DreamHost: Diverse & Scalable Hosting Solutions

Dreamhost at a Glance

DreamHost is a web hosting provider and domain registrar that is headquartered in Brea, California. Though they had humble beginnings as New Dream Network, LLC, a company created by a group of Harvey Mudd College undergraduates, they have since expanded their services to offer a variety of hosting solutions, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and cloud hosting. Known for their support of open source technology, DreamHost has contributed to projects such as the Ceph file system and OpenStack.

The company serves a broad customer base, including individuals, small businesses, and developers looking for scalable hosting solutions. As of recent years, DreamHost manages over a million domains and has maintained a reputation for reliability and flexibility in web hosting. DreamHost has also made efforts to enhance their hosting infrastructure, with investments in performance optimization and security. They operate a custom-built control panel for account management and offer support through live chat and email. While they don't provide direct phone support, callback options are available for an additional fee.

In addition to their hosting services, DreamHost has been involved in advocacy for digital privacy. In 2017, the company challenged a US Department of Justice data request, reinforcing their commitment to user privacy and security. Overall, the company is recognized for their commitment to open-source technology and user privacy.

They have built a solid reputation in the web hosting industry. Notably, DreamHost holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting their dedication to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. In 2024, their technical support team received Gold and Bronze awards in the Globee® Awards for Customer Excellence, highlighting achievements in continuous improvement and team collaboration. With a focus on open-source technology, privacy protections, and a range of hosting options, DreamHost continues to be a significant player in the web hosting industry.

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Types of Hosting They Offer

DreamHost provides a variety of hosting options to suit different needs:

1. Shared hosting: This is ideal for beginners and small websites, and includes free domain registration, unlimited traffic, and email hosting. It supports WordPress, Joomla, and other CMS platforms, with features like AI Website Builder, built-in traffic analytics, and automated backups
2. Managed WordPress hosting (DreamPress): DreamPress is optimized for WordPress, offering pre-configured caching, staging, and a free CDN. It includes automated daily backups with on-demand restore options, priority WordPress support, and 1-click staging for testing changes. Scalable plans are available to accommodate high-traffic sites, making it ideal for businesses and bloggers who rely on WordPress
3. VPS hosting: This type ensures dedicated resources for better performance and scalability, with full root access and customizable server configurations. It supports multiple websites, applications, and development environments, and includes free SSL certificates, unlimited email, and SSD storage
4. Dedicated hosting: This involves fully managed servers with 100% resource allocation, which is ideal for resource-heavy applications and large websites. Features include RAID 1 storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 server monitoring, with full root access for advanced customization
5. Cloud hosting: This is ideal for developers and businesses needing flexible, high-performance hosting, and includes DreamObjects for cost-effective cloud storage. It makes use of scalable cloud servers powered by OpenStack, with full root access and support for Linux, BSD, and Windows

The Features & Perks at DreamHost

DreamHost offers a wide range of hosting solutions and tools designed to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and developers. From shared hosting to managed WordPress, VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting, DreamHost provides robust features to ensure performance, security, and scalability. Below is a breakdown of their key offerings.

General hosting features

These are the foundational features included with most DreamHost hosting plans:
SSD storage: All plans utilize solid-state drives for faster website performance and reduced load times

• Free SSL certificates: Every plan includes free Let’s Encrypt SSL/TLS certificates to secure data transmission
• Unlimited bandwidth: Websites can handle traffic spikes without restrictions or overage charges
• Custom control panel: DreamHost’s proprietary control panel simplifies domain, email, and hosting management
• 1-click installer: Popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, and others can be installed with a single click
• Free domain privacy: WHOIS privacy protection is included to keep personal information secure
• Email hosting: Most plans include professional email addresses @yourdomain with spam and virus filtering
• DNS management: DreamHost simplifies DNS management with an intuitive interface, allowing users to easily configure custom nameservers, update MX records for email hosting, and monitor DNS propagation speeds directly from their control panel
• Automated backups: Daily backups are available, with on-demand restore options for added peace of mind
• Developer tools: Support for PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, Node.js, and Git allows for advanced customization

Additional features

DreamHost offers extra tools and services to enhance your hosting experience:

