The Small Business Growth Summit

Bluehost vs Cloudways

Comparing Bluehost vs Cloudways? Discover which host gives you faster setup, transparent pricing and more value for growing your business online.

  • Starting at CA$2.99//mo* 
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Excellent
4.5
4.5 out of 5 based onBased on 31856 reviews
Trustscore 4.5 | 31856 reviews

Bluehost or Cloudways: Why Choose Us?

Bluehost gives you powerful WordPress hosting without any complexity. Get transparent pricing, built-in tools and expert support without needing developer-level knowledge.


performance

Faster performance

NVMe SSDs, Oracle Cloud infrastructure and Cloudflare CDN with a 99.99% uptime.

AI site creation 

AI-powered site creation

Launch WordPress sites quickly with built-in AI tool; no cloud configuration required.

Built for WordPress

Built for WordPress

Officially recommended by WordPress.org with 24/7 available WordPress-trained experts.

Up to 60% off*

Up To
60% off*

Plans start at $6.99/month as compared to Cloudways’ $28/month starting price.

Excellent value 

Excellent value

Free domain, SSL, backups, security, migrations and staging included; no multi-part billing.

Feature Comparison:
Bluehost vs Cloudways

Compare Bluehost and Cloudways based on pricing, performance, scalability and ease of use. Discover how Bluehost offers enterprise performance without enterprise complexity.


Feature Bluehost Business
(Web/WordPress Hosting)
Cloudways
Small
Intro / renewal price

CA$4.99 /mo / CA$X.XX /mo

$28 mo + Additional cloud costs based on the provider you choose
Number of websites Up to 50 websites Unlimited websites
Storage & traffic 50 GB NVMe storage with up to 200k visits/month; more headroom for growing traffic Flexible; varies by underlying cloud provider (DigitalOcean, AWS, GCP, etc.)
Uptime guarantee 99.99% 99.9% (depends on chosen cloud provider)
Infrastructure & performance Oracle Cloud infrastructure with Cloudflare CDN and integrated caching; includes NVMe SSDs and a free CDN for global distribution Strong managed cloud with optimized stacks and scaling.
Support availability 24/7 live chat, phone, and email, plus WordPress‑trained experts and optional priority support 24/7 platform support; paid higher support tiers available.
Free domain & SSL Yes (1 year) Only SSL included, no free domain
AI site builder Bluehost AI builder No AI builder (third-party solutions required)
Backups Weekly backups (daily on higher tiers) Managed layer includes backup tools
Site migration Free WordPress migration Manual migration or paid services
Data-center regions North America plus global CDN 50+ Global Data Centers
Money-back guarantee 30‑day guarantee No moneyback guarantee
Email Free email (up to 10 accounts) $1 per mailbox per month
Included for free Malware detection and removal, DDoS Protection, NVMe Servers, Free SSL, Free Domain, Yoast SEO, automated backups, free migration tool, staging sites, domain privacy, AI website builder, live expert support Managed layer, caching tools, staging environments; underlying infrastructure billed separately
Who is it for? Growing SMBs, creators, agencies, and eCommerce sites that need enterprise-grade WordPress hosting with flexibility, scalability, and built-in tools Developers and agencies wanting cloud performance without managing servers but comfortable with multi-part pricing
WordPress recommendation Officially recommended by WordPress.org Not officially recommended
Market presence Powering over 5M+ WordPress sites worldwide Trusted by 840K+ global businesses

Promotional prices apply to your first term. Renewal rates vary by provider and are shown at checkout. Data as of February 2025.


Bluehost delivers speed

COMPARISON WITH KEY COMPETITORS

Bluehost delivers speed

We believe in speed, and we have the data to prove it. WPShout’s November 2025 hosting comparison shows Bluehost delivering faster load times than most hosts tested — clocking in at just 0.35s in the US.

US load time comparison (Lower is better)


US load time comparison (Lower is better)

In-depth comparison:Bluehost vs Cloudways


Choosing between Bluehost and Cloudways goes beyond price. The real differences show when you compare how each host performs for small businesses, how they handle WordPress setup and what you get as your site grows. The sections below break down every major hosting factor, so you can see where each provider stands and why Bluehost is often the stronger choice for simplicity, value and long-term growth..


1. Pricing transparency and value

Bluehost pricing starts at $6.99/month with renewal at $13.99/month. You see exactly what you're paying from the start, with everything included: domain, SSL certificate, backups, security tools and AI website builder. No hidden costs or complex calculations required.

 

Cloudways employs multi-tier pricing starting at $28/month for their managed layer, requiring separate costs for your cloud provider choice (DigitalOcean, AWS or Google Cloud). This complexity often confuses small business owners seeking transparent monthly expenses. Understanding Cloudways pros and cons reveals that while performance is solid, the pricing structure demands technical knowledge to estimate true costs accurately.

