Why is Bluehost So Expensive in 2024? Uncovering Hidden Costs and Best Value Plans

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

Have you ever wondered, “Why is Bluehost so expensive?” Bluehost, one of the most popular web hosting providers, is often perceived as expensive in 2024, despite its attractive initial Bluehost discounts.

In this blog post, we’ll unveil the hidden costs and explore the best value plans that Bluehost has to offer.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of Bluehost’s pricing strategy and how to make the most out of your hosting investment.

Short Summary

• Bluehost offers discounted plans with higher renewal rates and extra costs that can add up.

• Alternatives such as Hostinger, DreamHost, Hostgator, A2 Hosting & GreenGeeks offer competitive pricing.

• Maximize value by selecting the right plan, taking advantage of discounts, and managing extras.

Understanding Bluehost’s Pricing Strategy

Bluehost’s pricing strategy is a blend of initial discounts, higher renewal rates, and additional costs for certain features.

This approach may create an illusion of low-cost hosting, but it’s crucial to understand the full cost breakdown before committing to a plan.

As one of the leading hosting providers, Bluehost offers a variety of hosting and domain services, ranging from shared hosting to dedicated hosting, all designed to cater to different needs and budgets.

However, the true cost of Bluehost becomes more apparent when you take into account renewal rates and add-ons.

Renewal costs for hosting and domain services are notably higher, which can catch customers off guard.

Additionally, some essential features and services may come with extra costs, potentially making Bluehost more expensive than initially perceived.

Initial Discounts and Renewal Rates

Bluehost is known for offering attractive discounts to new customers, with savings of up to 73% per month.

This makes their initial pricing exceptionally competitive compared to other web hosts.

However, the true cost of hosting becomes more apparent when considering the renewal rates.

For example, Bluehost’s most affordable shared plan starts at $2.95 per month for the 12-month contract and $4.95 per month for the 36-month term when first buying hosting from Bluehost.

Related: Bluehost $2.95 per month deal

But, the standard renewal rate for this plan jumps to $10.99 per month after the initial discount period for the 12-month term and $9.99 for the 36-month term.

Related: does Bluehost charge monthly or all at once?

This sudden increase in cost can catch customers off-guard, making Bluehost seem like a more expensive option than they initially thought.

Something to note: Other web hosts increase renewal fees as well. This isn’t just something Bluehost does. It is common for the first initial term to be much cheaper allowing you to save money.

Hidden Costs and Add-Ons

Some essential features and services may come with additional costs, which can add up and make Bluehost more expensive than initially perceived.

For instance, domain registration is not included in the initial pricing as the first year you get a Bluehost free domain name.

This can increase the overall cost of hosting upon renewal of Bluehost’s plans for the domain name.

It’s essential to be aware of these hidden costs and add-ons when considering Bluehost as your hosting provider.

For example, the Bluehost cost for their least expensive shared plan with all optional extras for one year comes to a total of $230.88 for the 12-month term.

The total is $181.44 for the 36-month term.

By carefully considering your needs and only selecting the necessary services and features, you can avoid overpaying for your hosting plan.

Something to note: Other web hosts oftentimes have the same hidden costs and add-ons. This isn’t just something Bluehost does.

Here’s an in-depth post I wrote on is Bluehost package extras worth it? It covers each of the extra Bluehost add-ons so you know which might be helpful based on your needs.

Comparing Bluehost’s Hosting Plans

In order to choose the best Bluehost hosting plan for your needs, it’s important to compare the different options Bluehost offers.

These include:

• Shared hosting

• VPS hosting

• Dedicated hosting

• WordPress hosting

• WooCommerce hosting

Each plan comes with its own unique features and pricing options, so understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the most basic and cost-effective option, with multiple websites hosted on the same server, sharing available resources.

While this type of hosting is affordable, it may have limitations in terms of resources and performance.

An increase in traffic on another site sharing the same server can potentially lead to a crash on your own site due to overuse of shared resources.

Bluehost offers four shared hosting plans: Basic, Bluehost Choice Plus, Online Store, and Pro plans.

These plans provide unlimited disk space and no limit on the number of monthly visitors.

However, the shared hosting plans may be limited in terms of resources and performance.

If your website requires more resources or better performance, you may need to consider other hosting options.

Related: cheap web hosting coupons

VPS Hosting

VPS hosting offers more resources and control, making it an ideal choice for medium to large businesses that need greater performance and flexibility.

With VPS hosting, you get:

• A virtual private server that offers dedicated resources

• The ability to run your website more efficiently

• The ability to handle higher levels of traffic

Bluehost’s VPS plans come with WHM and cPanel for hosting clients’ websites in individual hosting accounts, and provide various resources such as CPU cores, RAM, SSD storage, and dedicated IP addresses, depending on the plan.

