Dreamhost vs Zenfolio: Comprehensive comparison guide for 2024

Final verdict


Dreamhost and Zenfolio both offer unique strengths tailored to different user needs, but Dreamhost edges out slightly with a final verdict score of 6.7 compared to Zenfolio’s 6.4.


  • Dreamhost (Overall Grade: 6.7/10)

    is a versatile website builder and hosting platform that caters to a broad audience, from beginners to experienced users. Its integration with WordPress and WooCommerce makes it a robust choice for those looking to build professional websites with extensive customization options. Dreamhost excels in ease of use, design functionalities, and customer support, making it a reliable option for users seeking a comprehensive web hosting solution.

  • Zenfolio (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)

    is specifically designed for professional photographers and visual artists, offering a range of customizable templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities. It provides tools for marketing, client proofing, and secure photo storage, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. While it may not offer the same level of versatility as Dreamhost, Zenfolio’s specialized features make it a strong contender for its target audience.

Best for ecommerce

7.4
6.3


Verdict

: Dreamhost is a versatile choice for general ecommerce needs, while Zenfolio is tailored specifically for photographers and visual artists.


  • Dreamhost

    : With its integration of WooCommerce, Dreamhost offers a robust platform for building ecommerce sites. It provides over 200 themes, drag-and-drop customization, and WooCommerce-ready features, making it suitable for a wide range of ecommerce activities. Dreamhost’s ecommerce score is 7.4.

  • Zenfolio

    : Designed for professional photographers, Zenfolio offers integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products. It includes customizable templates and essential online selling tools, making it ideal for visual artists. Zenfolio’s ecommerce score is 6.3.

Best for informational & business websites

7.5
6.9


Verdict

: Dreamhost is the better choice for creating versatile and professional informational business websites, while Zenfolio is more specialized for photographers.


  • Dreamhost

    : Dreamhost scores 7.5 for informational business websites, making it a strong contender for users looking to create professional-looking sites without extensive coding knowledge. Its platform, Remixer, offers a variety of themes and a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. Dreamhost also integrates seamlessly with WordPress, providing an easy transition for users looking to leverage more advanced features. With a focus on reliability and customer support, Dreamhost is well-suited for a wide range of informational and business websites.

  • Zenfolio

    : Zenfolio, with a score of 6.9, is tailored specifically for professional photographers and visual artists. It offers customizable templates that are elegant and mobile-friendly, allowing users to create a professional web presence without coding skills. Zenfolio includes integrated e-commerce capabilities, enabling photographers to sell prints and digital downloads directly through their website. While it excels in providing tools for marketing, client proofing, and secure photo storage, its niche focus on photography may limit its versatility for broader business needs. When comparing Dreamhost vs Zenfolio, Zenfolio is ideal for photographers but may not be as flexible for other types of informational business websites.

Detailed comparison

Design functionalities & templates

Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:

  • Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
  • Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
  • User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
  • Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
  • Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.6
6.8

🏆

Winner: Dreamhost.

If you’re looking for a platform that offers more creative control and a wide array of design features, Dreamhost is the preferred choice.

Dreamhost’s website builder, offers a user-friendly interface that allows for a high degree of customization flexibility. Users can edit various elements including text, images, backgrounds, and layout structures to match their preferences. The platform also provides a wide range of themes and templates that can be further customized to ensure the final website aligns with the user’s brand identity. Additionally, Dreamhost supports integration with other tools and services, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of websites created with its builder.


Dreamhost Themes

Dreamhost templates
Dreamhost template example

Compared to Dreamhost, Zenfolio offers a variety of customizable templates and features specifically tailored for photographers, with a focus on showcasing and selling their work. While it provides several customization options, including blocks for different layouts and styles, it may not offer as much versatility outside of photography-specific needs. Compared to broader website builders like Dreamhost, Zenfolio is more niche-focused, catering well to photographers but potentially limiting for those seeking extensive customization or business tools beyond photography.


