Dreamhost vs Interserver: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over DreamHost vs. InterServer, both offer commendable web hosting services with distinct strengths catering to diverse user requirements.

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  DreamHost (Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  
  is known for its reliable performance, affordability, and a user-friendly interface that offers a seamless experience for beginners and experienced users alike. It excels in providing a variety of hosting types such as shared, cloud, and specialized managed WordPress hosting with a 100% uptime guarantee. DreamHost’s security measures, including free SSL certificates and DreamShield malware protection, bolster site reliability and safety. However, the absence of phone support can be a limitation for those who prefer direct assistance. The different hosting options and robust feature set, including unlimited storage and a comprehensive control panel, make DreamHost ideal for those seeking a straightforward, yet powerful hosting solution.
  
• 
  InterServer (Overall grade: 8.1)
  
  
  stands out with its high reliability, advanced performance capabilities, and comprehensive customer support. It provides various hosting types with a strong emphasis on performance through features like SSD caching and a route-optimized network, which ensure rapid load times and reliability. InterServer’s integration with cPanel and DirectAdmin, paired with its inclusive support options – including phone support – enhance overall accessibility and user experience. Additionally, security features like InterShield and brute-force protection offer robust site security. However, the lack of a tailored managed WordPress hosting plan and a slightly more complex migration process might deter some users. InterServer proves to be an excellent choice for those needing high performance and flexibility with extensive support channels.
  

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 InterServer: Delivers high reliability with strong performance features.

DreamHost offers a 100% uptime guarantee, compensated for any downtime. Performance tests show high stability, with a 100% uptime over several tested periods, except for an uptime score of 99.83% over 12 months, which is lower compared to some competitors. Response times are fast, averaging between 231 ms and 342 ms, and it performs well under stress tests.

InterServer guarantees 99.9% uptime and partners with Cloudflare for enhanced reliability. Long-term monitoring results indicate an uptime of 99.99%. The average server response time is 662 ms, and global loading speeds are good, despite being higher than performance-focused providers. InterServer’s infrastructure and additional features like InterShield Security and Inter-Proxy Caching further solidify its reliability and availability.

🏆 Winner InterServer: Offers unparalleled hosting speed and flexibility with plenty of advanced features.

DreamHost offers high-performance cloud hosting, which ensures dedicated resources for consistent speed. It features SSD storage for faster file transfers and NGINX hosting for efficient memory usage. In contrast, InterServer combines ultra-fast servers with SSD caching and boasts a Route-optimized network to speed up site performance. Both providers offer free Cloudflare CDN, but InterServer edges ahead with its 10GB Cisco Network and optimized routes. DreamHost offers server-level caching built into its DreamPress plans, whereas InterServer maintains a 50% server capacity to prevent overloads. DreamHost has multiple datacenter locations with an uptime guarantee, while InterServer guarantees 99.9% uptime but does not specify the number of data centers.

Website Speed

InterServer stands out with its own ultra-fast web server and SSD caching, designed to deliver top-notch speeds. Coupled with the 10GB Cisco Network and route optimization, users can expect extremely rapid load times. DreamHost leverages NGINX and SSD storage to offer high performance, but it lacks the customized routing that InterServer provides. Both hostings utilize Cloudflare CDN, yet InterServer’s Route optimization can further enhance content delivery speed. DreamHost’s built-in server-level caching is a plus, but InterServer’s approach to preventing overloaded servers ensures very consistent performance.

Scalability

DreamHost provides expandable RAM and uncapped bandwidth which supports scalability as the site grows. It also offers multiple hosting plans including VPS and Dedicated Hosting, beginning at $199/month for dedicated servers without automatic scaling. InterServer allows easy scaling to VPS or dedicated servers with a seamless migration without downtime. It offers more flexible scaling options but doesn’t specify if the scaling is elastic. While you need to remember plan upgrades, the flexibility in moving to higher capacity solutions makes the scaling process straightforward.

🏆 Winner InterServer: Offers a wide range of robust security features, making it a leader in data protection and site reliability.

Both DreamHost and InterServer, have notable differences in their approaches to technical and operational security, as well as in their compliance with regulations.

Technical security measures:

DreamHost provides free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt for all its hosting plans and allows the installation of third-party certificates, but it lacks support for wildcard certificates. InterServer also offers free SSL certificates and integrates easily via its Plesk panel. DreamHost supports current PHP versions including PHP 8, while InterServer extends support up to PHP 8.3. Both providers feature additional security layers such as multi-factor authentication and DDoS protection, but DreamHost goes a step further by offering malware scanning services and secure shell access.

