Dreamhost vs Hostens: guide for 2024

Dreamhost vs Hostens: Final verdict

Looking over DreamHost vs. Hostens, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular. They have both hosted millions of
websites that run on WordPress for decades, building up a loyal customer base.

• 
  Hostens (Overall grade: 7.9)
  
  is an affordable and reliable choice for those who value cost efficiency and straightforward services. Hostens excels in ecommerce and reseller hosting, making it ideal for agencies and budget-conscious businesses. The platform offers strong uptime (99.95%) and reasonable support features, but it lacks some advanced performance-boosting technologies provided by DreamHost. While Hostens’ enterprise-level plans are more budget-friendly, the performance might not be as robust for high-traffic and resource-intensive websites. Its reliance on cPanel may appeal to experienced users, but the lack of dedicated high-performance options like NGINX and built-in caching could limit its suitability for speed-sensitive sites.
• 
  DreamHost(Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  stands out for its performance and reliability, particularly for WordPress and high-traffic websites, with a 100% uptime guarantee. DreamHost’s features such as SSD storage, NGINX hosting, and server-level caching ensure faster load times and better handling of high traffic volumes. The custom-built control panel is user-friendly and supports advanced functionalities, making it ideal for a broad range of users, from beginners to developers. Despite its slightly higher cost, DreamHost’s comprehensive support, including automated backups and extensive security features, offers a well-rounded package for those who prioritize performance and reliability.

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in
certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Hostens:A hosting provider with excellent uptime and solid features.

DreamHost offers a compelling 100% uptime guarantee, which is a standout feature. Its performance testing results show impressive stability, with various tests confirming minimal downtime and quick response times. Regular stress tests demonstrate DreamHost’s ability to handle high traffic with only minor fluctuations. This reliability, combined with the use of SSD drives and a user-friendly control panel, contributes to an overall strong performance for DreamHost customers.

Hostens, on the other hand, provides a 99.95% uptime guarantee and numerous data center locations across the globe. Their infrastructure is built to a high standard with multiple redundancies, which ensures consistent service. Hostens’ solid performance is complemented by a fast loading speed and a good response time. Combined with proactive customer support and additional features like free SSL certificates and regular backups, Hostens presents a highly reliable option for hosting needs.

🏆 Winner
DreamHost – Offers a blend of high performance, security, and reliability. When comparing the general performance of DreamHost and Hostens, several differences stand out. DreamHost utilizes SSD storage, NGINX hosting, and built-in server-level caching, which contribute to faster load times and improved site performance without additional plugins. DreamHost also offers high-performance cloud hosting due to their dedicated resources. Hostens, on the other hand, uses enterprise SSDs and runs on a Tier III data center but relies on Apache web service and offers fewer performance-boosting features like built-in caching. While both offer free SSL certificates, DreamHost’s data centers are multiple and dispersed for better global reach compared to Hostens, which primarily operates from Lithuania.

DreamHost excels in website speed through its SSD storage, NGINX hosting, and built-in server-level caching, ensuring faster loading times and efficient data processing. Their DreamPress plans further optimize WordPress sites for high performance. While Hostens uses enterprise SSDs which are reliable, it lacks the additional boost from built-in caching and advanced hosting like NGINX, potentially resulting in slower website performance compared to DreamHost. Additionally, DreamHost’s infrastructure supports better handling of high traffic without performance drops, making it a more efficient option for speed-sensitive sites.

Website Speed

DreamHost excels in website speed through its SSD storage, NGINX hosting, and built-in server-level caching, ensuring faster loading times and efficient data processing. Their DreamPress plans further optimize WordPress sites for high performance. While Hostens uses enterprise SSDs which are reliable, it lacks the additional boost from built-in caching and advanced hosting like NGINX, potentially resulting in slower website performance compared to DreamHost. Additionally, DreamHost’s infrastructure supports better handling of high traffic without performance drops, making it a more efficient option for speed-sensitive sites.

Scalability

When it comes to scalability, DreamHost offers more flexibility with expandable RAM and storage options, as well as uncapped bandwidth. Their plans can be upgraded smoothly to cater to growing site needs, and they also offer dedicated server options starting at $199.00 per month. While the detailed elastic scaling capabilities of Hostens are not specified, they provide solid VPS and dedicated IP options. However, scaling might not be as seamless or cost-effective compared to DreamHost, given the detailed options and structured upgrade paths DreamHost provides.

🏆 Winner Hostens: Comprehensive security features and efficient operational measures.

