Compare SiteGround's 12-month StartUp offer with DreamHost's recorded four-year Launch offer; the detailed analysis also models DreamHost's separate one-year option.
Small businesses and WordPress users who value support
Value-focused users who want transparent renewal pricing and flexible billing
| Category | SiteGround | DreamHost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry rate | $2.99/mo prepaid for 12 months | $2.89/mo prepaid for 48 months |
| Renewal / ongoing cost | $17.99/mo, prepaid for 12 months | $10.99/mo after four years |
| Hosting Review Lab score | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Billing term | 12 months prepaid | 12 months prepaid |
The side-by-side card uses DreamHost's recorded four-year Launch offer ($1.99/mo, renews at $7.99/mo after four years). The detailed analysis below also models its separate one-year offer ($2.89/mo, renews at $10.99/mo after one year). Keep the billing terms separate when comparing totals.
These two entry plans currently use a 12-month introductory term. SiteGround StartUp lists $2.99 per month for 12 months, or $35.88 before tax and extras. Its posted renewal is $17.99 per month prepaid for 12 months, which would make the next 12-month term $215.88 at that rate. DreamHost Web Hosting Launch lists $2.89 per month for the first year, or $34.68 before tax and extras; it lists an auto-renewal of $10.99 per month after year one. If that rate is applied to another full year, the illustrative total is $131.88. Confirm the renewal term and extras in each checkout.
SiteGround StartUp is built for one website with 10GB storage. Its plan page includes daily backups, SSL, CDN, email, free migration tools, and managed WordPress updates. Staging is listed under GrowBig rather than StartUp, so do not buy the entry plan assuming staging is included.
DreamHost Launch currently advertises 25 websites, 25GB NVMe storage, an estimated 40,000 monthly visits, daily automated backups, and a free domain for the first year. It advertises 20 mailboxes free for three months, so a buyer who needs continuing email should price that service separately. Its site and visit allowances are plan terms, not a promise that 25 busy websites will all run well on the smallest tier.
At the rates quoted above, one year on SiteGround StartUp plus a second year at its posted annual renewal would total $251.76 in base hosting. DreamHost Launch plus another full year at its stated $10.99 monthly renewal would total $166.56 in base hosting. The illustrative difference is $85.20 across 24 months, before taxes, email, domains, changes in offer, or other extras. That is a comparison of posted rates, not a guarantee of a future bill.
If email matters, the scope differs: SiteGround advertises email with StartUp, while DreamHost Launch’s mailboxes are listed free for three months. Put the continuing mailbox cost on the same 24-month sheet. If staging matters, compare SiteGround GrowBig instead of giving StartUp credit for a feature it lacks. Our SiteGround pricing and DreamHost pricing pages show the separate term assumptions; the calculator lets you enter a different cart quote.
SiteGround retains our overall edge for its WordPress-focused workflow and bundled support. DreamHost has a compelling published renewal rate and more room for sites and storage at the entry level. For a single small site, decide whether SiteGround’s workflow merits the second-year difference. For multiple sites or long-term budget sensitivity, model DreamHost’s Launch plan with the email and any other extras you need. Our preference is editorial, not a claim that a higher score overrides your workload.
Sources checked September 25, 2026: SiteGround web hosting plans and DreamHost hosting plans. Recheck the live cart before ordering.
Monthly prices often depend on paying for a longer term up front. Use the exact plan, term, add-ons, and renewal rate shown at checkout to calculate the first term and renewal cost, understand how renewal pricing works, check what a money-back guarantee covers.
SiteGround earns our overall edge for its support and WordPress workflow. DreamHost Launch offers a lower posted renewal and more site and storage allowance, a meaningful advantage for a budget-conscious portfolio. Prices and terms change, so confirm the final plan details before purchasing.
Hosting Review Lab independently evaluates providers. Affiliate relationships do not determine scores or comparison outcomes.