DreamHost vs. HostGator: Choosing the Right Web Hosting Service For Your Site

Are you in the market for a new website hosting service? There are many reasons why you might be looking for hosting services; for example, you might be starting your first website or migrating an existing site to a new service. You could need more advanced tools, or you might just want an easy, quick way to get your first WordPress website published.

Regardless of where you stand on your website journey, it’s beneficial to consider where you stand now, and where you want to take your site in the future. Assessing your skill level and Selecting the best web hosting companies for your needs can be a challenge, but we’re here to help.

Today, we’re comparing DreamHost vs HostGator. These popular web hosting companies offer unique, helpful services to users of all skill levels. Let’s break down the features these web hosts offer, starting with the things they have in common. First, though, we’ll introduce each hosting provider.

What is DreamHost?

DreamHost is a website hosting provider that focuses primarily on WordPress websites. Its affordable shared hosting plans are great for beginners who need to get their sites online quickly, and without much fuss. On top of that, DreamHost offers its customers access to marketing assistance and online training so they can level up their tech skills. 

What is HostGator? 

HostGator is a web hosting service that offers a range of features and web hosting plans, including shared and WordPress hosting. The company advertises easy scalability and site security for smaller site owners just starting out, who might want to scale over time. One feature that makes HostGator stand out is the advertising credits it offers qualified site owners–we’ll detail those a little further down. 

What Do DreamHost and HostGator Have in Common?

DreamHost and HostGator have some features in common; however, the list is fairly short. These hosting services are geared toward slightly different user demographics, with some overlap.

Here are some of the offerings you’ll find at both HostGator and DreamHost.

• Shared hosting available 
• SSD website storage 
• Managed WordPress hosting
• Free SSL certificate 
• 99.9% uptime guarantee 
• Live chat and phone support 
• Money back guarantee (variable) 

Now, let’s break down the specific features that make DreamHost vs HostGator stand out. Take a look at the bells and whistles each hosting provider offers to get an idea of which one might be better for you.

A Quick Overview of DreamHost

DreamHost is primarily geared toward website owners who are interested in effortless WordPress hosting. It may be particularly attractive to individuals and businesses who want a speedy way to build and launch a site. Let’s take a look at a few of the major differences that make this web host stand out.

DreamHost’s Shared Unlimited plan features: 

• Unlimited WordPress websites 
• Unlimited website traffic 
• Pre-installed WordPress sites 
• WordPress site builder 
• Unlimited MySQL databases 
• Unlimited subdomains
• Unlimited Shell, FTP, and SFTP users 
• Automatic WordPress updates, including security 
• Unlimited email
• Unlimited websites
• Free WordPress site migration 
• Custom DreamHost control panel 
• Advanced developer features, including SFTP, Shell Access, WP-CLI

In terms of hosting packages, DreamHost offers shared, WordPress, dedicated, cloud, and VPS hosting.

On top of the hosting features, DreamHost also provides site building and marketing services to its customers, including:

• Web design
• Site management
• Branding
• Digital marketing
• Social media management
• SEO
• Skills training with DreamHost team members

For site owners who want to learn or level up their technical or marketing skills, these additional offers are definite perks in addition to DreamHost’s hosting plans.

How Much Does Web Hosting at DreamHost Cost?

DreamHost’s best-value Shared Unlimited shared hosting plans start at $8.95 per month and do not require a contract or specific commitment. Customers can go month-to-month or opt for one- or three-year plans. 

A Quick Overview of HostGator

Like DreamHost, HostGator emphasizes WordPress hosting as part of its service offerings. However, HostGator caters to a wider range of customers, including advanced users. If you need a hosting company that’s set up for scalability and offers a wider variety of subscription options, HostGator might be a great option for you to consider.

HostGator’s Baby Plan (shared hosting) includes: 

• Two websites with 20GB SSD site storage 
• 200,000 site visits per month 
• Free migration for up to two WordPress websites 
• Unmetered bandwidth 
• WordPress installations with one click
• Email hosting included 
• Free domain name for the first year (eligible plans only) 
• Access to cPanel dashboard
• $500 credit toward Google Ad spend matching 
• $100 credit toward Microsoft Advertising
• Site security including malware scanning, website backups, SiteLock Fix and CodeGuard 

Both HostGator and DreamHost offer shared and WordPress hosting. However, HostGator also offers reseller hosting, VPS, and dedicated plans.

How Much Does Web Hosting at HostGator Cost?

HostGator features separate plans for WordPress sites vs shared hosting. Its best-value Baby Plan, a shared hosting plan, starts at $4.50 per month. Alternatively, HostGator’s best-value Standard Plan for WordPress sites starts at $7.95 per month.