Choosing between WP Engine and Bluehost isn’t easy. Both are huge names in the web hosting space. And if you’ve been researching the best WordPress hosting providers, chances are you’ve seen both of them pop up again and again.
But here’s the deal:
WP Engine and Bluehost are built for very different types of users. One is a premium managed WordPress hosting platform trusted by developers and high-traffic businesses. The other? A budget-friendly shared hosting provider that powers millions of beginner blogs and small business websites.
So which one is actually better for you in 2025?
In this in-depth, no-fluff comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know — from performance, speed, security, support, to pricing — so you can confidently pick the right host for your site (and skip the tech headaches later).
Let’s dive in.
WP Engine vs Bluehost: Quick Comparison
| Feature | WP Engine | Bluehost | 🏆 Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting Type | Managed WordPress Hosting | Shared, WordPress, VPS & Dedicated Hosting | Depends on use case |
| Infrastructure | Google Cloud & AWS | Proprietary data centers (U.S.-based) | WP Engine |
| Performance & Speed | Enterprise-level; built-in caching & CDN | Decent, but slower under load | WP Engine |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.95% SLA-backed | 99.9% (no SLA) | WP Engine |
| Server Response Time (TTFB) | ~150–200ms | ~600–800ms | WP Engine |
| Data Centers | Global (US, EU, Asia, AU) | 9 Data Centers | WP Engine |
| CDN | Cloudflare Enterprise included | Basic Cloudflare (manual) | WP Engine |
| WooCommerce Performance | Optimized with staging | Entry-level support | WP Engine |
| Scalability | Cloud-based, easily scalable | Not Scalable | WP Engine |
| Caching | Built-in server-side caching | Manual plugin needed | WP Engine |
| Staging Environment | One-click staging | Limited to higher-tier plans | WP Engine |
| Security | Enterprise-grade | Basic (add-ons required) | WP Engine |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Advanced managed WAF | Basic shared firewall | WP Engine |
| Malware Protection | Included | Availabel on Higher Plans | WP Engine |
| SSL Certificates | Free Let’s Encrypt | Free Let’s Encrypt | Tie |
| Backups | Daily + on-demand | Weekly | WP Engine |
| Dashboard & UI | Developer-focused, clean | Beginner-friendly, cPanel | Tie |
| Site Migrations | Unlimited free | Site Migration Tool | WP Engine |
| Banned Plugins | Yes (for performance) | No plugin bans | Bluehost |
| Email Hosting | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included (paid plan available) | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Great for devs & pros | Great for beginners | Depends on user |
| Customer Support Channels | Chat (24/7), Phone on higher plans | Chat (24/7), Phone on higher plans | Tie |
| Support Response Time & Quality | Fast + WordPress expertise | Slower; inconsistent | WP Engine |
| Best For | High-traffic sites, pros | Beginners, small sites | Depends on need |
| Detailed Review | WP Engine Review | Bluehost Review | – |
| Starting Price | $23/mo | $3.79/mo | Bluehost |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 60 Days | WP Engine |
| Link | Get WP Engine | Get Bluehost | – |
About
What is WP Engine?
WP Engine is a premium managed WordPress hosting platform built specifically for high-performance WordPress sites. Launched in 2010, it’s become the go-to choice for serious bloggers, developers, agencies, and enterprise-level businesses who need blazing-fast speed, airtight security, and zero downtime.
This isn’t your average web host. WP Engine doesn’t offer shared hosting or generic plans — everything is optimized exclusively for WordPress. That means you get features like automatic updates, staging environments, daily backups, server-side caching, and powerful developer tools — all without lifting a finger.
If you’re looking for fully managed WordPress hosting that’s fast, secure, and backed by WordPress experts, WP Engine is made for you.
What is Bluehost?
Bluehost is one of the most well-known and affordable WordPress hosting providers in the world. It was founded in 2003 and officially recommended by WordPress.org itself — which speaks volumes about its credibility and popularity.
Unlike WP Engine, Bluehost caters more to beginners, bloggers, and small businesses. It offers everything from shared hosting and WordPress hosting to VPS hosting and dedicated servers hosting, making it super beginner-friendly and versatile.
Bluehost also comes with a free domain, free SSL, 1-click WordPress installs, and a custom dashboard that’s easy to use even if you’ve never built a site before. It’s designed for people who want reliable hosting without the high price tag.
