Hostinger vs Bluehost
These two get compared constantly because both sell cheap shared hosting to beginners. The headline prices suggest Hostinger is cheaper. Once you look at the billing term the picture changes.
Hostinger
4.6You want more storage and free email included with your plan.
Bluehost
4.2You want a shorter commitment and a lower renewal price.
Compared at a glance
The verdict
The part most comparisons skip
A monthly price only means something next to its billing term. Hostinger reaches $2.99/mo by asking for four years upfront, which comes to $143.52. Bluehost reaches $3.99/mo over three years, which works out to about $144. You pay close to the same amount, but Bluehost locks you in for one year less.
Renewal flips the order again. Hostinger Premium renews at $10.99/mo while Bluehost Starter renews at $9.99/mo. If you plan to stay several years the cheaper long-term host is Bluehost.
Side by side
| Hostinger Premium | Bluehost Starter | |
|---|---|---|
| Intro price | $2.99/mo | $3.99/mo |
| Term required | 48 months | 36 months |
| First-term total | $143.52 | About $144 |
| Renewal price | $10.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Websites | 3 | 10 |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 10 GB NVMe SSD |
| Free domain | First year | First year |
| 2 mailboxes per site, free first year | Pro Email trial only | |
| Backups | Weekly | Weekly |
| Support | Priority 24/7 | 24/7 chat, no phone on Starter |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days |
Prices are the promotional rates shown on each provider's official plan page in US dollars on 7 September 2026. They change by country and billing term, so check your checkout total before paying.
Where Hostinger wins
- Twice the storage — 20 GB against 10 GB.
- Mailboxes are included free for the first year instead of a trial.
- Priority support is on the entry plan rather than a higher tier.
- The lowest possible monthly rate if a four-year commitment suits you.
Where Bluehost wins
- A 36-month term instead of 48 — one less year of lock-in.
- A cheaper renewal at $9.99/mo against $10.99/mo.
- Ten websites on the entry plan instead of three.
- A published 99.99% uptime SLA.
- WordPress.org lists it among its recommended hosts, which helps if you want the well-trodden path.
Which one fits your situation
- Building one site and want email included — Hostinger.
- Not ready to pay for four years — Bluehost.
- Planning to stay past the intro term — Bluehost renews cheaper.
- Running several small sites — Bluehost allows ten.
- Storing lots of images or media — Hostinger gives more space.
Check the refund window either way
How we compared them
We read both providers' official plan pages on the same day and compared the entry plans that each company promotes to new customers. We did not run a lab speed test because real performance depends on your site setup and where your visitors are. First-term totals come from the advertised monthly rate multiplied by the required term.
Want the wider shortlist instead of just these two?
See the best hosting for small businessThe tools, in detail
Hostinger
Best ValueBest for: Small businesses that want fast, affordable hosting
Why we picked it
Genuinely cheap plans with a modern dashboard and solid speed.
Pros
- Best price-to-performance
- Beginner-friendly panel
- Free SSL + email
Cons
- Renewal prices rise
- Long term needed for best rate
Bluehost
Best for: WordPress beginners who want a guided setup
Why we picked it
Officially WordPress-recommended with a smooth onboarding flow.
Pros
- Free domain first year
- WordPress-recommended
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Upsells during checkout
- Higher renewals
Independent
Rankings aren't for sale.
Kept current
Reviewed and dated.
Clear method
Same 5 criteria, every time. See how
Frequently asked questions
Is Hostinger cheaper than Bluehost?
Only on the headline rate. Hostinger advertises $2.99/mo but requires a 48-month term totalling $143.52. Bluehost advertises $3.99/mo over 36 months, which comes to about $144. The first bill is close to identical. Bluehost is cheaper afterwards because it renews at $9.99/mo against Hostinger's $10.99/mo.
Which is better for a first WordPress site?
Both install WordPress for you. Bluehost is listed among the hosts recommended on WordPress.org and asks for a shorter commitment, which makes it a safer first step. Hostinger is the better value if you want more storage plus email on the same plan.
Do both include a free domain?
Yes, for the first year on these plans. After that the domain renews at the registrar's normal rate, which is separate from your hosting bill.
Can I pay monthly instead of for years?
Shorter terms are usually available but the advertised discount disappears. The very low rates on both hosts exist because you are prepaying for three to four years.
Can I move between them later?
Yes. Both offer migration help for WordPress sites. Moving hosts is a normal task, so neither choice traps you permanently.
Keep reading
Bluehost vs SiteGround
Bluehost and SiteGround both start at $3.99/mo. The plans behind that price are not close. Compare sites, storage, backups and renewal cost.
SiteGround vs Hostinger
SiteGround vs Hostinger compared on price, lock-in, storage and backups. One is cheaper to start. The other is far cheaper to stay.
Best Hosting for Small Businesses
The best web hosting for small businesses, ranked for speed, support and value. Compare real costs, key limits and the best fit for your site.