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DreamHost vs HostGator — Which Host Should You Use?

When comparing DreamHost vs HostGator, we find DreamHost to be the better web host overall. DreamHost shines with its lower introductory pricing, a 100% uptime guarantee, and generous 97-day money-back policy. HostGator has a steeper renewal price increase and limits essential features like website migration and phone support to higher-tier plans.

In this article, we compare DreamHost VS HostGator on the grounds of plans, pricing, features included and performance. We also compare their data center coverage, software supported, developer tools, customer support, and security features. Finally, we answer the question of “DreamHost VS HostGator: Which is better for you?”

dreamhost vs hostgator

Plans

Hosting Plan TypeDreamHostHostGator
Shared Hosting$2.59/mo – $3.95/mo$3.75/mo – $6.25/mo
VPS Hosting$10/mo – $60/mo$34.99/mo – $82.99/mo
WordPress Hosting$2.59/mo – $71.95/mo$4.50/mo – $13.95/mo
Cloud Hosting$4.50/mo – $48/moNot available
Dedicated Hosting$199/mo – $749/mo$141.19/mo – $312.19/mo
Reseller HostingNot available$34.99/mo – $82.99/mo
Managed HostingAll PlansAll Plans

DreamHost offers 5 types of hosting and these are Shared, VPS Hosting, WordPress Hosting, Cloud Hosting, and Dedicated Hosting. HostGator also provides 5 types: Shared, VPS, WordPress, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting. Both hosts offer managed services across all their plans.

Pricing

Pricing TypeDreamHostHostGator
Introductory Price$2.59/mo$3.75/mo
Renewal Price$5.99/mo$9.99/mo
Monthly Payment OptionYesYes

DreamHost starts with a lower introductory price at $2.59/month compared to HostGator’s $3.75/month. DreamHost then increases to $5.99/month, while HostGator rises to $9.99/month upon renewal. The price increase for DreamHost from introductory to renewal is 131%, while HostGator’s increase is 166%. DreamHost is more budget-friendly in the long run.

Features Included

FeatureDreamHostHostGator
Storage SpaceUnlimited SSD storage10GB SSD Storage
BandwidthUnmeteredUnmetered
Number of Websites110
Email HostingAdd Email ($1.67/mo)Yes, 1 account
Free DomainYesYes
AI Website BuilderYes, WP Website BuilderYes, Gator Website Builder
Unlimited Storage?YesNo
Unmetered Bandwidth?YesUnmetered bandwidth
Additional FeaturesAutomated WordPress migrations, AI Business Advisor powered by GPT-4eCommerce tools, Website statistic tools, Expert management tools, Custom error pages, SpamAssassin

DreamHost provides unlimited SSD storage, which is a significant advantage over HostGator’s 10GB limit on its cheapest plan. However, HostGator allows hosting for up to 10 websites, whereas DreamHost supports only one. DreamHost also does not include email hosting by default, and offers it as a paid add-on. HostGator provides one email account in its plans.  Both hosts offer AI website builders, but DreamHost adds unique value with automated WordPress migrations and its advanced AI Business Advisor powered by GPT-4. HostGator offers more eCommerce tools and expert management options in its plans.

Performance

Performance FeatureDreamHostHostGator
CDNOnly for WordPress hosting (Jetpack CDN)Higher plans, Cloudflare
Type of SSD ServerSSDSSD
CachingHigher plansYes
Uptime Guarantee100%99.9%
Additional Performance FeaturesNot availableNot available

DreamHost offers a 100% uptime guarantee, which surpasses HostGator’s 99.9% uptime promise. Both hosts use SSD servers for fast data access, but caching features vary. DreamHost only includes caching in its higher plans, while HostGator offers caching across all plans. DreamHost also includes a CDN only with WordPress hosting via Jetpack, while HostGator offers Cloudflare CDN in its higher plans.

Data Center Coverage

Geographical CoverageDreamHostHostGator
Number of Data Centers22
Headquarter LocationLos Angeles, California, United StatesAustin, Texas, United States
Data Center LocationsUSA (Ashburn, Virginia; Hillsboro, Oregon)USA (Houston, Texas; Provo, Utah)

DreamHost and HostGator each operate 2 data centers, both based in the USA. DreamHost’s centers are in Virginia and Oregon, while HostGator’s are in Texas and Utah. These locations provide strong coverage for US users but limit performance for global audiences. The absence of international data centers results in slower speeds for users outside the US.

