When comparing DreamHost vs WP Engine, we find DreamHost to be the better web host overall. DreamHost offers a wider range of hosting options, generous features, and an impressive 97-day money-back guarantee. WP Engine excels in performance and security but caters solely to WordPress users.
In this article, we compare DreamHost vs WP Engine 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 WP Engine: Which is better for you?”
Plans
DreamHost offers 5 types of hosting: Shared, VPS, WordPress, Cloud, and Dedicated Hosting. Managed services are available across all plans. WP Engine only provides Managed WordPress Hosting.
Pricing
DreamHost offers a highly affordable introductory price of $2.59 per month, significantly lower than WP Engine’s $20 per month. DreamHost’s price increases to $5.99 per month upon renewal. WP Engine maintains a steady $20 per month rate. DreamHost is still the more budget-friendly option long-term despite the 131% increase from its introductory rate.
Features Included
DreamHost provides unlimited SSD storage and unmetered bandwidth. WP Engine limits storage to 10 GB and bandwidth to 50 GB. Both hosts allow users to run one website, but DreamHost includes email hosting options starting at $1.67 per month. WP Engine does not offer any email hosting. DreamHost also includes a free domain for the first year, which WP Engine lacks. DreamHost provides more extensive features like AI Website Builder and automated WordPress migrations, which makes it more versatile for users looking for a feature-rich package.
Performance
DreamHost provides a 100% uptime guarantee. WP Engine offers a slightly lower uptime of 99.95%. WP Engine uses Cloudflare CDN for enhanced global content delivery, whereas DreamHost provides Jetpack CDN only for its WordPress plans.
Both hosts offer SSD storage, but WP Engine’s performance includes additional features like LightSpeedWP and EverCache. DreamHost’s caching is only available on higher plans, which impacts performance on lower-tier plans. WP Engine’s CDN and caching options make it a strong contender for users focused on WordPress performance.
Data Center Coverage
DreamHost operates 2 data centers located in the USA. WP Engine has 14 data centers spread across the USA, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Israel. This broad distribution makes WP Engine better suited for users targeting audiences outside the Americas whilst DreamHost’s setup favors websites catering to the US.
Software Supported
Both DreamHost and WP Engine offer 1-click WordPress installation. They also both support Linux-based hosting but not Windows hosting. DreamHost uses its proprietary control panel while WP Engine offers a more technical set of management tools such as SFTP, SSH Gateway, phpMyAdmin, and WP-CLI. Beginners are more likely to find DreamHost’s interface easier to navigate. Both hosts cater well to WordPress users, but the differences in control panel options reflect their target audience.
Developer Tools
DreamHost and WP Engine offer a robust set of developer tools, including GIT access, WP-CLI, multiple PHP versions, and SSH. DreamHost provides root access for its cloud servers and dedicated hosting plans. WP Engine does not offer root access at all. DreamHost also supports additional languages like Django and Perl, which makes it more versatile. WP Engine is excellent for WordPress-focused projects but is more restrictive for developers working outside of WordPress.
Customer Support
Both DreamHost and WP Engine offer free website migration. DreamHost provides live chat, email, and a ticket system for support. WP Engine offers live chat on lower plans and adds phone and email support for higher plans. WP Engine’s phone support on premium plans appeals to users requiring personalized assistance. DreamHost compensates with its generous 97-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than WP Engine’s 60-day period.
Security Features
Both DreamHost and WP Engine offer free SSL certificates, backups, and firewalls. DreamHost includes automated daily backups and the option for on-demand backups on higher plans. WP Engine offers both daily and on-demand backups across all plans. WP Engine takes security a step further with proactive monitoring, a feature that DreamHost lacks. WP Engine also leverages Cloudflare CDN, layer 3 and 4 DDoS protection, and Global Edge Security with a managed WAF. They offer a more advanced security infrastructure overall compared to DreamHost’s firewall and custom Apache and NGINX patches.
DreamHost vs WP Engine: Which Is Better For You?
DreamHost is the better host. Use DreamHost if you’re hosting a new or small website and prioritize affordable pricing. Also use DreamHost if you prefer a longer money-back guarantee. Also use DreamHost if you’re a business website that prioritizes reliable performance. Lastly, use DreamHost if you’re a developer that requires support for Django or Perl.
Use WP Engine if you need premium managed WordPress hosting with advanced features for optimization and security. Also use WP Engine if you want access to WordPress-specific tools.
Get more insights on web hosting comparisons.
Who is DreamHost?
DreamHost is a web host founded in 1997 and headquartered in Los Angeles, USA. It offers affordable hosting with generous features and stands out for its 100% uptime guarantee. Its limited data centers are a drawback for international users. Dive into our review on DreamHost to uncover key details.
Who is WP Engine?
WP Engine is a web host founded in 2010 and headquartered in Austin, USA. It focuses on premium Managed WordPress Hosting and excels in performance and security. Higher pricing and less versatile features are significant cons. Access all the details on WP Engine our in-depth review.