WP Engine vs Bluehost [2024]: Who is best for WordPress?
- By: Moin Haider
- Comparison, Web Hosting
- Fact Checked By: iblogO Team
WP Engine vs Bluehost
Choosing the right web hosting for WordPress is a pivotal decision for beginners and agencies alike. This comparison delves into WP Engine vs Bluehost, two leading names in the WordPress hosting world. Our goal? To guide you to the best choice for your specific needs.
Why does this matter? The performance of your WordPress site hinges on the quality of its hosting. It’s where speed meets reliability, shaping your online presence. We’re here to dissect WP Engine and Bluehost beyond just features and prices, focusing on how they cater to different user needs.
WP Engine, known for its top-tier WordPress hosting, targets a broad audience from individual projects to large enterprises, boasting speed and advanced features. Conversely, Bluehost offers a range of affordable hosting solutions, making it a go-to option for those just starting their digital journey.
This head-to-head comparison will examine each service’s pricing, features, performance, and customer support. This no-fluff, straightforward analysis aims to unravel the complexities of each provider, empowering you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Join us in discovering which hosting service – WP Engine or Bluehost – reigns supreme for WordPress.
WP Engine vs Bluehost Overview
Core Features | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price  | ||
Free Domain  | ||
Specialized  |
Premium Manage WordPress Hosting |
Manage WordPress Hosting |
Disk Space  |
15GB - 50GB |
10GB - 100GB |
Monthly Traffic  |
25,000 - 400,000 visits |
25,000 - 2,500,000 visits |
Money Back Guarantee  |
60 days |
30 days |
Server Location  |
Austin, Taxes, USA |
Orem, Utah, USA |
General Features | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
Site Migrations |
Free |
Free |
Email |
$3mon* | |
WordPress Installation |
1 click |
1 click |
Staging Environment |
Free |
Free |
Websites |
Unlimite |
1 - 5 |
Bandwidth |
50GB-500GB |
Unmetered |
Customer Support | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
Phone Support | ||
Live Chat |
24/7 |
24/7 |
Ticket Support | ||
Multisite Support |
Performance | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
Uptime Guarantee |
99.99% |
99.99% |
Free CDN |
Yes |
Yes |
Avg Response Time |
124ms |
416ms |
Security | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
Firewall DDoS Protection | ||
SSL Certificates |
Free | |
Automatic Backups |
Daily and on-demand |
Daily |
Malware Scanning |
CodeGuard | |
Hack Fix Guarantee | ||
WHOIS Domain Privacy |
Ease of use | WP Engine | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
cPanel | ||
Users |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Optimization Tools | ||
PHP Versions |
Latest |
Latest |
Website Builder |
WP Engine Pricing & Hosting Types | Monthly |
|---|---|
Managed WordPress |
$35 - $1650mon* |
Application - Standard |
$20 - $320mon* |
Database |
$18 - $3250mon* |
WooCommerce |
Same as Managed WordPress |
Bluehost Pricing & Hosting Types | Monthly |
|---|---|
Shared Hosting |
$2.75 - $9.95mon* |
Managed WordPress Hosting |
Same as shared |
Dedicated servers |
$89.98 - $139.99mon* |
VPS Hosting |
$29.99 - $69.99mon* |
wooComerce Hosting |
$6.75 - $9.95mon* |
Close Second
WP Engine Rating
Pros
- Customer Service Award
- WordPress Optimization
- Free Daily Backups
- Malware Protection
- Theme Access Free
Cons
- Expensive Hosting
- Managed Plans Only
- Limited Storage/Traffic
Over all Winner
Bluehhost Rating
Pros
- Fast loading speed
- Easy site-building
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Dependable features
Cons
- No monthly shared plans
- No Windows servers
- Limited storage
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Comparing Pricing and Plans
In web hosting, the right choice often boils down to two pivotal factors: the cost and the diversity of available plans. Let’s explore WP Engine and Bluehost’s pricing structures and hosting plans to determine which provides better value for money.
WP Engine: Premium and Rich plans
WP Engine stands out for its specialized managed WordPress hosting, targeting a range of users from individual agencies to large enterprises. While their plans are expensive, they come packed with features tailored to enhance WordPress performance.
Managed Hosting: Starting at $24/month, it caters to basic needs, offering one site, 10 GB storage, and 50 GB bandwidth. Ideal for small-scale websites or portfolios.
Professional and Growth Plans: For expanding businesses, these plans, priced at $49 and $95, respectively, offer additional websites, storage, and bandwidth, catering to growing traffic and demands.
Scale Plan: At $241/month, this is perfect for large businesses or agencies needing extensive resources.