Software Supported

Software FeatureDreamHostHostGator
Control PanelDreamHost Control Panel (proprietary)cPanel, Plesk
1-Click WordPressYesYes
OS SupportedLinuxLinux, Windows (Shared, Dedicated)

DreamHost uses their proprietary DreamHost Control Panel, while HostGator offers the popular cPanel and Plesk. Both hosts support 1-click WordPress installation, but HostGator has broader operating system support with both Linux and Windows. This makes HostGator more versatile for different technical needs, particularly in shared and dedicated Windows hosting.

Developer Tools

Developer ToolDreamHostHostGator
Staging ToolsHigher plansYes, via Softaculous
Root AccessYes (DreamCompute and Dedicated)Yes (VPS and Dedicated)
GIT AccessYesYes
WP-CLIYesYes
Cron JobsYesYes
Multiple PHP VersionsYesYes
SSHYesYes
Node.js SupportYesNo
Python SupportYesYes
Java SupportYesNo
Django SupportYesYes
Perl SupportYesYes
Ruby on Rails SupportYesYes
ASP.NETNoYes

Both hosts provide essential tools like SSH access, multiple PHP versions, and GIT. DreamHost reserves staging tools for higher-tier plans, whereas HostGator includes staging through Softaculous. HostGator’s inclusion of ASP.NET appeals to Windows developers, but DreamHost’s versatility and stronger language support make it the superior choice for a wider range of development needs. DreamHost supports Node.js, Java, and Django.

Customer Support

Customer Support FeatureDreamHostHostGator
Support MethodsLive chat, email, ticket systemLive chat (cheapest plan), phone and chat (higher plans)
Support Hours24/724/7
Website MigrationYes (free WordPress migrations)Higher plans
Money-Back Guarantee97 days30 days

DreamHost offers 24/7 support through live chat, email, and a ticket system. HostGator limits live chat to its cheapest plan, and phone support is only available with higher-tier plans. DreamHost provides free automated WordPress migrations, while HostGator offers migration services only in its higher plans. The money-back guarantee with DreamHost is significantly more generous at 97 days compared to HostGator’s 30 days.

Security Features

Security FeatureDreamHostHostGator
Free SSLYesYes
BackupsAutomated daily backups, on-demand in higher plansYes, daily backups
DDoS ProtectionHigher plans, CloudflareYes, DDoS scrub center
FirewallsYesYes
Proactive MonitoringNoNo, add-on via SiteLock
Unique Security FeaturesFirewalls, custom rules for Apache/NGINXDDoS attack protection, custom firewall rules

Both DreamHost and HostGator offer free SSL certificates. DreamHost includes automated daily backups with the option for on-demand backups in higher plans. HostGator provides daily backups across all plans. DreamHost limits DDoS protection to its higher plans through Cloudflare, whereas HostGator includes DDoS protection via a specialized scrub center. Both hosts have firewalls for added protection, though proactive monitoring in HostGator is not included unless purchased as an add-on. 

DreamHost’s security features focus on Apache and NGINX configurations, while HostGator emphasizes protection from specific attacks like UDP floods. DreamHost’s approach to security is more customizable.

Dreamhost vs Hostgator: Which Is Better For You?

DreamHost is the better host overall. Use DreamHost if you’re building a WordPress site or need strong reliability with its 100% uptime guarantee. Also use DreamHost if you’re a developer that requires support for Node.js, Java, or Django. Finally, use DreamHost if you’re a new or small site seeking budget hosting with a generous 97-day money-back guarantee.

Use HostGator if you need Windows hosting. Also use Hostgator if you plan to host multiple websites. Also use HostGator if you require Reseller hosting. Lastly, use HostGator if you prefer phone support.

Explore our expert-reviewed web hosting comparisons.

Who is DreamHost?

DreamHost is a web host founded in 1996 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It focuses on WordPress hosting, and offers unlimited storage, a 100% uptime guarantee, and strong support. Its main drawback is limited international data centers. Get a closer look at review on DreamHost through our review.

Who is HostGator?

HostGator is a web host founded in 2002 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. It provides versatile hosting plans, including Windows and reseller options, with easy-to-use tools. Its cons include higher renewal prices and limited global data center locations. Get all the facts about HostGator review in our expert review.

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