We earn commissions when you shop through the links on this page.
Cloudways vs DreamHost
Cloudways
DreamHost
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and performance to help you choose the right hosting provider.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cloudways | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Price | Not offered | Not offered |
| Storage | 25 GB SSD | 25 GB NVMe SSD |
| Bandwidth | 1 TB | Unmetered |
| Websites | Unlimited | 25 |
| CPU | 1 vCPU | N/A |
| RAM | 1 GB | N/A |
| Free Domain | ||
| Free SSL | ||
| Server Locations | ||
| Regions | 9 ★ | 3 |
| Locations | US East, New York, Virginia US West, San Francisco, Oregon Western Europe, London, Amsterdam Central Europe, Frankfurt Southeast Asia, Singapore East Asia, Tokyo India, Mumbai, Bangalore Australia & Oceania, Sydney South America, Sao Paulo | US East, Ashburn, Virginia US West, Hillsboro, Oregon Western Europe, Amsterdam |
| Plan Details | ||
| Limited plan details available | ||
| Backups | ||
| Money-Back Guarantee | ||
| Monthly Visitors | Unlimited | 40k |
| Email Accounts | 20 Mailboxes | |
Features | ||
CMS & Platforms (7) | ||
Languages & Frameworks (9) | ||
Databases (4) | ||
Developer Tools (8) | ||
Performance & CDN (4) | ||
| Caching | ||
| CDN | ||
| LiteSpeed | ||
| SSD Storage | ||
Security (6) | ||
| 2FA | ||
| Backups | ||
| DDoS Protection | ||
| Malware Scan | ||
| SSL | ||
| WAF | ||
Support (4) | ||
Extras & Guarantees (5) | ||
| Slight discrepancies are possible. We recommend verifying details on the provider's website. | ||
| Visit Cloudways | Visit DreamHost | |
Pricing & Plans
Cloudways Plans
DreamHost Plans
Pros & Cons
Cloudways
Pros
- Choice of 5 cloud providers (DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, Google Cloud)
- Pay-as-you-go monthly billing — no long-term contracts required
- No price increase on renewal
- Free staging environments with 1-click push/pull
- Imunify360 server firewall and vulnerability scanner
- Object Cache Pro included on 4 GB+ servers
- 3-day free trial without credit card
- 24/7/365 support on all plans
Cons
- No annual billing discount on Flexible plans
- Cloudflare Enterprise CDN is a paid add-on ($4.99/domain/mo)
- No free domain included
- No built-in email hosting (Rackspace add-on $1/mailbox/mo)
- Advanced Support is expensive ($100/mo)
- AWS and Google Cloud plans are significantly more expensive
- No cPanel or Plesk — custom control panel only
DreamHost
Pros
- Industry-leading 97-day money-back guarantee on shared hosting
- Unlimited free SSL certificates on all plans
- Daily automated backups included at no extra cost
- Free domain for 1 year on annual plans
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
- DreamPress managed WordPress with BunnyCDN and staging
- Unmetered bandwidth on all plans
- Employee-owned company — no corporate conglomerate
Cons
- No cPanel — custom DreamHost panel requires adjustment
- DreamShield malware scanning is a paid add-on ($3.99/mo)
- No Windows hosting — Linux only
- VPS plans do not include root access
- Dedicated servers start at $165/mo — premium pricing
- No phone support — live chat and email only
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloudways
Is there a discount on managed cloud hosting for the first month?
Yes, many managed cloud hosting providers offer discounts for new users during the first month. These offers let you try the platform at a lower cost before fully committing. At Cloudways, we are offering 30% off for the first 5 months on all web hosting plans, along with free migrations handled by experts and making it easier for you to get started with our managed cloud hosting platform.
Which web hosting provider offers the best value for long term plans?
Finding the best long term web hosting provider depends on performance, scalability, and transparent pricing. While many providers attracts users with low starting prices that jump sharply at renewal, Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go pricing to keep costs predictable. With managed cloud servers starting at $11/month, Cloudways provides enterprise-level performance, 24/7 expert support, and full scalability across top cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean. For small to medium bus
How does 24/7/365 support work?
