DreamHost is one of the few hosting providers endorsed by WordPress.org for its performance and WordPress support. InMotion Hosting, on the other hand, has been in business for 20 years and stands out for its great customer service.
Both web hosts offer a wide range hosting solutions at competitive pricing and above-average money-back guarantee period (90 and 97 days).
DreamHost & InMotion Hosting HostScore
InMotion Hosting vs DreamHost: Key Differences
DreamHost
Key Differentiators
- Custom Control Panel: DreamHost uses its own custom-built control panel, which is user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Though – the absence of cPanel might be a drawback for users looking for this traditional control panel.
- Backup and Refund Policy: Includes daily backups in all shared hosting plans and offers an extensive 97-day money-back guarantee.
- Commitment to Privacy: DreamHost is known for its strong commitment to user privacy – see news on the company’s legal battle to protect user data from a government request.
- Knowledgebase: Provides a comprehensive knowledgebase, which is a valuable resource for user support.
Drawbacks
- Customer Support: Could improve its live chat support to provide quicker and more effective assistance.
- Limited Server Locations: Only has server locations in the United States, which might limit performance for international audiences.
- No Free Migration: Does not offer free site migration assistance, potentially complicating the transition for users switching hosts.
- Renewal Price Increase: Pricing increases significantly upon renewal – read the small print to avoid unpleasant surprises.
InMotion Hosting
Key Differentiators
- Customer Support: InMotion Hosting is known for its excellent customer support, offering 24/7 assistance via phone, chat, and email. Their US-based support team is particularly appreciated for its responsiveness and expertise.
- Free Site Migration: InMotion offers free site migrations, making it easier for users to transfer their existing websites without downtime.
- Technology and Flexibility: Supports Python, Node.js, and Ruby even on its lowest shared plans, and offers choice of data center locations in the U.S.
- Security and Reliability: Provides built-in hack, DDoS, and malware protection, along with free AutoSSL.
- 90-day Refund Policy: Offers an extensive 90-day money-back guarantee – not as long as DreamHost’s trial period, but still well above market average of 30 days.
- Choice of Server Locations: InMotion Hosting is slightly better than DreamHost with a choice of server locations in the United States (West / East Coast) or Holland.
Drawbacks
- Renewal Price Increase: price increase upon renewal, which could affect budget planning for long-term projects.
Hosting Service Offering
| Feature | DreamHost | InMotion Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Cloud Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, Cloud, and Reseller Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Game Server Hosting | Managed WordPress, Email, and Game Server Hosting |
| Server Locations | USA and Netherlands | USA and Netherlands |
| Control Panel | In-House | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 100% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 97 | 90 |
| Free Migration | No | Yes |
| Support Channels | Phone, live chat, and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | DreamHost | InMotion Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $2.95 - 2.95/mo | $4.59 - 10.59/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $13.75 - 110.00/mo | $4.99 - 110.49/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $149.00 - 399.00/mo | $35.00 - 419.98/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $4.50 - 48.00/mo | $6.00 - 224.00/mo |
| Managed WP Hosting | $16.95 - 71.95/mo | $33.33 - 100.00/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Coupon | - | - |
| Coupon Details | - | - |
Development Features & Others
| Feature | DreamHost | InMotion Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Python, Node.js, Django, Perl, and Ruby on Rails |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | No | Softaculous |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Higher plans | Yes |
| Global CDN | No | No |
| Free Malware Scan | Need purchase | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | No | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Final Recommendation
Our Verdict
Choosing between InMotion Hosting and DreamHost depends on your specific needs.
InMotion Hosting is great for those who value strong customer support, reliable performance, and comprehensive backups. Plus, you get a choice of server locations in the U.S. (West/East Coast) or Holland, offering more flexibility.
DreamHost excels for readers seeking flexible, WordPress-friendly hosting with a long trial period. While customer support and some features offering could be better, its custom control panel and strong stance on user privacy are fresh advantages in the market.
About DreamHost
DreamHost has established itself in the web hosting and domain services sector since its founding in 1996 by Dallas Bethune, Josh Jones, Michael Rodriguez, and Sage Weil. Based in Los Angeles, California, DreamHost's origin and location underscore its longstanding role and innovation in web hosting and domain registration services.
DreamHost Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- 97-day Money back guarantee
- Extensive knowledgebase
DreamHost Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Live chat support can be better
- No free site migration assistance
About InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting, founded in 2001 by Sunil Saxena and Todd Robinson in Los Angeles, has grown into a well-established U.S. hosting provider. Built by industry veterans, the company emphasizes reliable infrastructure, practical features, and customer-friendly support.
InMotion Hosting Pros
- Affordable entry pricing
- Developer stack on all shared hosting plans (Python/Node/Ruby, Git, SSH)
- Built-in hack, DDoS, and malware protection
- Long 90-day money back guarantee refund window (best in market)
- Free SSL, email, and site migration
InMotion Hosting Cons
- Lower shared hosting plans lack advanced speed features
- Higher renewal rates across shared, VPS, and reseller plans
- No Asia-based data center