Verdict: Bluehost delivers transparent, all-inclusive pricing ideal for small businesses. Cloudways requires technical expertise to navigate multi-part pricing effectively.


2. Ease of setup and management

Bluehost focuses on getting your WordPress site live quickly. Our onboarding includes automatic WordPress installation, AI-powered site creation and guided setup that works perfectly for complete beginners. Everything connects seamlessly from our hosting and domain to email and website tools to work effortlessly.

 

Cloudways targets developers and agencies wanting cloud performance without server management complexity. While it simplifies raw cloud hosting, it still requires more technical knowledge than traditional shared hosting. You'll need to understand cloud providers, server resources and managed services architecture.

Verdict: Bluehost wins for simplicity and beginner-friendliness. Cloudways suits users comfortable with cloud hosting concepts.


3. WordPress optimization and tools

As an official WordPress.org recommended provider, Bluehost includes WordPress-specific tools like one-click installation, automatic updates, Yoast SEO integration and staging environments. Our AI website builder creates WordPress sites optimized for both performance and SEO from day one.

 

Cloudways delivers excellent WordPress performance through managed cloud infrastructure and advanced caching tools. However, it lacks WordPress-specific features like AI site creation, built-in SEO tools or the streamlined WordPress experience beginners need. This makes Cloudways vs Bluehost comparisons favor us for WordPress-focused users.

Verdict: Bluehost provides a complete WordPress ecosystem with integrated tools and support. Cloudways offers performance but requires separate tools for full WordPress functionality.


4. Scalability and resource allocation

Bluehost's WordPress Hosting Business plan supports up to 50 websites with 50GB NVMe storage and capacity for 200k monthly visits. This clear resource allocation helps you plan growth without surprise overage fees or complex calculations.

 

Cloudways provides flexible scaling across multiple cloud providers, allowing granular server resource adjustments as needed. This cloud-native approach offers more control but requires ongoing resource monitoring and management.

Verdict: Cloudways provide advanced scaling flexibility. Bluehost offers simpler, more transparent scaling for most small businesses.


5. Support and expertise

Bluehost provides 24/7 support through chat, phone and email with WordPress-trained specialists. Our support team understands common WordPress issues, plugin conflicts and website growth challenges that small businesses face daily.

 

Cloudways offers 24/7 platform support with paid higher-tier support options available. Their team focuses on managed cloud hosting rather than WordPress-specific guidance, which works well for technical users but may not address beginner WordPress questions comprehensively.

Verdict: Bluehost offers more comprehensive WordPress support for growing businesses. Cloudways provides good technical support for cloud hosting management.


6. Security and maintenance

Bluehost includes automatic malware detection and removal, DDoS protection, free SSL certificates and weekly backups (daily on higher tiers). Our security features work automatically without requiring technical configuration or ongoing management.

 

Cloudways includes managed security through caching tools and staging environments, but security specifics depend on your chosen cloud provider. You may need additional security services or configurations for complete protection, making it a less turnkey Cloudways alternative.

Verdict: Bluehost provides comprehensive, automatic security for non-technical users. Cloudways requires more security management depending on cloud provider choice.


7. Long-term value and growth

Bluehost renewal pricing at $13.99/month remains significantly lower than Cloudways' starting price, making us more cost-effective long-term. The included features like domain, SSL, backups, security and AI tools eliminate additional service costs as your business grows and scales.

 

Cloudways' value increases with technical complexity and high-traffic requirements. For developers managing multiple client sites or businesses with specific cloud preferences, the performance and flexibility justify the higher cost. This represents a key consideration in any Bluehost vs Cloudways evaluation.

Verdict: Bluehost delivers better long-term value for most small businesses. Cloudways provides value for technical users with specific cloud performance needs.


8. Migration and onboarding experience

Bluehost offers free website migration services with expert assistance to transfer your existing sites seamlessly. Our guided onboarding process includes tutorials, setup wizards and dedicated support to ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free, regardless of your technical experience level.

 

Cloudways provides migration plugins and some assisted migration options, but the process often requires more technical knowledge to navigate properly. The cloud infrastructure setup adds complexity to the onboarding experience, which may challenge users unfamiliar with cloud hosting environments.

 

Bluehost excels at hassle-free migration and onboarding for all skill levels. Cloudways migration works best for technically experienced users.

Pros & Cons Summary

A quick look at where each host stands, so you can compare Bluehost and Cloudways pros and cons at a glance.