• Domain registration: Users can search for and register domains directly through DreamHost, with free WHOIS privacy and auto-renewal options
• Website builders: A drag-and-drop builder is available for creating WordPress sites without coding knowledge. Alternatively, they also offer an AI-powered tool that helps users quickly generate professional websites
• Traffic analytics: Built-in analytics tools provide insights into visitor behavior and site performance
• Pro services: DreamHost offers expert assistance for web design, development, SEO, and site management
• Staging environment: DreamPress and VPS plans include a staging area for testing changes before going live
• SFTP/SSH access: Secure file transfers and command-line access are available for technical users
• IPv6 support: Future-proof your site with compatibility for the latest internet protocol

Security features

They prioritize website security with the following features:

• Free SSL/TLS certificates: They encrypt data and boost visitor trust with free SSL certificates
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your account login process
• DDoS protection: Safeguard your site against distributed denial-of-service attacks
• Malware scanning: DreamShield provides daily malware scans and alerts for potential threats
• Spam filtering: Built-in protection for email accounts ensures clean inboxes

DreamHost Plans & Pricing

DreamHost offers various hosting plans to suit different needs, from shared hosting for beginners to advanced solutions like VPS and dedicated servers. Payments can be made via credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club), PayPal, electronic checks (ACH), or DreamHost Rewards Credits. AutoPay is available for recurring payments, and physical checks/money orders are accepted (though not recommended due to longer processing times). Many of their plans come with a generous 97-day money-back guarantee, although some restrictions do apply.

Below is a breakdown of their web hosting plans and optional add-ons.

Shared hosting plans

Ideal for beginners and small websites, these plans are affordable and feature-rich:

• Shared Starter: This plan starts at $2.59/month with a 3-year term, or $4.95/month if you choose a monthly subscription. It features one website, free domain, unlimited traffic, SSD storage, free SSL, and email hosting (additional cost). It allows for 50GB of site storage with limited subdomains and MySQL databases
• Shared Unlimited: This starts at $3.95/month with a 3-year term, or $8.95/month on a monthly term, and features unlimited websites, free domain name, unlimited traffic, SSD storage, free SSL, and unlimited email accounts. It allows for unlimited site storage, subdomains, FTP users, and MySQL databases

Managed WordPress hosting (DreamPress)

Optimized for WordPress users, these plans include advanced features for performance and ease of use:

• DreamPress: This starts at $16.95/month on a yearly term, or $19.95/month on a monthly term. It comes with one WordPress site and a free domain, and allows for ~100k monthly visitors, 30GB SSD storage, free CDN (Bunny CDN), automated backups, and staging
• DreamPress Plus: It starts at $24.95/month on a yearly term, or $29.95/month on a monthly term, for one WordPress site and a free domain, as well. However, it allows for ~300k monthly visitors, 60GB SSD storage, free CDN, and enhanced performance
• DreamPress Pro: This plan starts at $71.95/month on a yearly term, or $79.95/month on a monthly term, for one WordPress site, free domain, ~1M monthly visitors, 120GB SSD storage, free CDN, and priority support

VPS hosting plans

These plans are designed for growing businesses and developers needing more control and dedicated resources:

• VPS Business: This starts at $10.00/month for the first three-year term or $15/month for the first month ($37.99 subsequently). With this plan, you get 2GB RAM, 2 vCPU cores, 60GB SSD storage, unlimited websites, free SSL, and unlimited email
• VPS Professional: Starting at $20.00/month for the first three-year term, or $30/month for the first month ($69.99 subsequently), you get 4GB RAM, 2 vCPU cores, 120GB SSD storage, unlimited websites, free SSL, and unlimited email
• VPS Enterprise: Starting at $40.00/month for the first three-year term, or $60/month for the first month ($137.99 subsequently), this plan gives you 8GB RAM, 4 vCPU cores, 240GB SSD storage, unlimited websites, free SSL, and unlimited email
• VPS Premier: Starting at $60.00/month for the first three-year term, or $90/month for the first month ($169.99 subsequently), this plan gives you 12GB RAM, 6 vCPU cores, 360GB SSD storage, unlimited websites, free SSL, and unlimited email

Dedicated hosting plans

DreamHost’s dedicated hosting plans are fully customizable, offering powerful resources for resource-heavy applications, large websites, and businesses needing full server control. Pricing varies based on CPU cores, RAM, and storage options, with discounts available for yearly commitments.

