Pricing looks simple at first. A low number, a discount badge, maybe a “best deal” label. But in 2026, web hosting pricing is rarely that straightforward. This hostinger vs bluehost comparison breaks down what you really pay, not just what’s advertised.
Both Hostinger and Bluehost are popular with US beginners, bloggers, and small businesses. They both promote low starting prices, free SSL, and beginner-friendly tools. But once renewals, add-ons, and plan limits kick in, the final cost can look very different.
This guide focuses on pricing, not hype. We’ll look at starting prices, renewal costs, what’s included in each hosting plan, and where extra costs show up over time. If you’re choosing a web host mainly based on budget, this comparison is made for you.
How We Compare Hostinger & Bluehost Pricing
To keep this comparison fair, we use the same criteria for both hosting companies. The goal is to understand real-world pricing, not just promotional numbers.
Starting Prices
We look at the lowest advertised price for shared hosting and WordPress hosting in the US. These are the prices most beginners see first when choosing a web host.
Renewal Pricing
Intro pricing doesn’t last forever. We compare how much each hosting plan costs after the first term and how big the price jump is.
What’s Included in Each Plan
Some features come standard. Others cost extra. We compare what each hosting provider includes by default, such as SSL, backups, email, and website builder access.
Value for Features
Cheaper isn’t always better. We evaluate whether the price matches what you actually get, especially for small business and blogging use cases.
Extra Costs to Watch For
Domains, backups, security tools, and migrations can add hidden costs. We call those out clearly so there are no surprises later.
Quick Pricing Comparison – Hostinger vs Bluehost (2026)
| Feature | Hostinger | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
| Website per account | 25-50 | 10-100 |
| Storage available | 25-50 GB | 10-100 GB |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited (fair use) | Unmetered (fair use) |
| Monthly visits | 25K-100K | 40K-400K |
| WordPress staging | Starting at Business plan | On all plans |
| Migration assistance | Free full service on all plans | Free self-service / paid full service |
| 2-5 boxes per website | 5-unlimited boxes | |
| Control panel | hPanel / cPanel sold separately | cPanel |
| Website builder | On all plans (AI powered) | On all plans (AI powered) |
| Hosting types available | Shared / WordPress / VPS / Cloud / Agency | Shared / WordPress / VPS / Dedicated |
| Get Hosting | Get Hostinger | Get Bluehost |
This table gives a high-level view. Detailed breakdowns come in later sections.
This snapshot helps, but pricing decisions shouldn’t stop here. The details matter, especially when plans renew or sites grow.
Hostinger Overview (2026)
When people compare hostinger vs bluehost, pricing is usually the first reason Hostinger comes up. In 2026, Hostinger keeps its reputation for low entry costs, but the real value depends on which hosting plan you choose and how long you plan to stay.
Shared Hosting Plans & Costs
Hostinger’s shared hosting plans are among the lowest-priced options from any major web host in the US market.
The entry-level shared hosting plan is designed for beginners who want a simple site with minimal cost. It supports one website, limited resources, and basic performance. For blogs, landing pages, or early-stage projects, this plan keeps pricing low without feeling unusable.
Mid-tier shared hosting plans increase storage, bandwidth, and server resources. These plans are more practical for bloggers and small businesses that expect steady traffic.
At the higher shared level, Hostinger allows multiple websites and better performance, which makes the pricing feel competitive even after renewals.
Key point: Hostinger shared hosting is cheap to start and scales gradually, not suddenly.
WordPress Hosting Prices
Hostinger’s WordPress hosting plans are priced slightly higher than basic shared hosting but include WordPress-focused features.
These plans are optimized for WordPress performance, include automatic updates, caching tools, and better server configuration. For a WordPress site, the pricing difference often makes sense because fewer plugins are needed for speed.
Compared to Bluehost, Hostinger’s WordPress plans usually cost less at both the intro and renewal stages. This gives Hostinger an advantage for long-term WordPress users who care about pricing stability.
Website Builder Plans
Hostinger includes a website builder in many plans, but it also sells builder-focused packages.
These plans bundle hosting, templates, drag-and-drop tools, and basic marketing features. Pricing stays beginner-friendly and is often lower than Bluehost’s builder-based plans.
For users who don’t want WordPress, Hostinger’s builder plans offer predictable pricing without many upsells.
Cloud Hosting Pricing
Hostinger’s cloud hosting sits above shared hosting and is priced accordingly.
