All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
/images/2025/11/11/dreamhost-logo-transparent.png){kind=logo}
Easy one-click WordPress installation and AI web builder
Intuitive custom control panel with user-friendly analytics
100% uptime guarantee, daily automated backups, and unlimited free SSL certificates across plans
All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
DreamHost is a first-rate web host, particularly for WordPress users and small businesses. It’s reliable, performs well, and is easy to use. DreamHost offers a clear plan selection, easy site startup, AI-powered website building tools, and a useful control panel — there’s a lot to like about the service.
Our biggest complaint about DreamHost is that it lacks some security features across plans that other web hosts provide on basic plans. Other minor points include the lack of a direct phone support line and the cost of its managed WordPress plans, which are a bit pricier than those of many competitors. However, DreamHost plans include a custom web-building service, which sets it apart from top competitors and supports the higher price tag.
Learn more about why we can recommend DreamHost in our complete review of pricing, features, security, performance, and more.
| Price | $2.89–$71.95/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days for most plans |
| Uptime guarantee | 100% |
| Monthly visits | 40K - 400K |
| Number of websites | 1 – 100 |
| Storage | 25 – 125 GB |
| Free SSL certificate | On all plans |
| Free domain for a year | On all plans |
| Backup frequency | Daily |
| Migration assistance | Free migration tool on all plans Personal migration assistance is free with DreamPress plans or starting at $199 on other plans |
| 24/7 support | On all plans |
| Learn more | Get DreamHost |
We use our proprietary grading rubric to evaluate web hosts based on performance, ease of use, features, support, and overall value. Our hands-on approach ensures our ratings reflect how each service actually performs in the real world, so you can choose a host with confidence.
Our process starts with signing up for each service and setting up a real website, just like you would. We run page speed, uptime, and stress tests to measure reliability and performance under load. We also explore the dashboard, test security tools, and contact support to see how responsive and helpful it is.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full testing methodology here.
DreamHost received a high star rating of 4.9 because it has excellent WordPress integration, several AI-powered website creation tools, and extensive customer support.
Although DreamHost is not the most affordable web hosting service, it's also not the most expensive.
| Decision factor | Weight | Verdict |
| Our experience | 10% | 4.5 |
| Value and capacity | 18% | 4.4 |
| Performance | 20% | 5.0 |
| Features | 25% | 5.0 |
| Security | 20% | 5.0 |
| Support and reputation | 7% | 4.9 |
We last tested DreamHost on December 8, 2025.
Easy one-click WordPress installation and AI web builder
Intuitive custom control panel with user-friendly analytics
100% uptime guarantee, daily automated backups, and unlimited free SSL certificates across plans
We had an excellent overall experience with DreamHost. From selecting a plan to building a starter site and adjusting settings, everything felt straightforward. When we did need help, we were able to get answers quickly and easily through the many support channels available.
DreamHost’s plan selection is easy to understand. The different hosting types are clearly defined, and the various tiers within each type are well organized and logical. For our testing, we chose the Launch plan, but the DreamPress plans are also very popular.
Searching for a domain is simple, and DreamHost offers one-click WordPress installation through an easy WordPress setup wizard. We had the choice to build a website the traditional way or use DreamHost's website builder. Plugins and themes aren’t restricted in any way (like on WordPress.com’s lower plans, for example).
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_installing_wordpress_4.png)
So once installed, you can take advantage of the Liftoff site builder, which uses AI to help you create your website. This process was also easy and intuitive. (Coincidentally, the Liftoff site builder strikes an uncanny resemblance to Hosting.com's AI website builder. The interface looked identical, other than the brand logo and color palette.)
