What are the pros and cons of hosting websites with GoDaddy versus Dreamhost?

Question

I need to make a choice between the two. I have registered domains with GoDaddy, but I've read in several places online NOT to host with them ... can someone explain why that is the case and why (if) Dreamhost is any better?

Answer 1

I have about 40 sites on Dreamhost, never had a problem. If you're looking for shared hosting you won't find any better. If you expect to have more than a hundred thousand visitors daily, I don't recommend any shared hosting, look for a VPS or a dedicated server (lot more expensive, though).



There's a problem in looking for hosting reviews online, you'll find horror stories for all hosts, cause disgruntled customers tend to be really laud but the truth is with hundreds of thousands of customers it's bound to happen.



I'm very satisfied with Dreamhost, it's very easy to add a site, extremely fast, I can have a new site up and running in just a couple of seconds. And if some sites become too huge for shared hosting I can transfer them to a dedicated server anytime.



As for those database problems that guy had, there was a problem with some database cluster a couple of months ago, but it's all sorted now, and only some customers were affected, I haven't even noticed they had a problem until I read about it on their blog. But this also happens with all shared hosting companies, some customers tend to make a big deal out of it, but you most probably won't even notice it when it happens.



I've never used GoDaddy for hosting so I can't tell you anything about them, but since it's not their core business but just something they started to offer to supplement their domain business I never seriously considered them for hosting.



If you still can't decide whom to choose try to send a support request to both and see how they treat their customers.



P.S. I've used Dreamhost's support twice, once for some billing issue and other time just needed some info, and they resolved the issue and answered both times in less than 5 minutes. Nice.

Answer 2

Hi



I have around 20 websites hosted at Godaddy and they are no problem, I had an issue the other day with a domain and the support was quick (error fixed within the same day)



Personally cant see why they could be a problem

Answer 3

I've been with GoDaddy for about three years, have two domains hosted with them, never had any issues, as opposed to several other hosts I used before I switched to GoDaddy.



They're courteous, fast to respond, and take an interest in keeping their customers satisfied with their services... by calling at home to see if everything is alright, if necessary. Very friendly, very good.



I have no experiences with DreamHost, I'm afraid.

Answer 4

Godaddy and 1and1 are good places just for registering domain names, but their web hosting service are not user friendly. Many clients are confused and sick of their services.



As an experienced webmaster I recommend BlueHost service which I’m sure it would work for you and fulfill all your requirements. They have a really great offer for hosting & I have used them for over 3 yrs now, and have never had a single problem with them.



They offer a Full-featured service only $6.95 a month. You can see their Plan Details accompanied with reliable reviews regarding their service at:

http://www.threehosts.com/reviews/1st



Here I have copied and pasted its features from their website to view:



- Free Domain Forever

- Unlimited Space

- Unlimited Transfer

- Host UNLIMITED Domains (Support All Domain Names)

- 2,500 POP/Imap Email Accounts

- SSH (Secure Shell), SSL, FTP, Stats

- CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL

- 2000/2002 Front Page Extensions

- Free Site Builder

- 24/7 Superb/Responsive Sales/Support

- Free Search Engine Submission



******IMPORTANT*******

* This service was awarded “The Best Web Host OF 2008”.

* If you sign up for this service you will have $100 credits to advertise your website with the google & yahoo search engines for free!

* You Can Register A Free Domain or Use Your Existing Domains. They Support All Domain Names.

****************************



Good Luck!

Answer 5

I have never used GoDaddy hosting, but I have used Dreamhost. I currently have two hosts, 1and1 and Dreamhost. Dreamhost has more features and applications to install, but their database servers seem to be EXTREMELY slow. I will not be renewing my contract with them because of this. I would not recommend them for any serious hosting, but sometimes they run deals for $12 for the first year. That is what I did, but it's still not worth the slow db servers. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Don't know about Dreamhost. I have a few sites with GoDaddy. Never had a problem with them, and the few times I have been confused about the services, their customer service people, (real, english speakning, people) have walked me through the process on the phone.



No complaints

Answer 7

Let me start by addressing that I cannot answer by comparison. But I CAN answer the issue of having the same host and registrar. "Don't" is the preferred method. From my own experience having the same host/registrar setup can lead to problems.

I had AvidHosting as my host and used them to register my domains. What I didn't realise is that the company owner was a known spammer and registered the domain in his name, not mine. So when the company folded I lost the domains and my site in one fell swoop. The author of AvidHosting.org suggests, as many do: separate the domain and host. LEARN how to manage YOUR domain YOURSELF. Learn about Name servers, MX entries, parking, DNS, locking, etc.. Also, learn how to PARK your new domain at your new host site. Know the difference between the Registrant, Administrative, Technical, Billing information displayed about your domain and you in the WHOIS query. Essentially, Admin/Regist is public and Tech/Billing is private. Sometimes Tech can be public. This helps you decide what NOT to put in your WHOIS information.

Listen, the more you know about how to manage YOUR domain and hoist site separately - the better; then you won't loose it like I did. I have a new domain and a new host, but learned the hard way about having the same host/registrar. Keep in mind AvidHosting is just one company, but it pays to be smart.

Answer 8

i found this website very usefull

http://www.web-host-finder.net



it has compared top 10 web hosting companies in a chart and will show the most reliable and affordable web hosting company

it has reviews for each web hosting company that will really help you to find the best web hosting provider company

and there are lots of articles about web hosting and internet.

Answer 9

Hey Buddy,



You might get some help from

http://webhostingsecretsonline.com



Best Regards

Answer 10

Same as Politics. Over 6 years now, and no complaints. (They never tried to sell me anything.)