Custom Hosting: Tailored for specific needs, the pricing varies, focusing on high-performance and dedicated resources.
Bluehost: Affordable and Versatile
Bluehost, known for its affordability and wide range of options, offers something for everyone – from beginners to established businesses.
Basic Plan: Only $2.75/month, suitable for single-site owners, with 10 GB SSD storage and essential features.
Plus and Choice Plus Plans: Starting at $5.45/month, offering more resources and features like unlimited websites and storage, making them great for medium-sized businesses.
Pro Plan: At $13.95/month, this plan targets high-demand sites with optimized resources and additional features.
“WP Engine vs Bluehost: Balancing Cost and Value“
Regarding pricing and plans, the choice between WP Engine and Bluehost hinges on your specific needs and budget. With its higher price point, WP Engine offers specialized, high-performance WordPress hosting, ideal for those prioritizing premium features and dedicated WordPress resources.
Bluehost, on the other hand, stands out for its affordability and variety, making it a go-to choice for beginners and those seeking value for money.
The Winner: Bluehost
If budget is your primary concern and you need a range of versatile options, Bluehost is your winner. However, WP Engine takes the lead for those seeking specialized WordPress hosting with premium features and who can afford a higher budget.
WP Engine vs Bluehost Features Comparison
When choosing a web hosting service, the breadth and depth of features can significantly impact your website’s functionality and user experience. In this segment, we compare WP Engine and Bluehost’s core and general features to see which service offers a more robust feature set.
WP Engine stands out with its exclusive focus on managed WordPress hosting
This specialization is evident in their range of features:
- Hosting Types: Primarily offers managed WordPress hosting tailored to various WordPress site requirements, from personal blogs to large enterprise-level websites.
- Storage and Traffic: Plans start from 15GB storage and 25,000 monthly visits, scaling up to meet the demands of high-traffic sites.
- Server Locations: Features a global network of servers, including locations in the EU, US, Canada, UK, and Asia, optimizing performance for a worldwide audience.
- WordPress-Centric Features: Offers a staging environment, free site migrations, and excellent WordPress integration, emphasizing ease of use for WordPress users.
Bluehost, renowned for its versatility, provides a wide array of hosting services:
- Hosting Types: Includes Shared, Dedicated, VPS, WordPress, and WooCommerce hosting, catering to a diverse range of user needs, from tiny blogs to large e-commerce sites.
- Storage: The Basic plan offers 10 GB SSD storage, increasing with more advanced offerings.
- Server Network: Boasts an extensive server network with a primary location in Orem, Utah, USA, and additional servers in the UK and Asia.
- General Features: Bluehost shines with features like one-click WordPress installations, a free domain with its plans, and a user-friendly control panel.
“WP Engine vs Bluehost: Feature-Focused Face-Off”
In this feature comparison, Bluehost showcases its adaptability and extensive hosting solutions suitable for a diverse user base. However, WP Engine distinguishes itself with its specialized, feature-rich managed WordPress hosting, appealing to those prioritizing high-quality WordPress-specific functionalities.
The Winner: WP Engine
The Winner: For users seeking a hosting service with a broad array of options and flexibility, Bluehost takes the lead. WP Engine is the top choice for those focusing on premium, managed WordPress hosting and requiring advanced WordPress features.
Performance Analysis: Is WP Engine faster than Bluehost?
The performance of your service provider can significantly impact your website’s success. Here, we compare WP Engine and Bluehost on crucial performance metrics like uptime, response time, and overall speed to determine which service leads to efficiency and reliability.
WP Engine boasts a strong reputation for performance, backed by Google Cloud Infrastructure and an extensive CDN service. This powerful combination ensures rapid content delivery and site speed across the globe. Notably, WP Engine promises an impressive 99.99% uptime guarantee, reflecting their commitment to reliability.
In our tests using GTmetrix, a WP Engine-hosted site showed impressive load times and response metrics:
Uptime Guarantee: Nearly perfect uptime, minimizing the likelihood of site disruptions.
Page Speed and Response Time: The site demonstrated a Fully Loaded Time of 2.0 seconds and a Largest Contentful Paint of 1.1 seconds, both indicative of a responsive and fast website.
GTMetrix Results: The performance score was 95%, with Web Vitals reflecting a quick, user-friendly experience.
Bluehost maintains a strong uptime record, typically exceeding 99.9%, ensuring that websites remain accessible and operational. Integrating LightSpeed Cache and strategic data center locations contributes to its consistent performance. Our analysis using GTmetrix revealed the following:
- Uptime: Bluehost consistently maintains high uptime, with minimal downtime noted.