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_install_wordpress_16.png)
One of our favorite parts of the DreamHost experience was the custom control panel, which is very similar to Hostinger's hPanel (though hPanel offers more features). Managing a website often requires mucking about in the control panel, and “mucking” is a good description of navigating the average web host’s cPanel.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_wordpress_installing_process_8.png)
By comparison, DreamHost’s panel is a breeze to use, allowing you to get in, do what you need to do, and return to more important tasks. The DreamHost control panel also features easy-to-read tools for monitoring traffic, storage usage, and other key statistics.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_analytics_26.png)
Some downsides during setup included a lack of a seamless domain connection and many menus and submenus that made navigating the dashboard challenging at times. For example, we had trouble finding the traffic analytics (which were buried and could be featured more prominently in the sidebar menu). However, the AI chatbot is easily accessible and immediately tells you where to find what you need. Even still, we think including quick links to a knowledge base would make the setup easier for users of all skill levels.
Overall, DreamHost provides a solid WordPress hosting experience. It’s easy to use and gets out of the way when needed. If we were looking for an affordable WordPress host, we’d consider DreamHost among popular contenders like Bluehost.
DreamHost plans start at $2.89/mo for basic shared hosting and range up to $71.95/mo for high-spec dedicated servers. Like most hosting providers, you can opt for longer subscriptions to save a significant amount of money (and that’s generally what we’d recommend doing).
The most popular plans are highlighted in the table below. Not listed are the DreamPress plans, which offer higher performance than standard shared hosting without the massive cost of true dedicated servers — but only for one website at a time. These range from $16.95/mo to $71.95/mo.
| Features | Launch | Growth | Scale |
| Price | $2.89/mo | $3.99/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Uptime guarantee | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Monthly visits | 40k | 200k | 400k |
| Number of websites | 25 | 50 | 100 |
| Storage | 25 GB | 50 GB | 100 GB |
| Free domain for a year | Yes, on annual or longer plans | Yes, on annual or longer plans | Yes, on annual or longer plans |
| Backup frequency | Daily | Daily | Daily |
| Learn more | View plan | View plan | View plan |
DreamHost’s hosting plans aren’t the most affordable, but they’re also not the most expensive — they offer a nice middle ground of price and features.
The DreamPress plans are pricier than comparable web hosts like Hostinger and Bluehost, but we think the hosting service may be worth it for many users. For the money, you get excellent support (both for WordPress and customer service) and have one of the most intuitive control panels we’ve used.
DreamHost also offers two main add-ons for WordPress security: DreamShield Protect, an automatic malware and vulnerabilities scanner, and DreamCare Pro, a 24/7 professional monitoring service. DreamHost doesn't offer free basic malware scanning on its starter plan, unlike most competitors. Only the Growth and Scale plans include one free malware scan per month, so you basically need to pay for security add-ons.
Even still, DreamHost offers one of the most unique features we've seen in web hosting plans: a free handcrafted starter website. What this means is the DreamHost team (yes, real people) will help you create a custom website without relying on AI or templates. This is a really impressive service to include across all plans.
For most users, we recommend either Launch or Growth. Launch is very affordable and will still let you get a site up and running quickly.
DreamHost offers a range of features to simplify hosting and ensure your website functions smoothly and remains secure.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_choose_ai_website_builder_or_custom_installation_7.png)
DreamHost offers five types of web hosting:
We've conducted repeated tests of the shared hosting using the Shared Starter (now retired) and Launch plans. We found performance and uptime to be quite good.
DreamHost is very WordPress-centric, so that’s where the focus lies when it comes to website building. Unlike some other web hosts, DreamHost doesn’t have its own website builder (unlike other popular web hosting companies like GoDaddy and Hostinger). Instead, it relies on WordPress’s built-in Gutenberg editor and the rich ecosystem of WordPress plugins available.
That said, there’s an AI-powered website builder available when you first create your site, called Liftoff, that does a great job of getting you off the ground with a usable and visually appealing website.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_ai_builder_9c.png)
It asks you a few brief questions about your site or business, then produces a usable, attractive site you can customize to your liking.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_ai_generated_site_result_9f.png)
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_ai_builder_9d.png)
DreamHost has outstanding WordPress integration. You can install the platform with a single click, and it comes with several useful plugins pre-installed to help with performance and SEO. The DreamPress managed WordPress plans offer a range of useful features for building a WordPress site, including email, automated backups, and 24/7 expert support.