Every cloud hosting plan on Cloudways includes 24/7/365 support via Live Chat and our ticketing system. The Advanced and Premium Support add-ons offer exclusive benefits such as quicker response times and enhanced support access. For assistance, contact Cloudways support at '[email protected]'.
Do you charge any tax on monthly invoices?
Yes, as part of DigitalOcean LLC, Cloudways is required to collect fiscal taxes (such as VAT, GST, or Sales Tax) from customers located in specific countries and U.S. states to comply with local regulations. The tax rate is determined by your billing address and will be listed as a separate line item on your monthly invoice. Registered businesses in most locations can apply for a tax exemption on future invoices by providing a valid Tax ID via the Cloudways Platform. Click to read more about how
What is a free trial?
It is a chance for you to familiarize yourself with Cloudways Platform and test its capabilities. No risk, no obligation, no credit card required and you can cancel anytime.
Can I have servers on separate pricing plans and separate cloud providers?
Yes, you can launch multiple servers of the same or different cloud hosting plans and providers. It is entirely up to you how many servers of which cloud hosting pricing plans and infrastructure provider(s) you launch.
Can I launch separate applications?
Yes. There is no restriction on the number of applications you can launch on a single server.
What if I change my Cloudways pricing plan midway through the month?
Cloudways charges you hourly. This means you are charged only for what you use. As soon as you change your cloud hosting pricing plans, it will be reflected immediately on your invoice.
When will I be charged?
We use post-billing method and charge in arrears. Invoices are issued in the first week of every month for usage of services in the previous month. You will be notified by email of your invoices. For details, click here.
Do you charge differently for servers in different regions?
Yes, pricing varies by region. AWS and GCP have different prices for their infrastructure in each region. We pass those regional pricing differences along to customers. Generally, North America and Europe regions tend to be less expensive than Asia Pacific and South America.
What if I exceed my bandwidth?
Cloudways follows a pay-as-you-go model for bandwidth usage. This means you only pay for the additional bandwidth you consume beyond your plan's limit. On Amazon Web Services (AWS), bandwidth is billed on-demand at $0.12/GB for all regions. On Google Cloud Platform (GCP), bandwidth is billed on pay as you go basis at $0.10 to $0.17 per additional GB, varying by region. On DigitalOcean, additional bandwidth is charged at $0.02/GB.
Is there a way to estimate costs prior to launching your server?
Yes. The exact pricing for whichever configuration you choose will be visible while launching your server. Note that pricing may vary based on location for AWS & GCP servers.
DreamHost
Do I need technical experience to use DreamHost?
Not at all. Our control panel is beginner-friendly, and we offer expert support, AI tools, and even free website setup to help you get started.
How long does it take to get my site online?
We’ll help you get started quickly with a free Handcrafted Starter Website—our team will build a 4-page site for you at no cost, so you can get online fast with zero setup required. Prefer a DIY approach? Use Liftoff, our AI-powered WordPress builder, to launch a personalized site in under 60 seconds. Just choose your hosting plan and answer a few simple questions—no technical skills needed. Either way, getting your site live is fast, easy, and free to start.
I’m new to this. Can you help me get my website up and running?
Yes, we've got you covered. Every hosting plan includes one Free Handcrafted Starter Website to help you get started. Our team will handle setup, add your initial content, and customize your template all at no extra cost.
What kind of support does DreamHost offer?
We offer 24/7 support from a dedicated, in-house team that knows WordPress inside and out. You can reach us through live chat or email anytime you need help. No outsourcing, no bots—just real experts ready to assist you.
How can I migrate a non-WordPress site to DreamHost?
