Bluehost vs SiteGround | Accessibility Features Compared
When selecting a web hosting provider, the accessibility features they offer can make a significant difference for users with disabilities. Our analysis reveals that while both Bluehost and SiteGround have implemented certain accessibility features in their control panels, SiteGround currently offers more robust options for users with disabilities. SiteGround provides high contrast themes, keyboard navigation support, and an easy-read font option, whereas Bluehost has made strides with their All in One Accessibility Widget but lacks some native accessibility features in their dashboard. This comparison will help you determine which hosting provider better meets your accessibility needs, from dashboard navigation to SSL certificate setup and support documentation.
Dashboard Accessibility Features
The hosting control panel is where website owners spend considerable time managing their sites. For users with disabilities, how these dashboards are designed can either create barriers or enable smooth operation.
Keyboard Navigation Capabilities
Keyboard navigation is essential for many users with motor disabilities who can’t use a mouse. It’s also vital for people who rely on screen readers to interact with web content.
SiteGround has invested heavily in keyboard handling within their Site Tools interface. Their dashboard allows users to navigate through different tools and pages using just the keyboard. This feature helps those who need screen readers or have conditions that make mouse use difficult. When testing SiteGround’s interface, we found that users can move through all interactive elements using the Tab key and activate functions with Enter, following standard keyboard navigation patterns.
Bluehost’s cPanel interface, on the other hand, has less consistent keyboard navigation support. While basic tab navigation works for moving between main menu items, some interactive elements within the control panel require mouse interaction. This creates potential barriers for users who rely solely on keyboard input.
For website owners with motor disabilities, this difference can impact daily site management tasks. SiteGround’s approach aligns better with WCAG guidelines that require all functionality to be operable through a keyboard interface.
ARIA Implementation in User Interfaces
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes play a crucial role in making complex web interfaces accessible to assistive technologies. They provide additional context about interface elements and their states to screen readers.
SiteGround’s Site Tools includes proper ARIA attributes throughout their interface. For example, they use appropriate ARIA roles and states for navigation menus, buttons, and form controls. This helps screen reader users understand the purpose and current state of different elements in the dashboard.
In contrast, Bluehost’s implementation of ARIA appears less consistent. Testing their cPanel with screen readers reveals some gaps in ARIA labeling, particularly in complex interactive elements. Joe Dolson, a web accessibility expert, pointed out similar issues in a podcast discussing how ARIA labels should be implemented:
“When it’s open, you get to a button that says aria expanded equals true. So it reports as expanded, and closed menu. And then when it’s closed, it reports as closed, open menu… It’s clear enough, you can figure it out. It’s not unpredictable.”
This highlights a common issue where ARIA attributes exist but aren’t always implemented optimally, creating potential confusion for screen reader users.
Visual Accessibility Options
For users with visual impairments, the ability to adjust contrast and text size can dramatically improve usability.
SiteGround offers multiple high-contrast themes specifically designed with visual accessibility in mind. Users can choose between standard contrast light and dark themes based on their preferences. Additionally, SiteGround provides an “Easy Read Font” option that improves text readability throughout their dashboard. These features benefit users with various visual conditions and those working in challenging lighting situations.
Bluehost’s native control panel has fewer built-in visual accessibility options. The interface uses a fixed color scheme with limited contrast adjustments. Text scaling works through browser controls but isn’t specifically optimized within the dashboard. Both providers support browser zoom functionality, allowing users to increase text size, though SiteGround’s layout adapts more fluidly to zoomed views without breaking the interface layout.
SSL Certificate Setup Process
Setting up SSL certificates is a crucial task for website owners. The process should be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Guided SSL Installation Experience
SiteGround and Bluehost both offer SSL certificate installation, but their approaches differ in terms of accessibility.
Bluehost automatically installs SSL certificates for new websites, reducing the need for manual setup. For websites that need manual installation, Bluehost provides a step-by-step process through their SSL Manager. However, the guidance lacks some accessibility considerations, such as clear feedback mechanisms for users with cognitive disabilities.