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_wordpress-editor.png)
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_wordpress-plugins.png)
Migrating an existing website to DreamHost is simple. All plans include free automated migration, a quick, seamless process. Simply answer a few questions and you’ll be up and running in no time. DreamPress plans also include free priority site migration, with a professional handling the process. This service can be purchased for other plans starting at $199 per site.
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_migration_1.png)
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_migration_2.png)
We conducted hands-on testing to understand how users will experience DreamHost sites, starting with a speed test to measure load time. We also monitored uptime to assess how reliably users could access our test website and ran a stress test to understand how well DreamHost sites handle large groups of visitors.
We test website performance using dotcom-tools.com from three different locations worldwide. This helps ensure an accurate picture of how a site performs for various visitors.
Specifically, we consider the overall performance score, as well as the First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) metrics. FCP represents the time it takes for a browser to render the first piece of content on a site, while LCP measures the time it takes for the largest piece of content to load.
| Product | Performance score | FCP | LCP |
| DreamHost average | 97.67 | 0.63 s | 1.17 s |
DreamHost scored fairly well across the board, though the LCP scores were a bit worse than some other hosts we’ve tested. That said, the site itself performed well in actual use, with no noticeable lag or slowdowns. While we’d like to see better scores, we’re not disappointed with DreamHost. The test site ran smoothly and loaded fast on both the frontend and the backend (the wp-admin).
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_speed_test_results_22b.png)
We test uptime by continuously monitoring each site over a minimum of one week. At the time of testing, our DreamHost site had been running for just under 8 days.
| Product | Uptime | Average response time | Minimum response time | Maximum response time |
| DreamHost average | 100% | 2564 ms | 1944 ms | 3183 ms |
Our DreamHost site lived up to the company’s promise, achieving 100% uptime with no service interruptions during the testing period.
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_uptime.png)
Stress tests determine how your site performs under heavy concurrent traffic. We used Loader.io to send 250 simultaneous visitors to our DreamHost site. DreamHost passed our stress test, with an average response time of 9 milliseconds, suggesting near-instantaneous loading for most users. The results also demonstrate good server stability.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_stress_test_results_23.png)
Your web host is the foundation of your website’s safety, performance, and reputation. Without strong security, your site (and potentially, your business) can be vulnerable to hacks, malware, and other cyberattacks.
DreamHost offers a strong array of security features and tools to help keep your site safe and performing well:
DreamHost also offers the DreamShield Protect add-on service that adds daily malware scans and a variety of notifications to help you stay aware of your site’s status. However, a free DreamShield scan is available on the Growth and Scale plans only and is limited to once per month. The starter Launch plan does not include malware scanning. To identify and disable cyber threats, you need to pay for the premium service, even on the highest tier plan.
Additionally, plans do not include a free CDN, so website owners will need the Bunny CDN premium add-on for enhanced site security and performance.
/images/2025/12/11/dreamhost_tooltips_25.png)
| Support type | DreamHost |
| Email or live chat | Yes, both |
| Phone | Yes, but you can only request a callback — you can’t call directly. |
| Online guides or forums | Yes |
DreamHost provides 24/7 customer support through chatbots, live chat, email, phone, and online guides. We used the chatbot frequently and found it to be quite helpful. We also tested the live chat, and the representative responded within the promised time frame and provided a quick answer to our question.
/images/2025/07/29/dreamhost_ai-assistant.png)
Our main complaint with DreamHost support is with the phone option. There’s no number you can call; you have to request a callback, which eliminates having to wait on hold for extended periods. However, phone support is not included with all plans — on our Shared Starter plan, it costs $9.95 per call or $14.95 for three calls per month. Dedicated server plans and higher-tier DreamPress plans include free phone support.
