Hostinger vs DreamHost – “Surprising Results”

Hostinger vs DreamHost

94.8 %

Overall Score

Hostinger vs DreamHost

88.8 %

Overall Score

Hostinger is a budget-friendly web hosting provider known for its affordability and beginner-friendly interface. It offers shared hosting, VPS hosting, and cloud hosting plans, with features like a custom hPanel, free domain, SSL, and robust customer support. Its data centers span globally, ensuring fast load times, and it’s ideal for small to medium-sized websites.

DreamHost is a well-established hosting company with over two decades in the industry, focusing on reliability and flexibility. It offers shared, VPS, dedicated, and managed WordPress hosting, boasting features like a 100% uptime guarantee, SSD storage, and a custom control panel. DreamHost is eco-conscious, with data centers powered by renewable energy.

Hostinger is best for budget-conscious users or those starting small websites, while DreamHost appeals to developers and businesses seeking long-term reliability and advanced features. Hostinger’s hPanel is tailored for simplicity, whereas DreamHost’s panel is more advanced. Both excel in customer support, but DreamHost offers more comprehensive plans at a higher price point.

Hostinger

Performance: |5.0| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hostinger delivers excellent performance for its price range, with fast load times and an average uptime of around 99.9%. Its global data centers and LiteSpeed web servers ensure quick content delivery, making it suitable for users targeting international audiences. Hostinger also optimizes its plans with caching tools, SSD storage, and free CDN integration.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hostinger offers a reliable uptime guarantee of 99.9%, which is standard for budget-friendly hosting providers. While this ensures minimal downtime, occasional fluctuations might occur during peak traffic or maintenance periods. Its monitoring tools and global data centers help maintain stable performance for small to medium websites.

Customer Service: |4.8|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hostinger offers 24/7 customer support primarily through live chat and a comprehensive knowledge base. Its support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and ideal for beginners seeking straightforward solutions. However, Hostinger lacks phone support, which might be a limitation for users who prefer direct communication.

DreamHost

Performance: |4.8| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DreamHost guarantees 100% uptime and provides robust performance with SSD storage and advanced caching features. Its data centers are optimized for reliability and sustainability, delivering consistently fast speeds. DreamHost’s focus on scalability and integration with Cloudflare makes it ideal for websites needing advanced performance management.

Uptime: |4.9|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DreamHost sets itself apart with a 100% uptime guarantee, backed by a compensation policy for downtime. This commitment makes it a strong choice for businesses that prioritize reliability. DreamHost’s robust infrastructure, including redundant data centers and proactive monitoring, ensures consistent availability even during high-traffic periods.

Customer Service: |4.7|⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DreamHost provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and an extensive knowledge base. While it doesn’t include phone support by default, users can opt for a callback service at an additional cost. DreamHost’s support team is particularly helpful with technical queries, making it a good fit for developers and advanced users.

Hostinger is more accessible to beginners with its intuitive guidance and rapid live chat response, while DreamHost caters to more advanced needs with detailed, developer-friendly support. Both lack standard phone support, but DreamHost offers a paid callback option for those who need it.

Overall Comparison Hostinger vs DreamHost

AspectHostinger DreamHost
Pricing Budget-friendly, starting very low Mid-range, higher cost for advanced features
Ease of Use Custom hPanel, beginner-friendly Custom control panel, advanced tools
Performance Fast speeds with LiteSpeed serversConsistent speeds with SSD storage
Uptime 99.9% uptime guarantee100% uptime guarantee with compensation
FeaturesFree SSL, domain, CDN on plans Free SSL, domain, privacy protection
Support 24/7 live chat, no phone support 24/7 live chat, optional callback service
Best For Beginners, small to medium websitesDevelopers, scalable or advanced projects

1. Plans and Pricing

DreamHost Delivers Value – Hostinger Sets a New Standard

A wide variety of hosting plans, such as managed WordPress hosting, cloud hosting, VPS, and shared hosting, are available from both Hostinger and DreamHost. The variety can make choosing the right plan a bit overwhelming.

The main distinction is that DreamHost provides dedicated server hosting, while Hostinger offers reseller hosting for agencies. However, if these services are your focus, it’s better to consider a provider that specializes in them.

Fortunately, neither DreamHost nor Hostinger employs shady practices like hidden upsells or complicated cancellation processes, making them both user-friendly choices.

