Bluehost vs Cloudways: Which Web Hosting Tool Is Better in 2026?
Bluehost
From $2.95Cloudways
From $11Quick verdict
Overall pick: Cloudways
Bluehost is the better fit for first-time bloggers and beginners who want the lowest starting price and an easy onboarding path. Cloudways costs more per month but adds automated daily backups and full root/SSH access, which suits agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores. Choose Bluehost to minimize cost and complexity; choose Cloudways when you need backups and server-level control.
- Bluehost's entry plan ($2.95) is 73% cheaper than Cloudways's ($11).
- Only Cloudways offers: automated daily backups, full root / ssh access.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Bluehost · flat | $2.95 | $35 |
| Cloudways · flat | $11.00 | $132 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time blogger on a tight budget | Bluehost | Bluehost starts at $2.95 flat versus Cloudways at $11 flat, and is positioned for beginners. |
| Agency needing server-level control | Cloudways | Cloudways offers full root/SSH access, which Bluehost does not. |
| Site owner who wants automated daily backups included | Cloudways | Cloudways lists automated daily backups; Bluehost does not. |
| Beginner who wants managed WordPress with minimal setup | Bluehost | Both offer managed WordPress, but Bluehost is tagged for easy onboarding and beginners at a lower starting price. |
| Fast-growing WooCommerce store | Cloudways | Cloudways is positioned for fast-growing WooCommerce stores and adds root access and daily backups. |
Feature comparison: Bluehost vs Cloudways
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $2.95 /mo | $11 /mo |
| Managed WordPress support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free SSL & CDN | ✅ | ✅ |
| High-speed NVMe/SSD storage | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automated daily backups | — | ✅ |
| 1-click staging environment | ✅ | ✅ |
| Full root / SSH access | — | ✅ |
| Enterprise DDoS protection | ✅ | ✅ |
| 24/7 expert support | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Bluehost
- Lowest starting price at $2.95 flat
- Managed WordPress support with easy onboarding for beginners
- Includes free SSL, NVMe/SSD storage, staging, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support
- No automated daily backups
- No full root or SSH access
- Higher starting price than Bluehost at $11 flat
Cloudways
- Automated daily backups included
- Full root/SSH access for server-level control
- Managed cloud hosting on DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud
- Managed WordPress, free SSL, NVMe/SSD storage, staging, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support
- Starting price of $11 flat is higher than Bluehost's $2.95
- Less oriented toward first-time bloggers than Bluehost
At a glance
Officially recommended WordPress hosting with easy onboarding.
Founded 2003 · From $2.95 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: first-time bloggers, beginners
See Bluehost alternatives →Managed cloud hosting on DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud.
Founded 2012 · From $11 · 8/8 tracked features
Best for: agencies, fast-growing WooCommerce stores
See Cloudways alternatives →FAQ
Is Bluehost cheaper than Cloudways?
Yes. Bluehost starts at $2.95 flat, while Cloudways starts at $11 flat.
Does Cloudways include automated daily backups?
Yes, Cloudways lists automated daily backups; Bluehost does not.
Which host offers root or SSH access?
Cloudways offers full root/SSH access; Bluehost does not.
Do both support managed WordPress?
Yes, both Bluehost and Cloudways list managed WordPress support.
Which is better for beginners?
Bluehost is positioned for first-time bloggers and beginners and has the lower starting price.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Web Hosting tools →