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DreamHost vs Liquid Web (2024 Comparison)

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 08, 2024

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Excellent Value For Price
4.3

0

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DreamHost

DreamHost offers affordable and user-friendly hosting solutions, perfect for beginners. With a free domain for the first year and a straightforward interface, it's an excellent choice for new website owners.

  • Affordable pricing plans
  • User-friendly interface
  • Free domain for first year
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic customer support

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$2.59 per month
Excellent Value For Price
4.5

0

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Liquid Web

Liquid Web provides high-performance managed WordPress hosting with exceptional customer support. Its advanced security features and scalability make it ideal for businesses seeking reliable hosting solutions.

  • Exceptional customer support
  • Advanced security features
  • High-performance hosting
  • Higher pricing
  • Complex setup for beginners

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$5 per month

What is DreamHost?

DreamHost is a web hosting service that offers shared hosting solutions, making it ideal for small to medium-sized websites. It provides a user-friendly interface, unlimited bandwidth, and a free domain for the first year. DreamHost is known for its reliable uptime and robust security features, ensuring your website remains accessible and secure. With its one-click WordPress installation, DreamHost simplifies the process of setting up a website, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

What is Liquid Web?

Liquid Web is a managed WordPress hosting service that caters to businesses seeking high-performance and scalable hosting solutions. It offers features like automatic updates, daily backups, and advanced security measures to ensure your website runs smoothly and securely. Liquid Web's customer support is renowned for its expertise and availability, providing assistance whenever needed. This hosting service is perfect for businesses that require a reliable and efficient platform to manage their WordPress sites, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.

Pros and Cons of DreamHost vs Liquid Web

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Pros & Cons of DreamHost

Affordable pricing plans
  • DreamHost offers competitive pricing plans that provide excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users seeking reliable hosting solutions.
User-friendly interface
  • The intuitive interface of DreamHost makes it easy for beginners to set up and manage their websites, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Free domain for first year
  • DreamHost provides a free domain for the first year, reducing initial costs and making it an appealing choice for new website owners.
Limited advanced features
  • While DreamHost offers essential features, it lacks some advanced options that businesses may require for high-performance hosting.
Basic customer support
  • DreamHost's customer support is reliable but lacks the depth and expertise offered by some competitors, which may be a consideration for users needing extensive assistance.
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Pros & Cons of Liquid Web

Exceptional customer support
  • Liquid Web is renowned for its top-notch customer support, providing expert assistance 24/7 to ensure your hosting experience is smooth and trouble-free.
Advanced security features
  • With features like DDoS protection and SSL certificates, Liquid Web offers robust security measures to safeguard your website and data.
High-performance hosting
  • Liquid Web's infrastructure is designed for high performance, making it ideal for businesses that require reliable and efficient hosting solutions.
Higher pricing
  • Liquid Web's premium features come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users seeking more affordable options.
Complex setup for beginners
  • While Liquid Web offers advanced features, the setup process may be complex for beginners, requiring some technical knowledge to fully utilize its capabilities.

DreamHost vs Liquid Web: At A Glance

Decision FactorDreamHostLiquid Web
Value to Price
Good4.2
Excellent4.5
Ease of Use
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4
Functionality
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.6
Scalability
Good4.1
Excellent4.5
Integrations
Good4.0
Excellent4.3
Customer Support
Good4.2
Excellent4.7
Security
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.6
Overall Rating
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.5

Value to Price

DreamHost offers a competitive pricing structure with a range of features that provide excellent value for money. Its unlimited bandwidth and free domain for the first year make it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. Liquid Web, on the other hand, justifies its higher price with premium features like managed WordPress hosting and superior customer support. If you prioritize advanced features and support, Liquid Web is the better choice.

Ease of Use

DreamHost is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage their websites. The one-click WordPress installation is a standout feature. Liquid Web also offers a straightforward setup process, but its advanced features may require a bit more technical knowledge. If you're a beginner, DreamHost might be more suitable.

