Dreamhost vs Pressable: guide for 2024

Final verdict

Looking over DreamHost vs. Pressable, both hosting providers offer reliable services with distinct advantages tailored to different types of users.

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  Pressable (Overall grade: 8.4)
  
  
  offers an impressive array of features specifically optimized for WordPress, making it an excellent choice for agencies, ecommerce businesses, and developers. Its standout features include smart plugin updates, Jetpack Security, a global CDN, and extensive developer tools such as GitHub integration. Pressable excels in performance with its fleet of optimized data centers and offers a 100% uptime guarantee, enhanced by geo-redundant automatic failover and proactive 24/7/365 monitoring. However, its higher price point and lack of email hosting might deter some users. The platform’s commitment to security with integrated malware scanning and automated daily backups underlines its reliability, making it a solid choice for high-performance and secure WordPress hosting.
  
• 
  DreamHost (Overall grade: 8.2)
  
  
  stands out with its versatility, offering a broad spectrum of hosting plans from shared to dedicated hosting. It’s particularly suitable for high-traffic websites and multimedia-rich content, thanks to its scalable cloud hosting options. Users benefit from an intuitive custom control panel, free domain registration, unlimited storage, and a robust email hosting service. DreamHost also delivers commendable performance and a 100% uptime promise, albeit without the geo-redundant failover of Pressable. While it lacks some of the advanced, integrated features of Pressable, DreamHost remains a user-friendly option with solid customer support, making it a great choice for diverse hosting needs at an affordable price.
  

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
Pressable: Offering cutting-edge uptime guarantee and geo-redundant automatic failover, Pressable stands out as the superior hosting provider.

Pressable provides a 100% uptime guarantee supported by a service-level agreement, ensuring that websites remain online and available. Geo-redundant automatic failover means that your sites are replicated in real-time to a secondary data center, contributing to their extraordinary reliability. With 24/7/365 monitoring and proactive alerts, Pressable ensures high fault tolerance, minimizing potential downtime.

DreamHost also offers a 100% uptime guarantee, and its performance metrics are commendable, showing reliable server speeds and stability. However, Pressable’s additional features, such as geo-redundant automatic failover and 24/7/365 monitoring, give it an edge. These aspects ensure an exceptionally high level of site stability and minimal downtime, making Pressable the more dependable option.

🏆 Winner
Pressable: For users who prioritize performance-optimized WordPress hosting, Pressable is more suitable for high-demand websites that require reliable and fast global access.

Pressable and DreamHost both offer SSD storage and free CDN integration to enhance hosting performance and speed. Pressable, however, showcases faster load times with its lightning-fast server speeds and a global network of 28+ data centers across six continents, compared to DreamHost’s multiple data centers. Pressable operates a custom resource management system and CPU optimizations, which surpasses DreamHost’s NGINX hosting, potentially offering better memory usage and content delivery. Moreover, Pressable’s technology is more comprehensive, which may contribute to its superior performance.

Website Speed

Pressable excels in website speed with its optimized CPUs and multitude of data centers, boasting static performance test response times of approximately 5.2 milliseconds, significantly outperforming DreamHost’s competitive edge offered through NGINX-based architecture. Although both fall within the acceptable range, Pressable’s website speed is notably better, indicating a more efficient user experience with on-the-fly image compression and thumbnail creation.

Scalability

Both hosting providers offer dynamic scaling options tailored to varying needs; however, Pressable provides an automatic advantage with its auto-scaling capabilities during traffic peaks. DreamHost also offers scalable RAM and storage; however, upgrades need to be manually managed. Both offer dedicated servers, with DreamHost’s pricing starting at $199.00 per month, though the cost details of scaling with Pressable aren’t specified.

Winner Pressable: Leading with its comprehensive malware scanning and reliable web application firewall.

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

Technical security measures:

DreamHost and Pressable both offer robust technical security features but differ in their focus and tools. DreamHost provides a free SSL certificate, support for current PHP versions, and OPcache to enhance PHP performance. It also includes custom security options like mod_security and RAID 1 storage for reliability. Pressable, on the other hand, excels with its proactive malware scanning, Jetpack Security integration, and automated daily backups. While DreamHost provides optional malware scanning through DreamShield, Pressable’s integrated approach offers an advanced edge for enhanced security.

