When it comes to web hosting, you have many options. Probably the two most popular web hosting choices are Bluehost and HostGator. They come highly recommended from a variety of users. But how do you know which web hosting provider is best for your unique needs?
We’ve taken the guesswork out of it and are bringing you a full comparison and contrast between Bluehost and HostGator. This way, you can choose the right provider for you!
How do Bluehost vs HostGator Main Features Compare?
Web host providers have lots of added on bells and whistles, but the main features are a good place to begin when choosing the right host provider. This is the nitty gritty that helps you make the final decision of one web host vs. another.
Price of Web Hosting –
Bluehost and HostGator both offer the choice of annual plans. Bluehost users must agree to a one year commitment. HostGator users can make monthly payments. Another benefit of HostGator is that users can cancel at any time. Bluehost (at $6.95 per month) is a small amount less than HostGator, at $7.95.
Both hosting platforms accept credit card as well as PayPal payments.
Limits on Bandwidth and Hosting –
Data transfer is measured by bandwidth. When visitors arrive at your website, this uses bandwidth. When a host provider limits your bandwidth, it can cause the site to function poorly. Both Bluehost and HostGator provide their users with unlimited bandwidth and unrestricted access to your website.
In addition to bandwidth, you will also want to consider storage capacity that a web provider offers. This is called disk space and it holds all the data, emails, images, and video you might have connected with your site. Both Bluehost and HostGator allow unlimited disk space.
Extras –
When you create a custom website, it will have its own domain name. This is the address where you site can be found online.
Bluehost offers its users a free domain which lasts for the first year. HostGator doesn’t currently provide any free domain registration.
When a web host provider is strict about domains, users are limited in the number of added-on domains they can host.
A benefit of both Bluehost and HostGator is that they allow unlimited hosting.
Another feature to consider is being able to ensure that your files are backed up. Both web hosting providers offer the option to back-up manually for free. For additional back-ups, Bluehost performs automatic backups each week that won’t cost you anything extra. Users on HostGator are charged $15 for an automated backup.
What Type of Customer Care do Bluehost and HostGator Provide?
Customer support is an important part of any webhosting package. Ideally, you won’t need to troubleshoot, but there’s always a chance that something can go wrong. Maybe you just need help setting up or backing up.
Whether you are a novice who needs to be walked through several steps or you’re a pro who just needs pointing in the right direction, be sure to choose a web hosting provider with good customer service.
You’ll be happy to know that Bluehost and HostGator both provide great customer support.
Getting Started –
After you have signed up for a new account, Bluehost and HostGator will both set up your domain and server so you can waste no time getting started. In fact, this feature is pretty standard among web host providers these days so if you are considering a service that don’t offer it, be wary!
Tech Support –
After you’ve gotten started, you may have questions from time to time. Users of both HostGator and Bluehost are provided with live chat support. And this applies to each and every plan.
Both providers also feature free tech support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can expect to have access to tech support via phone as well as email, in addition to live chat.
If you aren’t completely satisfied with your hosting service, it’s important to have the option to change your mind. Bluehost users are given the choice of a money back guarantee as long as it falls within the first 30 days of the plan. After the first month, users can opt for a pro-rated refund.
Users of Hostgator have the option of a 45-day money back guarantee.
What Types of Technical Features do Bluehost and HostGator Provide to users?
Tech features are an important thing to consider when choosing a host provider. There are many similarities between Bluehost and HostGator and a few differences as well. If you want more detailed information, you can always visit the host providers’ websites for more.
Web Server Management Software –
Both Bluehost and HostGator use cPanel, a popular web server management software. Because of this, users can manage their files and transfer them as well. Also, you can set up databases and manage your functions such as email and program installation.
Both Bluehost and HostGator also offer FTP transfer capabilities. This lets you transfer files from your website with ease.
Maybe you aren’t the most tech-savvy person. No problem when you use Bluehost and HostGator. WordPress installers are included to help you build your site and then manage it as you go forward.
Email Features –
One important part of any website is email features. Email can leverage your online influence and directly connect you with customers to answer their questions and market your products via email newsletters, drip campaigns, etc.
Bluehost and HostGator both provide users with unlimited email accounts, plus webmail options and email forwarding for ease of use.
Conclusion
So just which email host provider is better? It seems like Bluehost and HostGator both offer plenty of bells and whistles plus lots of great features for users.
It mainly boils down to what will work most for you. As you are exploring your options, just keep in mind that your needs may change as your company or website evolves. So be sure to go with a provider that can grow and change with you.