Feature

Bluehost Business

(Web/WordPress Hosting)

Cloudways 

Small

Pros  
  • High performance with NVMe storage and 99.99% uptime
  • Supports up to 50 websites
  • Integrated AI website builder
  • Free WordPress migration
  • 24/7 WordPress-trained support
  • Officially recommended by WordPress.org
  • Includes CDN and security tools without extra cost
  • Predictable, transparent pricing
  • Very strong managed cloud performance
  • Flexible cloud provider selection
  • Advanced scaling capabilities
Cons
  • Renewal pricing follows standard industry structure
  • Advanced users may prefer more granular cloud control
  • Multi-part pricing can be confusing for SMBs
  • Domain name not included
  • Requires technical knowledge for setup
  • No AI site builder included
  • Higher starting costs at $28/month plus provider fees
  • Manual migration required
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Ready to find the right WordPress hosting plan?

Whether you’re starting a blog, starting a portfolio, or launching an online store, our WordPress hosting plans have the flexibility and power you need to get started.


Included in all our hosting plans


NVME

NVMe SSD storage

High-throughput storage accelerates logs, queues, and databases for snappy virtual servers.

SSL certificate & malware scanning

SSL certificate
& malware scanning

Enterprise-level security to safeguard your site against cyberattacks.

CDN and caching

Automatic backups

Your site is backed up regularly, so you can quickly restore your content if something goes wrong.


24/7 expert support

Unmetered
bandwidth

Move data freely without surprise overage fees.

CDN and caching

AI-powered
site creation tools

Zero coding knowledge required to launch your own website in minutes.

Built for WordPress

Automatic WordPress updates

We keep WordPress updated for you, helping your site stay secure, stable, and running smoothly.


Excellent value 

Domain Name (1st year)

A uniquely branded web address for greater credibility and memorability

CDN and caching

CDN and
caching

Lightning-fast load times for prospects and customers, anywhere in the world.

24/7 expert support

24/7 Expert
Support

Real humans, real help, whenever you need it


join

Risk‑free hosting:
30‑day money‑back guarantee


Experience Bluehost with confidence. If you decide we’re not the right fit within 30 days, cancel and we’ll refund your hosting fees - no questions asked. You’ll still keep your domain name, although the registration fee itself isn’t refundable. 


Trusted by more than 5 million customers across the world 

 


I was have some technical issues…

I was have some technical issues transferring my website to Bluehost from another hosting site and they were so patient and efficient and had it up and running in less than 30 minutes. Highly recommend!!

Great service!

The product I signed up for wasn't what I expected. I immediately contacted support and explained my situation. The rep was friendly and courteous. A refund was issued immediately. Great service!

Fara was very helpful and professional…

Fara was very helpful and professional while handling our issue. 5 stars to Fara.

Improve the service

I realize they might be from another country, but you really should look into assigning agents who speak the same language. I know it might be difficult, but it would make for a better experience. Thanks—regards from Mexico.

Excellent and Helpful Customer Support

The support team was very helpful and patient throughout the process. They understood the issue, guided me step by step, and helped resolve the hostname and DNS-related problem successfully. I really appreciated their support and clear communication. The issue is now resolved and my n8n setup is working properly. Thank you, Bluehost, for the great assistance! ❤️

Bluehost has been a good website

Bluehost has been a good website provider for me for years and one of the best things is their customer service. They always correct issues quickly and easily.

Bluehost technicians are well-trained…

Bluehost technicians are well-trained and helpful. Thank you!

Professional Executive

The support executive was very professional, helpful & patient. Didn't give up and resolved the issue.

Positive Experience

I’ve been using this company for my domain and web hosting, and the experience has been seamless.

I Highly Recommend Bluehost

Guys I have been using Bluehost for some years now. Trust me they are great. Here is my current website that uses bluehost hosting - financemaveno.com. Their support is also amazing!

Very good service

Very good service. Waiting time was less than 5 minutes.

Quick and clear service

The response to my payment issue was clear and quick, asking for the essential information and processing the request.

Great human customer service

Once I was able to speak with a person, not AI, my issue was resolved easily and efficiently. I always seem to have good customer service whenever I have a website problem.

Exceptional Patience

My support person today was exceptionally patient with me. I have to be honest - I'm difficult, I get frustrated easily, and I want to do things myself but don't know how, so I feel stupid. She guided me step by step through certain basics that finally made it possible for me to have a decent-looking website that makes sense. I'm very happy with what we have so far. But mostly I'm amazed that someone had the patience to work with me for 20 whole minutes!

