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For most new customers, DreamHost Growth is the strongest all-around shared-hosting value; Launch is the lower-cost way to start, while Scale is for larger site portfolios or projects nearing Growth’s limits. Choose DreamPress if you want managed WordPress hosting, or a VPS only when you need more control or resources and understand the management trade-off. The advertised price is not the whole cost: compare the full amount charged for the term, the renewal rate, and ongoing email or add-on costs before buying.
The U.S.-dollar prices below were shown on DreamHost’s official pages in the August 2026 pricing snapshot. Promotions and checkout totals can change; verify the current cart before purchase.
DreamHost pricing at a glance
DreamHost’s current new-customer shared-hosting lineup is Web Hosting Launch, Growth, and Scale. The table shows the annual-plan price presentation in the August 2026 snapshot. “Per month” is a monthly equivalent for a prepaid term, not necessarily the amount charged each month.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Plan | Best for | Intro price shown | Renewal shown | Sites | Storage | Monthly-visit guidance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web Hosting Launch | Small sites and budget-conscious starts | $2.89/mo for first year | $10.99/mo | 25 | 25 GB NVMe | 40,000 | 20 mailboxes; three-month Professional Email trial |
| Web Hosting Growth | Several sites or more headroom | $3.99/mo for first year | $12.99/mo | 50 | 50 GB NVMe | 200,000 | 40 mailboxes; three-month trial |
| Web Hosting Scale | Larger shared-hosting portfolios | $9.99/mo for first year | $25.99/mo | 100 | 100 GB NVMe | 400,000 | 60 mailboxes; three-month trial |
| DreamPress 1 | One managed WordPress site | $14.99/mo for first year | $19.99/mo | 1 WordPress site | 15 GB NVMe | 40,000 | Unlimited mailboxes listed |
| Managed VPS Business / 2 GB | More dedicated resources with managed service | $13.75/mo for first year | $31.99/mo | Unlimited websites | 60 GB NVMe | Unmetered bandwidth | Unlimited email at the domain |
| Self-managed VPS Stack 4 | Developers needing root access | $8.99/mo for first 3 months | $15.99/mo | Depends on configuration | 75 GB NVMe | Unmetered bandwidth | Server administration is your responsibility |
DreamHost lists traffic figures as guidance, not as a contractual performance guarantee or a promise that every site will handle that volume equally well. Likewise, unmetered bandwidth does not mean unlimited CPU, RAM, storage, databases, or guaranteed performance. See DreamHost’s pricing page and hosting plans for current terms.
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What changed from Shared Starter and Shared Unlimited?
DreamHost introduced Launch, Growth, and Scale in October 2025 for new shared-hosting purchases. The newer lineup replaces the older Shared Starter and Shared Unlimited presentation with explicit website, storage, mailbox, and traffic guidance. DreamHost says Shared Unlimited is no longer available for purchase. Existing customers may still see legacy plan names in their account or renewal notices; the change does not mean every existing account was automatically migrated. Check your account’s billing and renewal details rather than assuming a legacy plan has the same price or limits as a current tier. See the plan announcement and available plan overview.
DreamHost Web Hosting plans
All three Web Hosting tiers list NVMe SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, daily automated backups, unlimited free SSL certificates, 24/7 support, traffic analytics and DreamHost’s AI/business tools. The plans also advertise migration assistance, a 30-day money-back guarantee, a three-month Professional Email trial, and a free one-year domain on eligible annual or multi-year subscriptions. A qualifying hosting offer includes a handcrafted four-page starter website; that is a defined starter-site service, not a promise of a custom-built, full-featured site. Confirm eligibility and scope on the checkout page.
Launch: the entry point
Launch is a sensible starting point for a blog, portfolio, personal site, or small-business brochure site, especially if you want room to host more than one small site without paying for managed WordPress. It allows up to 25 websites and 25 GB of storage, with DreamHost’s guidance of 40,000 monthly visits.
