Bluehost vs Dreamhost – Which Is Better for Hosting Your Blog?

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This Bluehost vs Dreamhost comparison will provide a head-on comparison of two of the most popular hosting companies in this world.

Though both web hosts offer other types of web hosting, they are popular because of their shared hosting services.

While Bluehost offers features like staging site, Cloudflare integration, website builder, etc., Dreamhost offers better security features along with domain privacy and a longer money-back guarantee.

As a lifestyle blogger or digital nomad in need of a basic website, which platform should you select?

This Dreamhost vs Bluehost comparative review will help you to decide.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: TL;DR

Pros of Bluehost

• This web hosting service is super easy to use.
• They have a surprisingly fast server response time.
• The hosting company offers high-performance servers.
• There are several add-on security features to keep your website safe.
• They have a very responsive 24×7 chat support.
• They also provide a free SSL certificate and domain.

Pros of Dreamhost

• Dreamhost shared hosting provides incredibly fast server response time.
• They offer a 100% uptime guarantee. No other host provides that guarantee.
• Like Bluehost, they are also officially recommended by WordPress.
• They offer a drag-and-drop website builder.
• They have powerful security features including WHOIS domain privacy protection.
• They have an impressive 97-day money-back guarantee. That’s 3 times longer than other hosts.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost – Detailed Comparison

Bluehost and Dreamhost comparison breakdown by features:

• Ease of use
• Server response time
• Security features
• Hosting benefits
• Freebies offered
• Pricing

[Note: This comparative review is based on the assumption that you want to host a basic WordPress site.]

Dreamhost vs Bluehost: Ease of Use

Web hosting companies must provide easy-to-use interfaces because not everyone is a developer. Shared hosting providers are usually known for simple and user-friendly interfaces.

Bluehost

Bluehost is surprisingly simple to use. They have a very simple onboarding process where they ask you a set of questions and offer a guided installation of your WordPress website.

You can even select a theme during the installation process.

The Bluehost dashboard is a custom-designed interface that neatly integrates with the famous cPanel and makes it easy to use.

Dreamhost

Dreamhost shared hosting is a bit disappointing. Their control panel and the dashboard look neat, but there is a learning curve.

In fact, those accustomed to cPanel will find it quite difficult to navigate. Even seasoned users will need some time to grasp the Dreamhost control panel.

However, you will get reliable support that can do some handholding to help you navigate the interface.

Winner: Bluehost because it makes launching and managing a website a child’s play.

Dreamhost vs Bluehost: Server Response Time

Google wants websites to load very quickly. Server response time plays a vital role. Both Bluehost and Dreamhost offer fast servers, but who wins?

Bluehost

Bluehost has only one data center located in the USA. However, it still offers a server response time of less than 200 milliseconds (as recommended by Google) except for test connections from Bangalore.

The average international server response time for Bluehost is 153 milliseconds with the fastest being the US node at 23 ms (obviously) and the slowest being the Bangalore node at 330 ms.

So, no matter where your target audience is located worldwide, your website will load fast. Some website optimization from your end is necessary though.

Dreamhost

Dreamhost also has data centers only in the US. However, their server response times are phenomenal with the average international server response time being 118.4 ms.

Though for the Bangalore test node the server responded in 194 ms (compared to Bluehost’s 330 ms), the Singapore and Sydney test nodes underperformed (242 ms and 210 ms respectively) compared to Bluehost (193 ms and 168 ms respectively).

Winner: Bluehost because only one test node had server response time above 200 ms as compared to Dreamhost’s two test nodes.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: Security Features

Sites get hacked and they come under DDoS attack. Who has better security features?