The Bluehost SSL setup process involves these steps:
- Logging into the Bluehost Account Manager
- Clicking on “Websites” in the navigation menu
- Finding the specific website
- Clicking the “Manage” button
- Opening the Security tab
- Enabling the Free SSL option
SiteGround also offers automatic SSL installation through their Site Tools dashboard. Their SSL Manager provides clear visual cues and step-by-step instructions. What sets SiteGround apart is their attention to keyboard accessibility throughout this process, making it more usable for those navigating via keyboard alone.
Instructions for Screen Reader Users
For screen reader users, the clarity of instructions and proper labeling of form elements are essential when setting up SSL certificates.
Bluehost’s documentation for SSL setup lacks specific guidance for screen reader users. While their instructions are straightforward, they rely heavily on visual cues and don’t mention keyboard shortcuts or screen reader considerations. This gap can make the process challenging for users who depend on assistive technologies.
SiteGround’s documentation better addresses screen reader needs, with their interface supporting keyboard navigation throughout the SSL setup process. Their Site Tools dashboard uses proper heading structure and ARIA labels, helping screen reader users understand where they are in the setup process and what actions they need to take.
Error Recovery Options
When issues arise during SSL setup, clear error messages and recovery options are particularly important for users with cognitive disabilities.
Bluehost’s error handling during SSL setup could be improved. Error messages sometimes lack specific guidance on how to fix problems, which can be frustrating for users with cognitive disabilities who need clear, direct instructions.
SiteGround provides more detailed error feedback during SSL certificate setup, with specific instructions for resolving common issues. This approach helps all users, especially those with cognitive disabilities who benefit from clear, sequential guidance.
Support Documentation Analysis
The accessibility of support documentation can significantly impact a user’s ability to solve problems independently.
Knowledge Base Structure
Well-structured documentation with proper heading hierarchy is crucial for all users, especially those using screen readers to navigate content.
SiteGround’s knowledge base uses consistent heading structure (H1→H2→H3) that benefits both SEO and screen reader users. Articles are organized by topic with clear headings and subheadings, making it easier for screen reader users to jump to relevant sections.
Bluehost’s help center also implements heading hierarchy, but with some inconsistencies. Some articles mix heading levels or use formatting that doesn’t translate well to screen readers. For example, their article on accessing cPanel uses appropriate headings for main sections but occasionally relies on bold text rather than proper heading tags for subsections.
Plain Language Approach
Using clear, straightforward language is particularly beneficial for users with cognitive disabilities and those who use translation tools.
SiteGround’s help articles tend to use simple language with short paragraphs that improve readability. Their instructions avoid technical jargon when possible and explain necessary technical terms.
Bluehost’s documentation sometimes uses more technical language without sufficient explanation. This can create barriers for users with cognitive disabilities or those less familiar with hosting terminology.
Alternative Format Availability
Offering support content in different formats helps accommodate various learning styles and accessibility needs.
Both hosting providers offer text-based documentation and some video tutorials. However, neither excels at providing truly accessible video content with proper captions and audio descriptions.
SiteGround’s demo pages include screenshots with descriptive text alternatives, making them more accessible to screen reader users. Bluehost offers video tutorials on their YouTube channel, including one on accessing cPanel, but the captions are auto-generated and not always accurate.
Accessibility Widget Integration
Both hosting providers offer options to enhance website accessibility through widgets or plugins, but their approaches differ.
Bluehost Accessibility Widget
Bluehost offers an “All in One Accessibility Widget” designed to improve website accessibility. This widget includes features such as:
- Screen reader functionality
- Talk & Type capabilities
- Accessibility profiles for different disabilities
- Virtual keyboard
- Voice navigation
- Multi-language support (140+ languages)
To activate the screen reader in Bluehost’s accessibility widget, users can press “Ctrl + /” as a keyboard shortcut. This widget aims to help website owners comply with WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 guidelines without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
The widget offers a 10-day free trial with no advance payment required. After the trial period, various pricing plans are available based on monthly page views.
SiteGround Accessibility Options
SiteGround doesn’t offer a specific accessibility widget like Bluehost, but they focus on making their own interface accessible. Their approach emphasizes building accessibility into the core platform rather than adding it as an optional widget.