Zenfolio Themes

Zenfolio templates
Zenfolio website template

Get a head start on website creation with AI

Create a custom website tailored to your business needs 10X faster with 10Web AI Website Builder!

No credit card required

Ease of use

Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:

  • Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
  • Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
  • User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
  • Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
8.2
6.3


🏆 Winner: Dreamhost

. With an ease of use score of 8.2, Dreamhost’s website builder is designed with simplicity in mind, making it highly accessible for users without prior web development experience. Zenfolio, scoring 6.3, offers a specialized platform for photographers, focusing on easy setup and customization for photo portfolios. However, it has limitations in design flexibility and might not fully cater to those seeking extensive customization or planning to expand beyond pure photography services.


Learning Resources


🏆 Winner: Dreamhost

. DreamHost offers extensive learning resources for users of its website builder and WordPress installations, including detailed guides on using the WP Website Builder with BoldGrid, building websites with various hosting plans, and optimizing sites for performance and visitor engagement. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers a set of tutorials and articles in their help center. However, the help center articles are somewhat limited and users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive learning resources.

For ecommerce

EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:

  • Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
  • Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
  • Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
  • Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
  • Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
7.4
6.3

Dreamhost and Zenfolio both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different user needs. Dreamhost, with its integration of WooCommerce, is a versatile platform for building ecommerce sites, offering over 200 themes, drag-and-drop customization, and WooCommerce-ready features for online stores. Zenfolio, on the other hand, is designed specifically for professional photographers and visual artists, offering an integrated ecommerce platform for selling prints, digital downloads, gifts, and other items directly from their online stores.

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

Ecommerce themes and templates

7.0

7.0

Product page customization

7.8

7.2

Payment processing and commissions

7.5

6.5

POS capabilities

7.0

3.0

Payment gateways

7.7

6.8

Product numbers

6.5

5.0

Additional ecommerce features

7.2

6.5

Dreamhost ecommerce features:

  • WooCommerce-Ready Themes
  • Magento integration
  • Shopify integration

Zenfolio ecommerce features:

  • Multiple Currency Support
  • Discount Coupons
  • Order management
  • Gift Certificates
  • Tax management

Ecommerce themes & templates

DreamHost facilitates eCommerce site creation mainly through WooCommerce, offering a powerful, open-source platform with plans designed to cater to varying levels of eCommerce activity. Additionally, DreamHost’s WP Website Builder, equipped with BoldGrid, provides a range of mobile-friendly themes for easy site customization without coding knowledge.

Zenfolio, on the other hand, provides customizable website templates with integrated e-commerce features for photographers, designed to showcase and sell their work across various genres. These templates include essential online selling tools such as secure payment options, product management, and marketing integrations, making it an all-in-one platform for photographers aiming to display and market their creations effectively.

Product page customization

Through the integration of WooCommerce, DreamHost’s website builder offers a range of customization possibilities for e-commerce product pages to enhance the shopping experience. These possibilities include layout adjustments like modifying the single product page layout and adding custom tabs, introducing custom fields and sections for additional product information and FAQs, implementing dynamic content like personalized recommendations, and enabling product variations with swatches and custom product builders.

Zenfolio users can detail their product pages with descriptions, images, and options such as size or color. This allows for each product page to be adjusted to clearly display its unique attributes. Placing products in specific galleries or categories helps organize the site and improve navigation. The platform also supports customization in pricing and shipping settings, allowing sellers to cater to various needs effectively.

Payment processing

DreamHost supports a variety of popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Amazon Pay, and Square, each with its own fee structure but no additional charges from DreamHost. These gateways offer features like POS capabilities, fraud detection, and international currency support, making DreamHost a versatile choice for website builders focusing on WordPress integration.

Zenfolio supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, integrating them seamlessly into its platform designed for photographers to sell their work online. The platform charges a commerce fee of 7% per order (excluding tax and shipping) and a payment processing fee for transactions through Stripe or PayPal. While Zenfolio offers robust e-commerce functionalities for online sales, including setting up price lists for prints and digital downloads, it does not explicitly mention POS capabilities for in-person sales, suggesting its services are tailored primarily towards online transactions.