Bluehost

Bluehost offers some security features but they are not nearly enough. Here is what Bluehost offers:

• CodeGuard Basic: This will monitor your database and website files and notify you of changes. It will also perform an automatic backup with 1GB storage and 3 monthly restorations. If you need more, you must upgrade. However, you must pay even for CodeGuard Basic.
• SpamExperts: This is an email filter that prevents viruses, phishing, and spam from getting into your inbox. It has 99.98% accuracy. However, Bluehost’s basic plan will not provide this feature.
• SiteLock: This is a paid service that you can use in addition to Bluehost’s basic firewall. SiteLock has three pricing tiers – Essential, Prevent, and Prevent Plus. Essential will only provide malware removal service. For DDoS protection, you will need Prevent or Prevent Plus.

Dreamhost

Dreamhost takes the lead here. They offer ModSecurity as a web application firewall (WAF), which is quite powerful in thwarting DDoS attacks. They also provide domain privacy protection for free along with free automated backups.

Winner: Dreamhost because it provides security for free instead of using them as a money-making opportunity.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: Hosting Benefits

Whether you want WordPress hosting or shared hosting, both Bluehost and Dreamhost web hosts offer a host of benefits, but who wins?

Bluehost

Except for its most basic WordPress hosting and shared hosting plans, Bluehost will allow unlimited websites, unlimited databases, unlimited parked domains, unlimited subdomains, and unlimited primary domains. Fortunately, you will get unmetered bandwidth for all its plans.

Previously, Bluehost used to provide unlimited storage, but now they have set a limit on storage across all plans.

Dreamhost

Dreamhost also offers unlimited websites, unlimited bandwidth & visitors, unlimited databases, automatic WordPress updates, etc. Dreamhost will provide you unlimited storage on its pricier plan. However, they do have some restrictions in place for the unlimited policy. You can find the details here.

Winner: Tie because both allow hosting unlimited WordPress websites for pricier WordPress hosting or shared hosting plans.

Dreamhost vs Bluehost: Freebies Offered

Almost every shared hosting provider will offer a set of freebies to woo customers. Both Dreamhost and Bluehost also provide free stuff, but who wins?

Bluehost

Irrespective of the type of web hosting you are choosing (WordPress hosting or shared hosting), Bluehost will offer the following freebies:

• A free drag-and-drop website builder with WordPress integration.
• A free domain for 1 year.
• Free CDN via Cloudflare (you can activate it easily from cPanel).
• Free SSL certificate for your WordPress site or any other site you are hosting.
• Free automated backups and free domain privacy for its Choice Plus and Pro plans.

Dreamhost

Even Dreamhost offers a set of freebies that include:

• Free SSL certificates.
• Free website builder.
• Free domain (only with annual plans).
• Free domain privacy.
• Free automated daily backups.

Though Dreamhost doesn’t offer free Cloudflare integration, you can anyway integrate it manually. It only takes a few extra steps.

Winner: Tie because both Dreamhost and Bluehost offer a comparable set of freebies that can help you save some money.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: Pricing

Usually shared hosting is cheaper than Virtual Private Server or VPS hosting and Dedicated hosting. Both the web hosting services are quite cheap.

Bluehost Pricing

Bluehost provides both WordPress hosting and shared hosting at the same price. In fact, they have the same plans.

Assuming that you want to install WordPress websites, here is what Bluehost offers:

Basic Hosting Plan:

• $2.95 a month for an annual plan but renews at $9.99.
• $4.95 a month for a 3-year plan but renews at $9.99.
• 1 WordPress website.
• 10 GB SSD storage.
• Website builder.

Plus Hosting Plan:

• $5.45 a month for an annual plan but renews at $14.99
• $7.95 a month for a 3-year plan but renews at $13.99.
• Unlimited WordPress websites.
• 20 GB SSD storage.
• Website builder.

Choice Plus Hosting Plan:

• $5.45 a month for an annual plan but renews at $18.99.
• $7.95 a month for a 3-year plan but renews at $18.99.
• Unlimited websites.
• 40 GB SSD storage.
• Website builder.

Pro Hosting Plan:

• $13.95 a month for an annual plan but renews at $28.99.
• $18.95 a month for a 3-year plan but renews at $26.99.
• Unlimited WordPress website.
• 100 GB SSD storage.
• Website builder.

All plans include 24×7 customer support (live chat and ticket).