Operational security measures:

DreamHost includes features like DreamShield for malware scanning, RAID 1 storage for enhanced performance and reliability, and RAID 1 storage. On the other hand, InterServer boasts InterShield Security, which is an in-house developed solution utilizing machine learning to detect and prevent attacks. It also provides brute-force and spam protection and ensures guaranteed email delivery through its advanced AI systems. InterServer’s free website migration service, which includes account cleanup, adds a layer of operational security that DreamHost does not inherently offer.

Compliance and certifications:

DreamHost is fully GDPR compliant and extends this compliance to its entire user base, while also offering a comprehensive privacy center. While InterServer emphasizes privacy protections and anonymous emails, specific details about GDPR compliance are not provided. Neither DreamHost nor InterServer claims HIPAA compliance. DreamHost ensures PCI compliance for its own sites and servers but requires customers to obtain their own PCI certification. InterServer does not specify its PCI compliance stance.

🏆 Winner DreamHost: A reliable and feature-rich hosting provider offering comprehensive plans for diverse website needs.

DreamHost and InterServer both provide robust hosting services, but they cater to different user requirements. DreamHost excels with its variety of hosting plans, from affordable shared hosting to high-performance managed WordPress hosting. Their commitment to privacy, security, and a 100% uptime guarantee creates a safe and dependable environment for websites. With features like unlimited storage, free domain registration, and monthly backups, DreamHost is tailored for users wanting a seamless experience with multiple free services.

InterServer, while simpler, offers essential hosting features with unlimited storage and data transfer, suiting users looking for cost-effective and efficient performance. The weekly backups and Cloudflare CDN integration provide added security and speed optimization. However, it lacks a dedicated managed WordPress hosting option and detailed security setups like SSH access, which could be a limitation for some users needing advanced features.

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 InterServer 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 offers professional email hosting with its plans, allowing for the setup of personalized email addresses. It supports transactional emails with no notable limits and integrates with third-party services like Google Workspace. InterServer also provides robust email hosting services, but specific details on advanced email capabilities or integration with third-party services are not explicitly mentioned. Both offer fundamental email features, but DreamHost’s integration options and flexible setup provide more versatility for user needs.

🏆 Winner
DreamHost: DreamHost scores slightly higher overall, mainly due to the robust features included in their plans and the transparency of what’s included.

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.

Comparing DreamHost and InterServer, DreamHost stands out with its shared hosting starting at $2.59/month, offering free domain registration and SSL certificates, while InterServer’s standard web hosting at $2.50/month also includes unlimited resources and free website migration. DreamHost’s managed WordPress plans range from $16.95/month to $79.95/month, specifically designed for WordPress with features like automated daily backups and specialized support. In contrast, InterServer’s WordPress hosting starts at $6.00/month, with flexible core options going up to $90.00/month. Cloud hosting options are available from DreamHost at $0.0075/hour or $10/month with scalable cloud computing and SSD storage, while InterServer’s VPS starts at $6.00/month, offering high-performance storage and multiple operating systems.

Enterprise plans

For enterprises, DreamHost offers dedicated hosting starting at $199.00/month with full root access, 100% uptime guarantee, and 24/7 support. The Enhanced 32 plan at $299.00/month provides 32GB RAM and 480GB SSD storage. InterServer’s enterprise offerings include reseller hosting plans like RS Five at $69.95/month with 280GB disk space and 2000GB monthly bandwidth, providing scalable options for business needs. Both providers deliver extensive storage, bandwidth, and support, catering efficiently to enterprise requirements.

🏆 Winner DreamHost: A user-friendly hosting provider with extensive support resources.

DreamHost uses a custom-built control panel designed for easy account administration. This custom solution features advanced options such as SFTP, Shell Access, and WP-CLI, making it suitable for both technical and non-technical users. The interface is intuitive, helping users navigate through various functionalities with ease. On the other hand, InterServer uses industry-standard control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin. These panels are widely recognized for their user-friendliness and robustness, providing numerous tools for website management. Both options cater to different user preferences, but DreamHost’s custom panel offers a more integrated experience.

InterServer’s use of cPanel and DirectAdmin also makes the hosting process accessible but can be more familiar for those who have used hosting services before. The availability of 461 one-click script installations, including popular content management systems like WordPress and Joomla, provides significant ease of use. This makes InterServer a solid choice for users who are looking for familiarity and a broad range of script options. Nonetheless, DreamHost’s customized panel can provide a streamlined and cohesive experience, minimizing the learning curve even for new users.