Website Editors

Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:

  • Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
  • Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
  • Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
  • Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
7.3
7.6

🏆

Winner: Zenfolio

. Zenfolio, with a score of 7.6, offers an intuitive, no-coding-required website builder tailored for photographers, featuring drag-and-drop customization, a wide array of templates, and a powerful Custom Layout block for personalized designs. Its integrated eCommerce capabilities enable selling both digital and physical photography products, supported by comprehensive security features for protecting photographers’ work. Additionally, Zenfolio provides tools for SEO, marketing, photo and video hosting, client booking, and management, backed by award-winning customer support.

Zenfolio editor

Dreamhost’s website builder, scoring 7.3, utilizes BoldGrid, providing a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing WordPress websites, employing a drag-and-drop editor that eliminates the need for coding skills. It offers a selection of mobile-friendly themes to accommodate various website needs, along with essential tools like backups to safeguard user data. The builder streamlines the website creation process, from theme selection and layout customization to the final installation, enabling users to easily adjust their site’s appearance and functionality.

Dreamhost website editor

Mobile editor/app

5.5
8.5

🏆

Winner: Zenfolio

. Both Dreamhost and Zenfolio offer mobile editing capabilities, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Dreamhost does not have a dedicated mobile editor app, but you can modify your website using a mobile browser, though this comes with certain restrictions.

Zenfolio, on the other hand, provides a dedicated mobile editor app designed for Zenfolio account holders to manage their websites and galleries directly from their mobile devices. It includes features for receiving notifications, managing galleries, handling sales-related tasks, and showcasing photos through a client presentation mode. Additionally, the app supports uploading and editing photos, as well as accessing various tools for reports, CRM, bookings, and blog management, although some features may still necessitate desktop use for full functionality.

In summary, Zenfolio receives a higher rating due to its dedicated mobile app with a variety of features, while Dreamhost’s mobile editing capabilities are more limited and may be less convenient for users.

Product testing options

Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:

  • Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
  • Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
  • Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
  • Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
2.7
8.4


Overall Result

:

Zenfolio Wins

. Zenfolio scores 8.4 in product testing options, significantly higher than Dreamhost’s 2.7. Both platforms do not offer a free version, but Zenfolio provides a 14-day free trial, while Dreamhost does not have a trial version. Both platforms allow testing of premium features, Zenfolio during the free trial and Dreamhost during the 30-day refundable period. Both platforms also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

Free Plan
No No

Trial Duration
No
14 days

Testing Premium Features
During the 30-day refund period
During the free trial

Price

PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:

  • Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
  • Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
  • Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
  • Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
7.8
8.2


Dreamhost offers a wider range of pricing options, but Zenfolio’s plans are more affordable.

Dreamhost Logo


Offerings

Zenfolio Logo


Offerings


$0-$10

Shared Starter ($7.99/month):

Shared Hosting with unmetered bandwidth but low SSD storage, Free SSL certificate, automated daily backups. This plan allows to manage only 1 website and there is no limitation of number of pages offered.

Value for price:


6.5


Portfolio ($9.00/month):

Basic entry-level with 15 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website.

Value for price:


6.0


$10-$20

Shared Unlimited ($13.99/month):

Shared Hosting with unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, but low SSD storage, pre-installed Free SSL certificate, automated daily backups.

Value for price:


7.5

No offering at this amount.

$20-$30

DreamPress ($23.99/month):

Isolated Cloud hosting with unmetered bandwidth, 30GB SSD storage, staging website, fast NGINX pre-installed Free SSL certificate, Free WordPress migrations, automated daily backups and on-demand 1-click restore, specialized WordPress support. This plan allows to manage only 1 website and there is no limitation of number of pages offered.

Value for price:


8.0


PortfolioPlus ($23.00/month):

Balanced features with 150 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website.

