6 Bluehost Website Alternatives

Bluehost is commonly known for its website hosting plans, and also offers WordPress support and a basic website builder aimed at beginners who want to launch a site quickly. But depending on what you want to use your website for, you might want to compare against other platforms for design flexibility or built-in business tools.

Below, we’ll walk through six trusted Bluehost alternatives—covering both hosting and site-building features—to help you decide which platform fits your goals best.

This list includes some of the regularly cited Bluehost alternatives. Below you’ll find information on key factors that might influence your decision, like design flexibility, AI features, and lowest average monthly price for annual subscriptions.

Note: Plans and pricing for each platform can vary by location. For Squarespace, see our pricing page for the most up-to-date details in your location.

1. Squarespace

Pricing starts at: $16 per month

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for creating beautiful websites with tools for ecommerce, scheduling, and marketing. All Squarespace website plans include web hosting, and annual subscriptions come with a free custom domain for the first year. 

Squarespace vs. Bluehost

Squarespace is an especially strong choice if you want a design-first experience with straightforward setup. It’s also a great option if you want the flexibility to use your website platform as a business tool. In addition to hosting and website and blog publishing, you can add email marketing, ecommerce, invoicing, appointment booking, donations, and content paywall functionality, all without leaving the platform. 

Website setup is fast with customizable, predesigned templates or an interactive AI website builder. While Squarespace offers third-party plugins, it includes a significant number of built-in features and tools. You may find more native functionality included in Squarespace than in Bluehost.

Key features

• AI website builder and copywriting tools

• Built-in ecommerce, appointments, and invoicing

• SEO, email marketing, and analytics tools

• Custom domain and hosting included

Pros

• Simple, guided site setup

• Advanced functionality built in

• Reliable hosting and security baked in

2. GoDaddy

Pricing starts at: $9.99 per month, or limited free plan

GoDaddy combines domain registration, hosting, and website building into one account. It offers a quick-start website builder with the option to start a website from a template or by answering a few questions for an AI generator.

GoDaddy vs. Bluehost

Bluehost and GoDaddy can both be used in tandem with WordPress if you prefer its CMS but want another platform to handle your website hosting. You can also build a website using just GoDaddy’s customization tools.

GoDaddy offers built-in ecommerce functionality on higher-priced plans, which Bluehost provides via a WooCommerce plugin. You may need to use third-party integrations for Bluehost to access some of the tools GoDaddy has built into its platform.

Key features

• Drag-and-drop editor

• AI-generated site content and layouts

• Domains and hosting bundled

3. Hostinger 

Pricing starts at: $3.99 per month

Hostinger combines website hosting with a lightweight AI-powered website builder. It emphasizes AI in its built-in features, but does offer some website templates too.

Hostinger vs. Bluehost

While Hostinger includes the option to start a website from a predesigned template, it places emphasis on getting set up using guided design prompts and AI tools. Like other website building platforms on this list, it includes web hosting in its subscriptions. You’ll need a higher-tier Hostinger plan to access ecommerce and most of its AI tools, but Bluehost currently has more limited built-in tools for both.

Key features

• AI website builder and content assistant

• Free domain and SSL

• Visual heatmaps and performance tips

4. HostGator

Pricing starts at: $3.84 per month (for an introductory period)

HostGator offers both shared hosting plans that allow you to host multiple websites on one HostGator plan and website and hosting plans that include a simple drag-and-drop website builder. 

HostGator vs. Bluehost

Both HostGator and Bluehost offer WordPress hosting and straightforward website builders. Compared to all-in-one website builders, HostGator might include fewer features, but HostGator has built-in ecommerce, with the number of products you can sell increasing by subscription tier. Other built-in tools, like appointment booking, aren’t available on the lowest-priced plan. You’ll need a plugin on a Bluehost website for ecommerce access.

Key features

• Mobile-friendly website templates

• Built-in analytics and email marketing

• Hosting included with website plan

5. WordPress.com

Pricing starts at: $4 per month, or limited free plan

WordPress.com is the hosted version of the popular open-source CMS. It allows users to start with a simple blog or website, then scale up with themes, plugins, and added business features.

WordPress.com vs. Bluehost

Bluehost hosts self-managed WordPress CMS installs, which require more manual setup and plugin management. If you don’t want to manually manage as much of your website, WordPress.com can offer website building and customization through third-party plugins, managed on a single platform. Both Bluehost and WordPress require additional plugins to add functionality like ecommerce.

Key features

• Theme and plugin library

• Ecommerce options on higher-tier plans

• Hosting included in subscriptions

6. IONOS

Pricing starts at: $1 per month ($12 per month without promotional pricing)

IONOS offers web hosting, domain registration, and an AI-powered website builder. All website plans include hosting and a free domain for the first year.

IONOS vs. Bluehost

IONOS offers an AI-driven website building experience, though it also has a limited selection of predesigned website templates. Bluehost also offers similar website starting points. IONOS has built-in functionality, like ecommerce, that Bluehost offers via plugins. However, you’ll need a higher-priced IONOS plan to access ecommerce or its appointment booking tool.

Key features

• AI content and design assistant

• Easy-to-use website builder

• Hosting included in website plans

How to choose the right Bluehost alternative

The best alternative for you will depend on your needs, budget, and technical preferences. For example, someone looking to start a dropshipping business may prefer a platform with built-in ecommerce and the ability to support a high number of products from the start. A content creator may want a well-designed website that allows them to share and paywall content easily.

When making your choice, decide what matters most to you: 

• Price

• Advanced features, like invoicing and appointment booking

• Design quality and aesthetic preferences

• Specific ecommerce features

• Scalability over the long term

Weigh the pros and cons for each platform you’re considering, keeping your highest priorities in mind. If you’re looking for a more all-in-one option that gives you web hosting, a professional website, and the flexibility to manage branding and business tools from your website account, Squarespace is a great choice to consider.