Both providers offer free migration services, although their approaches differ. DreamHost provides a dedicated Migration Dashboard that scans the site and offers multiple migration options, simplifying the process considerably. For users opting for DreamHost, this automated tool makes the transition smooth and hassle-free. In contrast, InterServer offers a free migration service that requires a full cPanel backup from the customer, which is a manual process and might be more challenging for less tech-savvy users. This difference highlights DreamHost’s commitment to providing a more user-friendly migration process compared to InterServer’s slightly more complex requirement.

The platforms provide extensive knowledge bases filled with guides, how-to articles, and instructional content. DreamHost offers a wide range of resources alongside 24/7 chat and email support. InterServer also provides 24/7 support through phone, chat, and a ticket system, along with a useful knowledge base featuring articles on common issues like adding DMARC records and opening firewall ports. Both platforms provide solid support resources, but DreamHost’s in-house expert assistance and extensive guides are particularly beneficial for users seeking in-depth help.

🏆 Winner DreamHost: DreamHost provides advanced user management features and flexibility, making it the superior choice.

In comparing DreamHost and InterServer, DreamHost stands out with its ability to grant unlimited SFTP users and SSH access, allowing for granular control over user roles and permissions. The custom-built DreamHost Control Panel further simplifies user role management, enabling users to define and adjust roles with ease. InterServer, while offering standard control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, lacks the specific focus on user roles and permissions as highlighted for DreamHost. The flexibility in creating tailored user roles is more pronounced in DreamHost, making it a more attractive option for intricate user management needs.

DreamHost’s custom-built control panel provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing users. With its centralized dashboard, administrators can easily handle domains, mail, FTP, SSH, and support services. The availability of advanced tools like a Subversion repository and Crontab access further enhances the user management experience. In contrast, InterServer relies on traditional interfaces like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, which, while functional, may not offer the same streamlined experience as DreamHost’s custom solution.

Both platforms provide various access control measures, but DreamHost goes the extra mile with its robust security features. Users can set up password protection through .htaccess, gain access to raw log files for in-depth analysis, and use professional email services with extensive storage and filtering options. These measures ensure effective management of a growing user base. InterServer also offers user management capabilities through its control panels and email hosting services, but DreamHost’s bespoke features and comprehensive security options make it more efficient for handling an increasing number of users.

DreamHost user roles table:

InterServer user roles table:

🏆 Winner
InterServer: InterServer offers a wide range of customer support channels and additional features, making it a very comprehensive option for hosting services.

When comparing the customer support options between DreamHost and InterServer, InterServer comes out ahead with its more extensive range of support channels and features. InterServer offers phone support, live chat, a ticket system, and email support, making it versatile and accessible for users who prefer different methods of contact. Additionally, InterServer provides free website migration, proactive backups, and an on-site support team. DreamHost, on the other hand, offers extensive 24/7/365 support through live chat, email, and a ticket system but lacks direct phone support. It does offer professional services for an additional fee and has a comprehensive knowledge base and tutorials.

DreamHost provides 24/7/365 customer support availability, but only via chat, email, and ticket systems, limiting users who prefer phone support. InterServer excels in its support options by including a phone option and offering a more feature-rich environment, such as free migration services and an uptime guarantee. Furthermore, InterServer’s support team is based in the United States, offering localized support that could be more reliable to some users. With its lower response times and extensive support channels, InterServer provides a more comprehensive customer support experience.

User feedback

DreamHost is a well-regarded hosting provider praised for its reliability, affordable pricing, user-friendly interface, and excellent performance. Users especially appreciate the responsive customer support, the easy navigation of the web portal, and a variety of hosting options suitable for different needs. However, common criticisms include the lack of phone support, occasional slow response times from customer service, and some challenges related to advanced functionalities and site migrations. While the majority of users report positive experiences, a few have faced significant issues with downtime and customer service, impacting their overall satisfaction.

User feedback on the hosting provider paints a mixed picture. Many users commend the provider for its affordable, straightforward pricing and extensive features like unlimited storage and bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and a user-friendly control panel. The customer support, while generally prompt and effective, has garnered both praise and criticism, especially due to the lack of a dedicated phone support line and sometimes long live chat wait times. However, performance issues such as inconsistent server speed, downtime, and occasional loss of data have been frequent points of frustration for users.

FAQ