For WordPress sites, we offer a free automatic migration tool that makes the process fast and easy with zero downtime. Just install the plugin and follow a few simple steps, no technical expertise required.For non-WordPress sites, you have two options:Manually migrate your non-WordPress site by backing up your website files and uploading them to DreamHost. You can learn more about this here.Hire our Pro Services to help migrate your site! Please note that sites built with proprietary site builders (e.g., Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace) and Windows Server-based "Active Server Pages" (ASP) websites may incur additional fees for site migration. If you have any questions, schedule a free consultation with us.
Do hosting plans include a free domain name?
Our annual and multi-year Web Hosting, DreamPress, and VPS plans include a free 1-year domain registration. Your domain registration also includes free private registration (Domain Privacy Protection).
Can I upgrade to a more powerful hosting plan later?
Totally. Web Hosting is a smart, budget-friendly starting point, and when your site needs more, whether that's traffic, content, or performance, you can upgrade to a plan with more server space, dedicated resources, advanced security, and faster speeds. Wondering when to upgrade? If you notice diminished site performance or lack necessary space or resources, it's time to consider bumping your site to the next level and choosing a better-fit hosting package. No matter the current size of your website, DreamHost offers a perfectly-matched plan. We adapt to match your needs, making upgrading easy.
Do you include SSL certificates?
We care about safety big time — and so do your site's visitors. With a Web Hosting account, you get an SSL certificate for free to add to your site. In this day and age, having an SSL for your site is a no-brainer best practice. Not only does an SSL help your visitors feel safe interacting with your site — this is particularly important if you run an e-commerce site — but it avoids penalizations you might otherwise earn from search engines without one. No website wants an “unsafe” or “insecure” label to bruise their reputation. While a SSL certificate isn't an end-all, be-all defense against internet baddies, it's certainly a great first step in the right direction to putting your site visitors at ease.
What if I have a domain at another company? Can I transfer it?
Yep! Forget about packing up virtual boxes or worrying about a forwarding address— we'll handle the transfer tasks and make moving to DreamHost E-A-S-Y. By transferring your domain registration from your old provider to DreamHost, you can easily manage all aspects of your domain from one convenient location. See our guide to get more details about moving.
Can I get business email with my hosting plan?
Yes! All of DreamHost's web hosting plans include a free 3-month trial of Professional Email @yourdomain, with the number of mailboxes varying by plan. Learn more about business email hosting at your own domain.
Will my price go up when my plan renews?
Promotional pricing applies to your first term, and every DreamHost plan card shows the exact renewal rate right next to the promo price. You will never have to dig through fine print to find out what year two costs.
Can I pay month-to-month instead of prepaying for years?
Absolutely. Every DreamHost web hosting plan offers monthly billing, so you can start without a long commitment. Longer terms earn bigger discounts, but the choice is always yours.
What happens if my site gets more visitors than my plan's estimate?
The visitor numbers on each plan describe the traffic that tier comfortably handles, not a hard cap. Bandwidth is unmetered on every plan, so a busy month never triggers overage fees. If your site consistently needs more resources, upgrading to a bigger plan takes just a few clicks.
What is Managed WordPress Hosting—and do I need it?
Managed WordPress Hosting means we handle the technical heavy lifting—speed, security, updates, and backups—so you can focus on your site or business. If you want better performance and dedicated WordPressexpert support, DreamPress is the right fit.
How is DreamPress different from Standard Hosting or other WordPress plans?
Unlike shared hosting or basic WordPress plans, DreamPress includes advanced WordPress-specific features out of the box: on-demand backups, BunnyCDN, NGINX caching, failover protection, free professional migrations, and 24/7 expert WordPress support. It's purpose-built for performance and reliability.
What's the difference between Professional WordPress Migration and Automated WordPress Migration?
With Professional Migration, our experts personally move your site—no bots or automation—ensuring zero downtime and no errors. Normally a $199 service, it's included free with every DreamPress plan (1 migration per site). If you prefer DIY, our free Automated Migration plugin helps you move your site in just a few clicks.
How do I get started with DreamPress?