However, the Bluehost pricing of VPS plans can be higher than shared hosting plans, with Bluehost’s cheapest VPS plan starting at $29.99 per month for a 12-month term, and a renewal rate of $39.99 per month.

Related: VPS hosting promo codes

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting plans provide the highest level of performance and control, making them an ideal choice for websites with high levels of traffic, or those that require dedicated resources to run efficiently.

With dedicated hosting, you get a server dedicated solely to your website, which can result in better performance and stability.

Bluehost provides a range of dedicated hosting services, including a variety of web hosting service tiers such as standard, enhanced, and premium.

These plans come with a variety of features such as a free domain name and a cPanel license, and are designed to handle large amounts of traffic.

For example, if your website receives more than 500,000 daily page views, a dedicated server would be a suitable upgrade from a basic web hosting service.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting plans are tailored to meet the needs of WordPress users, offering features and tools that are optimized for the performance of WordPress websites.

These plans are designed to make it easy for you to build and manage your WordPress site, with features such as automatic WordPress installation, updates, and security.

Related: how to install WordPress on Bluehost

When it comes to Bluehost’s shared WordPress hosting, Bluehost offers a range of plans designed to cater to different needs and budgets.

Their Bluehost hosting Basic plan, for instance, is designed for professionals and features WordPress plugins such as Yoast SEO, Jetpack, Custom WP Themes, automatic WordPress updates, and more.

Related: is Bluehost good for Elementor?

WordPress hosting plans tend to be more expensive than shared hosting plans, but with Bluehost, it’s the same price as their shared web hosting service.

This makes Bluehost’s WordPress hosting plans a great option if using WordPress to build a website with Bluehost or if starting a WordPress blog with Bluehost.

Bluehost used to offer Managed WordPress hosting but is no longer offering that service. Bluehost’s WordPress hosting is a great pick and is similar to Bluehost’s Managed WordPress hosting service.

Related: WordPress hosting coupons

Woocommerce Hosting

WooCommerce hosting plans are specifically designed for online stores, providing features such as inventory management, payment processing, and shipping management.

These plans are tailored to help you build and manage your online store with ease and are optimized for the performance and security of your E-commerce website.

Bluehost’s WooCommerce hosting offers two plans, with the most economical plan starting at $9.95 per month.

These plans include features such as inventory and shipping management, discount code creation, and on-site payment acceptance, making them an ideal choice for those looking to run an online store on a WordPress platform.

Related: is Bluehost good for Ecommerce?

Customer Reviews and Experiences

To get a better understanding of the overall satisfaction of Bluehost customers, it’s helpful to examine customer reviews and experiences.

With an average rating of 3.9 stars from over 7,000 reviews on Trust Pilot and a 3.7 rating on SiteJabber from over 11,000 reviews, it appears that customers are generally satisfied with their purchases.

However, it’s important to note that there are both positive and negative reviews of Bluehost’s services and pricing.

Related: Bluehost Australia review

Related: Bluehost UK review

Related: Bluehost Canada review

Related: Bluehost India review

Positive Reviews

Positive reviews for Bluehost often mention the ease of use, reliable uptime, and helpful customer support.

This suggests that many customers find Bluehost’s services to be user-friendly and reliable, with helpful assistance available when needed.

Additionally, Bluehost has a rating of 4.2/5 on Trustpilot, based on over 8,000 reviews.

Bluehost also has a rating of 3.9/5 on SiteJabber, based on over 11,000 reviews.

This further supports the notion that many customers are satisfied with Bluehost’s services and performance.

Negative Reviews

On the other hand, negative reviews frequently cite high renewal rates, hidden costs, and occasional performance issues.

Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Bluehost’s pricing being comparatively more expensive than other hosting providers, as well as the elevated renewal rates that can impact the long-term cost of hosting.

Additionally, customers have reported frustration with the hidden costs and add-ons that are not included in the initial pricing.

This highlights the importance of being aware of these additional costs when considering Bluehost as your hosting provider.

Related: Bluehost money-back guarantee

Affordable Alternatives to Bluehost

If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives to Bluehost, there are several other hosting providers that offer competitive pricing and features.

By exploring these options, you may be able to find a hosting provider that better suits your needs and budget.

Hostinger

Hostinger offers low-cost hosting plans with good performance and features, making it a viable alternative to Bluehost.

Their plans include a variety of shared hosting options, and they use LiteSpeed web servers for fast performance.

Hostinger also provides data centers in multiple locations worldwide, allowing you to select the one that is most convenient for your audience.

DreamHost

DreamHost provides reliable hosting with competitive hosting costs and data backup.

They offer a wide range of hosting plans, from a basic shared hosting plan to more advanced VPS and dedicated hosting options, with prices ranging from $2.59 to $149 per month.

DreamHost also offers comprehensive data backup solutions, ensuring your website remains secure and protected.

A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting is another alternative to Bluehost, offering high-performance hosting with excellent customer support.