In short, Bluehost is ideal if you’re starting your first WordPress site or running a small blog and need cheap WordPress hosting that gets the job done.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to website performance, your hosting provider plays a massive role. Fast loading speeds don’t just make your visitors happy — they also help your SEO and conversions.
Let’s break down how WP Engine and Bluehost compare when it comes to real-world performance:
1. Server Infrastructure
WP Engine is built exclusively for WordPress, and that’s obvious in its infrastructure. It runs on Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services (AWS), meaning you get enterprise-level resources even on basic plans. Their platform is fully containerized and optimized for speed, scalability, and security.
Bluehost, on the other hand, uses a more traditional shared hosting setup (especially on lower-tier plans). While they’ve improved their backend over the years, it’s still not on par with WP Engine’s cloud-based, high-performance infrastructure — especially when traffic spikes.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Hands down better architecture)
2. Uptime
Both hosts promise 99.9% uptime — but only one consistently delivers.
In real-world tests:
- WP Engine stays rock-solid with a near-perfect 99.99% uptime, even under load.
- Bluehost generally hovers around 99.90–99.95%, but some users report occasional downtimes or slowdowns during traffic surges.
If you’re running a business site where every second matters, WP Engine is far more reliable.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Better uptime consistency)
3. Server Response Time (TTFB)
TTFB (Time to First Byte) is one of the best ways to measure a host’s speed — it tells you how fast your server starts delivering content.
Here’s what the numbers say:
- WP Engine: Average TTFB of 150–200ms
- Bluehost: Average TTFB of 600–800ms
That’s a huge difference. WP Engine’s server-side caching and optimized stack crush it when it comes to raw speed.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Much faster server response)
4. Data Centers
WP Engine gives you global options right out of the gate. You can choose data centers across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia depending on where your audience is.
Bluehost gives you access to 9 data centers, and you can pick the one you want at checkout for the best performance near your audience.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (More control over data center location)
5. CDN (Content Delivery Network)
CDN = faster loading for visitors worldwide.
- WP Engine integrates with Cloudflare Enterprise CDN on all plans, offering faster delivery, built-in DDoS protection, and smart caching.
- Bluehost supports CDN through a basic Cloudflare integration, but it’s not as optimized or seamless — and in some cases, you need to manually activate it.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Better, more advanced CDN setup)
👑 Performance Verdict
If raw speed, uptime, and infrastructure matter to you (and they should), WP Engine is the clear winner.
Its cloud-based hosting, faster TTFB, premium CDN, and global data centers give it a huge edge over Bluehost’s shared hosting foundation.
👉 Go with WP Engine if you want blazing-fast load times and enterprise-level reliability.
👉 Choose Bluehost only if you’re okay trading speed for a lower price point — especially for small blogs or hobby sites.
Security and Backups
Let’s get one thing straight:
Website security isn’t optional. Whether you run a blog, an eCommerce store, or a business site, keeping your data safe (and backed up) is non-negotiable.
Here’s how WP Engine and Bluehost compare when it comes to essential security features and backups:
1. SSL Certificates
Both hosts offer free SSL certificates — which is great. Google now expects every site to be HTTPS, and this is the bare minimum.
- WP Engine: Offers Let’s Encrypt SSL by default on all plans. You can also install custom SSLs if needed.
- Bluehost: Also includes a free Let’s Encrypt SSL on all hosting plans.
It’s a tie here.
⚪ Winner: Tie (Both offer free SSLs)
2. Firewall
- WP Engine uses a managed Web Application Firewall (WAF) built specifically for WordPress. It blocks threats in real time and is updated constantly to prevent new vulnerabilities.
- Bluehost provides a basic firewall on shared servers, but it’s not as aggressively tuned for WordPress or high-risk traffic.
WP Engine’s security stack is simply more robust and proactive.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Better WAF, more protection)
3. Malware Scanning & Removal
- WP Engine provides automatic malware scanning, and if malware is found, their team will clean it up for free.
- Bluehost offers free malware scanning, but malware removal is available on higher plans.
That’s a huge difference. You shouldn’t have to pay extra just to clean up hacks.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine
4. Backup Frequency and Retention
Backups are your insurance policy. Let’s compare:
- WP Engine gives you automatic daily backups, plus the ability to create on-demand backups anytime. Backups are retained for up to 40 days depending on your plan.