- LightSpeed Cache: This technology enhances the efficiency of website loading, contributing to a better user experience.
- GTMetrix Analysis: A Bluehost-hosted site loaded with an LCP of 697ms and a Fully Loaded Time of 832ms. The TTFB was measured at 275ms, showcasing the service’s swift response to requests.
Comparing the Metrics:
Both WP Engine and Bluehost offer strong performance credentials, but the devil is in the details:
- Uptime and Reliability: Both providers offer high uptime guarantees, with WP Engine slightly edging out with its 99.99% uptime guarantee compared to Bluehost’s 99.9%.
- Speed and Response: WP Engine’s use of Google Cloud Infrastructure and CDN service provides a slight global speed and performance advantage. Bluehost, while consistent, showed marginally longer load times in our tests.
- User Experience and Optimization: GTmetrix results indicate that WP Engine and Bluehost host fast and reliable websites. However, WP Engine’s superior scores in Web Vitals suggest a more optimized and efficient user experience
The Winner: WP Engine
WP Engine wins this performance showdown after thoroughly comparing uptime, response times, and overall speed. Its advanced infrastructure and strong commitment to speed and reliability make WP Engine the superior choice for users who prioritize performance.
Bluehost remains a strong contender, especially for those seeking reliable service at a more affordable price point. However, WP Engine leads the way for those demanding the fastest and most robust performance metrics.
WP Engine vs Bluehost Security
Regarding the security of web hosting services, this WP Engine vs Bluehost comparison reveals a distinct front-runner. WP Engine provides a notably enhanced security platform equipped with advanced features. On the other hand, Bluehost maintains the basics but requires additional fees for more comprehensive protection.
WP Engine: A Fortress of Security
WP Engine provides an impressive array of security features:
- Basics Plus More: It covers the essentials like SSL certificates and one-click CDN activation. Beyond these, WP Engine includes daily backups and multi-factor authentication as standard offerings.
- No Extra Charges for Advanced Security: WP Engine enhances its security without adding to your bill.
Proactive Monitoring and Threat.
Detection: The service constantly monitors and detects threats, enabling the security team to act swiftly.
Proprietary Firewall: This added layer of defense significantly minimizes the risk of malicious software infiltrating your server.
Plugin Management: WP Engine proactively bans plugins that could pose security vulnerabilities, further fortifying website safety.
Bluehost: Covering the Fundamentals
Bluehost’s approach to security includes the following:
- Primary Offerings: The service provides SSL certificates and Cloudflare CDN integration. These features are essential for basic website security.
- Additional Costs for Enhanced Security:
Automated Backups: To access Bluehost’s backup services, users are charged $2.99/month.
SiteLock Security: For protection against malicious attacks, Bluehost offers SiteLock security at an additional cost of $2.99/month.
While WP Engine’s higher price point encompasses an extensive range of security features, Bluehost sticks to providing fundamental security measures, charging extra for services that many users consider essential.
The Winner: WP Engine
“In Security, WP Engine Outperforms Bluehost”
WP Engine takes the lead in the security aspect, offering robust and inclusive features that cater to all levels of website protection. While offering fundamental security options, Bluehost needs to catch up as it charges additional fees for comprehensive measures like automated backups and advanced malware protection.
Who is Better in Terms of Customer Support, WP Engine or Bluehost?
Choosing the right web hosting provider isn’t just about uptime and performance metrics; it’s also about ensuring you have reliable and responsive customer support when needed.
WP Engine is renowned for its dedicated customer support. Here are some ways they make sure their customers are well taken care of:
- Live Chat: Available through the WP Engine User Portal, live chat is a quick way to contact their team for immediate assistance.
- Phone Support: For more complex issues or those preferring verbal communication, WP Engine offers phone support, which is especially helpful for higher-tier plan users.
- Email Ticket Support: For non-urgent inquiries or when you need to have a detailed conversation record, WP Engine’s email ticketing system is efficient and reliable.
WP Engine prides itself on its quick response times and expert support staff. Customers often highlight the professionalism and expertise of WP Engine’s support team, ensuring that technical issues are resolved promptly and effectively.
Bluehost offers robust support options to meet a variety of customer needs:
- 24/7 Live Chat and Phone Support: Bluehost understands that issues can arise anytime. Their round-the-clock live chat and phone support mean someone will always help you, regardless of when you encounter an issue.
- Comprehensive Support: Not just limited to hosting problems, Bluehost’s customer service team is equipped to assist with website design, optimization, and more.
- Efficient Problem-Solving: Users commend Bluehost for swiftly addressing and resolving issues through its live chat and phone services.