Functionality

Both DreamHost and Liquid Web offer robust functionality, but Liquid Web takes the lead with its managed WordPress hosting and automatic updates. DreamHost provides essential features that cater to most users' needs, but Liquid Web's advanced options make it ideal for businesses seeking high performance. If you need advanced functionality, Liquid Web is the way to go.

Scalability

DreamHost provides scalable solutions that can grow with your website, but Liquid Web excels in this area with its high-performance hosting options. Liquid Web's infrastructure is designed to handle large traffic volumes, making it suitable for businesses expecting growth. If scalability is a priority, Liquid Web is the better option.

Integrations

DreamHost offers a variety of integrations, including one-click installations for popular applications. Liquid Web also supports numerous integrations, but its focus on WordPress means it offers more specialized options. If you need specific WordPress integrations, Liquid Web is the superior choice.

Customer Support

DreamHost provides reliable customer support, but Liquid Web is renowned for its exceptional service. With 24/7 availability and expert assistance, Liquid Web ensures your issues are resolved promptly. If top-notch support is crucial, Liquid Web is the better choice.

Security

Both DreamHost and Liquid Web prioritize security, offering features like SSL certificates and daily backups. However, Liquid Web's advanced security measures, including DDoS protection, give it an edge. If security is a top concern, Liquid Web is the safer bet.

Overall Rating

DreamHost is a solid choice for those seeking affordable and reliable hosting, while Liquid Web stands out for its premium features and exceptional support. If you're looking for a high-performance hosting solution, Liquid Web is the better option.

DreamHost vs Liquid Web: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features

FeaturesDreamHostLiquid Web
Uptime Guarantee
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.7
Free Domain
Excellent4.5
Good4.0
Daily Backups
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.6
Managed WordPress
Good4.0
Excellent4.8
SSL Certificates
Good4.2
Excellent4.5
DDoS Protection
Good4.1
Excellent4.7

Uptime Guarantee

DreamHost offers a solid uptime guarantee, ensuring your website remains accessible to visitors. However, Liquid Web takes it a step further with a higher uptime guarantee, providing peace of mind for businesses that rely on their online presence. If uptime is critical for your operations, Liquid Web is the better choice.

Free Domain

DreamHost provides a free domain for the first year, making it an attractive option for new website owners. Liquid Web does not offer this feature, which may be a consideration for those looking to minimize initial costs. If a free domain is important to you, DreamHost is the better option.

Daily Backups

Both DreamHost and Liquid Web offer daily backups, but Liquid Web's advanced backup solutions provide more comprehensive protection. This feature is crucial for businesses that need to ensure data integrity and quick recovery in case of issues. If you prioritize robust backup solutions, Liquid Web is the superior choice.

Managed WordPress

DreamHost offers basic WordPress hosting, but Liquid Web excels with its managed WordPress services. This includes automatic updates and enhanced security, making it ideal for businesses that want to focus on content rather than technical maintenance. If you need managed WordPress hosting, Liquid Web is the better option.

SSL Certificates

Both DreamHost and Liquid Web provide SSL certificates to secure your website. Liquid Web's advanced security features, including SSL, offer enhanced protection for sensitive data. If security is a top priority, Liquid Web is the better choice.

DDoS Protection

DreamHost offers basic DDoS protection, but Liquid Web's advanced measures provide superior defense against attacks. This is crucial for businesses that need to ensure their website remains operational during potential threats. If DDoS protection is important, Liquid Web is the better option.

Pricing Comparison of DreamHost and Liquid Web

To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of DreamHost and Liquid Web. This comparison will highlight the best option for your hosting needs.