Professional Results Without Web Design Experience

When I signed up for Bluehost's Pro Design Service, I was looking for a way to create a professional website without needing to become a web designer. The service has exceeded my expectations. I work directly with Radny, my Bluehost website specialist. He is always professional, friendly, and responsive. Whenever I submit a request, he completes it quickly and accurately. What really stands out is his commitment to customer satisfaction. He consistently follows up with a phone call to make sure the requested changes were completed correctly and to see if I need anything else. For me, the biggest benefit is how easy he is to work with. Website development can be intimidating for someone without technical experience, but Radny makes the process simple and stress-free. His support has helped me continue developing my website with confidence. I highly recommend Bluehost Pro Design Service to anyone who wants a professional website but prefers expert assistance rather than building it alone.

The customer service rep was patient in…

The customer service rep was patient in explaining the process and very knowledgeable. He communicated each step thoroughly and clearly - especially for someone like myself who is not tech-savvy. The migration was done quickly, and I am extremely satisfied.

Tech support is usually excellent and…

Tech support is usually excellent and knowlegeable. Although, to be honest, the women are usually better at it than the men! (Says me, a man). But the men are almost as good. Pooja especially was great, she hung in there with me and kept digging and digging and experimenting until what wasn't working, worked. She took ownership and made sure she solved the issue. That's rare these days and always very appreciated when I find people with a real work and ownership ethic. Bluehost overall, pretty good, but a little limited with the shared servers. You can use Python and PHP, MySQL/Maria but not Nodejs (therefore Next.js), for example. But if you're not using something like that, it's very competitively priced, especially with 24/7 good tech support. I've been using them for 7 years now. One caution: Before you sign up on shared servers, make sure that what stack you need to use is supported. 6:58 PM

Human Agents are superior to AI

I have been dealing with three hosting services the last two months. What I have learned is that hosting services set up their software to deal with a myriad of technical details such as Nameservers, SSL Certificates, etc. The AI I have encountered tries to teach the client how to weed their way through the FOREST of technical details using the software the hosting site has set up to handle the details. I have had to deal with hosting issues no more than once or twice a year. I am not a techie. It is agony to have AI as a guide teaching me what to do rather than a human who knows exactly what to do. I have wasted days getting it wrong when human support can solve the issues in minutes. The Human Agents know exactly how the company's software works and how to walk through the FOREST of technical settings to get the necessary results. This allows the client to helicopter over the FOREST to have websites that meet their needs. BlueHost seems to really understand this. It is my experience that Hostinger seems to think AI is better than the human tech support people. People who for decades have done exactly what needs to be done multiple times a day. If you are looking for a hosting service my experience is that you should definitely consider BlueHost.

The CS rep is another reason why I am…

The CS rep is another reason why I am staying with BlueHost, very helpful.

Bluehost's AI and representatives are…

Bluehost's AI and representatives are excellent in resolving issues.

Already have a website on Cloudways?


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Migration is free when you transition to Bluehost. Speak to our experts today to find out how you can switch with zero downtime.

FAQs: Bluehost vs Cloudways


Which offers high value at good price - Bluehost or Cloudways?

Bluehost WordPress Hosting Business plan starts at $6.99/month with all-inclusive features, while Cloudways Small plan costs $28/month plus you have to pay cloud infrastructure costs. Bluehost offers better value for small businesses with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.


Is Cloudways or Bluehost better for beginners?

Bluehost is ideal for beginners with one-click WordPress installation, intuitive control panel and 24/7 support. Cloudways requires technical knowledge for server management, making it less beginner-friendly despite its flexibility.


Does Cloudways include a free domain like Bluehost?

No, Cloudways doesn't include a free domain name. Bluehost provides a free domain for the first year with hosting plans, plus free SSL certificates and email accounts, offering more complete value.


What are the main disadvantages of Cloudways?

Cloudways cons include higher total costs, no domain registration, complex server management, separate email hosting and steeper learning curve. These factors make it less suitable for beginners seeking simple, all-in-one hosting solutions.


Can I migrate from Cloudways to Bluehost?

Yes, Bluehost offers free WordPress migration services with expert assistance. Our team handles the complete transfer process, ensuring zero downtime and seamless transition from Cloudways to Bluehost's managed hosting environment.


Which offers better performance - Bluehost or Cloudways?

Both platforms deliver excellent performance. Bluehost provides enterprise-grade Oracle Cloud infrastructure with Cloudflare CDN and resource protection, delivering fast load times at a fraction of Cloudways' cost with simpler management.


Does Cloudways provide 24/7 support like Bluehost?

Cloudways offers live chat support but lacks phone support. Bluehost provides comprehensive 24/7 customer support through phone, chat and email with WordPress-trained specialists, ensuring immediate assistance whenever you need it.


Is Bluehost a good alternative to Cloudways?

Bluehost is an excellent Cloudways alternative for users seeking simplicity, affordability and comprehensive features. With WordPress.org recommendation, managed hosting and lower costs, Bluehost delivers enterprise performance without complexity.

CA$3.99/mo CA$9.99/mo 70% off
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