Comparison and Experience
WP Engine and Bluehost offer 24/7 live chat and phone support, ensuring users can get help whenever needed. Customers of both services report high satisfaction with the knowledge and responsiveness of the support teams.
WP Engine’s ticketing system adds an extra support layer, which is particularly beneficial for tracking and resolving complex issues. On the other hand, Bluehost’s widespread praise for its hands-on assistance speaks to its commitment to customer service.
The Winner: WP Engine
“WP Engine vs Bluehost: Navigating Customer Support with Ease and Expertise”
After analyzing the customer support offerings of WP Engine and Bluehost, WP Engine emerges as the leader in this crucial aspect.
With its comprehensive support channels, rapid response times, and expert assistance, WP Engine guarantees prompt and effective assistance, ensuring customer queries are addressed with speed and expertise.
While Bluehost provides commendable support and is known for its accessibility, WP Engine’s specialized attention and range of support options cater to a broader array of customer needs, setting a high standard of customer service excellence.
User Interface and Ease of Use
When managing a website, the hosting provider’s user interface (UI) and ease of use can significantly impact your daily operations.
The competition is incredibly close in the match-up of WP Engine vs Bluehost, with both providers keenly focusing on making their platforms as intuitive and straightforward as possible.
Each has tailored its user experience to ensure that whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned webmaster, navigating through the options is smooth and hassle-free.
WP Engine is known for its specialized approach, primarily catering to WordPress users. The custom User Portal is intuitively designed, allowing users to easily access staging environments, performance tools, and site statistics. It’s tailored to provide a streamlined experience but might have a slight learning curve for those new to WordPress.
Bluehost, on the other hand, is widely recognized for its user-friendly approach, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its enhanced cPanel interface integrates seamlessly with its dashboard, offering a familiar layout for those who have used web hosting services before.
Features like one-click installations and a comprehensive knowledge base further simplify website management.
When comparing control panels and website builders, Bluehost’s cPanel provides a robust and familiar interface packed with powerful tools for comprehensive site management. Coupled with its WordPress-based website builder, Bluehost makes setting up and customizing your site accessible to users of all skill levels.
In contrast, WP Engine offers a more focused experience with its custom dashboard and builder tool. The staging environment, premium themes, and plugins available through the User Portal make it a powerful option for WordPress users.
However, its specialized nature might not be as immediately approachable for complete beginners or those managing various types of websites.
The verdict is clear after considering the various aspects.
The Winner: Bluehost
“WP Engine vs. Bluehost: Streamlining Your Website Management Journey”
After careful consideration, Bluehost emerges as the winner regarding user interface and ease of use. Its user-friendly dashboard, robust cPanel integration, and comprehensive assistance tools make it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced users.
While WP Engine offers a specialized experience tailored for WordPress, Bluehost’s approachable and versatile platform ensures that users can manage their websites with ease and confidence.
Our Verdict: Who is Best for WordPress, WP Engine or Bluehost?
In the decisive showdown between WP Engine and Bluehost, we’ve delved deep into their offerings, weighing their strengths and weaknesses across various aspects. Both are strong in WordPress hosting, but they suit different users. Our final assessment aims to declare a clear winner for those seeking the best WordPress hosting.
WP Engine is a formidable force in the hosting world, especially for users who demand peak performance, advanced security, and comprehensive WordPress features. It’s tailored for businesses, agencies, and professional bloggers whose sites command high traffic and require top-notch reliability. WP Engine’s commitment to specialized WordPress hosting ensures that every aspect of your digital experience is optimized for success, from speed to support.
Conversely, Bluehost is the beacon for beginners, small businesses, and budget-conscious users. It offers a gentle entry point into the world of web hosting with its user-friendly interface, affordable plans, and an array of features suitable for various website needs.
The blend of ease, accessibility, and value makes Bluehost an attractive option for those starting their digital journey or managing smaller-scale websites.
Considering all angles, Bluehost takes the crown as the overall winner in our comparison. Its appeal lies in its affordability, ease of use, and the broad array of features that cater to a wide user base, especially attractive to beginners and small to medium-sized businesses.
Bluehost’s balance of functionality, user-friendliness, and supportive customer service positions it as a top choice for those seeking a hassle-free hosting experience without breaking the bank.
Upto 70% Off!With its specialized services and superior performance, WP Engine is a close second and the go-to option for users requiring a more robust, performance-oriented hosting environment. It’s particularly suited for larger websites or businesses where performance is critical
saves $120!Conclusion: Bluehost
Your choice between WP Engine and Bluehost should align with your hosting needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize performance, ease of use, cost, or customer support, both platforms offer compelling solutions to cater to your website’s demands.
