Choosing a web host provider for your website needs can be a time consuming task if you put your heart and soul into the attempt. There are thousands of host providers located on the Internet, most sites have great pricing and ultimately may save you big bucks- but price isn’t what should drive you to a host provider; it should be options and features available to you. Even if you know nothing about web hosting or how a website works; you probably have the same goal as everyone else who has a website and that’s traffic.
Just as in any other business, research and comparisons need to be made between web host providers. When comparing two of the biggest names in web hosting, HostMonster.com and BlueHost.com, you will find the package may look the same- but read the small print. There is a difference!
Reliability
HostMonster.com and BlueHost.com have basically the same type of websites for their customers; in fact, they virtually have the same menu options and the same pricing. If you weren’t comparing the two- you might even think they are ran by the same company. But when going down the lists of features in each host plan, there are some subtle, yet important differences. Both services offer their clients unlimited disk storage or space on their servers, both services offer their clients an unlimited amount of bandwidth; and both services offer their plans to consumers with free domain names. As well, both web hosting services, offer their customers guaranteed uptimes of 99.9%. However, HostMonster.com also allows their clients unlimited FTP accounts, while BlueHost.com only gives their clients 1000. As well, HostMonster.com allows their clients 100 MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, while BlueHost.com only offers their clients 50 of each. As far as email support, HostMonster.com boasts of unlimited POP3 and IMAP email support, while BlueHost.com limits theirs to 2500 each.
Support
Both offer excellent support and help with questions, knowledge databases are set-up very similar for both websites. The two services both offer free on-line chat help, as well, and a ticketing service for troubleshooting. If you’re more comfortable with telephone support, then worry free- both web hosting services offer toll-free help with limited wait times.
Plan Features and Pricing
Both web hosting services offer the same plans at the same pricing with a few exceptions. The $6.95 per month price with free set up fees at both web hosting services are for members who plan on signing up for a 24-month period. One year contracts at both web hosting services start at the price of $7.95 per month with no set-up fee. However, if you just want to try the hosting service for a short period of time, HostMonster can save you a few bucks. The three month plan at BlueHost.com is $9.95 with a $30.00 sign-up fee and the three month plan at HostMonster is $8.95 per month with a $30.00 set up fee. As well, both web hosting companies do offer free domain registration when signing up for a 1 year or 2 year plan. So, if you do all the math- you’re better off going for a plan that’s at least 1 year no matter what provider you choose.
Overall, HostMonster.com does offer the client more for their money when comparing the two hosting companies. Although, pricing seems to be rather comparable, features in their plan seem to out weigh those of the competitors. And if you’re like most business minded people- you want all you can get for your money.
HostMonster Site Screenshot (http://www.hostmonster.com)