Cloud plans cost more, but they include dedicated resources, better uptime consistency, and stronger performance under traffic spikes. Compared to Bluehost cloud-style options, Hostinger cloud pricing is often easier to understand and slightly cheaper for similar resource levels.
This makes Hostinger cloud hosting appealing for growing sites that want better performance without moving to a full VPS right away.
What You Get at Each Price Tier
Across all tiers, Hostinger includes free SSL, access to a control panel, and basic security features. Higher tiers add more storage, better server allocation, and priority support.
What Hostinger does well in 2026 is clarity. Pricing tiers are easy to compare, and feature jumps between plans feel logical rather than forced.
Overall takeaway for Hostinger pricing:
- Very competitive entry pricing
- Reasonable renewal increases
- Fewer surprise add-ons compared to many hosting companies
Bluehost Overview (2026)
In the hostinger vs bluehost pricing debate, Bluehost often attracts users with aggressive introductory deals. In 2026, those low entry prices still exist-but understanding how Bluehost structures its plans and renewals is critical before choosing this web host.
Shared Hosting Plans & Costs
Bluehost shared hosting plans are designed for beginners who want a fast start with minimal setup.
The basic shared hosting plan usually comes with a free domain for the first year, free SSL, and one website. This makes Bluehost appealing to first-time users who want everything bundled upfront.
Higher shared hosting plans increase storage, allow more websites, and add marketing or performance tools. However, the price jumps between tiers can feel steeper than expected.
Important detail: while the starting price is low, many useful features are locked behind higher plans or paid add-ons.
WordPress Hosting Prices
Bluehost WordPress hosting is marketed as beginner-friendly and officially recommended by WordPress. Pricing is higher than standard shared hosting but includes WordPress-specific tools and guided setup.
For new WordPress users, this feels comfortable. However, when compared directly to Hostinger, Bluehost WordPress plans often cost more at renewal and may still require add-ons for backups or security.
This is where pricing perception changes. Bluehost looks affordable early, but long-term WordPress costs rise faster.
VPS & Advanced Plans
Bluehost offers VPS hosting for users who need more control and server resources.
VPS pricing is significantly higher than shared hosting and targets growing websites or businesses. While Bluehost VPS plans are functional, they are usually more expensive than comparable VPS options from Hostinger.
For users comparing vps hosting purely on price, Bluehost rarely comes out cheaper.
Renewal Costs
Renewal pricing is the biggest pricing concern with Bluehost.
Introductory discounts can be steep, but once the first term ends, prices increase sharply. This affects shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and VPS plans alike.
Many users are surprised by renewal pricing if they didn’t read the fine print. Add-ons like backups, security tools, and advanced support can further increase the total cost.
What You Get at Each Price Tier
Bluehost includes core essentials like free SSL, basic email hosting, and domain registration on most plans. However, features such as automated backups, enhanced security, and performance tools often cost extra.
Compared to Hostinger, Bluehost’s pricing structure relies more on optional upgrades rather than bundling features into the base plan.
Overall takeaway for Bluehost pricing:
- Low starting prices attract beginners
- Renewal pricing increases are noticeable
- Add-ons can significantly raise long-term cost
Hostinger vs Bluehost: Side-by-Side Price Breakdown
Looking at pricing side by side helps cut through marketing language. Below is how hostinger and bluehost stack up when you compare similar tiers and what you actually pay over time.
Entry-Level Hosting Costs
At the entry level, both providers target beginners with low promotional pricing.
Hostinger’s entry shared hosting plan is usually cheaper than Bluehost’s lowest plan. It focuses on essentials-one website, limited resources, and a simple setup. The goal is to keep the first bill small.
Bluehost’s basic shared hosting plan often costs a bit more upfront, but it usually includes a free domain for the first year. For users who don’t already own a domain, this can balance the difference.
Pricing takeaway:
- Hostinger wins on lowest upfront cost
- Bluehost bundles more items at signup
Mid-Tier Hosting Costs
Mid-tier plans are where most bloggers and small businesses land.
Hostinger’s mid-tier hosting plan increases storage, bandwidth, and server resources at a moderate price jump. The pricing stays competitive, and renewals don’t spike as sharply.
Bluehost’s mid-tier plans unlock better performance and extra features, but the price jump is more noticeable. Many users move to this tier because the basic plan feels limited.
Pricing takeaway:
- Hostinger mid-tier plans feel more balanced
- Bluehost mid-tier plans add convenience but cost more
High-End Plans Pricing
At the higher end, the comparison shifts toward VPS and cloud-style options.