DreamHost is known for its competitive pricing and excellent value. Its Shared Unlimited plan lives up to its name, allowing unlimited websites, bandwidth, and SSD storage, making it an appealing choice for growing businesses.

Plan TypeHostinger DreamHost
Shared HostingStarts at $2.99/month Starts at $2.59/month
V PS Hosting Starts at $3.99/month Starts at $10.00/month
Cloud Hosting Starts at $9.99/monthNot Available
Managed WordPress Starts at $1.99/month Starts at $12.00/month
Dedicated HostingNot Available Starts at $149.00/month

Overall, Hostinger provides a wider range of hosting options and more affordable plans with features on par with DreamHost. This remains true even after the initial term ends and renewal rates apply.

If you’ve decided on either provider, it’s best to opt for the longest available term for your chosen plan. This significantly lowers your monthly costs over time.

Hosting Management

Aspect Hostinger DreamHost
Control Panel Custom hPanel, simple and user-friendly Custom panel, advanced features for developers
Setup Process Quick and beginner-oriented setup Easy but slightly more detailed setup
Account Dashboard Intuitive, minimalistic design Comprehensive and feature-rich dashboard
Domain Management Integrated domain registration and management Free domain with privacy protection
File Management File Manager via hPanel, easy to navigate Advanced file management tools
Backup OptionsWeekly backups included, daily for premium Automated daily backups for most plans
Server AccessSSH access for advanced users SSH, SFTP, and full shell access available
Migration Support Free website migration for most plansFree WordPress site migration tool
Scalability Easy to upgrade to VPS or Cloud hosting Smooth transition to VPS or Dedicated hosting

2. Features

Hostinger’s Two Key Advantages Over DreamHost

Both Hostinger and DreamHost provide free SSL certificates, straightforward site migration, and generous money-back guarantees. However, Hostinger stands out with two distinct advantages.

The first advantage lies in their server software. DreamHost uses Apache, a reliable and widely-used web server platform that has served the hosting industry for over 20 years. While Apache is a solid choice, it’s not the most optimized for modern hosting needs.

In contrast, Hostinger uses LiteSpeed as its primary server software, which offers superior caching for both static and dynamic content, particularly for WordPress sites. A key feature is the LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress (LSCWP) plugin, which enables precise optimization to match your site’s specific requirements.

Simply put, hosting the same WordPress site on both platforms typically results in faster loading speeds with Hostinger. Our tests confirmed this, as detailed in the Performance section below.

For a detailed feature comparison, refer to the breakdown below.

FeatureHostinger DreamHost
Hosting TypesShared, WordPress, cloud, VPS,
Minecraft, and email hosting
Shared, WordPress (managed & unmanaged), WooCommerce,
cloud, VPS, email, and dedicated hosting
Free Domain
Free SSL Certificate
Storage50 – 200 GB SSD30 GB – unlimited SSD
Bandwidth100 GB – unlimited (depending on the plan)unlimited
Control PanelhPanelDreamHost panel
Email Accounts1 – 100For an extra fee
Free CDN
Number of websites1 – 3001 – unlimited
Money-Back Guarantee30 days97 days
PricesAffordable plans starting at low pricesMid-range pricing with premium features

Even without the LSCWP plugin, Hostinger outshines DreamHost in this area, thanks to its proprietary hPanel. Our reviewer found hPanel to be more user-friendly and versatile compared to the traditional cPanel. It offers a complete, visually intuitive interface that simplifies tasks for beginners and enhances efficiency for experienced users.

This isn’t to say DreamHost’s control panel is difficult to use. Against other hosting providers, its ease-of-use features might be a strong point. However, when compared to Hostinger, it falls short in this category.

3. Performance

Hostinger Excels Beyond DreamHost

When it comes to data center locations, Hostinger has a significant edge. With servers in Europe, Asia, and North and South America, it boasts a global presence. In contrast, DreamHost operates on a much smaller scale, with only a few servers located within the United States.

As mentioned earlier, Hostinger’s WordPress plans come with LiteSpeed web servers and LiteSpeed Cache enabled by default, ensuring superior performance.

In our Hostinger review, we tested its performance using Sucuri’s Load Time Tester, which evaluates site speed across servers worldwide. Even without a CDN, Hostinger delivered outstanding results from its US-based data center, with excellent speeds in the USA and solid performance globally.