- Bluehost offers weekly backups on all plans.
With WP Engine, you’re protected out of the box. No extra fees.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (More frequent, reliable backups included)
5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- WP Engine has built-in support for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of login protection for your hosting account and users.
- Bluehost supports 2FA too, but you need to manually enable it through your account dashboard.
Both support it — but WP Engine is more streamlined for teams and developers.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Better implementation, especially for teams)
👑 Security and Backup Verdict
WP Engine easily wins the security game.
From daily backups and real-time malware removal to enterprise-grade firewalls and free SSL — everything is included and automated.
Bluehost, while decent for basic protection, often pushes important features like malware cleanup or full backups behind paid add-ons.
👉 Choose WP Engine if you want secure, worry-free WordPress hosting with everything handled for you.
👉 Go with Bluehost only if you’re running a low-risk site and are okay managing security on your own (or paying for extras).
Ease of Use
Let’s be honest — nobody wants to fight with a clunky dashboard or confusing hosting panel. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a smooth user experience can save hours of frustration.
Here’s how WP Engine and Bluehost stack up when it comes to ease of use:
1. Dashboard and User Interface
- WP Engine offers a clean, modern, and professional dashboard that’s laser-focused on WordPress management. You’ll find tools for backups, staging, caching, redirects, and performance — all in one place. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful and efficient.
- Bluehost uses a custom cPanel-integrated interface that’s designed for beginners. You get 1-click WordPress installs, basic email and domain management, and guided setup tools. It’s great for new users, but power users might find it limiting.
Verdict:
👉 Bluehost is easier for total beginners.
👉 WP Engine is better for WordPress users who want more control.
🟢 Winner: Tie (Depends on your skill level)
2. Site Migrations
Migrating a WordPress site shouldn’t require a support ticket or hours of downtime.
- WP Engine provides free automated WordPress migrations using their custom plugin. It’s super smooth — enter your credentials, click migrate, and you’re done. Need help? Their team can assist too (at no extra cost).
- Bluehost also offers free site migration tool.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (Unlimited free migrations, zero hassle)
3. File and Database Access
Some hosts make it frustrating to access your site files or database — not these two.
- WP Engine gives full access via SFTP and phpMyAdmin. You can also manage advanced settings through SSH if needed — ideal for developers and agencies.
- Bluehost provides standard FTP and phpMyAdmin access via cPanel, which works fine for most users. But it lacks the same developer-level flexibility you get with WP Engine.
🟢 Winner: WP Engine (More advanced access options)
👑 Ease of Use Verdict
Here’s the bottom line:
- If you’re a complete beginner, Bluehost is easier to start with. The dashboard is simple, the setup process is guided, and everything is made for non-techies.
- But if you’re even slightly experienced with WordPress — or want a more powerful, efficient interface — WP Engine gives you more control with less clutter.
👉 Go with Bluehost if you want a beginner-friendly experience with hand-holding.
👉 Choose WP Engine if you want a smooth, pro-level workflow that’s optimized for WordPress power users.
Email Hosting
If you’re planning to run your business from a custom domain, email hosting is something you can’t ignore. Unfortunately, neither WP Engine nor Bluehost includes free email hosting in their plans anymore — and that’s a big change users should know about.
WP Engine – No Email Hosting at All
WP Engine is all about performance and managed WordPress. As a result, they do not provide email hosting — period. You’ll need to use a third-party service like Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, or MXRoute to set up custom email (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com).
This is standard practice for most premium WordPress hosts who want to offload email to dedicated platforms.
Bluehost – Paid Email Hosting via Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Bluehost used to offer free basic email accounts, but that’s no longer the case. Now, they’ve switched to paid email hosting only, with plans powered by:
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
You’ll need to pay extra — starting around $1.67/mo — to create and manage email accounts under your domain.
👑 Verdict: Neither Wins on Email
If email is important to your setup and you don’t want to pay extra, you might want to consider alternatives like Hostinger or HostArmada, which still offer basic email hosting included in their plans.
Customer Support
Whether you’re launching your first WordPress site or managing a high-traffic blog, there’s one thing you will need at some point:
👉 Reliable customer support.
Here’s how WP Engine and Bluehost compare when it comes to helping you when things go sideways.