If you want managed WordPress hosting, Bluehost has WP Pro hosting. It is a fully-managed WP hosting where you get automatic updates for your WordPress installation and server environment.

You will also receive a Jetpack license, which is a WordPress plugin with many powerful features like image and video CDN, malware protection, PayPal integration, and much more.

There are three managed WordPress plans available with Bluehost which are:

• Build: $19.95 per month for a 3-year plan.
• Grow: $29.95 per month for a 3-year plan.
• Scale: $49.95 per month for a 3-year plan.

All plans will allow unlimited WordPress sites along with tools for social media, email marketing, and SEO.

Dreamhost Pricing

Dreamhost shared hosting and WordPress hosting plans same with identical pricing and features.

There are two pricing tiers available with Dreamhost and they are:

Shared Starter Hosting Plan:

• $2.95 per month for an annual plan and $2.59 for a 3-year plan. The monthly payment plan costs $1.99.
• Unmetered visitors.
• Unmetered bandwidth.
• Email accounts can be purchased.
• Free domain (not available if you choose monthly payment).
• 50GB storage.
• Free automated WordPress migrations.
• Free daily backups.
• Free domain privacy

Shared Unlimited Hosting Plan:

• $2.95 per month for an annual plan and $3.95 for a 3-year plan. The monthly payment plan costs $2.99.
• Unmetered visitors.
• Unmetered bandwidth.
• Free unlimited email addresses.
• Free domain (not available if you choose monthly payment).
• Unlimited storage.
• Free automated WordPress migrations.
• Free daily backups.
• Free domain privacy.

Irrespective of the hosting plan you select, you will receive 24×7 ticket support. Live chat will be limited by working hours.

Dreamhost also provides managed WordPress hosting known as DreamPress.

There are three pricing plans available that include:

• DreamPress: $12 a month and supports up to 100k visitors a month.
• DreamPress Plus: $24 a month and supports up to 300k visitors a month.
• DreamPress Pro: $79.95 a month and supports up to 1 million visitors a month.

Winner: Dreamhost because it is slightly cheaper for shared hosting and both unmanaged and managed WordPress hosting. It offers a simpler pricing structure.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: Summary

Bluehost and Dreamhost are both popular web hosts. While it is true that Dreamhost has better security features, it is not very user-friendly. Dreamhost’s dashboard is confusing and the web host lacks 24×7 live chat support.

On the contrary, Bluehost’s services are better suited for people with minimal to no technical knowledge. The lack of security features can be compensated using various WordPress plugins and Cloudflare.

Their round-the-clock live chat support is helpful especially when you are in a different timezone and require immediate technical support.

They’ve also been recommended by WordPress themselves as the go-to hosting platform since 2005. Personally, I still like WPX Hosting over these two providers.

Therefore, if you are a lifestyle blogger or solopreneur aiming to launch a website without hassles, Bluehost is likely a better choice.

Bluehost vs Dreamhost: FAQ

Which hosting provider is better between Bluehost and Dreamhost?

Both Bluehost and Dreamhost are equally powerful. While it is true that Bluehost lacks some out-of-the-box security features, you can achieve most of them with a free Cloudflare account integration and free or paid WordPress plugins.

Bluehost trumps Dreamhost with its 24×7 live chat and a super easy interface. Dreamhost’s control panel is a bit complicated.

Bluehost’s support and user experience makes it a better choice than Dreamhost.

Is Dreamhost a good website host?

Yes, it is a good website host and offers various security features for free across all its hosting plans.

Unlike other hosting providers, Dreamhost has a 100% uptime guarantee that you won’t find anywhere else.

However, remember that their uptime guarantee does not include scheduled maintenance. Such downtimes are not covered by the Dreamhost uptime guarantee.

Do Dreamhost and Bluehost offer reseller hosting?

Only Bluehost provides reseller hosting. Unless you want to sell hosting services to your clients, reseller hosting is not something you should worry about as a lifestyle blogger.

Is an unlimited plan truly unlimited?