Page Performance of Hostinger

Hostinger page performance

Page Performance of DreamHost

Page Pefromance of DreamHost

Both hosts claim impressive uptime guarantees—99% for DreamHost and 100% for Hostinger—and based on our experience, both live up to these promises.

However, when it comes to reliability and performance, two critical factors for any hosting provider, Hostinger stands out by offering superior results in both areas.

4. Ease of Use

Hostinger:

User-Friendly Interface: Custom hPanel is intuitive and easy for beginners to navigate.

Quick Setup: One-click installations for popular platforms like WordPress and easy account creation.

Beginner-Focused: Simplified tools and guides for non-technical users to manage hosting and websites.

Automatic Updates: Regular software and security updates are automated, reducing manual intervention.

Support Resources: Extensive knowledge base, tutorials, and live chat support for quick problem-solving.

DreamHost:

Custom Control Panel: Offers more features but requires a steeper learning curve for beginners compared to Hostinger.

Setup Assistance: Easy setup for WordPress and other platforms, with detailed instructions for advanced users.

Developer-Friendly: More advanced options like SSH access and customized hosting setups for technical users.

Manageable for Intermediate Users: Offers a range of options, including one-click installs, but might need a bit more familiarity with web hosting management.

Support Resources: A strong knowledge base and live chat support, but less beginner-focused than Hostinger’s offerings.

Hosting Provided

Hosting provided DreamHost

What Our Customers Have to Say?

Hostinger:

Affordable Pricing: Many customers appreciate Hostinger’s competitive and low pricing for its hosting plans.

User-Friendly Interface: Positive feedback highlights the simplicity of the hPanel and how easy it is to manage websites.

Fast Customer Support: Users often praise the live chat support for being responsive and helpful, especially for beginners.

Reliable Performance: Customers report good uptime and fast loading speeds, even with budget plans.

Great for Small Websites: Many users recommend Hostinger for personal blogs or small business websites due to its affordability and ease of use.

DreamHost:

Excellent Uptime: DreamHost’s 100% uptime guarantee is frequently appreciated, with customers noting consistent website performance.

Comprehensive Features: Users value the range of hosting options, including VPS and dedicated hosting, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Solid Customer Service: Customers commend DreamHost’s helpful and professional support team, particularly for more technical queries.

Reliable Security: Positive reviews mention the robust security measures, including free SSL and privacy protections for domains.

Scalability: DreamHost is favored by users who need to scale their websites, as its services grow with their needs.

Advantage of Hostinger and DreamHost

Hostinger DreamHost
Affordable pricing with budget-friendly plansReliable with a 100% uptime guarantee
User-friendly hPanel for easy managementAdvanced features and tools for developers
Fast performance with LiteSpeed servers Extensive hosting options (VPS, dedicated)
24/7 live chat support Strong security features, including free SSL
Free domain, SSL, and CDN on most plansFree privacy protection with domain plans
Good for small to medium websites Excellent for scalable projects and businesses

Disadvantage of Hostinger and DreamHost

Hostinger DreamHost
Limited phone support Higher pricing for advanced plans
No dedicated hosting options Control panel may be difficult for beginners
Some features locked behind higher-tier plans Limited beginner-friendly tools and guides
Basic support for advanced users No standard phone support
Occasional performance slowdowns during peak times Higher renewal rates on certain plans

5. Support

Hostinger’s Support Is More Reliable

Customer support is not a standout area for either Hostinger or DreamHost. While both excel in features, performance, security, and pricing, their customer service leaves room for improvement—confirmed by both internal reviews and extensive external user feedback.

Starting with DreamHost, the company claims to offer 24/7 live chat support. However, response times can be inconsistent, and many users report frustrating experiences. Our tests of the chatbot feature were also disappointing.

That said, when you do connect with DreamHost’s support team, the assistance provided can be exceptionally helpful—though this depends heavily on timing and the specific support agent you encounter.

Hostinger:

24/7 Live Chat Support: Immediate access to support through live chat, with quick response times for most queries.

Extensive Knowledge Base: A well-organized help center with tutorials and FAQs for troubleshooting common issues.

Email Support: Available for more detailed or complex inquiries, though response times may vary.

No Phone Support: Hostinger does not offer phone support, which may be a limitation for some users.

Multilingual Support: Customer service is available in multiple languages to cater to a global audience.

DreamHost:

24/7 Live Chat Support: Available for all plans, providing helpful assistance, especially for technical issues.

