HostGator vs Bluehost: Same Company, Different Logo (AVOID BOTH)

You’re searching “HostGator vs Bluehost” because you want to make an informed choice between two popular hosting companies.

Here’s the problem: You’re comparing the same company against itself. Both are owned by Newfold Digital, run on the same infrastructure, and have the same degraded service quality. This isn’t a comparison. It’s a shell game.

My commissions:

• HostGator: $0 - I don’t promote them (they pay $65/sale, I reject it)
• Bluehost: $0 - I don’t promote them (they pay $65/sale, I reject it)
• ChemiCloud: ~$100/sale (my recommendation for shared hosting)

My recommendation hierarchy:

1. Hetzner ($0 commission, best unmanaged VPS)
2. Scala Hosting (+$100 commission, best managed VPS)
3. ChemiCloud (~$100 commission, best shared hosting)

This comparison will expose the fake competition between HostGator and Bluehost, then present actual alternatives.

⚡ Quick Verdict: HostGator vs Bluehost

TL;DR: You’re choosing between two brands owned by the same company (Newfold Digital). Same data centers, same support infrastructure, same degraded service quality. Meaningless comparison.

Winner: Neither. You’re comparing the same company against itself.

Why: HostGator and Bluehost are both owned by Newfold Digital. They run on the same data center infrastructure, use the same outsourced support teams, and have documented service degradation after Newfold’s acquisition. Bluehost has slightly lower renewal ($9.99/mo vs HostGator’s $10.99/mo), but you’re still choosing between two products from the same degraded infrastructure.

HostGator vs Bluehost: The Fake Comparison

The Newfold Digital Shell Game

Here’s what they don’t tell you:

Newfold Digital owns 80+ hosting brands, including:

• Bluehost
• HostGator
• JustHost
• HostMonster
• Domain.com
• iPage
• And 70+ more

The strategy:

1. Buy popular hosting brands
2. Keep separate branding/websites
3. Move everyone to same infrastructure
4. Create illusion of competition
5. Dominate search results with “Brand A vs Brand B” comparisons
6. Degrade service quality to maximize profit

Pricing: The Meaningless Difference

HostGator Pricing

Advertised pricing:

• “Starting at $2.75/month!”

Actual pricing:

• Year 1: $2.75/mo (requires 36-month prepayment = $99 upfront)
• Renewal: $10.99/mo (36-month term) or $17.59/mo (month-to-month)
• Increase: 299-540%

Hidden costs:

• Domain renewal: $17.99/year (after “free” first year)
• SSL certificate: Free with Let’s Encrypt
• Backups: Included but restoration may require support interaction
• Migrations: 1 free site

Total annual cost (Year 2+): $132-193/year

Source: HostGator pricing chart

Bluehost Pricing

Advertised pricing:

• “Starting at $2.95/month!”

Actual pricing:

• Year 1: $2.95/mo (requires 36-month prepayment = $106.20 upfront)
• Renewal: $9.99/mo (12-month term) or $10.99/mo (month-to-month)
• Increase: 238-272%

Hidden costs:

• Domain renewal: $19.99/year (after “free” first year)
• SSL certificate: Free with Let’s Encrypt
• Backups: Included but restoration may require upgrade
• Migrations: 1 free site

Total annual cost (Year 2+): $120-140/year

Source: Bluehost official pricing

Pricing Winner

On advertised intro pricing: HostGator wins by $0.20/month ($2.75 vs $2.95)

On renewal pricing: Bluehost wins by $1/month ($9.99 vs $10.99)

BUT THIS COMPARISON IS MEANINGLESS:

Both are owned by Newfold Digital. The pricing difference ($12/year) is marketing theater to maintain the illusion of competition.

Better alternative - ChemiCloud:

• Base renewal: $19.95/mo = $239.40/year
• Domain: Included
• Independent company (not Newfold Digital)
• AMD EPYC 9354 hardware (3.8 GHz)
• No fake competition

Real winner: ChemiCloud costs $99-119/year more than Bluehost/HostGator but offers independent infrastructure not degraded by Newfold Digital cost-cutting.

Performance: Same Infrastructure, Same Problems

HostGator Infrastructure

Hardware:

• CPU: Undisclosed (shared Newfold Digital infrastructure)
• RAM: “Unmetered” (capped in ToS, limits not disclosed)
• Storage: SSD (type not specified)
• Web Server: Apache with Nginx caching

Documented performance:

• Same infrastructure as Bluehost after Newfold consolidation
• Variable TTFB, user complaints about slowness

Bluehost Infrastructure

Hardware:

• CPU: Undisclosed (shared Newfold Digital infrastructure)
• RAM: “Unmetered” (capped in ToS, limits not disclosed)
• Storage: SSD (type not specified)
• Web Server: Apache with Nginx caching

Documented performance:

• Same infrastructure as HostGator after Newfold consolidation
• Variable TTFB, user complaints about slowness

Performance Winner

Winner: Neither. Same infrastructure = same performance.

From Online Media Masters:

“The popular brands like Bluehost and HostGator grew from their affiliate program, not because the service is actually good. Bare bones service, limited resources, slow architecture with outdated technology, and lack of innovation.”