Technical security measures:

DreamHost and Hostens differ significantly in their technical security measures. DreamHost provides free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt and supports professionally-signed and third-party SSL certificates. Hostens only offers 256-bit encryption strength SSL certificates with various validation levels. Both providers support modern PHP versions, including PHP 8, but DreamHost also includes OPcache for better PHP performance. In network security, DreamHost offers features like DDoS protection, multi-factor authentication, and RAID 1 storage. In comparison, Hostens focuses on a secure data center built to TIER III standards.

Operational security measures:

DreamHost offers numerous operational security measures such as automatic software updates, DreamShield malware scanning, and password protection via .htaccess. It uses a custom control panel for easy management. Hostens utilizes cPanel and CloudLinux for control, including daily and weekly backups. Additionally, Hostens has robust network monitoring 24/7/365 by its system administrators. While DreamHost provides local MySQL servers with full root access, Hostens doesn’t specify this feature.

Compliance and certifications:

Both DreamHost and Hostens are GDPR compliant, managing data in line with this regulation. DreamHost applies GDPR to all users and features a comprehensive Privacy Center. Hostens offers transparent management of personal data through the Client Area. Regarding PCI compliance, DreamHost’s servers are compliant, but customer websites need individual certification. DreamHost does not support HIPAA compliance, while Hostens similarly does not specify HIPAA compliance.

🏆 Winner
DreamHost: A feature-rich hosting provider with high versatility and robust support.

DreamHost and Hostens both offer a wide array of hosting options, but their unique features set them apart. DreamHost is known for its user-friendly website builder and instant WordPress setup. With free domain registration and unlimited storage on its shared hosting plans, DreamHost provides a comprehensive package that caters to both personal and professional needs. Their commitment to security, highlighted by free SSL certificates and privacy protection, makes it a strong contender for users who prioritize safety. DreamHost’s managed WordPress hosting includes convenient features like automated backups and 1-click staging, making it an attractive option for WordPress developers.

Hostens, on the other hand, offers a simpler, cost-effective solution with a quick setup process. It also supports a range of programming languages, such as PHP, Ruby, and Python. The inclusion of a free website builder and apps integration provides a straightforward method for creating and managing websites. Hostens also stands out with its 99.95% uptime guarantee, which ensures reliability. Although it doesn’t offer free domain registration or SSL certificates like DreamHost, Hostens provides an effective and budget-friendly hosting solution with daily/weekly backups and a user-friendly cPanel interface.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both DreamHost and Hostens offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

DreamHost provides professional email addresses with their plans, offering transactional email capabilities and the ability to manage email campaigns. Hostens also includes email hosting, with transactional email capabilities, though less emphasis on extensive email campaign management. Neither provider appears to offer reselling of third-party email services like Google Workspace, Outlook, or Zoho.

🏆 Winner Hostens: Offers exceptional value for both shared and VPS hosting plans.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

When comparing DreamHost and Hostens, several distinctions become clear. DreamHost offers a broad range of hosting types, from shared and VPS to dedicated and cloud hosting, with comprehensive support and automated backups. Their managed WordPress plans start at $16.95/mo, hosting one website with extensive features. Hostens, on the other hand, provides more economically priced shared hosting with standout features such as multiple websites, databases, and generous bandwidth allowances. Their VPS hosting is competitively priced, with high resource allocation for the price. Hostens presents better value in the shared and VPS hosting categories due to lower prices and robust features, making it a strong choice for both personal and small to medium-sized business websites.

Enterprise plans

DreamHost’s dedicated hosting starts at $199.00/mo for a 6-Core CPU with 16GB RAM and 480GB SSD storage, providing full root access and a 100% uptime guarantee. Hostens offers its Professional Hosting Plans starting at $49.99/mo, including 2 vCPUs, 6GB RAM, and 50GB disk space with unlimited bandwidth. While DreamHost excels at high performance and extensive features, Hostens offers affordable and practical solutions for enterprises with limited budgets.

🏆 Winner: DreamHost: A user-friendly setup process with extensive support resources.

DreamHost features a custom-built control panel that is designed to provide both technical and non-technical users a straightforward experience. This panel includes advanced features like SFTP, Shell Access, and WP-CLI, making it highly suitable for users who have specific technical needs. The interface is clean and intuitive, allowing users to manage their domains, install applications, and navigate through account settings effortlessly. On the other hand, Hostens utilizes a standard cPanel, which is widely recognized and familiar among many users. cPanel’s comprehensive nature offers a more standardized user experience, featuring a wide range of tools from email account management to file management and backups. While cPanel itself is robust, its familiarity can sometimes lead to a steeper learning curve for complete beginners compared to a custom-built solution like DreamHost’s.

