DreamHost Review

Performance plays a crucial role when selecting a web hosting provider. DreamHost excels in the US market, offering most users great performance and a positive user experience. However, people in select European countries might face issues like slow Largest Contentful Paint (over 1.5 seconds).

Despite this, DreamHost’s overall performance remains commendable for hosting websites. In our testing, we observed that the Largest Contentful Paint hovers around 1.5 seconds, and the Time to First Byte can sometimes reach up to 2 seconds.

Consider employing a Content Delivery Network (CDN), like Cloudflare, with regional data centres for users seeking optimal web hosting performance. This additional step can significantly enhance loading times. However, the need for a CDN might deter some users from selecting DreamHost.

The reliability and stability of a web hosting provider depend on the uptime, ensuring continuous website accessibility. During our DreamHost review, the host demonstrated very good uptime. 

In our DreamHost review, its assertive statement of 99.99% uptime accuracy was validated, as our test website maintained unwavering stability and accessibility throughout the entire testing period.

DreamHost’s dedication to upholding uptime reliability is underscored by its system status page, which empowers users to oversee any noteworthy downtime incidents. This transparent method of monitoring uptime inspires trust among users.

Ensuring you have access to exceptional post-purchase support precisely when you require it is a crucial factor in selecting a web hosting service. DreamHost’s support was very helpful and offered multiple communication avenues for users to seek assistance.

Phone support is widely used and the preferred method for contacting support for many customers; unfortunately, it comes at an extra cost, which is generally uncommon among the competition.

Conversely, the live chat and ticketing systems operate efficiently, with knowledgeable representatives available to address various inquiries and concerns. However, be aware that there might be a slight wait of a few hours before receiving a response to your query.

One aspect to keep in mind is that the live chat system maintains specific operating hours, which become visible upon logging into your account. The ticketing system remains accessible around the clock, ensuring that users can reach out for support as needed.

Before initiating a ticket, it is advisable to explore the knowledge base, as it often contains solutions to commonly encountered issues.

These were the average support wait/response times encountered during our testing:

When selecting a web hosting provider, finding one that delivers an enjoyable overall experience can save valuable time.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to be aware that DreamHost’s services in Australia come with a unique control panel instead of the industry-standard cPanel. This distinction might deter certain users from opting for its services.

While DreamHost’s custom control panel is designed to be user-friendly and uncomplicated, it may present a learning curve for users accustomed to the familiarity of cPanel. This divergence in control panel interfaces could necessitate a brief period of adjustment for those who are well-versed in the layout and functionalities of cPanel.

Another alternative is to employ the 1-click method to install WordPress, although the availability of other commonly used applications is not explicitly specified.

Another crucial factor in selecting a web host is pricing. DreamHost’s shared hosting plans, namely Starter and Unlimited, offer attractive options for users looking for hosting solutions.

For 3-year billing terms, DreamHost’s shared hosting plans start at a competitive rate of $2.59/mo USD. One thing to note is that only some payment options are available for people outside the US and Europe. This pricing provides excellent value for those seeking reliable hosting services over an extended period.

Moreover, DreamHost sweetens the deal by offering a free domain name with all annual terms.

These are the shared hosting prices DreamHost offers to its Australian clients:

• Shared Starter: A great hosting plan. This plan starts at $2.95/mo for 1-year subscriptions and includes one website, 50GB of storage, unlimited traffic, free domain registration, and a WordPress Website Builder. The plan’s pricing transforms to $2.59/mo with a 3-year subscription.
• Shared Unlimited: For $2.95/mo (1-year subscription), this plan offers everything in Shared Starter, plus unlimited websites, unlimited email with your domain name, and unlimited subdomains and databases.

VPS hosting is relatively expensive, starting at $10/mo. Nonetheless, the Managed WordPress or DreamPress hosting options have a starting price of $16.95/mo.

If you’re looking for a web hosting provider, this DreamHost review will show you that this web host should be a strong contender.

With a strong presence in the US market and a reputation for providing a positive experience for newcomers, DreamHost showcases its expertise in web hosting. Performance-wise, DreamHost impresses with excellent uptime, delivering on its bold claim of 99.99%, while loading times for most people will be more than enough.

It’s essential to say that in some areas of the world, you might notice slight performance drops, higher Largest Contentful Paint or/and higher Time to First Byte, indicating slower network speeds or lack of local data centres. Nevertheless, DreamHost’s overall performance remains commendable, making it a viable option for most use cases.

Our testing unveiled that support at DreamHost proves reliable, with responsive live chat and ticketing systems. 

The support team has plenty of knowledge and is eager to help. Though phone support comes at an extra cost, the available support channels ensure users receive the assistance they need. Using DreamHost’s comprehensive knowledge base is recommended for self-help solutions before submitting a ticket.

The ease of use at DreamHost comes with its custom control panel, which may differ from the industry-standard cPanel. While it may take some adjustment for cPanel users, DreamHost’s control panel offers user-friendly options for beginners, making it suitable for those new to web hosting.

Pricing at DreamHost shines with highly competitive rates for 3-year billing terms, starting at just $2.59/mo USD. 

Summing up this DreamHost review, the web host demonstrates a strong performance with excellent uptime, delivering a reliable hosting experience in Australia and beyond. 

Adequate support options, user-friendly features, and competitive pricing make DreamHost a favourable choice for individuals, bloggers, small businesses, and developers alike.