your website directly with CloudFlare and Google Apps right from the cPanel.

Just imagine how cool it is incorporating all Google Apps in your Bluehost platform.

Sounds cool. Right?

What about Cloudflare CDN service?

The cool thing about Cloudflare is the ability to create free and paid accounts.

You can supercharge your website and boost your site’s speed while protecting it from attackers using this service.

What if you want to create an online store using your Bluehost service?

Bluehost has hundreds of ecommerce features which will help you to create your website seamlessly and start making money online.

All you need to do is to click install, follow a few steps and your business will be up and running.

You don’t need to know any coding to use Bluehost in creating business websites.

You may also decide to use MOJO Marketplace in installing shopping cart software. This you can do alone or hire a professional web developer.

With your Bluehost account, you can obtain a free SSL certificate for your website which will enhance your security.

Bluehost is the Officially Recommended Web Host by WordPress.org

WordPress.org is the Content Management System on which the majority of website run.

What if your personal doctor comes to you one day and recommends a new drug for you?

Would you decline and buy from untrusted dealers or will you follow your doctor?

I would follow my doctor because he knows what he is talking about.

The same case applies to WordPress.org.

These guys at WordPress.org know the best web hosting service can can give you the best experience with WordPress.

If you follow them, you will have a faster website and easy set up.

WordPress.org also recommends SiteGround, Dreamhost.

According to them, only three web hosting services can give you the best user experience with WordPress.

Bluehost is Easy to Use

I have never gone to a website design or web development class.

However, I just followed the available step by step processes of creating an ecommerce website and Bluehost tutorials to make my websites.

When I found out how easy it was working with Bluehost server, what started as a hobby ended up becoming a full time job.

I now develop websites for clients from all over the world.

Reason?

Bluehost is so simple to use and friendly to web development beginners.

You don’t have to think mush, everything is made easy.

Just click on icons and get going.

The dashboard makes it easy to create company emails and access them from one place.

You may also create websites and redirect them to one of your websites.

In essence, you are in control of everything.

You can also configure your dashboard in such a way that you can easily access the most frequently used features.

Bluehost Offers 30-Day Free Trial and Money Back Guarantee

You have 30 days to test the hosting service and get your money back if you hate it.

That is so cool and inviting.

Such a daring statement cannot come from a website hosting service which fails to deliver.

Don’t you thing that 30 days are enough to gauge if you love a web host?

Let’s set some things clear here.

Once you sign up for Bluehost web hosting, you get a free domain under some terms and conditions.

In case you want to invoke the money-back guarantee, remember that it does not apply on add-on services like your free domain.

Therefore, in case you cancel your webhosting plan within 30 days, Bluehost will take away $15.99 from your total amount to cater for the domain.

This is perfectly reasonable. They have to pay for your “free” domain and protect it for you until you transfer it to another better web hosting service (according to you).

Bluehost has other pros but my myopic thinking and extended use may prevent me from seeing them.

Bluehost Customer Support

If you are looking for a fast customer support webhosting service, then go for Bluehost.

My phone did not ring twice.

In another occasion, I contacted them via live chat and the support was awesome.

I have never had to contact Bluehost by email because they have always been there for me.

Furthermore, there are thousands of resources online about setting up my website with Bluehost and other technical pieces of advice which are easy to follow.

The quality of their support is high and these guys know what they are talking about.

It is you that needs to be prudent and direct your questions to the right department.

For instance, if you have a technical question regarding errors in your website and then you choose to contact the billing or sales department, then they may not help you effectively.

This may sound like asking the receptionist in the company across the street for specific information about your shares when you should ask your account manager.

If you hate talking to people, you can just watch the Bluehost YouTube channel for many educational materials or just chat with them live or email them.

Feel free to add any advantages of using Bluehost that you have noted.

Now let’s talk about the limitations of using this service.

Cons of Bluehost Webhosting

Disguised Bluehost Pricing

Bluehost is a cheap web hosting service.

The company advertises $2.75/month for the basic plan.

However, there is a small disclaimer down there which says that:

“Promotional pricing is for the first term only and regular rates apply upon renewal. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee does not extend to domain names.”

Further scrutiny reveals that the $2.75/month is only applicable for the 36 moth plan.

If you want to pay on a yearly basis, you will pay $4.95 per month for one year.

This is still affordable web hosting. Isn’t it?

After all, I know other webhosting companies which charge more.

No Monthly Web Hosting Services

If you want a web hosting company where you pay on a monthly basis, then Bluehost is not for you.

Bluehost wants people who can purchase hosting for at least one year.

I think this is kinda unnatural.

You pay for Site Migrations to Bluehost

Although many websites will offer you free site migration services if you want to migrate your website to their servers, Bluehost doesn’t.