Availability (24/7, Phone, Live Chat, Email)
WP Engine:
- ✅ 24/7 live chat support on all plans
- ✅ Phone support available on higher-tier plans (starting from the Professional plan and above)
- ✅ No email/ticket support (they focus on real-time solutions)
Bluehost:
- ✅ 24/7 live chat and phone support for all hosting plans (except the basic plan)
- ✅ Ticket/email support available (not always the fastest, but useful for non-urgent issues)
🟢 Verdict: Tie
Response Time and Effectiveness
This is where things get interesting.
- WP Engine is known for its WordPress expert support. Their team is highly trained in WordPress-specific issues — not just generic hosting problems. Whether it’s performance tuning, plugin conflicts, or staging site issues, they know their stuff. Response times via live chat are usually under a minute, and their answers are detailed and actionable.
- Bluehost support is more of a mixed bag. While they offer 24/7 access, the quality of support varies. Some reps are helpful, others give generic responses or push upsells. Live chat wait times can range from a few minutes to over 15 minutes, especially during peak hours.
🟢 Verdict: WP Engine offers faster, more knowledgeable support, especially for anything WordPress-specific.
👑 Customer Support Verdict
Here’s the breakdown:
- WP Engine gives you fewer support channels, but they make up for it with top-tier WordPress expertise and fast, intelligent responses.
- Bluehost offers more ways to get in touch and 24/7 support across the board — but the experience can be hit or miss.
👉 Go with WP Engine if you want pro-level support from people who actually know WordPress inside and out.
👉 Choose Bluehost if you prefer having more contact options and are okay with occasionally inconsistent support.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
What do customers actually say about WP Engine and Bluehost? Let’s look at the G2 and Trustpilot data—and even real Reddit commentary—to get the full picture.
G2 Ratings
WP Engine
WP Engine scores a strong 4.5 out of 5 on G2, based on about 290 reviews. Customers consistently praise its WordPress-focused performance, helpful dashboard, and responsive support lined up with site management tools.
Bluehost
Bluehost is rated 3.4 out of 5 on G2 from around 275 reviews. While some users appreciate the low cost and beginner tools, others criticize its support and reliability.
Trustpilot Ratings
WP Engine
WP Engine’s tends to score around 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 1,575 reviews
Bluehost
Bluehost tends to score around 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 23,981 reviews.
👑 Customer Review & Ratings Verdict
| Host | G2 Rating | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|
| WP Engine | ⭐ 4.6 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Bluehost | ⭐ 3.4 | ⭐ 4.5 |
👉 If customer reviews and long-term satisfaction matter to you, WP Engine clearly comes out ahead.
Pros & Cons
Before we hit the final verdict, here’s a quick rundown of what each host does well — and where they fall short.
✅ WP Engine Pros
- Blazing-fast performance with Google Cloud & AWS infrastructure
- Built-in server-side caching and CDN for speed
- Automatic daily backups + one-click restore
- Enterprise-grade security features (WAF, malware cleanup, 2FA)
- Expert WordPress support with fast response times
- Free staging environment for safe testing
- Excellent uptime and TTFB performance
❌ WP Engine Cons
- No email hosting (requires external service like Google Workspace)
- Higher pricing than shared hosting providers
- Certain plugins are banned due to performance conflicts
- No phone support on basic plans (chat only)
- Not ideal for beginners who want all-in-one hosting + email
✅ Bluehost Pros
- Affordable pricing, ideal for beginners and small sites
- Free domain + email hosting included
- Beginner-friendly dashboard with guided setup tools
- 1-click WordPress installation and pre-installed plugins
- 24/7 support via chat, phone, and tickets
- Supports a wide range of plugins with fewer restrictions
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
❌ Bluehost Cons
- Slower server response time and lower performance vs WP Engine
- Basic security unless you pay extra for add-ons (like SiteLock, CodeGuard)
- Mixed customer support quality — inconsistent experience
- No free site staging on lower-tier plans
- Can push upsells aggressively during checkout
- No free email hosting
Pricing
WP Engine Pricing
| Startup | Professional | Growth | Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| $23 /mo | $45 /mo | $87 /mo | $218 /mo |
| 1 Site 25k Visits 10 GB Storage 75 GB Bandwidth | 3 Sites 75k Visits 15 GB Storage 150 GB Bandwidth | 10 Sites 100k Visits 20 GB Storage 240 GB Bandwidth | 30 Sites 400k Visits 50 GB Storage 550 GB Bandwidth |
Check this: 7 Best WP Engine Alternatives in 2025
Bluehost Pricing
| Starter | Business | eCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| $3.79 /mo | $6.79 /mo | $14.79 /mo |
| 10 Websites 10 GB NVMe Storage Ideal for 40K visits/mo | 50 Websites 50 GB NVMe Storage Ideal for 200K visits/mo | 100 Websites 100 GB NVMe Storage Ideal for 400K visits/mo |
Alternatives and Comparison
Here’s a quick look at starting prices, how many websites you can host, and included storage for similar alternatives.