Its main caution is the step from the $2.89 first-year monthly equivalent to the displayed $10.99 renewal rate. Launch is the cheapest sensible entry point, but not necessarily the cheapest over several years. It also has less storage and traffic headroom than Growth, and the email benefit is a trial rather than a permanent free-email commitment.
Growth: the practical default for many buyers
Growth raises the published limits to 50 websites, 50 GB, 200,000 monthly visits of guidance, and 40 mailboxes on the pricing-page presentation. At the snapshot’s first-year prices, it is only $1.10 per month more than Launch. For a buyer who expects multiple sites or wants more headroom, that makes Growth the strongest value-based recommendation among the shared tiers.
This is a comparison of published allowances and promotional prices, not a speed test. Growth still has a renewal increase—to $12.99 per month as displayed—and email remains a limited trial. If one small site is all you need, paying for unused limits may not be worthwhile.
Scale: for larger shared-hosting needs
Scale provides up to 100 websites, 100 GB of storage, 60 mailboxes in the current annual-plan presentation, and 400,000 monthly visits of guidance. It is worth considering for an agency or business with a substantial site portfolio, or a project approaching Growth’s storage or traffic guidance.
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Scale remains Web Hosting, not a VPS, dedicated server, or managed high-performance WordPress environment. Its displayed $25.99 renewal rate is a material ongoing cost, so upgrade for actual site, storage, or traffic needs—not simply because the tier sounds more future-proof.
DreamPress pricing: managed WordPress
DreamPress is DreamHost’s managed WordPress line. DreamPress 1 is displayed at $14.99 per month for the first year and $19.99 at renewal. It supports one WordPress site with 15 GB NVMe storage and 40,000 monthly visits of guidance. The plan lists unmetered bandwidth, unlimited mailboxes, one professional site migration, and 14-day backup retention. DreamHost also promotes managed WordPress features, staging, and CDN/performance tools.
The higher tiers scale by site count and total storage: DreamPress 2 has 2 sites/25 GB; DreamPress 3, 3/30 GB; DreamPress 5, 5/50 GB; DreamPress 10, 10/100 GB; and DreamPress 20, 20/200 GB. Confirm the current price and included features for the tier you need.
Pay the premium if you run WordPress and value managed support, migration, staging, and less server administration. It is poor value for a static site or simple low-traffic blog that works on ordinary hosting. DreamHost’s performance positioning is not an independent benchmark, so do not treat the plan name or marketing claims as proof that it will be faster for your particular site. See DreamPress plan details.
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DreamHost VPS pricing: managed or self-managed?
A VPS is not automatically the right next step for a new website. It can provide more control or allocated resources, but the self-managed product shifts substantial operational work to you.
Managed VPS
The VPS Business / 2 GB configuration is shown at $13.75 per month for the first year and $31.99 at renewal. It lists 2 vCPU cores, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB NVMe storage, unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, daily automated backups, unlimited domain email, and free SSL. It suits a project outgrowing shared hosting when you want a managed environment and conventional control panel rather than full root-level administration. The renewal rate is a significant part of the decision.
Self-managed VPS
DreamHost launched its self-managed Stack VPS option in June 2026. The displayed introductory period is three months; afterward the listed renewal rate applies.
| Plan | Intro price | Renewal | vCPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack 4 | $8.99/mo for 3 months | $15.99/mo | 2 | 4 GB | 75 GB |
| Stack 8 | $13.99/mo for 3 months | $21.99/mo | 2 | 8 GB | 150 GB |
| Stack 16 | $22.99/mo for 3 months | $34.99/mo | 4 | 16 GB | 250 GB |
| Stack 32 | $45.99/mo for 3 months | $59.99/mo | 8 | 32 GB | 450 GB |
These plans list full root access, Linux OS choice, Docker/KVM, a one-click app library, DDoS protection, and unmetered bandwidth. You are responsible for server updates, security hardening, application configuration, monitoring, backups, and recovery. That makes Stack a credible option for developers deploying custom apps or containers, not a bargain substitute for managed hosting if you do not want to run a server. Product details are on the VPS page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat will DreamHost really cost after the promotion?
