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A2 Hosting vs DreamHost – What’s the Real Story?
A2 Hosting is known for its speed-oriented solutions, offering shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans. It emphasizes performance with features like SSD storage and Turbo Boost for faster loading times. A2 Hosting supports various CMS platforms and provides a developer-friendly environment with multiple programming language support.
DreamHost is recognized for reliability and excellent customer support. Established in 1996, it offers affordable shared, VPS, managed WordPress, and dedicated hosting. DreamHost boasts high uptime rates, a 97-day money-back guarantee, and a commitment to sustainability as a carbon-neutral provider.
Both A2 Hosting and DreamHost offer competitive pricing with promotional discounts. A2 Hosting appeals to tech-savvy users with advanced features, while DreamHost is ideal for beginners seeking simplicity and strong customer support.
A2 Hosting
Performance: |5.0| 
A2 Hosting is renowned for its high performance, particularly with its Turbo Boost option, which can increase page loading speeds significantly. This hosting provider uses SSD storage and a global network of data centers to optimize speed and reliability. A2 Hosting also offers features like free CDN integration and enhanced caching to further enhance performance, making it suitable for high-traffic websites and applications.
Uptime: |4.9|
A2 Hosting offers a strong uptime guarantee of 99.9%, backed by its extensive infrastructure and proactive monitoring to ensure high availability.
Customer Service: |4.8|
A2 Hosting provides robust customer support, offering 24/7 assistance through various channels, including live chat, phone, and email. Their support team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive, with an emphasis on quick resolution times. Additionally, A2 Hosting offers an extensive knowledge base and community forums, allowing users to find solutions and share experiences.
DreamHost
Performance: |4.8|
DreamHost also delivers solid performance, boasting a 100% uptime guarantee and fast loading times. It uses SSD storage across all plans and offers a managed WordPress hosting option that includes automatic updates and optimized configurations for better speed. While DreamHost’s performance is reliable, it may not match the speed enhancements provided by A2 Hosting’s Turbo option, but it excels in overall stability and customer satisfaction.
Uptime: |4.9|
DreamHost provides a 100% uptime guarantee, promising refunds for any downtime experienced. Both hosts have established solid reputations for reliability, but DreamHost’s guarantee stands out for its commitment to complete uptime, making it a preferred choice for users prioritizing uninterrupted service.
Customer Service: |4.7|
DreamHost also prides itself on excellent customer service, with 24/7 support available via live chat and email. While it lacks phone support, DreamHost compensates with a comprehensive online knowledge base and a user-friendly help center. Customers generally report high satisfaction with DreamHost’s support, particularly for its helpful and friendly staff, making it a solid choice for those seeking reliable assistance.
Overall Comparison A2 Hosting and DreamHost
A2 Hosting is well-suited for small websites and online stores, with a strong focus on WordPress hosting, but its limited flexibility makes it feel geared toward a specific user base. In contrast,
DreamHost offers more versatility and modern features, such as free domain names, SSL certificates, and a website builder, making it a better fit for a wider range of users.
| Feature | A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | High-speed hosting with Turbo Boost option | Solid performance with 100% uptime guarantee |
| Storage | SSD storage across all plans | SSD storage across all plans |
| Uptime | 99.9% uptime guarantee | 100% uptime guarantee |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email | 24/7 support via live chat and email |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Anytime money-back guarantee | 97-day money-back guarantee |
| Website Building | One-click installs for popular CMS | Free website builder available |
| Data Centers | Multiple global data centers | One main data center with excellent reliability |
| Best For | Speed-focused users and developers | Beginners seeking reliability and simplicity |
1. Plans and Pricing
DreamHost vs A2 Hosting pricing comparison
Both providers offer comparable features and resources, but DreamHost is more affordable than A2 Hosting, with shared hosting plans starting at $2.59/month compared to $1.95/month. Additionally, both offer WordPress, VPS, and dedicated hosting services.