DreamHost has a great reputation overall. Users generally appreciate the support, ease of use, and security, and the DreamPress and VPS plans seem to be particularly well-received. The company has a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot, with users praising helpful staff and professional service.
There are a handful of complaints, as with any company. Some users who are accustomed to cPanel find the custom control panel confusing, while others find the shared hosting service to be somewhat unstable.
If DreamHost isn’t for you, don’t worry — there are plenty of other top web hosting services to choose from. Whether you need something even more affordable or have a specific feature in mind that DreamHost doesn’t have, check out these alternatives:
/images/2024/12/05/hostinger-logo-horizontal.png){kind=logo}
Robust user-friendly AI tools for quick web building and website management
Achieved 100% uptime and strong page speed performance during in-house testing
More affordable than other all-in-one hosting solutions like Bluehost and DreamHost
/images/2025/07/20/bluehost_logo.png){kind=logo}
Popular WordPress platform with good security features and affordable plans
High-quality tools for first-time WordPress users
Low renewal costs provide long-term affordability
/images/2025/09/24/logo_ionos_blue_rgb.png){kind=logo}
Very affordable plans, both during the introductory period and on renewal
Excellent server speed and reliability
Managed WordPress hosting plans include guided setup through the WordPress Cockpit and its AI site builder
Learn more about how DreamHost compares to other popular web hosting services in our comprehensive comparisons:
Yes, DreamHost is a good web host, particularly for WordPress users. It simplifies the process of starting and maintaining a website with clear plan selection, AI-powered website creation tools, and an intuitive control panel. DreamHost offers most of what you'd expect from competitors, except it doesn't offer a free CDN and malware protection across plans.
However, the most standout feature is the free handcrafted start site service, in which a member of the DreamHost team creates a custom website for you. This service is included in the Launch, Growth, and Scale plans, making it a solid selling point for businesses looking to launch a reliable website quickly. We also highly recommend DreamHost to anyone looking to build a WordPress site due to the easy WordPress integration and managed WordPress hosting options.
Yes, DreamHost is safe to use. It provides some of the security features you’d expect from a web hosting service, including unlimited free SSL certificates, DDoS protection, a firewall, and automated daily backups of your website. However, DreamHost does not include advanced malware protection, and only higher-tier plans include a single DreamShield malware scan per month.
DreamHost’s main disadvantage is its cost — it’s not the cheapest option on the market, especially for Managed WordPress plans. They also try to upsell you additional services, although this is less intrusive than with some other providers we’ve tested. However, you basically need to purchase the DreamShield Protect service for advanced malware protection and security analytics. You also need to purchase a CDN, which is not included in DreamHost plans.
DreamHost is a great choice for bloggers, hobbyists, and others who want a general-purpose WordPress website, thanks to its excellent WordPress integration. It’s also a strong choice for small businesses and first-time users who want an easy-to-use and reliable platform.
No, DreamHost is not owned by GoDaddy. DreamHost is an independent, privately held company.
Easy one-click WordPress installation and AI web builder
Intuitive custom control panel with user-friendly analytics
100% uptime guarantee, daily automated backups, and unlimited free SSL certificates across plans
/images/2024/11/25/web_builder_review_wix_review.jpg)
/images/2025/07/20/bluehost_review.jpg)
/images/2025/12/16/hostinger_vs._hostgator.png)
/images/2025/12/15/best_woocommerce_hosting_services.png)
/images/2025/12/15/best_drupal_hosting_services.png)
/images/2025/12/15/best_reseller_hosting_services.png)
/images/2025/12/12/what_is_a_domain_name_.png)
/images/2025/12/12/best_siteground_alternatives.png)
/authors/new_project.png){kind=small}
/authors/martin-dubovic-headshot.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/kate-quinlan-new.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/new_project.png)
/authors/martin-dubovic-headshot.jpg)