Separate four figures before comparing plans: the advertised monthly equivalent, the actual amount due now, the renewal price, and any ongoing extras. DreamHost says plans can be billed monthly, while longer commitments receive larger discounts. A four-year promotion in the pricing snapshot showed Launch at $1.99/mo, Growth at $3.49/mo, and Scale at $7.99/mo, with displayed renewal rates of $7.99, $8.99, and $19.99 per month after that four-year term. These are different commitments from the one-year offers in the table.
The whole selected term is charged upfront for annual and multi-year billing, plus applicable taxes. Thus, $2.89/mo for one year represents approximately $34.68 for hosting before tax and optional products, assuming that displayed monthly equivalent applies uniformly. It does not mean you pay only $2.89 at checkout. At the displayed $10.99 renewal rate, a subsequent 12-month period would be approximately $131.88 before taxes and add-ons.
| Plan | Approx. first year at shown rate | Approx. 12 months at shown renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $34.68 | $131.88 |
| Growth | $47.88 | $155.88 |
| Scale | $119.88 | $311.88 |
| DreamPress 1 | $179.88 | $239.88 |
| Managed VPS Business / 2 GB | $165.00 | $383.88 |
These are arithmetic illustrations from displayed monthly equivalents, not checkout quotes. Actual totals can change with the billing term, taxes, selected options, and promotions. The self-managed Stack introductory price lasts only three months, so do not multiply it by 12 as though it were a first-year price; check the cart for the complete first-year total and subsequent billing schedule.
Before you commit, compare the term total with the renewal-year cost, check which billing term you selected, and review the final cart for add-ons. Save a copy of the price and terms you relied on. DreamHost’s Web Hosting overview describes billing options; its pricing page displays renewal rates, but the final cart is authoritative.
Included services and likely extra costs
- Domain: A free domain for the first year is offered with eligible annual and multi-year subscriptions, with domain privacy included according to DreamHost’s pricing FAQ. It is not a reason to assume monthly plans qualify or that the domain renews free. Check the renewal price and terms separately.
- Email: Web Hosting includes a three-month Professional Email trial, with mailbox quantities varying by tier. Do not budget on the assumption that business email stays free. DreamHost lists Email Hosting separately from $1.67 per month, but the actual price can vary by term and mailbox count.
- SSL: Unlimited free SSL certificates are listed for Web Hosting. SSL does not replace site security practices.
- Backups: Web Hosting advertises daily automated backups; DreamPress 1 lists 14-day retention. Keep an independent off-site backup, especially for business, customer, or ecommerce data. A hosting backup is not a complete disaster-recovery plan.
- Malware protection: The Launch/Growth/Scale announcement describes one free monthly malware scan per site on Growth and Scale; DreamShield coverage varies by plan and additional protection may cost extra. Verify the tier’s exact scope.
- CDN: DreamPress promotes Bunny CDN features. A CDN may be an optional paid add-on for ordinary Web Hosting or available through a third party; it is not automatically necessary for a small site.
- Other add-ons: The pricing page lists SEO Toolkit from $3.99/mo, BunnyCDN from $9.95/mo, and DreamShield Protect from $3/mo. These are starting prices, not universal quotes; terms, site count, mailbox quantity, and promotions can affect the total. Buy them only if they solve a need.
- Starter site and migration: DreamHost advertises a handcrafted four-page starter website on qualifying plans and migration assistance, subject to eligibility and site-type conditions. DreamPress 1 lists one professional site migration. Confirm scope before treating either as a substitute for custom development or a guaranteed migration of every site feature.
Which DreamHost plan should you choose?
| Your situation | Starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One simple blog, portfolio, or small-business site | Launch | Lowest entry price and ample published limits for a small project. |
| Several sites or a desire for more shared-hosting headroom | Growth | Substantially higher published allowances for a modest first-year premium over Launch. |
| Many client sites or nearing Growth’s storage/traffic guidance | Scale | Up to 100 sites and 100 GB, while remaining in shared Web Hosting. |
| WordPress site; you value managed features and support | DreamPress | Managed WordPress tools and migration/backup features; costs more than shared hosting. |
| Outgrowing shared hosting but do not want to administer Linux | Managed VPS | More allocated resources with a managed service, at a much higher renewal cost. |
| Custom stack, containers, root access, and Linux administration skills | Self-managed VPS | Control and configuration flexibility in exchange for owning operations and recovery. |
Do not move to a VPS merely because a website is new or because a self-managed VPS’s introductory rate looks close to shared hosting. Choose based on a concrete requirement—resource isolation, root access, a custom application stack, or a management feature—not a label.