SiteGround’s Site Tools interface includes:
This native approach means users with disabilities can manage their websites more independently without relying on additional plugins or widgets.
Control Panel Navigation Testing
We conducted tests on both hosting providers’ control panels to evaluate their accessibility in real-world scenarios.
Tab Order and Focus Indicators
The logical tab order and visible focus indicators are fundamental to keyboard accessibility.
SiteGround’s Site Tools interface maintains a logical tab order that follows the visual layout of elements on the screen. Focus indicators are clearly visible with high contrast outlines around the currently focused element. This makes it easier for keyboard users to track their position within the interface.
Bluehost’s cPanel has a less consistent tab order in some sections, with focus occasionally jumping to unexpected locations. Focus indicators are present but sometimes lack sufficient contrast, making them difficult to see for users with low vision.
ARIA States and Properties Implementation
Proper implementation of ARIA states helps users understand the current state of interactive elements.
SiteGround uses appropriate ARIA states throughout their interface. For example, expandable sections correctly use aria-expanded attributes that update when the section is opened or closed. This provides crucial feedback to screen reader users about the current state of these elements.
Bluehost’s implementation of ARIA states appears less consistent. Testing with screen readers revealed some instances where ARIA states weren’t properly updated when elements changed state, potentially confusing users relying on this information.
According to accessibility expert Joe Dolson, one common issue is using ARIA labels that change based on element state:
“It’s got this aria label which changes. So it’s open menu when it’s closed, and it’s closed menu when it’s opened… It’s always better to just have it be labeled menu, and allow aria expanded to control reporting its current state, because that’s just gonna be more reliable.”
Form Accessibility Analysis
Forms are common in control panels for tasks like setting up domains or configuring hosting options.
SiteGround’s forms generally follow accessibility best practices with properly associated labels and clear error messages. Form fields have visible labels that remain visible when the field is focused, helping users understand what information is required.
Bluehost’s forms have some accessibility issues, including instances where form labels disappear when fields are focused and error messages that aren’t programmatically associated with the corresponding fields. These issues can create barriers for screen reader users and those with cognitive disabilities.
Mobile Accessibility Comparison
With more users managing websites from mobile devices, the mobile accessibility of hosting control panels matters.
Responsive Design Implementation
SiteGround’s Site Tools is designed to be accessible on any device and resolution, enabling users to manage their websites from mobile devices. The interface adapts well to smaller screens with touch targets that meet size guidelines for mobile accessibility.
Bluehost’s mobile experience is less refined, with some elements becoming difficult to interact with on smaller screens. Some actions require precise tapping, which can be challenging for users with motor disabilities.
Touch Target Sizing
Proper sizing of touch targets is crucial for users with motor disabilities using touch screens.
SiteGround maintains appropriate touch target sizes across their mobile interface, with clickable elements spaced adequately to prevent accidental activation of adjacent controls.
Bluehost’s mobile interface sometimes places interactive elements too close together, increasing the risk of activating the wrong control. This can be particularly problematic for users with tremors or limited fine motor control.
WordPress Integration Accessibility
Both hosting providers offer WordPress installation and management features, which should be accessible to all users.
WordPress Setup Process
Bluehost offers a one-click WordPress installation process that’s relatively straightforward but lacks specific accessibility features. The installation screens don’t consistently implement proper heading structure and sometimes rely on color alone to convey information.
SiteGround’s WordPress setup also offers one-click installation, but with better attention to accessibility details. The process maintains a logical tab order and uses proper headings and labels that work well with screen readers.
WordPress Accessibility Plugins Support
WordPress sites often benefit from accessibility plugins to enhance their accessibility features.
Bluehost supports various WordPress accessibility plugins, including options for implementing text-to-speech, alt-text optimization, and keyboard navigation enhancements. Their blog even highlights the “Top 10 WordPress Accessibility Plugins” to help site owners improve accessibility.
SiteGround also supports WordPress accessibility plugins, though they don’t specifically promote them in their documentation. Both hosts allow installation of popular accessibility plugins without technical limitations.
Support Channels Accessibility
The accessibility of customer support channels can be crucial when users with disabilities encounter problems.