Operational security measures:

DreamHost offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure access methods like SSH and SFTP, which are also available on Pressable. DreamHost’s server monitoring and custom control panel provide detailed operational oversight. However, Pressable’s operational measures, like regular threat monitoring, hack recovery assistance, and managed WordPress core updates, make it more appealing for WordPress users. Additionally, Pressable uses a global CDN and redundant data centers to ensure low latency and high availability, enhancing overall operational security.

Compliance and certifications:

DreamHost is GDPR compliant and offers a Privacy Center for personal data management, deleting server logs after 72 hours. It is PCI compliant for its own servers but requires customers to obtain their own PCI certification. DreamHost does not support HIPAA compliance. On the other hand, Pressable suggests compliance with GDPR and PCI standards but lacks explicit details. HIPAA compliance is not specified for Pressable, making DreamHost more transparent in terms of regulatory adherence.

🏆 Winner
DreamHost: A versatile hosting provider with a broad range of services and features catering to various needs.

DreamHost and Pressable offer robust hosting options, but they cater to different audiences with unique selling points. DreamHost provides a wide array of hosting plans including shared, VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting, making it versatile enough to meet the needs of both small and large websites. DreamHost’s user-friendly interface includes features like unlimited storage, free domain registration, free professional email addresses, and a custom control panel. Their built-in website builder and commitment to privacy and security further enhance their appeal. On the other hand, Pressable specializes in managed WordPress hosting, offering features like automatic WordPress core updates, free global CDN, and Jetpack Security. Their developer-centric tools, such as GitHub integration and a robust API, make it particularly attractive for developers.

Both providers excel in specific areas, but they also have some unique differences. DreamHost offers free domain registration and privacy protection, with a strong focus on ensuring a seamless user experience through their custom-built control panel and auto-enabled sFTP. In contrast, Pressable emphasizes performance and security with features such as proactive malware scanning and automatic scaling. DreamHost provides automated daily backups and on-demand backups, whereas Pressable offers daily file system backups and hourly database backups. Both providers offer free SSL certificates; however, DreamHost extends to free professional migration and email hosting, which could be significant requirements for comprehensive site management.

Email services:

DreamHost offers comprehensive email hosting services with their plans, allowing users to set up professional email addresses. They also provide transactional email capabilities essential for form submissions and other actions. On the flip side, Pressable does not include email hosting in their offerings, focusing more on managed WordPress hosting features. This difference might be a deciding factor for users looking to manage their email campaigns directly from their hosting provider.

🏆 Winner
Pressable: Offers extensive WordPress hosting solutions with ample resources and advanced features.

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 Pressable, it becomes clear that each provider has unique strengths. DreamHost offers a range of plans from economical shared hosting starting at $2.59/mo to premium dedicated services up to $299.00/mo. They boast strong features, such as free domain registration and SSL certificates across plans. Pressable, with plans starting at $40.00/mo, focuses specifically on WordPress hosting, providing enhanced features like Smart Plugin Updates and Jetpack Security. Pressable’s plans are tailored for higher traffic and more extensive WordPress installations, making them ideal for businesses with significant online activities.

Enterprise plans

DreamHost’s enterprise plans are diverse, ranging from $199.00/mo for Standard 16 to $299.00/mo for Enhanced 32, focusing on offering full root access, high storage capacities, and 100% uptime guarantees. Pressable offers custom enterprise plans tailored to the client’s requirements, such as custom WordPress installs and storage, with high traffic capabilities powered by robust cloud infrastructure.

🏆 Winner DreamHost: User-friendly setup and extensive support resources.

DreamHost offers a custom-built control panel that is specifically designed for both technical and non-technical users. The panel simplifies account administration, featuring tools such as SFTP, Shell Access, and WP-CLI, providing a streamlined experience. DreamHost’s control panel also offers a one-click WordPress installation and the ability to add domains during the signup process without any downtime for your current website. In contrast, Pressable’s managed hosting dashboard is sleek and modern, offering easy access to website data, developer tools, and domain management. Its intuitive design and functionality make it suitable for managing multiple websites, offering features like one-click cloning and easy SFTP access, which cater to both beginners and advanced users.