Is DreamHost worth it in 2026?
DreamHost can make sense if the published site and storage allowances match your needs, the renewal cost fits your budget, and you value its hosting or WordPress-management features. Growth is a reasonable default for buyers who want more room than Launch at a relatively small first-term difference; Launch makes more sense when you can use its lower limits and want to minimize the commitment. DreamPress and managed VPS buy management and features, not a guaranteed speed result. Self-managed VPS is appropriate only if you are prepared to operate the server.
Compare like with like: the same billing term, first-term total, renewal period, email needs, domain treatment, migration scope, and backup policy. Bluehost is another established host with shared, cloud, VPS, and dedicated products, but its promotional and renewal prices and domain/refund treatment also need to be checked at checkout. See Bluehost pricing and its renewal information. This snapshot does not establish a current price winner between the providers. If you compare another host, use that provider’s current official pricing and renewal terms rather than an old review’s introductory figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Refunds and cancellation
DreamHost support documentation describes a full refund for eligible Web Hosting fees when an account is canceled within the first 30 days, with separate stated provisions for managed VPS and DreamPress. Renewed annual plans may receive a credit if canceled within 30 days of renewal rather than the same treatment as a first purchase. Domains, paid email, add-ons, dedicated hosting, and other non-hosting services can be excluded or treated differently. Read the current product-specific terms before relying on the guarantee; details are in DreamHost’s refund and account-credit policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is DreamHost really $2.89 per month?
That was the displayed monthly equivalent for Launch’s first year on the annual plan in the August 2026 U.S.-dollar snapshot. Annual billing is prepaid, so the approximate first-year hosting charge is $34.68 before tax and extras, not $2.89 total.
What does DreamHost renew at?
The snapshot showed annual-plan renewal rates of $10.99/mo for Launch, $12.99 for Growth, and $25.99 for Scale. DreamPress 1 was $19.99/mo and Managed VPS Business / 2 GB was $31.99/mo. Verify your selected term and checkout price because rates and promotions change.
Is email included?
Web Hosting lists a three-month Professional Email trial, with mailbox allowances varying by tier. Treat ongoing email as a separate possible cost unless your specific plan terms say otherwise.
Is the domain free?
A free first-year domain is offered with eligible annual and multi-year hosting plans. The offer does not establish free renewal, and monthly billing may not qualify.
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Yes, DreamHost says Web Hosting plans can be billed monthly. Longer terms receive deeper discounts, and annual or multi-year terms are charged upfront.
Is DreamPress worth it?
It can be if you want managed WordPress tools, migration, staging, and less server work. A simple site that fits shared hosting may not benefit enough to justify the higher price.
What replaced Shared Starter?
Launch, Growth, and Scale are the current new-customer Web Hosting tiers. Legacy customers may still see Shared Starter or Shared Unlimited in account records or billing notices.
Is a VPS necessary for WordPress?
No. Many WordPress sites can use shared hosting or DreamPress. Consider a VPS for a specific resource, control, or custom-stack need, and account for its administration requirements.
Can I cancel within 30 days?
Eligible hosting products have 30-day refund provisions, but product and renewal terms differ. Domain registrations, paid email, and add-ons may not be treated the same way; check the current refund policy.
Are backups included?
Web Hosting lists daily automated backups, while DreamPress 1 lists 14-day retention. Keep an independent off-site copy rather than relying on hosting backups alone.
Are taxes included in the advertised price?
No assumption is safe: DreamHost says the full selected term plus taxes is charged at checkout. The final cart shows the amount due.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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