| Plan Type | A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | Starts at $2.99/month | Starts at $2.59/month |
| VPS Hosting | Starts at $16.99/month | Starts at $15.00/month |
| Managed WordPress | Starts at $2.99/month | Starts at $16.95/month |
| Dedicated Hosting | Starts at $99.59/month | Starts at $149/month |
| Cloud Hosting | Starts at $5.00/month | Starts at $4.50/month |
| Renewal Rates | Higher after the first term | Higher after the first term |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Anytime | 97 days |
| Domain Registration | Free with annual plans | Free with annual plans |
To compare DreamHost and A2 Hosting prices, I focused on their shared hosting plans, as this is the most popular choice for users. I reviewed their available plans to determine which one offers the best value.
DreamHost offers two shared hosting plans: Shared Starter and Shared Unlimited, priced at $2.59 and $3.95 per month, respectively. The Shared Unlimited plan is the better option for those looking to get the most out of DreamHost’s services, as it includes unlimited site storage, unlimited traffic, free SSL certification, and MySQL databases.
A key point to keep in mind is that DreamHost’s Shared Starter plan does not include email accounts. If you need unlimited email accounts, the Shared Unlimited plan is the way to go. This is a significant factor to consider, as A2 Hosting offers free unlimited email accounts with all of its plans.
A2 Hosting provides four shared hosting plans: Startup, Drive, Turbo Boost, and Turbo Max, with prices ranging from $1.95 to $14.99 per month. The Turbo Boost plan, offering unlimited websites, NVMe SSD storage, and optimal speed for $6.99/month, delivers the best value.
DreamHost includes a free domain for the first year with the Shared Starter plan, while A2 Hosting does not offer a free domain in any of its plans—you’ll need to purchase one for $14.95/year.
Both providers offer a variety of plans and features. Based on price and features, I find DreamHost’s Shared Unlimited plan to be the best choice, especially for those hosting a small personal blog or a medium-sized business website.
Pricing Plan of A2 Hosting
Pricing Plan of DreamHost
2. Features
A2 Hosting Provides More Premium Features and Extra Freebies
A2 Hosting provides Softaculous as a staging tool and a global CDN to enhance performance and streamline development. In contrast, DreamHost does not include a staging tool or global CDN, which may be a disadvantage for some users.
Both hosts offer strong security features like free SSL and WAF. However, A2 Hosting goes further by offering free malware scanning and DDoS protection, while DreamHost charges extra for malware scanning and doesn’t include built-in DDoS protection. This makes A2 Hosting a more complete option for users focused on security.
| A2 Hosting | DreamHost | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | SSD storage across all plans | SSD storage across all plans |
| Free Domain | ✘ | ✔ |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Space | From 100 GB SSD | 50 GB SSD |
| Automatic Backups | Yes (Drive, Turbo Boost, and Turbo Max plans) | Free (daily) |
| Email Accounts | Free (unlimited accounts) | Yes (Shared Unlimited plan) |
| Free CDN | Free CDN integration | Unlimited bandwidth |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Anytime money-back guarantee | 97-day money-back guarantee |
| Built-in Cache | Higher plans | Higher plans |
| data center | Multiple data centers for better speed | Free domain registration with annual plans |
| Support | 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email | 24/7 customer support via live chat and email |
| uptime guarantee | 99.9% uptime guarantee | 100% uptime guarantee |
| Installation | Easy one-click installs for popular CMS | Pre-installed WordPress and one-click installs |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Need purchase |
Our Recommendation
Opt for DreamHost for dependable WordPress hosting and A2 Hosting for performance-optimized solutions. However, it’s important for users to stay aware of the key factors when choosing between these two web hosts.
3. Performance
A2 Hosting vs DreamHost performance
In the DreamHost vs A2 Hosting comparison, both hosting providers stood out, excelling in different aspects while having some limitations. DreamHost led in uptime, while A2 Hosting managed higher traffic and showed an impressive average response time. From my experience, these subtle differences are essential to keep in mind when making a well-informed choice.
Let’s dive into the testing results for each provider.
Uptime and response time
Both DreamHost and A2 Hosting proved highly reliable, though DreamHost experienced fewer outages than A2 Hosting.