| Hosting | Sites | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| WP Engine | 1 Site | 10 GB | $23 /mo |
| Kinsta | 1 Site | 10 GB | $30 /mo |
| Bluehost | 10 Sites | 10 GB | $3.95 /mo |
| Hostinger | 25 Sites | 25 GB | $2.99 /mo |
Also check the following comparisons:
Exclusive Discounts Offers
Want to grab the best deal? You’re in luck. Both WP Engine and Bluehost offer year-round discounts, plus massive Black Friday sales for new users.
✅ WP Engine Deals:
- Black Friday Deal: Up to 6 months free on annual plans + bonus features.
👉 Claim WP Engine Black Friday Deal - Exclusive Offer: Get 3 months free using our special link.
👉 Get WP Engine Discount Now
✅ Bluehost Deals:
- Black Friday Deal: Shared hosting from just $1.99/month (limited time only).
👉 Claim Bluehost Black Friday Deal - Exclusive Offer: Save up to 80% on hosting plans + free domain.
👉 Get Bluehost Discount Now
FAQs: WP Engine vs Bluehost
Yes — if you’re running a serious WordPress site that needs high performance, expert support, and advanced security, WP Engine is far better. It’s built exclusively for WordPress and comes with managed features like daily backups, staging, and malware protection. Bluehost is better for beginners or budget-conscious users.
WP Engine is significantly faster than Bluehost. With its cloud-based infrastructure, built-in CDN, and optimized caching, WP Engine delivers lower TTFB (Time to First Byte) and better uptime. Bluehost can be slower, especially on shared hosting plans.
Yes. Bluehost is one of the most beginner-friendly WordPress hosting providers. It comes with 1-click installs, a free domain, a simple dashboard, and 24/7 support. It’s ideal for blogs, personal websites, and small businesses just starting out.
If your site is mission-critical and you value speed, reliability, and expert support, then yes — WP Engine is worth the investment. You’ll get a fully managed WordPress environment with features that save you time, stress, and technical headaches.
Yes, both WP Engine and Bluehost support WooCommerce hosting. WP Engine offers advanced performance and security for high-traffic stores, while Bluehost provides WooCommerce-specific plans that are more affordable for smaller eCommerce websites.
Technically, WP Engine gives you a better foundation for SEO thanks to faster page loads, higher uptime, and stronger performance. However, both hosts are SEO-friendly — your actual rankings will still depend on content, on-page SEO, and site structure.
Final Verdict
Let’s wrap this up.
If you’ve made it this far, you already know:
- WP Engine is a high-performance, fully managed WordPress hosting solution designed for speed, scalability, and serious users.
- Bluehost is a budget-friendly shared hosting provider built for beginners who want an easy, all-in-one way to launch a WordPress site.
So, which one should you choose in 2025?
👉 Choose WP Engine if:
- You run a business, high-traffic blog, or eCommerce store
- You want top-tier performance, security, and expert WordPress support
- You don’t mind paying a little more for peace of mind and speed
- You’re okay using external tools for email hosting
👉 Choose Bluehost if:
- You’re launching your first WordPress site or blog
- You want cheap WordPress hosting with free domain included
- You prefer an all-in-one dashboard and a beginner-friendly setup
- You’re okay with occasional performance trade-offs
Final Call:
- Go with WP Engine if you want premium, worry-free managed WordPress hosting that just works — fast and securely.
- Go with Bluehost if you want affordable, beginner-friendly shared hosting with all the basics included.
No fluff. No hype. Just the right host for your specific needs.