Key variables and options:

• CPU Cores: Choose between 6-core (Standard) or 12-core (Enhanced) processors
• RAM: Options range from 16GB to 128GB, depending on your performance needs
• Storage: Select from 480GB, 960GB, or 1920GB SSD storage, with RAID 1 for added reliability
• Pricing: Monthly and yearly plans are available, with yearly plans offering significant savings

All dedicated hosting plans come with full root and shell access (SSH), local MySQL database server for faster queries, 24/7 server monitoring and DDoS protection, RAID 1 storage for increased performance and reliability, and unlimited bandwidth and sub-accounts for client management. Here are a few example plans:

• Standard 16: Starting at $165.00/month on a yearly term, or $199/month on a monthly term, you get a 6-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 480GB SSD storage, and full root access
• Enhanced 32: This starts at $249/month on a yearly term, or $299.00/month on a monthly term, and provides a 12-core CPU, 32GB RAM, 480GB SSD storage, and full root access
• Enhanced 128: Starting at $625.00/month on a yearly term, or $749/month on a monthly term, you get a 12-core CPU, 128GB RAM, 1920GB SSD storage, and full root access

Cloud hosting plans

DreamHost offers scalable and flexible cloud hosting solutions designed for developers, businesses, and anyone needing high-performance, customizable hosting. Below is a breakdown of their cloud hosting options:

• DreamCompute: DreamCompute is DreamHost’s cloud computing service, built on OpenStack and designed for developers who need full control and scalability. It’s ideal for running web applications, databases, and development environments. It starts at 4.50/month, or approximately 0.0075/hour, and includes scalable cloud servers with full root access, SSD storage, and OpenStack compatibility. Key features include fast deployment (ready in <30 seconds) and free bandwidth, for a limited time
• DreamObjects: DreamObjects is an affordable, S3-compatible object storage service for backups, media storage, and web app development, powered by Ceph. It starts at $0.95/month for 40GB and involves cost-effective cloud storage for backups, media, and static data. Key features include 99.99999% data durability, S3 API compatibility, and a 60-day free trial

Add-ons and optional services

DreamHost offers additional services to enhance your hosting experience, some of which are:

• Domain registration: This starts at $9.99/year for a .com domain, and includes free WHOIS privacy and auto-renewal
• Professional email: Costs start at $1.67/month per mailbox, which includes 25GB storage, spam filtering, and mobile/desktop sync
• DreamShield security: This costs $3.00/month per website, with daily malware scans, security alerts, and SSL monitoring
• SEO toolkit: This is $4.99/month per site, and includes website audits, keyword tracking, and competitor analysis
• Pro services: prices vary based on service (e.g., web design, site migration, SEO), but may include expert assistance for website management, design, and optimization

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The Advantages of Dreamhost

• Variety of plans: They offer a range of hosting options, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting (DreamPress), catering to diverse needs from personal blogs to large enterprises
• Affordable pricing with transparent renewal rates: DreamHost offers some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, starting at just $2.59/month for shared hosting. Unlike many competitors, they are upfront about renewal rates, avoiding hidden fees and ensuring long-term affordability
• 97-day money-back guarantee: They stand out with an industry-leading 97-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans, giving users ample time to test their services risk-free
• Optimized for WordPress: DreamHost is one of the few hosting providers officially recommended by WordPress.org. Their managed WordPress hosting (DreamPress) includes preconfigured caching, staging environments, and a free CDN, making it ideal for WordPress users
• Free domain and SSL certificates: All plans include a free domain for the first year and free Let’s Encrypt SSL/TLS certificates, ensuring secure data transmission and boosting visitor trust
• Unlimited bandwidth and generous storage: They provide unlimited bandwidth and ample storage across most plans, ensuring your website can handle traffic spikes without additional charges
• Advanced features for developers: DreamHost offers robust developer tools, including support for PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, Node.js, Git, and SSH/SFTP access. Their VPS and cloud hosting plans provide full root access for advanced customization
• Strong commitment to privacy and security: This hosting service prioritizes user privacy, offering free WHOIS privacy protection and multi-factor authentication (MFA). They also provide DDoS protection, malware scanning, and spam filtering to safeguard your site
• Scalable hosting solutions: From shared hosting to dedicated servers and cloud hosting, DreamHost offers scalable solutions to grow with your website’s needs, making them suitable for beginners and businesses alike
• Eco-friendly hosting: DreamHost is committed to sustainability, using energy-efficient data centers and participating in carbon offset programs, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious users