DreamHost boasted a 99.99% uptime, with just one outage causing a minute of downtime. While this is excellent, it may fall short of the 100% uptime DreamHost promises.
Additionally, DreamHost showed a strong server response time, averaging 231ms.
In contrast, A2 Hosting experienced more overall downtime, which is common for shared hosting. It had four outages, resulting in a total of seven minutes of downtime. However, the provider still maintained a 99.99% uptime, meeting its 99.9% uptime guarantee.
Where A2 Hosting fell short compared to DreamHost was in response time. In my evaluation, the test website’s average response time was 597ms—over twice as slow as DreamHost’s.
Website speed
When comparing DreamHost and A2 Hosting, I assessed website speed using the following key metrics:
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This measures when the largest content on the page is loaded, signaling to users that the site is fully loaded. It is advised to take less than 2.5 seconds.
Time to First Byte (TTFB): This estimates how quickly the server responds to a request when opening a page, helping identify if server delays or website optimization issues are causing slowdowns.
Fully Loaded Time: This indicates when the website has completely finished loading and is fully functional.
It’s important to note that Google now factors these metrics into its search rankings. Websites with an LCP below 2.5 seconds have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
Based on the test results, A2 Hosting outperformed DreamHost across all metrics, achieving an LCP of 0.939 seconds, a Fully Loaded Time of 1 second, and a TTFB of 0.517 seconds.
On the other hand, DreamHost trailed slightly behind A2 Hosting, with an LCP of 1.209 seconds, a Fully Loaded Time of 1.111 seconds, and a TTFB of 0.664 seconds.
Overall, although the results don’t match those of the fastest web hosting providers, both A2 Hosting and DreamHost demonstrated strong and dependable performance.
4. Security
A2 Hosting vs DreamHost security
Security is crucial for hosting a website and ensuring smooth management. When evaluating top hosting solutions, I always take a close look at the security tools offered by each provider to enhance my overall protection.
The table below highlights the security measures available with both providers.
| Security Features | A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Certificates | Free SSL certificates on all plans | Free SSL certificates on all plans |
| DDoS Protection | Built-in DDoS protection | Built-in DDoS protection |
| Hack and Malware Protection | HackScan protection (proactive security) | Malware scanning and removal (DreamShield - paid) |
| Automated Backups | Automated backups (daily, weekly, or manual options) | Automated backups for most plans |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Available for account login | Available for account login |
| Domain Privacy | Paid option | Free domain privacy protection |
Each provider offers extra solutions to enhance security. For instance, DreamHost provides the DreamShield Protection add-on—a malware removal tool—for an additional cost. This automated solution is designed for website security management, making it ideal for users who prefer a hands-off approach.
In contrast, A2 Hosting includes KernelCare for daily, automatic kernel updates, along with enhanced DDoS protection, a virus scanner, a firewall, and brute force defense across all its plans.
5. Ease of Use
A2 Hosting is user-friendly, particularly for those familiar with cPanel, which is widely recognized for its intuitive interface. Users can easily manage domains, files, databases, and email accounts with straightforward navigation. Additionally, A2 Hosting offers one-click installs for various content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, making it accessible for beginners while still providing advanced tools for developers.
DreamHosttakes a different approach with its custom control panel, designed to streamline the hosting experience. While it may require a slight learning curve for users accustomed to traditional control panels, the interface is clean and organized, making essential features easy to find. DreamHost also provides a one-click installer for WordPress and other applications, ensuring that even novices can set up their websites quickly.
Overall, both platforms prioritize ease of use, but A2 Hosting may be slightly more intuitive for users familiar with cPanel. In contrast, DreamHost’s custom panel offers a unique, user-friendly experience that simplifies site management, making it a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward hosting solution.
