Bluehost vs DreamHost: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right web hosting tool for your needs.

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
B
Bluehost
D
DreamHost
Overall Rating
7.5/10
7.5/10
Starting Price
$2.95/mo
$2.59/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
small
small
Ease of Use
9/10
7/10
Features
7/10
8/10
Value for Money
7/10
8/10
Support
7/10
7/10

Overview

Bluehost is officially recommended by WordPress.org, offering reliable hosting with WordPress-specific features. Part of the EIG family of hosting companies.

DreamHost is an independent hosting provider known for transparency and WordPress expertise. Also officially recommended by WordPress.org.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: DreamHost
B

Bluehost

Pricing ModelPaid
Starting Price$2.95/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
D

DreamHost

Better Value
Pricing ModelPaid
Starting Price$2.59/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: DreamHost
FeatureBluehostDreamHost
Shared Hosting
Vps Hosting
Cloud Hosting
Managed Word Press
Free S S L
Free Domain
Cdn Included
Paid add-on
Daily Backups
Paid add-on
Staging Environment
Higher tiers
Uptime Guarantee
99.9%
100%

0

features unique to Bluehost

1

features unique to DreamHost

Pros & Cons

B

Bluehost

Pros

  • WordPress.org recommended
  • Easy WordPress installation
  • Free domain for first year
  • 24/7 phone and chat support
  • Good for beginners

Cons

  • Higher renewal prices
  • Slower than premium hosts
  • Upselling during checkout
  • Basic plans are limited
D

DreamHost

Pros

  • WordPress.org recommended
  • 97-day money-back guarantee
  • Transparent pricing
  • Privacy-focused (free WHOIS privacy)
  • Good month-to-month options

Cons

  • No traditional cPanel
  • Email hosting costs extra
  • Support can be slow
  • Custom control panel learning curve

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Bluehost and DreamHost are excellent web hosting tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Bluehost shines in wordpress beginners, while DreamHost excels at wordpress users. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Bluehost if you prioritize wordpress.org recommended, and DreamHost if wordpress.org recommended matter more to you.

Choose Bluehost if you...

  • • Need wordpress beginners
  • • Need small business websites
  • • Need personal blogs

Choose DreamHost if you...

  • • Need wordpress users
  • • Need privacy-conscious users
  • • Need those wanting month-to-month

Ready to Get Started?

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

Bluehost vs DreamHost FAQ

Both Bluehost and DreamHost are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, DreamHost is more affordable with plans starting at $2.59/month, compared to $2.95/month for the other.
Bluehost scores higher in ease of use (9/10) compared to DreamHost (7/10).
Yes, migration between Bluehost and DreamHost is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Bluehost is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Both tools require paid plans, so factor pricing into your runway calculations.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Bluehost excels at: WordPress beginners, Small business websites. DreamHost is better for: WordPress users, Privacy-conscious users. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Both tools have similar support ratings at 7/10.
DreamHost offers better value for money with a rating of 8/10 compared to Bluehost's 7/10.
Consider switching if DreamHost's strengths (WordPress users) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.