Cloudways vs Bluehost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cloudways and Bluehost comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
Bluehost
Web hosting provider
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 70/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Cloudways | Bluehost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 70 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 49 |
| Categories | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cloudways and Bluehost solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cloudways positions itself as "managed cloud hosting platform" while Bluehostfocuses on "web hosting provider". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cloudways
Cloudways makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 70/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Bluehost
Bluehost is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Bluehost
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Cloudways handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Cloudways
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Cloudways is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Cloudways
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Cloudways—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cloudways higher (70/100). But the community has upvoted Bluehost more (49 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cloudways Does Better
- Higher overall score (70/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Bluehost If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cloudways (70/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cloudways scores higher in our analysis, but Bluehost might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudways or Bluehost better?
Based on our analysis, Cloudways scores higher with 70/100. Cloudways ispaid while Bluehost is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cloudways to Bluehost easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cloudways and Bluehost offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cloudways is paid with potential trial.Bluehost is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.