Hostinger’s VPS hosting and cloud hosting plans are generally priced lower than Bluehost’s advanced offerings with similar resources. This makes Hostinger more appealing for users who want stronger performance without enterprise pricing.
Bluehost VPS plans are stable and easy to manage, but they are often more expensive than Hostinger’s VPS plans when compared directly.
Pricing takeaway:
- Hostinger offers cheaper scaling options
- Bluehost focuses more on managed simplicity than price
Renewal Price Differences
Renewals are where long-term cost becomes clear.
Hostinger’s renewal pricing increases are usually moderate. While prices do go up, the jump isn’t extreme, especially on shared and WordPress plans.
Bluehost’s renewal pricing is higher across most plans. Combined with paid add-ons, the total cost after the first term can be much higher than expected.
Overall renewal takeaway:
- Hostinger = more predictable renewals
- Bluehost = bigger renewal jumps
What’s Included in Hostinger vs Bluehost Pricing
Intro pricing doesn’t mean much unless you know what’s bundled. This section breaks down what you actually get when you pay for hosting from Hostinger and Bluehost-and what may cost extra later.
Free Domain Offers
Domains are often used as a pricing hook.
Bluehost includes a free domain for the first year on most shared and WordPress plans. For beginners who don’t already own a domain, this lowers the first bill and simplifies setup.
Hostinger also offers a free domain, but usually only on higher-tier plans or longer billing cycles. Entry-level plans may require buying a domain separately.
Takeaway: Bluehost is better if you need a domain right away; Hostinger requires checking plan details.
Free SSL Certificates
Both providers include free SSL across all major hosting plans in 2026.
SSL is no longer optional. It affects security, browser trust, and SEO. Hostinger and Bluehost handle SSL setup automatically, so beginners don’t need to configure anything manually.
Takeaway: No pricing difference here-both include SSL by default.
Backups & Security Tools
Backups are where pricing differences become noticeable.
Hostinger includes basic backups on many plans, with daily backups typically reserved for higher tiers. The cost is clearer upfront, and upgrade paths are predictable.
Bluehost often treats backups as an add-on. Some plans include limited backups, but full backup access may cost extra. Over time, this adds to the total bill.
Security tools follow a similar pattern. Hostinger bundles basic protection, while Bluehost offers stronger tools as paid upgrades.
Takeaway: Hostinger bundles more; Bluehost upsells more.
Website Builder Tools
Both companies include a website builder, but the approach differs.
Hostinger’s builder is integrated and often included without extra cost on builder-focused plans. Pricing is straightforward, and features are clearly defined.
Bluehost includes a builder as well, but advanced tools may be tied to specific plans or add-ons.
Takeaway: Hostinger’s builder pricing is easier to predict.
Email Hosting
Email hosting is included with both providers, but limits vary.
Hostinger offers email accounts with most plans, with clear caps based on tier. Bluehost also includes email, but storage and features depend on the hosting plan.
For basic email needs, both are fine. For heavier email use, plan limits matter.
This is where pricing decisions often go wrong.
Setup Fees
Neither Hostinger nor Bluehost charges setup fees on standard plans. This is a positive for beginners.
Domain Renewal Costs
Free domains are only free for the first year.
After that, renewal pricing applies. Bluehost’s domain renewal costs are often higher than initial expectations. Hostinger’s domain renewals are usually closer to market average.
Add-ons (Backups, Security)
Bluehost relies heavily on add-ons for backups, advanced security, and site protection. These costs can stack up quickly.
Hostinger offers upgrades too, but the pricing structure feels more transparent.
Migration Fees
Hostinger includes free website migration on many plans, especially for WordPress sites.
Bluehost may charge for migrations unless the site qualifies for a free transfer.
Overall takeaway on inclusions:
- Hostinger pricing is more bundled and predictable
- Bluehost pricing looks simple early but grows with add-ons
Hostinger vs Bluehost: Price vs Features Comparison
Pricing alone doesn’t tell the full story. The real question in hostinger vs bluehost is whether the price you pay actually matches the features you receive over time.
| Feature | Hostinger | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
| Website per account | 25-50 | 10-100 |
| Storage available | 25-50 GB | 10-100 GB |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited (fair use) | Unmetered (fair use) |
| Monthly visits | 25K-100K | 40K-400K |
| WordPress staging | Starting at Business plan | On all plans |
| Migration assistance | Free full service on all plans | Free self-service / paid full service |
| 2-5 boxes per website | 5-unlimited boxes | |
| Control panel | hPanel / cPanel sold separately | cPanel |
| Website builder | On all plans (AI powered) | On all plans (AI powered) |
| Hosting types available | Shared / WordPress / VPS / Cloud / Agency | Shared / WordPress / VPS / Dedicated |
| Get Hosting | Get Hostinger | Get Bluehost |
Best Budget-Friendly Option
For users who care most about spending as little as possible, Hostinger has the edge.