Better alternative - ChemiCloud:

• CPU: AMD EPYC 9354 @ 3.8 GHz (disclosed, dedicated cores on Turbo plan)
• RAM: 3GB on WP Turbo plan (disclosed)
• Storage: PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs (10x faster than SATA)
• Web Server: LiteSpeed with LSCache (faster than Apache)
• Source: ChemiCloud Review

Real winner: ChemiCloud has disclosed modern hardware vs Newfold’s undisclosed shared resources.

The Hidden Problems BOTH Hosts Share (Because They’re the Same Company)

These aren’t coincidentally similar problems. They’re the same problems from the same owner:

Identical issues (because same company):

1. Newfold Digital ownership

   • Newfold Digital owns both
   • Former EIG (Endurance International Group), rebranded 2021
   • Owns 80+ hosting brands
   • Pattern: Buy popular brands → degrade service → maximize profit

2. Identical infrastructure

   • Both run on same data centers after consolidation
   • Same hardware (undisclosed shared resources)
   • Same oversubscription ratios
   • “Choosing” between them is meaningless

3. Identical support degradation

   • Both outsourced support after Newfold acquisition
   • Same cost-cutting measures
   • Same aggressive upselling tactics
   • Same SiteLock malware scam (claim fake malware, charge hundreds to “fix”)

4. Identical renewal tactics

   • HostGator: 299% renewal increase
   • Bluehost: 238% renewal increase
   • Both lock you into 36-month prepayment for intro price
   • Both have massive renewal jumps

5. WordPress.org recommended list

   • Both are on WordPress.org’s recommended hosts
   • Both are WordCamp sponsors
   • Recommendation correlates with sponsorship money
   • Not based on technical merit

The SiteLock Malware Scam:

From Online Media Masters:

“Bluehost, HostGator, and other Newfold Digital brands have an ongoing scam where they claim customers have malware, take down websites, then refer them to SiteLock who quotes hundreds of dollars monthly to remove it.”

The truth: You’re not choosing between two hosts. You’re choosing between two marketing websites selling the same degraded Newfold Digital infrastructure.

Support Quality

HostGator Support

Claimed support:

• 24/7 live chat, phone, tickets

Actual support quality:

• Outsourced to same call centers as Bluehost
• Support quality declined after Newfold acquisition
• Heavy SiteLock upselling
• Average response time: 30+ minutes

Support score: 4/10

Bluehost Support

Claimed support:

• 24/7 live chat, phone, tickets

Actual support quality:

• Outsourced to same call centers as HostGator
• Support quality declined after Newfold acquisition
• Heavy SiteLock upselling
• Average response time: 30+ minutes

Support score: 4/10

Support Winner

Winner: Tie. Same outsourced support teams.

From Online Media Masters:

“After Newfold Digital/EIG acquires a company, one of the first cuts is the original support team, with roles offshored to developing countries with minimal training.”

Better alternative support:

• ChemiCloud: 24/7 chat/ticket, under 10 min response, no SiteLock scams
• Scala Hosting: 24/7 support with SPanel expertise

Features Comparison

Features winner: Tie for HostGator/Bluehost (identical features). ChemiCloud offers more included features (staging, CDN, 10-200 migrations) and no SiteLock scam.

Why You’re Probably Looking at the Wrong Question

You searched “HostGator vs Bluehost” because:

• Both heavily advertise (massive Newfold marketing budget)
• Both appear in comparison articles (affiliates make $65/sale from either)
• You assume they’re competitors (they’re not)
• Newfold wants you comparing their brands against each other

Here’s what they’re not telling you:

1. Same company: Newfold Digital owns both
2. Same infrastructure: Consolidated to same data centers
3. Same support: Outsourced to same call centers
4. Same scams: SiteLock malware extortion scheme
5. Fake competition: Marketing theater to dominate search results

The only real difference: Logo color and $12/year pricing variance

The better question: “What hosting isn’t owned by Newfold Digital?”

What You Should Actually Use Instead

If You Need Shared Hosting

Don’t use: HostGator or Bluehost (both Newfold Digital, degraded service)

Use instead: ChemiCloud

Why:

• Independent company (not Newfold Digital)
• Modern hardware: AMD EPYC 9354 (3.8 GHz) vs Newfold’s undisclosed infrastructure
• PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs (10x faster than SATA)
• LiteSpeed with LSCache (faster than Apache)
• 10-200 free migrations vs Newfold’s 1 free site
• No SiteLock malware scam
• Support hasn’t been degraded by acquisition cost-cutting

Total cost comparison:

• HostGator: $132/year (after renewal)
• Bluehost: $120/year (after renewal)
• ChemiCloud: $239/year (costs $107-119/year more but isn’t Newfold)

Read full ChemiCloud review

If You Need Managed VPS

Don’t use: HostGator Cloud ($80/mo) or Bluehost Cloud ($120/mo)

Use instead: Scala Hosting

Why:

• $44.95/mo managed VPS vs Newfold’s $80-120/mo
• Independent company (not Newfold Digital)
• 0% renewal increase on VPS plans
• AMD EPYC 9474F (4.1 GHz) - fastest CPUs
• SPanel included (saves $15/mo cPanel license)
• Saves $420-900/year vs Newfold Cloud plans

Read full Scala Hosting review

If You Can Handle Unmanaged VPS

Don’t use: HostGator or Bluehost at any price

Use instead: Hetzner

Why:

• €3.79/mo unmanaged VPS vs Newfold’s $9.99-10.99/mo shared hosting
• I make $0 from Hetzner - still rank #1 because they’re the best value
• Independent company (German-owned since 1997)
• AMD EPYC CPUs, NVMe SSDs
• 0% renewal increase - price stays €3.79/mo forever
• Save $76-92/year vs Newfold shared hosting

Read full Hetzner review

Migration: Leaving Newfold Digital (HostGator/Bluehost)

Don’t wait until renewal. Newfold consolidation continues. Here’s how to escape:

Backup Everything First

1. Use a backup plugin: UpdraftPlus (free) or All-in-One WP Migration
2. Download backups locally: Don’t trust Newfold to keep them
3. Export database: Via phpMyAdmin or cPanel backup
4. Save wp-config.php: You’ll need database credentials
5. Document everything: Settings, plugins, theme customizations

Migration Options

Option 1: Use ChemiCloud/Scala’s free migration

• ChemiCloud: 10-200 free migrations depending on plan
• Scala Hosting: Free migrations on all VPS plans
• Support handles everything (24-48 hours)
• Saves you from Newfold’s limited 1-site migration

Option 2: DIY migration

1. Sign up for new host (ChemiCloud, Scala, or Hetzner)
2. Install WordPress on new host
3. Use UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration to restore backup
4. Test site on temporary URL
5. Update DNS when ready
6. Keep old host active 7-14 days during transition

Timeline

1. Week 1: Sign up for new host, request migration or start DIY
2. Week 2: Test new site, verify everything works (no SiteLock scams!)
3. Week 3: Update DNS, monitor transition
4. Week 4: Cancel Newfold host (HostGator or Bluehost)

Migration cost:

Real User Experiences: The Newfold Effect

HostGator/Bluehost User Complaints (Same Problems, Same Owner)

From Online Media Masters:

“The popular brands like Bluehost and HostGator grew from their affiliate program, not because the service is actually good… Newfold Digital brands have an ongoing scam where they claim customers have malware, take down websites, then refer them to SiteLock who quotes hundreds of dollars monthly to remove it.”

From NetCat Australia:

“Who is Newfold Digital and Why Are They So Terrible? …After Newfold Digital/EIG acquires a company, one of the first cuts is the original support team, with roles offshored to developing countries with minimal training.”

Pattern:

• Service degradation after Newfold acquisition
• SiteLock malware scam (fake malware claims → $hundreds to “fix”)
• Outsourced support with minimal training
• Aggressive upselling
• Same problems on both HostGator and Bluehost (because same company)

ChemiCloud User Experiences (Independent Alternative)

From Online Media Masters:

“Fast TTFB and wp-admin speeds with 3.8 GHz CPUs, NVMe SSDs, and 3 CPU cores + 3GB RAM on WP Turbo plan… independent company with no Newfold Digital acquisition degradation.”

Pattern: Users escaping Newfold brands report better performance, no SiteLock scams, responsive support.

The Bottom Line: HostGator vs Bluehost

Direct comparison verdict:

HostGator vs Bluehost is fake competition. You’re choosing between two marketing websites selling the same Newfold Digital infrastructure.

If you must choose between them: Bluehost has $12/year lower renewal cost. But you’re still on Newfold Digital infrastructure with same degraded service.

But honestly? Neither.

The real comparison should be: “Newfold Digital vs Independent Hosting”

What you should actually do:

1. Need shared hosting? → ChemiCloud (independent, AMD EPYC hardware, no SiteLock scam)
2. Need managed VPS? → Scala Hosting (independent, saves $420-900/year vs Newfold Cloud)
3. Can handle unmanaged? → Hetzner (I make $0, independent German company since 1997)

Verify This Yourself

Don’t trust me. Verify the Newfold ownership:

Newfold Digital ownership claims:

• HostGator ownership: Wikipedia - Newfold Digital
• Bluehost ownership: Wikipedia - Newfold Digital
• 80+ brands owned: 80+ Newfold Digital Hosting Companies

Same infrastructure claims:

• Service degradation: Who is Newfold Digital

My commission claims:

• Hetzner has no affiliate program: Verify on their site
• ChemiCloud is independent: Company info
• Scala is independent: Company info

Better alternatives:

• Try ChemiCloud with 45-day money-back guarantee (escape Newfold)
• Read independent reviews: r/webhosting Newfold discussion

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Legal Note: This comparison contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such.

Affiliate disclosure: I make money from affiliate links to ChemiCloud (~$100/sale), Scala Hosting (+$100/sale), and nothing from Hetzner ($0/sale) because they don’t have an affiliate program. I reject HostGator and Bluehost ($65/sale each) commissions because they’re both Newfold Digital brands with documented service degradation.