Value for price:


7.5


$30-$50

DreamPress Plus ($34.99/month):

Isolated Cloud hosting with unmetered bandwidth, 60GB SSD storage, staging website, unlimited CDN, fast NGINX pre-installed Free SSL certificate, Free WordPress migrations, automated daily backups and on-demand 1-click restore, specialized WordPress support, 3-phone support callbacks. This plan allows to manage only 1 website and there is no limitation of number of pages offered.

Value for price:


8.5


ProSuite ($40.00/month):

Extensive features for photo and video, multi-page websites, blog, templates, and more.

Value for Price:


9.0


$80+

DreamPress Pro ($89.99/month):

Isolated Cloud hosting with unmetered bandwidth, 120GB SSD storage, staging website, unlimited CDN, fast NGINX pre-installed Free SSL certificate, Free WordPress migrations, automated daily backups and on-demand 1-click restore, specialized WordPress support, 5-phone support callbacks and priority support. This plan allows to manage only 1 website and there is no limitation of number of pages offered.

Value for price:


9.0

No offering at this amount.
In some cases companies have different prices based on various components like a
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.

Hosting quality

Hosting
quality
Examines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:

  • Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
  • Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
  • Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
  • Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
7.2
5.7

🏆

Winner: Dreamhost

Dreamhost offers a more transparent and reliable hosting service, with a 99.93% uptime and a 100% uptime guarantee. They also disclose the locations of their data centers, which are in Ashburn, Virginia and Hillsboro, Oregon. Zenfolio, on the other hand, does not disclose any information about its uptime statistics or the locations of its data centers.

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

Do they offer hosting?

Yes, included in all their plans

Yes, included in all their plans

Data Centers:

2 data centers in US: Ashburn, Virginia and Hillsboro, Oregon

Zenfolio does not disclose the locations of its data centers

Type of hosting:

Shared Hosting, Cloud Hosting

Cloud Hosting

Uptime:

99.93%

Zenfolio does not disclose any information about its uptime statistics

Uptime Guarantee:

Yes, 100%

Zenfolio does not have an uptime guarantee

Website Speed Optimization

Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:

  • PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
  • Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
  • Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
  • Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
  • CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
3.5
5.2


🏆 Winner: Zenfolio

Both Dreamhost and Zenfolio have strategies in place for website speed optimization, but Zenfolio edges out with a higher website speed optimization score.

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

Focus

Built-in Caching, Code minification, Image optimization

Mobile responsive design

Performance Tools

Not specified

Not specified

Key Strategies

Built-in Caching on higher plans, Code minification, Image optimization

Mobile responsive design

Load Times

1.75-3 seconds average

Varies depending on optimization and website complexity

Page Speed Scores Range

No data available

Varies depending on optimization and website complexity

Core Web Vitals Improvement

No information disclosed

No information disclosed

Dreamhost offers built-in caching on higher plans, code minification, and image optimization as part of its speed optimization strategies. The load times for Dreamhost range from 1.75 to 3 seconds on average. However, no data is available for the PageSpeed scores range, and Dreamhost does not disclose any information on their Core Web Vitals improvements.

On the other hand, Zenfolio focuses on mobile responsive design for speed optimization. The load times and PageSpeed scores for Zenfolio vary depending on optimization and website complexity. Like Dreamhost, Zenfolio does not provide any information on their Core Web Vitals improvements. Despite the lack of detailed information, Zenfolio has a higher website speed optimization score, making it the winner in this category.

Get a head start on website creation with AI

Create a custom website tailored to your business needs 10X faster with 10Web AI Website Builder!

No credit card required

Plugins and integrations

Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:

  • Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
  • Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
  • Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
  • Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
8.8
6.5


🏆 Winner: Dreamhost.

With a score of 8.8, Dreamhost offers a wide range of WordPress plugins that can significantly enhance a website’s functionality beyond the capabilities of basic website builders. These plugins offer advanced SEO tools, e-commerce capabilities, custom content types, robust security, performance optimization, and detailed analytics. Zenfolio, scoring 6.5, offers a focused set of plugins and integrations specifically designed for photographers. However, Dreamhost’s extensive range of plugins and seamless integration with WordPress give it the upper hand.