Hostinger’s shared hosting plans start lower, renew at more predictable rates, and include key features without heavy reliance on add-ons. This makes it easier to stay within a fixed budget.
Bluehost’s entry pricing looks attractive at first, but add-ons for backups or security can push costs higher than expected.
Value takeaway: Hostinger offers better value for strict budgets.
Best Value for Small Businesses
Small businesses often need stability more than the lowest price.
Hostinger provides a balanced mix of pricing and performance. Mid-tier plans offer enough server resources, backups, and support without forcing upgrades too soon.
Bluehost can work for small businesses, but value depends heavily on choosing the right plan and avoiding unnecessary add-ons.
Value takeaway: Hostinger delivers clearer value; Bluehost requires careful plan selection.
Best for Bloggers
Bloggers usually want low costs early and steady pricing later.
Hostinger’s pricing suits bloggers who plan to keep their site running for years. Lower renewal jumps make long-term blogging more affordable.
Bluehost appeals to bloggers who want a fast launch with a free domain, but costs can increase after the first year.
Value takeaway: Hostinger is better for long-term blogging; Bluehost is easier at the start.
Best for E-Commerce
E-commerce sites need reliable performance and predictable costs.
Hostinger’s higher-tier plans and VPS options offer better price-to-resource balance, which matters when traffic grows.
Bluehost supports e-commerce but often requires upgrades and add-ons, which can raise the total cost quickly.
Value takeaway: Hostinger offers better pricing stability for online stores.
Hostinger vs Bluehost: Pros & Cons Based on Pricing
This section ignores speed, support, and features unless they directly affect pricing or long-term cost. The goal is to show where each web host wins or loses on money alone.
Hostinger Pricing Pros
Lower starting prices
Hostinger consistently undercuts Bluehost at the entry level. For users comparing price tags only, Hostinger usually looks cheaper from the first screen.
More predictable renewals
While prices do increase after the first term, Hostinger’s renewal jumps are smaller and easier to plan for.
Better value in higher tiers
VPS hosting and cloud hosting plans are often priced lower than comparable Bluehost plans, especially when resources are compared side by side.
Fewer forced add-ons
Many essentials are bundled, which keeps the final bill closer to the advertised price.
Hostinger Pricing Cons
Free domain not always included
Some lower-tier plans don’t include a free domain, which adds an extra upfront cost for beginners.
Long-term commitment for best pricing
The lowest prices often require longer billing cycles, which may not suit users who want flexibility.
Bluehost Pricing Pros
Free domain included on most plans
For users starting from scratch, this reduces initial setup cost and simplifies checkout.
Very low intro pricing
Promotional pricing makes Bluehost appealing for short-term or first-year projects.
Simple pricing structure for beginners
Plans are easy to understand at signup, with fewer immediate decisions.
Bluehost Pricing Cons
High renewal increases
Renewal pricing can be significantly higher than the intro rate, catching many users off guard.
Add-ons increase total cost
Backups, advanced security, and performance tools often cost extra, pushing the real price higher over time.
More expensive at scale
As sites grow and move to VPS or advanced plans, Bluehost becomes more expensive compared to Hostinger.
FAQs – Hostinger vs Bluehost Pricing 2026
Which host is cheaper long-term?
In most cases, Hostinger is cheaper long-term. Its renewal pricing is more stable, and fewer features require paid add-ons compared to Bluehost.
Do renewal prices jump?
Yes, for both providers. Bluehost renewal pricing jumps more sharply, while Hostinger increases are usually smaller and easier to predict.
Is a free domain included?
Bluehost includes a free domain for the first year on most plans. Hostinger includes a free domain only on select higher-tier or longer-term plans.
Which offers better value overall?
Value depends on how long you plan to stay. Bluehost works well for short-term or first-year projects. Hostinger offers better value for users planning to keep their site running for several years.
Can I switch hosts if pricing changes?