When comparing the administrative flexibility between the two, DreamHost’s custom panel stands out for its simplicity and accessibility. It is designed to automate many tasks and simplify processes, which can be particularly advantageous for new users and those who prefer a more guided approach. Conversely, Hostens’ cPanel offers considerable flexibility and is deep in features, but may appeal more to users who are already acquainted with its layout and functionalities. Both panels are effective, but DreamHost’s custom design seems to edge out in user-friendliness for those who are starting out or prefer a more streamlined management experience.

In terms of site migration, DreamHost offers an in-built Migration Dashboard that simplifies the process through scanning and presenting migration options, all integrated within the user’s account panel. This service allows for a seamless transition, especially given its guided process that helps users step-by-step. Hostens, on the other hand, utilizes the Installatron tool which facilitates easy installation and migration of over 100 scripts and CMS. DreamHost’s approach seems more straightforward with its dashboard and internal guides, whereas Hostens offers a broader range of tools for diverse needs. Both services are free, though DreamHost’s guided system may reduce complexities for less tech-savvy users.

DreamHost provides extensive support resources, including WordPress guides, a detailed knowledge base, and 24/7 access to U.S.-based expert assistance. Its support system is noted for responsiveness and depth, featuring various channels including chat, email, and a searchable archive for troubleshooting. Hostens also offers a rich knowledge base covering a wide range of topics, easily accessible for users at all levels. Their support is available through live chat, ticket systems, and email. While both hosting providers offer comprehensive help centers, the scope and ease of access provided by DreamHost’s support might be more reassuring, particularly for users who anticipate needing intensive support.

🏆 Winner DreamHost: DreamHost provides extensive user management features and advanced development tools.

DreamHost and Hostens offer comprehensive tools for managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility. DreamHost stands out with its offering of unlimited SFTP users, SSH access, and crontab technology, making it highly flexible for various user requirements. Hostens provides cPanel for managing user roles and the option of full root access for unmanaged VPS hosting, granting extensive control but limiting the number of cPanel accounts initially. DreamHost’s ability to cater to a wide range of user roles without such restrictions gives it an edge in versatility.

Both platforms provide user-friendly control panels tailored for managing users effectively. DreamHost has a custom-built control panel allowing seamless management of domains, mail, FTP, and SSH, complemented by access to advanced features such as Subversion repositories and automation tools like crontab. Hostens uses cPanel, which is familiar and widely used among hosting services, facilitating script installations, updates, and backups through Installatron. The choice between DreamHost’s custom panel and Hostens’ cPanel largely depends on user preference, but DreamHost’s advanced tools and intuitive design offer a slight advantage in usability.

In terms of access control measures and scalability for managing a growing number of users, DreamHost excels with features like password protection via .htaccess and access to raw log files for monitoring site performance. The ability to create unlimited SFTP users and manage them efficiently makes DreamHost suitable for growing teams. Hostens, while providing similar account management via cPanel and options to resellers, requires an upgrade to handle more than five cPanel accounts, potentially restricting businesses that are scaling. Thus, DreamHost’s lack of such limitations promotes more efficient user management as the needs grow.

DreamHost User Roles Table

Hostens User Roles Table

🏆 Winner DreamHost: DreamHost boasts extensive 24/7 support through multiple channels, making it a stronger choice for customer service.

DreamHost offers comprehensive, round-the-clock customer support via various channels, including a live chat widget, a customer support chat, an email support system, and a ticket system, all available 24/7/365. Although it lacks direct phone support, DreamHost compensates with a callback service for an additional fee. Its knowledge base and professional services add further value.

Hostens, while also providing 24/7 support through live chat, ticketing, and email, doesn’t offer enterprise-level support or callback services. However, they do maintain a comprehensive knowledge base and a responsive contact form for inquiries. Both hosting providers have extensive knowledge resources, but DreamHost’s availability of professional services and faster response times give it an edge.

Dreamhost vs Hostens: User feedback

DreamHost receives praise for its proactive updates, reliable performance, and a range of hosting options at competitive prices. Users appreciate its intuitive web portal, comprehensive end-to-end domain management tools, and competent customer service, particularly in resolving issues. However, the platform’s technical support is often criticized for slow responses, particularly the lack of phone support, and occasional downtime issues. Despite these drawbacks, many users remain loyal due to the affordability, ease of use for beginners, and strong uptime guarantees, although some have experienced more significant challenges and dissatisfaction.

Summary: Users generally appreciate the hosting provider for its reliable uptime and responsive customer support. Many reviewers highlight the ease of setup and user-friendly interface as significant positives. However, some users have expressed concerns over occasional slow server speeds and higher pricing compared to competitors. Overall, the hosting service receives favorable reviews, but there is room for improvement in performance consistency and cost efficiency.

Dreamhost vs Hostens: FAQ