Hosting Management
| Feature | A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | cPanel (Plesk for Windows) | Custom control panel |
| Website Migration | Free website migration support | Free website migration support |
| One-Click Installs | One-click installs for various CMSs | One-click installs for WordPress and more |
| Backups | Automated backups (daily, weekly, or manual) | Automated backups included |
| Security Features | Free SSL, DDoS protection, and hack protection | Free SSL, domain privacy, and security monitoring |
| Staging Environment | Available for easy testing | Not included in basic plans |
| Developer Tools | Supports multiple programming languages | Git support and SSH access |
| Resource Management | Easy resource management and scaling options | Managed resources with scaling options |
Hosting Provided
What Our Customers Have To Say
A2 Hosting
Speed and Performance: Customers often praise A2 Hosting for its fast loading speeds, especially with the Turbo Boost option.
Customer Support: Users frequently highlight A2 Hosting’s responsive 24/7 customer support, noting quick and helpful resolutions.
Uptime Reliability: Many appreciate the consistent uptime, with few reports of significant downtime issues.
Ease of Use: A2 Hosting’s cPanel interface is often described as intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users.
Pricing: Some users find the renewal rates higher than expected but feel the performance and features justify the cost.
Migration Support: Customers value the free migration services, noting a smooth transition process when switching to A2 Hosting.
DreamHost
Reliability and Uptime: DreamHost’s 100% uptime guarantee receives frequent praise from customers for its stability and minimal downtime.
Ease of Use: Users appreciate DreamHost’s custom control panel, noting that it simplifies site management, even for beginners.
Customer Support: DreamHost’s 24/7 support gets mixed reviews, with some customers noting quick responses and others citing delays.
Affordability: Many users commend DreamHost’s affordable pricing, especially for shared hosting and long-term plans.
Sustainability: Customers value DreamHost’s commitment to sustainability, mentioning its carbon-neutral certification as a plus.
Domain Services: Free domain registration and privacy protection are commonly highlighted as strong features by users.
A2 Hosting: Customers often praise A2 Hosting for its exceptional speed and reliable performance. Many users appreciate the company’s customer support, highlighting the availability of knowledgeable staff and quick response times. The variety of hosting plans, particularly for developers and WordPress users, is also frequently mentioned positively. However, some users have noted that the renewal rates can be higher than the initial promotional prices.
DreamHost: Users frequently commend DreamHost for its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process. The free domain and SSL certificate included with hosting plans are also popular features. Customers often highlight the company’s commitment to uptime and reliability. However, some reviews mention that the customer support response times can vary, with occasional delays during peak hours.
Advantage of A2 Hosting and DreamHost
| A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|
| Turbo Boost for enhanced speed and performance | 100% uptime guarantee for reliability |
| Free website migration for easy transfers | Custom control panel for simplified management |
| Developer-friendly features with support for multiple programming languages | Free domain and privacy protection with annual plans |
| Anytime money-back guarantee for flexible refunds | One of the longest money-back guarantees in the business, lasting 97 days |
| Global data centers for better website speed | Carbon-neutral hosting with a focus on sustainability |
| cPanel interface for easy management | Affordable pricing, especially for shared hosting |
Disadvantage of A2 Hosting and DreamHost
| A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|
| Higher renewal rates after the initial term | Custom control panel may require a learning curve for users accustomed to cPanel |
| Turbo Boost feature available only on higher-tier plans | Only email and live chat are available, no phone assistance. |
| Some users report occasional billing issues | Slower response times for customer support compared to competitors |
| Limited staging environment options in basic plans | Managed WordPress plans are more expensive than competitors |
| Can be overwhelming for beginners due to extensive options | No free daily backups on shared hosting plans |
6. Support
When it comes to customer support, both DreamHost and A2 Hosting excel at providing assistance through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. Additionally, both providers offer extensive knowledge bases filled with answers to frequently asked questions and helpful guides.
To evaluate each provider’s customer support effectiveness, I reached out through all available channels, and I was not disappointed by the support agents.
Both A2 Hosting and DreamHost agents responded to my inquiries promptly, initiating conversations within just a few minutes. Not only were they quick to address my questions, but they also demonstrated knowledge and professionalism, ensuring a high level of satisfaction in no time.