They provide a variety of hosting plans, including:

• Shared hosting

• VPS hosting

• Dedicated hosting

• Managed hosting

All designed to cater to different needs and budgets.

A2 Hosting is known for its swift server response time and dependable uptime, making it a reliable choice for your hosting needs.

Their customer service is available 24/7 through telephone, email, and live chat, ensuring you have access to help whenever you need it.

GreenGeeks

Focusing on eco-friendly hosting, GreenGeeks offers competitive pricing and features to rival Bluehost.

They provide a range of hosting plans, from basic shared hosting to more advanced VPS and dedicated hosting options, all including unlimited bandwidth and storage, plus a free domain name and SSL certificate.

GreenGeeks also offers comprehensive security features, including daily malware scans, DDoS protection, and a secure firewall.

Hostgator

Hostgator is a popular alternative to Bluehost, with affordable plans and a range of hosting options.

They provide:

• Shared hosting

• VPS hosting

• Dedicated servers

• Cloud hosting

All at competitive prices.

Hostgator is known for its dependable services and convenient setup process, making it a viable option for those looking for an alternative to Bluehost.

Tips for Getting the Best Value from Bluehost

To get the best value from Bluehost, it’s essential to choose the right plan for your needs, take advantage of discounts and promotions, and carefully manage add-ons and extras.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you’re getting the most from your hosting investment.

Choosing the Right Plan

When selecting the most appropriate plan for your needs on Bluehost, it is essential to evaluate your website requirements and financial capacity.

Bluehost provides a range of hosting plans, including:

• Shared hosting

• VPS hosting

• Dedicated hosting

• WordPress hosting

• WooCommerce hosting

Each plan has its own unique features and pricing options.

By carefully considering your needs, you can select the most suitable plan and avoid overpaying for unnecessary features.

Taking Advantage of Discounts and Promotions

Bluehost offers a range of discounts and promotions, such as up to 73% off on hosting plans, a free domain, and a free Bluehost SSL certificate. These discounts are applied automatically, with no need for promo codes.

To optimize your savings with Bluehost, it’s important to keep an eye on their website for special promotions and take advantage of any available offers.

Related: Bluehost $2.65 deal

Related: Bluehost free trial? does it really exist?

Managing Add-Ons and Extras

It’s essential to be aware of any additional costs that may be incurred with add-ons and extras, such as:

• Bluehost Domain Privacy + Protection

• Bluehost Codeguard Basic

• Bluehost Sitelock Security Essentials

• Single Domain SSL Bluehost

• Bluehost Google Workspace Business Starter

• Bluehost Yoast SEO Premium

By being mindful of these additional costs and only selecting the necessary services and features, you can avoid overpaying for your hosting plan and ensure that you’re getting the most value from Bluehost.

By taking the time to research and compare hosting plans, you can make sure that you’re covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Bluehost so expensive now?

Bluehost is considered expensive to some upon its hosting renewal costs. Hosted websites need bandwidth, hardware, and personnel. All this stuff is expensive. It is therefore necessary for a hosting provider to charge enough money to remain in business.

Why is Bluehost renewal so expensive?

Bluehost hosting offers renewal costs that may not be comparable to promos offered when first signing up for Bluehost. Generally, the web hosting industry uses such practices when companies offer cheaper promotions to attract customers. Once the first term is ended, the renewal price is adjusted at the current rates.

How much does Bluehost cost per year?

For Shared Web Hosting, Bluehost costs $35.40 per year.

Why is web hosting so expensive?

Web hosting is expensive due to the costs associated with providing hardware, bandwidth, and staff so web Hosting companies need to make up these costs across as many customers as possible in order to stay profitable.

Overall, it comes down to your budget and needs when deciding between Bluehost or WordPress.

What is Bluehost’s pricing structure?

Bluehost offers initial prices that are competitive, but subsequent renewal rates can be higher.

Certain features may come with additional costs, making up the Bluehost pricing structure.

What are some affordable alternatives to Bluehost?

Hostinger, DreamHost, A2 Hosting, GreenGeeks, and Hostgator are all great affordable alternatives to Bluehost with competitive pricing and features.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding Bluehost’s pricing strategy, hidden costs, and various hosting plans is crucial for making an informed decision about your hosting provider.

By considering your needs, taking advantage of discounts and promotions, and carefully managing add-ons and extras, you can ensure that you’re getting the most value from your hosting investment.

With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently choose the right Bluehost plan for your website and budget, or explore alternative hosting providers if needed.

Related: Bluehost India vs Bluehost.com

Related: HostArmada vs Bluehost

Related: WPX Hosting vs Bluehost

Here are some related Bluehost posts you might find helpful:

• why choose Bluehost
• what is Bluehost used for
• Bluehost data center and server locations
• Bluehost Marketing Offers
• is Bluehost good for beginners?
• Bluehost without WordPress
• how to point Namecheap domain to Bluehost