Please reflect on these considerations and choose the hosting service that will best support your website’s journey to success.
Which are the best alternatives to WP Engine and Bluehost?
If after reading through the WP Engine vs Bluehost article, you’re still pondering over other hosting options, let’s explore some of the noteworthy alternatives in the market. Each has unique strengths, and here’s a brief mention of how they stack up in the hosting world.
- Hostinger: Known for affordable hosting. Read our Hostinger review.
- DreamHost: Known for affordability and user-friendly experience. Read our DreamHost review.
- HostGator: Offers user-friendly hosting plans. Read our HostGator review.
- Namecheap: Offers competitively priced domains and hosting services. Read our Namecheap review.
- A2 Hosting: High-performance hosting with a focus on speed and reliability. Read our A2 Hosting review.
- Kinsta: Premium managed WordPress hosting for demanding websites. Read our Kinsta review.
- InMotion Hosting: Balanced offerings with great support and reliability. Read our InMotion Hosting review.
- GreenGeeks: Eco-friendly hosting with a commitment to sustainability. Read our GreenGeeks review.
- TMD Hosting: Known for excellent customer service and diverse hosting plans. Read our TMD Hosting review.
- GoDaddy: A giant in domain registration and comprehensive hosting solutions. Read our GoDaddy review.
- OVHCloud: Offers extensive cloud and web hosting services. Read our OVHCloud review.
- HostPapa: Small business-oriented with a range of easy-to-use tools. Read our HostPapa review.
- StableHost: Reliable hosting with an emphasis on stability. Visit our Read our StableHost review.
- Cloudways: Cloud hosting management is made easy and efficient. Read our Cloudways review.
- Namecheap: Offers competitively priced domains and hosting services. Read our Namecheap review.
For an in-depth look at each, check out our detailed reviews on the top 18 Bluehost alternatives and top 15 WP Engine alternatives. And, if you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to the best hosting providers, our article on the Best web hosting provider – reviewed and tested is just a click away.
Whether you’re looking for affordability, performance, or specific features, there’s a hosting provider out there that fits your needs. With so many options, consider your priorities and choose a host that aligns with your website’s goals and audience. The right host supports your site and contributes to its growth and success. Happy hosting!
FAQs of WP Engine vs Bluehost
What is the difference between WP Engine and Bluehost?
WP Engine is a managed WordPress hosting provider focusing on premium features like enhanced security, speed optimizations, and expert support. It’s tailored for users who want a high-performance, managed WordPress experience. Bluehost, on the other hand, offers various hosting services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and WordPress hosting, known for its affordability, ease of use, and is a good choice for beginners and small to medium-sized websites.
Is WP Engine part of WordPress?
No, WP Engine is not part of WordPress but is a managed hosting service provider that specializes in WordPress. It provides optimized hosting solutions specifically for WordPress websites, including features like automatic updates, daily backups, and enhanced security specifically tailored for WordPress performance.
How does Bluehost managed hosting compare to WP Engine for a high traffic site?
For high traffic sites, WP Engine is often favored for its robust managed hosting services specifically optimized for WordPress, offering scalability, speed, and security. Bluehost’s managed WordPress hosting also supports high traffic sites with various performance optimizations but WP Engine tends to offer more specialized services for scaling and managing large volumes of traffic effectively.
How difficult is it to use Bluehost and WordPress as a beginner?
Bluehost is known for its beginner-friendly approach, offering an intuitive user interface, one-click WordPress installations, and comprehensive guidance. It’s designed to make the process as straightforward as possible, making it a popular choice for beginners starting with WordPress.
Is Bluehost cheaper than WP Engine?
Yes, Bluehost is generally cheaper than WP Engine. Bluehost offers a range of affordable plans suitable for various budgets, making it a cost-effective choice for individuals and small businesses. WP Engine, as a managed WordPress hosting provider, tends to be pricier but includes a wide array of premium features and services that justify the higher cost.
Can I migrate my existing website to WP Engine or Bluehost?
Yes, both WP Engine and Bluehost offer site migration services. WP Engine provides automated migration plugins and expert assistance, while Bluehost offers a Migration Services tool with some plans.
Do WP Engine and Bluehost offer email hosting?
WP Engine does not offer email hosting directly, recommending third-party providers instead. Bluehost provides built-in email solutions with its hosting plans.
Meta Description: Unveil the best WordPress hosting with our WP Engine vs Bluehost comparison. Understand key differences, features, and user recommendations to power your website. Choose wisely for success!
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Moin Haider
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