Yes. Both hosts support site migration, and switching later is common if costs or needs change.
Which is better for affordability: Hostinger or Bluehost?
Hostinger is widely known for affordable hosting with very low entry prices, making it a top choice if budget is your main concern. Bluehost tends to be more expensive than Hostinger but often includes extras like a free domain and integrated managed WordPress features on some plans. If you need the best balance between price and features, Hostinger gives cheaper renewal tiers, whereas Bluehost provides more built-in conveniences that can justify the higher cost.
How do Hostinger and Bluehost compare on performance and loading speed?
In web hosting comparison tests, Hostinger often shows excellent loading speed thanks to optimized server stacks and LiteSpeed on many plans, giving Hostinger a slight advantage for raw speed. Bluehost focuses on reliable performance and managed resources, and Bluehost 2025 updates continue to improve speed for typical WordPress sites. For the best performance on a tight budget, Hostinger provides better loading speed in many benchmarks, while Bluehost can be preferable for stable performance under heavier managed WordPress workloads.
Which hosting provider is better for managed WordPress hosting?
Bluehost is well-known for managed WordPress hosting and integrates closely with WordPress.org, offering features like one-click installs, automatic updates, and WordPress-specific support. Hostinger also offers managed WordPress plans that are competitive and affordable, but if you’re comparing managed wordpress hosting specifically, Bluehost and Hostinger offer solid options-Bluehost provides a more recognized managed WordPress experience whereas Hostinger gives strong value for less.
What are the main pros and cons of Hostinger and Bluehost?
Hostinger pros: very affordable hosting, fast loading speed on shared plans, and a simple control panel. Cons: fewer phone support options and some limits on entry plans. Bluehost pros: strong managed WordPress features, established reputation, and free domain on many plans. Cons: generally more expensive and can be slower on the lowest-tier plans. Deciding between Hostinger and Bluehost comes down to whether you prioritize cost and speed (Hostinger) or managed WordPress integration and broader support (Bluehost).
Do Hostinger and Bluehost provide good support and reliability?
Both web hosting companies provide 24/7 support, but the experience differs: Bluehost often goes the extra mile with phone support and WordPress-specialized help, whereas Hostinger focuses on fast chat and ticket responses. Uptime reliability is comparable for typical small-to-medium websites, though enterprise-level needs may push you toward higher-tier Bluehost services or dedicated options. If better support is crucial, many users find Bluehost provides broader support channels.
Can I transfer an existing website hosted on another provider to Hostinger or Bluehost?
Yes-both Hostinger and Bluehost support site migration. Bluehost also provides free migration for some plans and detailed migration guides, while Hostinger offers manual and assisted migration services depending on the plan. When choosing a hosting service, check whether the hosting provider offers free migrations and whether they support your CMS; both companies include migration options to help move a website hosted elsewhere with minimal downtime.
Which is better for beginners choosing a hosting provider in 2025?
Beginners often prefer Bluehost because it’s marketed as beginner-friendly with easy WordPress setup and a simple onboarding process, and Bluehost makes domain and email setup straightforward. Hostinger is also beginner-friendly and more budget-oriented, with a clean control panel and helpful tutorials. If you’re trying to decide between Hostinger and Bluehost in 2025, choose Hostinger for the best value and speed, but go with Bluehost if you want guided managed WordPress features and broader support.
Are there any features Hostinger does not offer compared to Bluehost?
Hostinger does not always include the same level of phone support or some advanced managed services that Bluehost provides out of the box. Bluehost provides extras like integrated marketing credits or more seamless managed WordPress scalability on higher plans. However, Hostinger and Bluehost include core web hosting services such as SSL, email, and site builders, so the differences are mainly in premium support, managed services, and bundled perks.
Final Verdict – Hostinger vs Bluehost: Who Wins on Pricing in 2026?
This hostinger vs bluehost pricing comparison makes one thing clear: the cheaper-looking option isn’t always the cheaper option over time.
Bluehost wins on first-year convenience. The free domain, guided setup, and low intro pricing make it easy for beginners to launch quickly with minimal effort.
Hostinger wins on long-term affordability. Lower renewals, bundled features, and fewer paid add-ons keep total costs under control as a site grows.
“One plan looks cheaper at checkout, but after the first renewal, the difference can easily reach hundreds of dollars.”
Bottom line:
- Choose Bluehost if you want the easiest and cheapest first year
- Choose Hostinger if you care about predictable pricing and long-term value