A2 Hosting
24/7 Availability: A2 Hosting provides round-the-clock support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email, ensuring users can reach help whenever needed.
Knowledge Base & Forums: A2 Hosting offers an extensive knowledge base and active community forums, allowing users to find self-help resources and share experiences with others.
Fast Response Times: Customers often report quick response times, especially through live chat, making it easy to resolve issues promptly.
Guru Crew Support: A2 Hosting’s support team, known as the “Guru Crew,” consists of technical experts who are highly skilled at resolving more complex hosting and server issues.
Free Website Migration: A2 Hosting provides free migration assistance for websites, ensuring a smooth transition for users switching from another hosting provider.
Multilingual Support: A2 Hosting offers support in multiple languages, accommodating a wider range of international customers.
DreamHost
24/7 Live Chat & Email Support: DreamHost provides 24/7 customer service through email and live chat, though there is no direct phone support. Users needing phone assistance can request a callback for an additional fee.
No Phone Support: While DreamHost offers chat and email assistance, it lacks free phone support, which may be a drawback for users who prefer direct phone communication.
Comprehensive Help Center: DreamHost has a detailed help center and an extensive knowledge base where users can find guides, FAQs, and tutorials to solve common problems.
Community Forums: DreamHost’s forums allow users to seek advice, ask questions, and interact with the customer community for additional support.
Free Website Migration: DreamHost offers free WordPress website migration services, making it easier for users to switch from another host without downtime.
Variable Response Times: While DreamHost’s support is available 24/7, some users report slower response times, especially during peak hours or for complex inquiries.
DreamHost and A2 Hosting Have Great Support
I had positive experiences with both hosting providers and received answers to all my questions. The availability of comprehensive knowledge bases is also a significant advantage. You can count on quick and helpful responses from either provider. Additionally, both DreamHost and A2 Hosting offer multiple ways to get in touch. With impressive customer support from both sides, I consider this a tie.
Final Recommendation
| Category | A2 Hosting | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Users focused on speed and performance | Beginners and users prioritizing simplicity and reliability |
| Ease of Use | cPanel (familiar interface) | Custom control panel (streamlined, but may take time to learn) |
| Performance | Turbo Boost for faster speeds on higher plans | Reliable |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support via live chat, phone, email | 24/7 live chat and email (no free phone support) |
| Security | Strong security with free SSL, DDoS protectio | Free SSL, domain privacy, and paid malware protection (DreamShield) |
| Pricing | Slightly higher, especially for renewals | More affordable entry-level plans, but higher for managed WordPress |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Anytime money-back guarantee | 97-day money-back guarantee |
| Final Recommendation | Ideal for tech-savvy users or those needing advanced features and high performance | Great for beginners, offering a user-friendly, reliable, and affordable hosting experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
A2 Hosting is faster with its Turbo Boost option, while DreamHost focuses on reliability with a 100% uptime guarantee.
DreamHost has lower starting prices, while A2 Hosting includes more performance features that may justify its higher cost.
A2 Hosting provides Live chat, email, and phone support available around-the-clock. DreamHost offers 24/7 live chat and email but no free phone support.
DreamHost’s custom control panel is more beginner-friendly, while A2 Hosting uses the more advanced cPanel.
A2 Hosting offers an anytime prorated refund, while DreamHost provides a 97-day money-back guarantee.
A2 Hosting offers faster speeds, while DreamHost’s DreamPress is an optimized but pricier managed WordPress solution.
Yes, both A2 Hosting and DreamHost include free SSL certificates with all plans.
Both A2 Hosting and DreamHost offer free website migration, with DreamHost focusing on WordPress sites.
Both provide strong security; A2 Hosting includes HackScan, while DreamHost offers DreamShield (paid) and free domain privacy.
A2 Hosting offers automated backups for most plans. DreamHost includes automatic backups but doesn’t offer daily backups on basic plans.
Yes, both offer SSH access, Git support, and developer tools.
DreamHost is carbon-neutral, while A2 Hosting partners with Carbonfund.org for eco-friendly initiatives. Both are eco-conscious.
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