Unfortunately, no! Most hosting providers will not mention it clearly, but their unlimited plans carry certain restrictions. No one truly knows at what point such restrictions kick in.

What is the difference between Bluehost and DreamHost?

Both Bluehost and DreamHost are renowned web hosting companies offering a variety of web hosting services. The main difference lies in their features, pricing, and user experience. For instance, unlike Bluehost, DreamHost offers a different control panel interface – the DreamHost control panel. Additionally, while both provide WordPress hosting plans, DreamHost often offers WordPress pre-installed for new WordPress website users.

What is better than DreamHost?

“Dreamhost Bluehost” is a common comparison among users looking for the best web hosting services. While some users may prefer the features and pricing of DreamHost, others might opt for Bluehost due to its extensive support and features like free SSL certificates and unlimited bandwidth.

Why Bluehost is the best web hosting?

Many believe Bluehost stands out among the most hosting providers because of its robust performance, excellent customer service, and integration with tools like Cloudflare content delivery network. They offer a variety of plans including cheap VPS hosting, dedicated hosting plans, and cloud hosting services, making it flexible for different website needs.

How do I move from Bluehost to DreamHost?

To move from Bluehost to DreamHost, you’ll first backup your website data. Then, sign up for your preferred plan with DreamHost, whether it’s their cloud hosting services, VPS plans, or dedicated servers. Once done, import your site data and make the necessary DNS changes.

What big companies use Bluehost?

Bluehost is trusted by various large-scale organizations due to its reliable web hosting services. The specifics of which big companies use Bluehost might be proprietary, but many businesses, big and small, trust Bluehost for their web host needs.

Is DreamHost a good hosting company?

Absolutely! DreamHost is often ranked among the top web hosting companies. They offer a range of services from virtual private server (VPS) offerings to dedicated hosting plans, all coupled with features like Cloudflare content delivery network integration.

Does DreamHost sell domains?

Yes, DreamHost does sell domains. They provide a comprehensive solution for businesses, allowing them to not just host but also register their domain, unlike Bluehost which primarily focuses on hosting.

Is DreamHost hosting fast?

Yes, DreamHost provides speedy hosting services. Especially if you opt for their VPS plans or dedicated servers, you’ll likely experience high performance. They also use content delivery network systems like Cloudflare to boost site speed.

Is DreamHost good for small business?

Definitely! DreamHost caters to a variety of clients, from individuals to small businesses. Their web hosting service, especially with features like WordPress pre-installed, is designed to cater to diverse needs.

What are the cons of Bluehost?

Like all web hosting services, Bluehost has its drawbacks. Some users have reported occasional downtimes, while others wish for more advanced features in their base plans. However, in the realm of web hosting companies, Bluehost remains a top choice for many.

Do I own my website with Bluehost?

Yes, when you create a website with Bluehost, it’s yours. While they provide the hosting platform, your content, website design, and domain (if registered) are owned by you. Bluehost does offer dedicated hosting plans, WordPress hosting plans, and WooCommerce hosting options which you can use to enhance your website, but the core ownership remains with the user.

Is DreamHost better than Bluehost?

The choice between DreamHost and Bluehost depends on your specific needs. Bluehost offers a user-friendly dashboard, making website management easy for beginners. In contrast, Dreamhost provides a powerful control panel with fast server response times in its shared hosting. Consider factors like your comfort with the control panel, hosting requirements, and pricing preferences to determine which hosting company fared better for your specific use case.

What are the drawbacks of DreamHost?

DreamHost, while reputable, has a control panel with a learning curve, especially for shared hosting users accustomed to cPanel. Additionally, DreamHost’s live chat support has limited hours. It’s essential to weigh these factors against benefits like an impressive 97-day money-back guarantee, robust security features, and fast server response time.

Is Bluehost the best web host?

Determining the best web host depends on your individual requirements. Bluehost is known for simplicity, high-performance servers, and a range of services, including cloud hosting plans. Consider Bluehost pricing, hosting plans, and features to see if it aligns with your needs and preferences.