Dreamhost Applications

Dreamhost WordPress plugins

Marketing Features

Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:

  • Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
  • Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
  • User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
  • Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
  • Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
8.0
6.1

🏆

Overall Winner: Dreamhost

. Dreamhost stands out for its comprehensive SEO Toolkit and integration with third-party email marketing plugins. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers basic SEO tools and built-in email marketing features on higher plans.

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

SEO Tools

Comprehensive SEO Toolkit

Basic SEO tools

Email Marketing

Integration with third-party email marketing plugins

Built-in email marketing features on higher plans

Blogging

Yes

Yes, on higher plans

Social Media Integration

Yes

Yes

Analytics and Reporting

Google Analytics integration

Basic built-in analytics tools

Ads and Promotions

Integration with third-party plugins

Creation of custom discount coupons and automated marketing with Client Campaigns

Customer Support

Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:

  • Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
  • Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
  • Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
  • Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
7.5
6.7


🏆 Winner: Dreamhost

. Comparing Dreamhost vs Zenfolio, Dreamhost takes the lead in this category with its 24/7 live chat and email support, ensuring users can get assistance at any time. Dreamhost’s commitment to minimal wait times and quick email responses within one to two hours is a significant advantage for users needing prompt support.

Zenfolio, while offering comprehensive support through email and LiveChat, is limited to specific hours for live chat and phone support, which is only available to Advanced plan subscribers. Despite this, Zenfolio provides a rich Support Center with self-help resources, including articles and video tutorials, which can be very helpful for users looking to resolve issues independently. However, the limited availability of live support options makes it less accessible compared to Dreamhost.

Security

SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:

  • Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
  • SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
  • Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
  • Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.2
8.0

🏆

Winner: Dreamhost

. Dreamhost’s commitment to security is evident in their comprehensive measures, including free SSL certificates, domain privacy, multi-factor authentication, anti-spam filters, daily backups, and DDoS protection. They also offer advanced security features such as DreamShield for malware removal and web application firewalls. Dreamhost’s robust security protocols provide a secure environment for users to build and host their websites.

Although it may not offer the same level of specialized security features as Dreamhost, Zenfolio is committed to maintaining a secure platform for photographers and visual artists. This includes SSL encryption for all websites, watermarking to protect users’ work, password-protected galleries for controlled access, and cloud backup for additional data protection. Zenfolio’s security measures ensure a safe platform for users to showcase, share, and sell their work online.

AI Capabilities

AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:

  • Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
  • Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
  • AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
  • Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
1.2
2.4
Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

AI Website Builder







AI Ecommerce Features




PhotoRefine.ai for efficient photo management

AI Content Generation

AI business name generator




Additional AI Features







🏆 Winner: Zenfolio

. Zenfolio, with a score of 2.4, offers AI-driven eCommerce features aimed at enhancing the online selling experience for photographers. Its key AI tool, PhotoRefine.ai, streamlines the process of sorting, grouping, and selecting photos, making it easier to prepare and sell work online.

Dreamhost AI feature

Dreamhost, with a score of 1.2, does not have an AI website builder or any AI-powered ecommerce features. However, it does offer an AI business name generator, which can provide a list of potential business names based on the industry and a few keywords.

User Management

User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:

  • Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
    permissions.
  • Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
  • Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
    levels.
  • Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
8.8
2.8


🏆 Winner: Dreamhost

. Dreamhost and Zenfolio offer different approaches to user management.

  • Dreamhost, which primarily uses WordPress, allows for multiple users to edit a website. It does not specify a limit on the number of users, and it enables the addition of numerous users with various roles such as Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber. Each role has its own set of permissions and capabilities, allowing for flexible and controlled access for different users. This feature makes it convenient to manage a website collaboratively on the Dreamhost platform.
  • Zenfolio, on the other hand, only allows one user to edit and manage a website.

