What is DreamHost?
DreamHost is an employee-owned web hosting company founded in 1996, making it one of the oldest in the industry. Hosting over 1.5 million websites and 750,000 WordPress installations, DreamHost is known for its commitment to open source and privacy. They also offer a remarkable 100% uptime guarantee.
What sets DreamHost apart is their 97-day money-back guarantee - the longest in the industry - and their commitment to not tracking users. They use 100% renewable energy and are a WordPress recommended host.
✓ Pros
- ✓ 100% uptime guarantee
- ✓ 97-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Free domain for first year
- ✓ Unlimited traffic
- ✓ Strong privacy focus
- ✓ WordPress recommended
✗ Cons
- ✗ No traditional cPanel
- ✗ Limited live chat hours
- ✗ Email hosting costs extra
- ✗ Slower support response times
Performance & Speed
Pricing Plans (January 2026)
The industry's longest refund period! Test DreamHost risk-free for over 3 months. Plus 100% uptime guarantee with compensation if your site goes down.
- ✅ 50 GB SSD Storage
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ Unlimited Traffic
- ❌ No Email Included
- ✅ Unlimited SSD
- ✅ Free Domain (1 Year)
- ✅ Unlimited Email
- ✅ Unlimited Traffic
- ✅ 30 GB SSD Storage
- ✅ Managed Updates
- ✅ Built-in Caching
- ✅ Jetpack Free License
🏆 97 Days vs. Industry Standard 30 Days
⚠️ Things to Know
- No cPanel: DreamHost uses a custom control panel (some find it easier, others prefer cPanel)
- Email costs extra: Starter plan requires $1.99/mo for email hosting
- Monthly option available: $7.99/mo without long-term commitment
- Domains: Not refundable if you use the free domain offer
🌟 What Makes DreamHost Different
Final Verdict
DreamHost is perfect for users who value transparency, privacy, and long-term guarantees. Their 97-day refund policy shows confidence in their service. The 100% uptime guarantee is industry-leading, though actual uptime may occasionally fall slightly short.
Ideal for developers and privacy-conscious users who appreciate open-source values and want a reliable, ethical hosting provider.
Get Started with DreamHost →Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose DreamHost?
DreamHost is ideal for those who value privacy and long refund periods. Their 97-day money-back guarantee is the best in the industry.
Does DreamHost use cPanel?
No, DreamHost uses its own custom-built control panel. While it is different from cPanel, many users find it cleaner and easier to navigate.
Do they offer month-to-month plans?
Yes, DreamHost offers flexible monthly billing options with no long-term contract requirement, though annual plans are cheaper.