Bluehost vs Cloudways: Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated March 2026
Choosing between Bluehost and Cloudways is a common dilemma for anyone shopping for web hosting. Both are reputable providers with millions of customers, but they differ significantly in performance, pricing, and features. In this comparison, we put them head-to-head using real data from our 6-month testing period.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Bluehost | Cloudways | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7 | ★★★★☆ 4.6 | Bluehost |
| Starting Price | $2.95/mo | $14.0/mo | Bluehost |
| Renewal Price | $10.99/mo | $14.0/mo | Bluehost |
| Speed (TTFB) | 412 ms | 325 ms | Cloudways |
| Uptime | 99.98% | 99.99% | Cloudways |
| Storage | 50 GB SSD | 25 GB SSD | — |
| Bandwidth | Unmetered | 1 TB | — |
| Free Domain | ✅ | ❌ | — |
| Free SSL | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 3 days | Cloudways |
Speed Comparison
In our speed tests, Cloudways came out ahead with an average TTFB of 325 ms compared to 412 ms. This is a significant difference that will be noticeable in real-world page loads.
Pricing Comparison
Bluehost starts at $2.95/mo while Cloudways starts at $14.0/mo. However, renewal prices tell a different story: Bluehost renews at $10.99/mo and Cloudways at $14.0/mo.
Over a 3-year period, the total cost breaks down to approximately $299.16 for Bluehost and $504.0 for Cloudways.
Our Verdict: Bluehost Wins Overall
After extensive testing, we recommend Bluehost as the better choice for most users. Their combination of affordable pricing and solid performance makes them the better value.
That said, Cloudways is still a strong provider and may be the better choice if you prioritize specific features they offer.