Live Chat Support Accessibility
Bluehost offers live chat support, but the chat interface has some accessibility limitations. The chat window doesn’t always work well with screen readers and can be difficult to navigate using only a keyboard.
SiteGround’s live chat support has better keyboard accessibility and works more reliably with screen readers. The chat interface maintains focus appropriately when opened and closed, making it easier for keyboard users to engage with support representatives.
Phone Support Experience
Both hosting providers offer phone support, which can be beneficial for users who prefer verbal communication.
Bluehost provides 24/7 phone support, which is helpful for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties who may struggle with text-based support options.
SiteGround also offers phone support with similar availability. Neither provider specifically mentions training their support staff on assisting users with disabilities, which represents an opportunity for improvement.
Color Contrast and Visual Design
Color contrast is a fundamental aspect of accessibility for users with low vision or color blindness.
Dashboard Color Contrast Analysis
SiteGround offers high-contrast themes specifically designed for visual accessibility. These themes were developed with input from accessibility testers and consultants to ensure they meet the needs of users with various visual impairments.
Bluehost’s standard interface has some color contrast issues, particularly with text elements. As noted in one accessibility evaluation:
“That text is really, really obviously below color contrast guidelines. It is the kind of classic mid gray text on a black background, which is largely unreadable.”
Text Readability Assessment
SiteGround’s “Easy Read Font” option enhances text readability throughout their dashboard. This feature makes text more visually appealing and easier to read for all users, particularly those with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
Bluehost’s text readability could be improved, with some sections using fonts that are too small or have insufficient contrast against background colors.
Recommendations for Website Owners
Based on our analysis, we offer these recommendations for website owners considering accessibility in their hosting choice:
For Users with Motor Disabilities
Users with motor disabilities who rely on keyboard navigation should consider SiteGround for its better implementation of keyboard accessibility features. SiteGround’s Site Tools interface offers more consistent tab navigation and visible focus indicators.
For those already using Bluehost, enabling the All in One Accessibility Widget can help address some navigation challenges through its voice navigation feature.
For Users with Visual Impairments
Users with visual impairments will likely find SiteGround’s high contrast themes and Easy Read Font option beneficial. These built-in features allow for easier customization without requiring additional tools.
Bluehost users should consider activating their accessibility widget, which includes screen reader functionality that can be triggered with keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + /).
For Users with Cognitive Disabilities
Users with cognitive disabilities might appreciate SiteGround’s clearer instructions and more consistent interface design. Their knowledge base typically uses simpler language and more direct instructions.
Those using Bluehost should take advantage of their video tutorials when available, as visual demonstrations can sometimes be easier to follow than written instructions for some users with cognitive disabilities.
Using Automated Tools for Quick Insights (Accessibility-Test.org Scanner)
Automated testing tools provide a fast way to identify many common accessibility issues. They can quickly scan your website and point out problems that might be difficult for people with disabilities to overcome.
Visit Our Tools Comparison Page!
Run a FREE scan to check compliance and get recommendations to reduce risks of lawsuits
Final Thoughts
When comparing Bluehost and SiteGround on accessibility features, SiteGround emerges with a stronger overall approach to accessibility. Their control panel offers better keyboard navigation, more visual customization options, and a more consistent implementation of ARIA attributes. These native features make the daily tasks of website management more accessible to users with various disabilities.
Bluehost, while offering the All in One Accessibility Widget as an add-on solution, has room for improvement in their core dashboard’s accessibility. Their automatic SSL installation is helpful, but the setup process and error handling could be more accessible for users with cognitive disabilities.
For website owners who prioritize accessibility, both for themselves and their visitors, these differences matter. The choice between these hosting providers should take into account not just pricing and performance, but also how well their interfaces accommodate users with disabilities. As web accessibility becomes increasingly important, hosting providers that build accessibility into their core offerings provide better long-term value for all users.
Both companies show awareness of accessibility needs, but SiteGround’s implementation of accessibility features directly into their control panel interface represents a more integrated approach that benefits all users, regardless of ability. Website owners should consider these factors alongside traditional hosting criteria when making their selection.
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