Both providers offer comprehensive migration tools, though their approaches differ slightly. DreamHost provides a Migration Dashboard within the account panel, allowing users to choose and follow guided migration options. This service scans your site for optimal transfer and includes post-migration DNS pointing to ensure the site is live. Pressable, on the other hand, has an Automated Migration plugin that simplifies the process further, suitable even for those with less technical expertise. Notably, Pressable offers free managed migrations, which DreamHost does not explicitly mention.

DreamHost and Pressable both offer well-organized help centers with extensive resources. DreamHost’s knowledge base is continually updated and includes a vast array of articles, FAQs, and tutorials. It offers round-the-clock in-house expert support, with intensive training for their support team, which includes WordPress core contributors. Pressable’s knowledge base is equally robust, covering getting started guides, troubleshooting, billing, and detailed speed optimizations. Their 24/7 support from certified WordPress engineers is accessible directly through the MyPressable dashboard, noted for quick response times.

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 phone support. Pressable also boasts a detailed help center with an intuitive search function and around-the-clock support via live chat, phone, and ticketing, ensuring comprehensive user support.

🏆 Winner: Offers extensive user management features with tools for both basic and advanced users.

DreamHost and Pressable offer diverse user management options, but each caters to different needs. DreamHost provides a range of capabilities, such as unlimited SFTP users, SSH access, and a custom-built control panel, which allows for detailed management of various user roles and permissions. Pressable focuses on simplicity and ease of collaboration, with features like easy collaborator access and a clear control panel, assisting admins in managing site-specific roles efficiently. Both platforms support SSH and SFTP access, but DreamHost’s additional support for advanced programming languages and crontab access gives it an edge in flexibility and versatility for managing user roles.

The user interfaces for managing users on DreamHost and Pressable are built for efficiency, yet they differ in complexity and depth. DreamHost’s control panel is custom-built and presents a wide variety of options in one place, making it suitable for both beginners and power users. It allows for detailed management of domains, mail, FTP, SSH, and more, ensuring that all user management tasks can be handled without hassle. Pressable’s control panel, while streamlined and easy to navigate, provides essential information about sites and users, with quick access to changing PHP versions, WordPress settings, and site staging. This simplicity is beneficial for those focused on collaboration without needing deep technical adjustments.

Access control measures on both platforms are effective, but their approaches differ. DreamHost’s comprehensive suite, including password protection via .htaccess, access to raw log files, and advanced programming support, ensures that users can manage access securely and efficiently across a growing number of users. The platform’s ability to handle multiple SFTP users without limit and provide SVN repository access demonstrates its scalability and capacity for teamwork. Pressable, emphasizing security, offers daily backups, malware scanning, and easy collaborator management through its dashboard, which is particularly advantageous for smaller teams or projects requiring quick, secure access adjustments. Though DreamHost offers more advanced options, Pressable’s security-minded approach and straightforward collaborator management make it suitable for different user bases.

DreamHost user roles table:

Pressable user roles table:

🏆 Winner: Pressable: Offers quick response and resolution times with WordPress-certified engineers and high customer satisfaction.

DreamHost offers a range of support options, including 24/7 availability through chat, email, and tickets, but lacks direct phone support. Callback services are available for an additional fee. DreamHost boasts a comprehensive knowledge base and offers additional professional services like custom web design and marketing. Additionally, shared hosting plans come with an impressive 97-day money-back guarantee.

Pressable, on the other hand, focuses on WordPress-specific support, providing rapid response and resolution times. With a customer satisfaction rating of 98% or better, their support team is composed of certified WordPress engineers. Pressable includes free services like migrations, SSL certificates, and daily backups. A dedicated Slack channel is available for an advanced support experience. Though lacking phone support, Pressable excels with its quick and effective online support.

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.

Overall, users have expressed high satisfaction with the hosting provider, citing exceptional customer support, fast response times, and reliable uptime as standout features. The platform’s ease of use, fast website speeds, and seamless integration with WordPress are frequently praised. Although some users noted that accessing core files and the staging environment process could be more straightforward, these issues do not significantly detract from their positive experiences. The main minor drawback highlighted is the pricing, which some users feel is on the higher side, but they acknowledge it is justified by the outstanding quality and support provided.

FAQ