Dreamhost User Roles and Access Levels:

Role Description Access Highlights
Administrator Users with full access to all administration features, including Elementor settings. Can edit all content, Access to Elementor settings, Can install plugins and themes, Can manage users
Editor Users who can manage and publish content including pages and posts. Can edit pages/posts created with Elementor, Cannot access Elementor settings, Can manage categories, tags, and links, Can moderate comments
Author Users who can publish and manage their own posts. Can create posts with Elementor, Cannot edit pages, Limited access to media library, Cannot access Elementor settings
Contributor Users who can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them. Can create content with Elementor, Cannot publish or edit pages, No access to Elementor settings, Submissions require review by higher-level roles

Zenfolio does not provide information about user roles and access levels.

Additional Features

Dreamhost Logo
Zenfolio Logo

SSL Certificate







Custom Domain







Free Custom Domain Included







International Domains







Mobile Responsive







Page Speed







Website Builder Mobile App







Convert a Website To An App







Website Analytics







Multilingual Sites







Multiple Users


User Feedback

Dreamhost
20 reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars
Zenfolio
3 reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars

Users appreciate DreamHost WP Website Builder for its ease of use, broad template selection, and integrated hosting solutions, highlighting its utility in building and managing websites efficiently. However, some users suggest improvements in areas such as image editing capabilities, customer support, and software optimization to enhance speed and functionality. While many find it a cost-effective and user-friendly option for website development without coding, others express concerns over occasional software bugs, slow website performance, and the desire for more advanced features.

Zenfolio is praised for its elegant and affordable site/portfolio designs, making it a suitable platform for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. The Starter plan is noted for its value, though some users express a desire to upgrade to the Pro plan for enhanced client interaction features and customizable marketing tools. Criticisms include dissatisfaction with the platform’s handling of photo albums and a desire for more privacy and faster loading times. Overall, Zenfolio is valued for its ability to organize and share professional photographs and files, despite some navigational and performance issues.

The making of this blog

We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.

FAQ

Which platform is better for photographers, Dreamhost or Zenfolio?

Zenfolio is specifically designed for professional photographers and visual artists, offering elegant, mobile-friendly templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities tailored for showcasing and selling creative work online. Dreamhost, while versatile, is more general-purpose and may not offer the same level of niche-specific features as Zenfolio.

Can I sell products on both Dreamhost and Zenfolio?

Yes, both platforms offer e-commerce capabilities. Dreamhost integrates with WooCommerce, providing a versatile platform for a broad range of e-commerce projects. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers built-in e-commerce features specifically designed for selling prints, digital downloads, and other photography-related products.

Which platform offers better customer support, Dreamhost or Zenfolio?

Dreamhost takes the lead in customer support with a score of 7.5, offering 24/7 live chat and email support, with phone support callbacks available depending on the plan. Zenfolio provides email support, LiveChat, and phone support for Advanced plan subscribers, but Dreamhost’s support is more readily available.

How do Dreamhost and Zenfolio compare in terms of website speed optimization?

Zenfolio has a slight edge in website speed optimization, focusing on mobile responsive design. Dreamhost offers built-in caching, code minification, and image optimization, but Zenfolio’s focus on mobile responsiveness gives it an advantage in this category.

Which platform is more suitable for building a website without coding knowledge?

Dreamhost is designed with simplicity in mind, making it highly accessible for users without prior web development experience, especially with its integration of the user-friendly BoldGrid website builder. Zenfolio also offers a no-coding-required platform but is specifically tailored for photographers.

Are there any AI capabilities offered by Dreamhost or Zenfolio?

Zenfolio offers AI-driven e-commerce features aimed at enhancing the online selling experience for photographers, such as PhotoRefine.ai for efficient photo management. Dreamhost does not have an AI website builder or AI-powered e-commerce features but offers an AI business name generator.

Which platform offers better value for money?

Zenfolio’s plans are generally more affordable and are specifically tailored for photographers, offering good value for those in the photography industry. Dreamhost offers a wider range of pricing options and features, making it a versatile choice for various website projects, but Zenfolio is praised for its value in the photography sector.

Build your website in 1 minute

Share article

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your email address will never be published or shared. Required fields are marked *

Comment*

Name *