Email Support: Available for detailed queries, with a generally faster response time for advanced technical support.

Phone Support: Not included in most plans, but available through an optional paid service for callback requests.

Comprehensive Knowledge Base: Offers detailed guides, articles, and video tutorials for self-service troubleshooting.

Community Support: Active forums where users can seek help from the community and DreamHost staff.

Hostinger advertises 24/7 live chat support, but the reality is inconsistent. While some users receive quick responses within minutes, others may experience delays of several hours or, in some cases, no reply at all.

Email support, however, is a different experience. During our internal review, Hostinger’s email responses were professional, courteous, and refreshingly honest. If a query exceeded the expertise of their support agents, they acknowledged it upfront. While live chat support lacks reliability, the email support offered a much better and dependable experience.

6. Security

Hostinger’s Cloudflare DNS Adds an Extra Layer of Security

Both Hostinger and DreamHost include free SSL certificates with all plans, ensuring secure access for visitors and providing a slight boost in Google search rankings.

DreamHost offers automatic daily backups even on its starter plan, allowing you to restore your site easily if needed. Hostinger also provides daily backups but only with its Business Shared Hosting plan; its Single and Premium plans include weekly backups, which is still a solid option.

In terms of security, the two hosts are nearly equal, but Hostinger pulls ahead with its Cloudflare DNS Firewall. This added layer of protection for Hostinger’s nameservers gives it an edge. While DreamHost offers an industry-standard firewall, it doesn’t detail its security measures as comprehensively.

Security FeatureHostinger DreamHost
Free SSL CertificatesIncluded with most plans Included with most plans
DDoS Protection Basic protection includedAdvanced protection with Cloudflare integration
Backup Options Weekly backups (daily for premium plans) Automated daily backups
Firewall Protection sBuilt-in firewall protection Advanced firewall protection for VPS and dedicated plans
Two-Factor Authentication Available for account security Available for account security
Malware Scanning Scans for malware on premium plans Scans for malware on most plans
Security Updates Automatic updates on software Automatic updates for most hosting platforms
Privacy Protection Domain privacy available Free domain privacy protection

Overall, both hosts deliver reliable security, with Hostinger gaining a slight advantage thanks to its Cloudflare integration.

Final Recommendation

AspectHostinger DreamHost
Best For Budget-conscious users, beginners Developers, businesses needing advanced features
Pricing More affordable, especially for entry-level plansMid-range pricing with more premium features
Ease of Use Simple and intuitive, perfect for beginnersEasy for intermediate users, but advanced for beginners
Performance sGood for small to medium websitesConsistent, high-performance, ideal for growing websites
Uptime 99.9% uptime guarantee100% uptime guarantee with compensation
Customer Support Quick live chat support, no phone support Strong support with 24/7 chat and optional phone support
Security Free SSL, DDoS protection, and backups Free SSL, strong DDoS protection, and daily backups
Scalability Easy upgrades to VPS or cloud hostingGreat for scaling with VPS, dedicated hosting options
Overall Ideal for personal websites, small businesses Ideal for developers, growing businesses, and advanced users

Frequently Asked Questions

Hostinger is known for its budget-friendly plans and beginner-friendly features, making it ideal for small websites or personal projects. DreamHost offers a broader range of hosting services, including more robust options for developers and businesses, with a focus on reliability and scalability.

Yes, Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on most plans, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

Yes, Hostinger allows you to easily upgrade to higher-tier plans such as VPS or cloud hosting as your website grows.

Yes, DreamHost offers a free domain registration for the first year with most hosting plans, except for the Shared Starter plan.

Hostinger offers 24/7 live chat support and an extensive knowledge base for troubleshooting. Phone support is not available.

Yes, DreamHost offers a 100% uptime guarantee, meaning if your website experiences downtime, they will compensate you.

Yes, Hostinger provides email hosting with its plans, offering professional email accounts along with the hosting service.

DreamHost includes free SSL certificates, daily backups, and advanced firewall protection, making it highly secure for websites.

Yes, Hostinger allows you to host multiple websites with its higher-tier shared hosting and VPS plans.

Yes, DreamHost offers managed WordPress hosting and easy one-click installations for WordPress websites.

Yes, Hostinger offers VPS hosting plans with full root access, scalable resources, and strong performance features.

DreamHost offers reliable speeds with SSD storage on most plans, ensuring faster load times. It also integrates Cloudflare for additional speed and security.

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