What the hell do they think they are?

Some companies are more than eager to help you settle your website on their hosting service but Bluehost will charge you a whopping of $149.99 migration fee to do something that most provide gratis.

That is not all.

Bluehost doesn’t enjoy transferring more than 5 sites and 20 email accounts.

They will slap you with an extra payment of $79.99 for a simple 45-minute introductory tour of their services

Remember that other website hosting firms are ready to walk you through their services free of charge as a long-term client.

Everything about BlueHost Pricing, Hosting Plans

Bluehost provides three shared hosting options with different pricing and features.

As noted above, the advertised prices are introductory prices for three years after which normal rates apply. In case you sign up for shorter periods, you will pay more.

The word “unlimited” in the hosting world does not mean unlimited.

Bluehost Basic Hosting Plan

Price: 2.75 per month

Number of websites: 1

Website space: 50GB storage

Bandwidth: ‘unlimited’ bandwidth.

Performance: Standard

SSL Certificate: Free

Included free domain: 1

Parked domains: 5

Sub domains: 25

Email accounts: 5

Email storage: 100 MB per account

Marketing offers: No marketing offers

Bluehost Plus Hosting Plan

Price: 4.95 per month

Number of websites: unlimited

Website space: unmetered

Bandwidth: unmetered

Performance: Standard

SSL Certificate: Free

Included free domain: 1

Parked domains: unlimited

Sub domains: unlimited

Email accounts: unlimited

Email storage: unlimited

Marketing offers: $200 included

Over $24/year extras included

One spam expert

Choice plus Bluehost Plan

Price: 5.95 per month

It includes everything that is offered in Plus Plan together with:

Marketing offers worth $200 included

Over $80/year in extras

1 SpamExpert

1 Domain Privacy

CodeGuard Basic

Bluehost Go Pro Hosting Plan

This plan is the best in terms of value.

You get everything in Choice Plus package together with a high performing server and more such as dedicated IP, SSL certificate, domain privacy, and site backup.

You need to pay for three years at once to enjoy the advertised price for their shared hosting plans. It will cost much more if you choose a shorter duration. Please note that the minimum duration you can pay for is 12 months.

More Facts about Bluehost web hosting and FAQs

When was Bluehost established and by who?

Bluehost was established by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth in 1996 in Provo, Utah.

The company has a staff of approximately 750 full time employees who work in various departments to provide you a great hosting experience.

How many websites does Bluehost Host?

At the time of writing this review, Bluehost hosts more than 2 million websites from different parts of the world.

Clearly, it is one of the most popular web hosting service provider in the world.

At the same time, it is the cheapest web host and that is why many people rush for the gold.

The company offers competitive web hosting discounts because of economies of large scale operations.

The fact that the company keeps growing may imply that it offers high quality web hosting services.

Does Bluehost offer a free domain for real?

Yes.

Is it easy to sign up for a Bluehost account?

It is easier than eating. You simply fill your information on two pages and click on submit.

What payment methods does Bluehost Use?

Nothing extraordinary. Major credit cards and Paypal can do.

Are there any hidden fees in Bluehost web hosting?

Nothing much hidden. But there are some hidden clauses.

Have you ever read the terms and conditions and the fair use policy of companies?

Bluehost offers a low introductory price of $2.75 per month. They don’t tell you that you need to sign up for a minimum three-year package to enjoy that deal.

Check this one too: “We’ll delete your account if you go over 1,000 database tables or 3GB total database”.

How do I login to my Bluehost cPanel?

It is simple. You will be given a link once you sign up.

You can also login here to your hosting account or your webmail.

Can I trust your Bluehost Review?

If you don’t, you will be the first of your kind. However, I welcome your opinions if you have used the service?

Does Bluehost upsell anything when I signup with them?

Yeah. Who doesn’t?

These guys will try selling domain privacy, etc. but you know what you want. That is how the web hosting industry and other industries work.

How long will account activation take?

Your account will be activated instantly unless you use fraudulent payment information or you try doing something fishy which might delay or annul activation.

Do I recommend Bluehost Web Hosting?

Yes.

Why recommend Bluehost: Is Bluehost The Best Web hosting Service?

This is a cheap webhosting solution

A great 30-day money-back guarantee

All of my sites load faster due to enhanced server speeds

The service has the highest server uptime

It is easy to get started and move along

You get unlimited disk space, bandwidth and email accounts for most plans

You get a free domain name for one year fully paid

WordPress hosting on Bluehost is superb

It is easy to upgrade to another package without moving your website

There are many website and social networking scripts, mail lists, messaging platforms, content management systems, etc. and integrations to other third party tools.

Ecommerce software for online businesses

It has numerous databases

Bluehost has great web security features