Why You Might Not Choose Dreamhost

• Limited data center locations: DreamHost’s data centers are only located in the U.S. (Virginia and Oregon). This can result in slower load times for visitors outside North America unless a CDN is used
• No phone support for basic plans: This hosting service does not offer phone support for shared hosting plans. While live chat and email support are available, users seeking immediate assistance may find this limiting
• Paid email on starter plans: The Shared Starter plan does not include free email hosting, requiring users to pay extra for professional email accounts or upgrade to a higher-tier plan
• Learning curve for custom control panel: DreamHost’s proprietary control panel, while modern and meant to be user-friendly, differs from the traditional cPanel. Beginners may face a learning curve when navigating and managing their hosting accounts
• Limited advanced features on basic plans: Features like staging environments, built-in caching, and advanced backups are only available on higher-tier plans (e.g., DreamPress or VPS), making basic shared hosting less suitable for advanced users
• Mixed performance reviews: While they generally offer good uptime, some users report occasional slowdowns or downtime, particularly for sites with high-traffic or resource-intensive applications

What Customers Are Saying About Dreamhost

Based on independent customer reviews online, Dreamhost's customer experience is generally very positive. They receive a very high review score of 4.7 out of 5 at Trustpilot, compiled from over six thousand reviews, as well as a similarly high 4.0 out of 5 at G2. However, they receive a much poorer 1.36 and 1.6 out of 5 scores at the BBB and Google reviews, respectively, albeit from a much fewer handful of reviews. That said, the picture is mostly good for this provider.

Positive feedback

Customers consistently praise DreamHost for their responsive and knowledgeable customer support, often highlighting how quickly and effectively issues are resolved. Many users appreciate the ease of use of the control panel and the reliability of the hosting services, with some noting they’ve been loyal customers for over a decade. The professional services team receives particular acclaim for helping with website migrations, design, and troubleshooting, often going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Additionally, DreamHost’s affordable pricing and scalable hosting options are frequently mentioned as key benefits, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced users. The 24/7 availability of support via chat and email is also a standout feature, with many customers appreciating the human touch and clear communication from the support team.

Critical feedback

On the other hand, some customers express frustration with billing issues, including unexpected charges and difficulties obtaining refunds for unused services. A few users report slow website performance and downtime, particularly for those located far from DreamHost’s data centers. The lack of phone support is a recurring complaint, with some customers finding the reliance on chat and email inconvenient for urgent issues. Others criticize the complexity of the dashboard, describing it as overly technical and not user-friendly for beginners. There are also isolated complaints about poor handling of domain transfers and data loss incidents, which have led to significant disruptions for some users. Lastly, a few customers feel that DreamHost’s pricing has increased over the years without a corresponding improvement in service quality.

The BBB has documented several complaints against DreamHost, primarily concerning billing issues, service problems, and customer service challenges. In many cases, DreamHost has responded by providing explanations or directing customers to relevant resources. For instance, in response to a billing complaint, DreamHost clarified their policy regarding free domain registrations and associated charges upon account cancellation. 

While DreamHost strives to resolve issues promptly, customer experiences vary. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with response times and the effectiveness of support resolutions, while others stated that they were satisfied with their outcomes.

DreamHost's Customer Service

DreamHost offers multiple channels for customer support to assist with your hosting needs. For current customers, the fastest way to reach their Technical Support Team is through the account control panel. Once logged in, you can access DreamHost support via live chat or submit a ticket for email assistance. Live chat is also available at the bottom right corner of the support page, 24/7, providing immediate help from their in-house experts.

While DreamHost doesn’t offer a direct call-in phone number, customers can request a callback from support staff. Dedicated Server and DreamPress Plus/Pro plans include free monthly callbacks, while other plans offer this service as a paid add-on. For pre-sales inquiries or if you’re unable to access your account, you can reach out through their online contact form, found at the bottom of their support page. Additionally, DreamHost provides a comprehensive knowledge base with step-by-step guides and FAQs, as well as a system status page for updates on their services.

Final Thoughts

DreamHost is a versatile and reliable web hosting provider offering a wide range of hosting solutions, from shared and managed WordPress hosting to VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting. With affordable pricing, a 97-day money-back guarantee, and a strong commitment to open-source technology and user privacy, DreamHost is well-suited for beginners, developers, and businesses alike.

While DreamHost excels in affordability, scalability, and WordPress optimization, they have some limitations, such as US-only data centers, no phone support for basic plans, and a learning curve for their custom control panel. These factors may deter users who are seeking more global server options or immediate phone assistance.

Ultimately, DreamHost is a solid choice for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness, privacy, and developer-friendly features. However, if you’re looking for more advanced global hosting solutions or prefer traditional cPanel-based management, you may want to explore alternatives by reading our other hosting service reviews. For further insights, check out our detailed hosting provider comparisons and visit our blog for expert advice on finding the perfect hosting solution for your needs.

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