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DreamHost Pricing Plans

Shared Starter
For Small Businesses
$2.59

per month

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Shared Starter includes:
  • Unlimited traffic to handle any number of visitors.
  • Fast SSD storage for quick data access and retrieval.
  • Free SSL certificate to secure your website data.
  • AI website builder for easy site creation and management.
Shared Unlimited
For Large Enterprises
$3.95

per month

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Includes Shared Starter, plus:
  • Unlimited email accounts at your domain.
  • Pre-installed free SSL certificate for all sites.
  • Automated daily backups for data protection.
  • Unlimited MySQL databases for extensive data management.
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Liquid Web Pricing Plans

Spark
For Individuals
$5.25

per month

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Spark includes:
  • 2 TB bandwidth to handle moderate traffic levels.
  • Supports up to 1 site for small-scale projects.
  • 10 PHP workers per site for optimal performance.
  • 20 autoscaled workers to manage traffic spikes.
Starter
For Small Businesses
$5.25

per month

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Starter includes:
  • 3 TB bandwidth to support moderate traffic.
  • Supports up to 1 site for small businesses.
  • 10 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 20 autoscaled workers to handle traffic surges.
Spark+
For Creators
$10.75

per month

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Includes Spark, plus:
  • 2.5 TB bandwidth for increased traffic handling.
  • Supports up to 3 sites for growing projects.
  • 15 PHP workers per site for better performance.
  • 25 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Starter+
For Small Businesses
$10.75

per month

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Includes Starter, plus:
  • 4 TB bandwidth to support higher traffic.
  • Supports up to 2 sites for expanding businesses.
  • 15 PHP workers per site for improved processing.
  • 25 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Maker
For Creators
$21.75

per month

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Includes Spark+, plus:
  • 3 TB bandwidth for handling more traffic.
  • Supports up to 5 sites for creators.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Creator
For Small Businesses
$21.75

per month

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Includes Starter+, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support high traffic.
  • Supports up to 3 sites for growing businesses.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Designer
For Designers
$30

per month

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Includes Maker, plus:
  • 4 TB bandwidth for handling increased traffic.
  • Supports up to 10 sites for designers.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for optimal performance.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Merchant
For Small Businesses
$41

per month

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Includes Creator, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support high traffic.
  • Supports up to 5 sites for expanding businesses.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for improved processing.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Builder
For Builders
$41

per month

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Includes Designer, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 25 sites for builders.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Standard
For Large Businesses
$82

per month

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Includes Merchant, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support very high traffic.
  • Supports up to 10 sites for large businesses.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Producer
For Producers
$82

per month

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Includes Builder, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 50 sites for producers.
  • 40 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 50 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Growth
For Large Businesses
$150.5

per month

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Includes Standard, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth to support very high traffic.
  • Supports up to 20 sites for large businesses.
  • 40 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 50 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Executive
For Executives
$150.5

per month

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Includes Producer, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 100 sites for executives.
  • 50 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 60 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Enterprise
For Large Enterprises
$273.75

per month

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Includes Growth, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic.
  • Supports up to 30 sites for large enterprises.
  • 50 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 60 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Enterprise
For Enterprises
$273.75

per month

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Includes Executive, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 250 sites for enterprises.
  • 60 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 70 autoscaled workers for traffic management.

Our Rating Methodology

We conduct extensive testing on each hosting service, assessing performance, security, scalability, and more. Additionally, we analyze user reviews for real-world insights. Each of the 7 evaluation factors is weighted to provide a final score, ensuring you avoid unreliable hosting solutions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

DreamHost or Liquid Web: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?

Choose DreamHost If You Need ...

  • Affordable and user-friendly hosting

    If you are a beginner or small business owner looking for an easy-to-use website builder, DreamHost is an excellent choice. Its affordable pricing and user-friendly interface make it ideal for those new to web hosting.

  • Free domain for first year

    If you want to minimize initial costs, DreamHost offers a free domain for the first year, making it an attractive option for new website owners seeking to reduce expenses.

Choose Liquid Web If You Need ...

  • High-performance managed hosting

    If you require a high-performance hosting solution with advanced features, Liquid Web is the better choice. Its managed WordPress hosting and exceptional customer support make it ideal for businesses seeking reliable hosting.

  • Advanced security features

    If security is a top priority, Liquid Web's advanced security measures, including DDoS protection, provide superior protection for your website and data, making it the safer option.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.