It's simple. Choose your plan, and WordPress is automatically installed and optimized. Want to launch even faster? Use Liftoff, our AI-powered website builder, to create a full WordPress site with content and structure in minutes.
Can I host multiple sites—and switch plans if I need to?
Yes! DreamPress supports up to 20 WordPress sites, depending on your plan. You can upgrade, downgrade, or reallocate resources at any time, right from your DreamHost panel.
What is a VPS and who is it for?
A VPS gives you a full virtual server with root access. You install what you need, configure your stack, and run whatever applications you want. It's designed for developers, technical builders, and self-hosters who need flexibility beyond traditional web hosting. If you're running Node, Python, Docker, or anything your AI tools help you build, you're in the right place.If you're looking for a more hands-off experience, you can explore our managed VPS options here.If you're looking to run a WordPress site, DreamPress managed hosting is a better fit.
Do I have to manage the server myself?
You manage your applications and software stack — but we don't disappear. DreamHost guarantees the underlying infrastructure: hardware, network, and uptime. Our support team is available 24/7.
What can I run on a VPS?
Anything that runs on Linux. Node.js, Python services, Docker containers, AI-powered APIs, automation platforms, analytics tools, self-hosted productivity suites, custom databases, game servers — you have complete freedom over the software stack. You can install any OS, runtime, framework, or service you need. If it runs on a Linux server, it runs here.
Are there bandwidth or traffic limitations?
No. All plans include unmetered bandwidth — no transfer caps, no overage fees, no surprises when traffic spikes. You pay the same flat monthly rate whether your app gets 10 visitors or 10,000.
Can I scale up my plan as my project grows?
Yes. You can move between Stack plans as your resource requirements grow — from Stack 4 to Stack 32 is straightforward, and your environment moves with you. Scaling down to a smaller Stack is not currently supported.
What support is included?
DreamHost support is available 24/7 — hardware, network, and connectivity are all supported by our team. You can also reach us via live chat or email through the panel at any time.
What is Dedicated Hosting?
Think of a dedicated web server as a storage unit for your website or web applications. It keeps documents, videos, images and other computer files online. Web hosting companies rent space to you. All you’ve got to do is upload files or a website onto the server.
What can you do with a Dedicated Server?
Dedicated servers are fully-managed, business class servers. They are perfect for resource-heavy apps and giant websites. With a dedicated server, you have full control over how to configure your hosting environment making it perfect for major hosting needs.
What are the reasons to choose a Dedicated Server?
A dedicated server is the ultimate in power, security, and control. With a dedicated server, you won’t have to share resources with anyone. Here are some of the top reasons that people choose a dedicated server over other hosting options:Security is a top priorityYou expect consistently high levels of trafficPage load times need to be lightning fastYou need custom programming optionsYou’re anticipating major growth Learn More
VPS vs Dedicated Hosting
VPS: A Virtual Private Server, still involves hosting several websites on the same server, but there's a hypervisor that ensures that one website doesn't start causing trouble for the other sites on the server. With Managed VPS Hosting, you're allocated a certain amount of RAM and server space, with unmetered bandwidth. Dedicated: You're able to choose the equipment, including the amount and type of RAM, the size and type of hard drive and the processor, used in the server. Further, 100 percent of the server's resources are allocated to your site and they aren't shared with any others.
Ready to Choose?
Both providers offer great features. Visit their websites to see the latest deals and pricing.
Related Articles
VPS Price Per GB of RAM: 711 Plans Across 39 Hosts
Post-Quantum Hosting: Is Your Host Already Behind on Security?
Edge Computing for Websites: Do You Actually Need It?
10 DNS Mistakes That Break Your Website (And How to Fix Them)
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean: Managed vs DIY Cloud Hosting
US East, New York, Virginia
Western Europe, London, Amsterdam
Central Europe, Frankfurt
Southeast Asia, Singapore
East Asia, Tokyo
India, Mumbai, Bangalore
Australia & Oceania, Sydney
South America, Sao Paulo
Western Europe, Amsterdam