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DreamHost vs Squarespace: The Good, the Bad, and the Best Fit for You

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DreamHost vs Squarespace – finding the best fit for you is a decision that can seriously shape your website’s future.

Both are solid choices, but they cater to very different kinds of users. While one excels in flexibility and control, the other shines in simplicity and design.

I’ve tried both over the years, and you probably already know (if you’re one of my regular visitors – salut! 👋🏻) that I’ve been a dedicated fan and user of DreamHost for 5+ years.

But that doesn’t mean Squarespace isn’t great, too – it’s just that each platform attends to different needs.

In this post, I’ll break down the good, the bad, and who each platform is really best for – so you can skip the tech overwhelm and pick the one that actually fits your goals.


Key takeaways for readers in a hurry 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏾‍➡️
  • DreamHost gives you full control: Self-hosted WordPress site, flexible plugins, and unlimited customization options. Check DreamHost plans here.
  • Squarespace is hassle-free: Hosted builder with beautiful templates and built-in tools—great if you want to launch quickly. Explore Squarespace here.
  • Pricing matters: DreamHost plans are more affordable for scaling, while Squarespace includes everything in one plan but can add up with extra features.
  • Performance & speed: DreamHost is highly customizable for optimization; Squarespace handles speed automatically, ideal for small sites.
  • E-commerce & monetization: DreamHost + WooCommerce offers more flexibility for online stores; Squarespace is simpler for small shops or passive income.

Table of Contents


DreamHost vs Squarespace: DreamHost Overview

DreamHost vs Squarespace: DreamHost Overview
Image: DreamHost

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace, DreamHost stands out as the more traditional web hosting platform. It’s been around since 1997, and its focus has always been on giving users full control over their websites – perfect for bloggers, developers, and small business owners who like having flexibility.

DreamHost is best known for its reliability and transparency. It’s one of those hosts that doesn’t try to upsell you every five seconds or hide behind tricky pricing. Instead, you get a clean dashboard, strong uptime, and tools that actually make sense once you get used to them.


Here’s what makes DreamHost shine:

  • Full website control: You can install WordPress, customize your theme, and use any plugin you like.
  • Affordable long-term pricing: Their shared plans stay low even after renewal.
  • Free domain and SSL: Included in most plans, which is great for beginners.
  • Daily backups and solid security: You don’t have to worry about losing your work.
  • Excellent privacy policy: DreamHost is one of the few hosts that truly respect user data.


In short, DreamHost gives you flexibility and ownership. But it’s not a drag-and-drop platform – you’ll need to be comfortable managing your site setup, or at least willing to learn a few basics.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Squarespace Overview

DreamHost vs Squarespace: Squarespace Overview
Image: Squarespace

Now, on the Squarespace side of the DreamHost vs Squarespace debate, things look very different.


Squarespace is all about simplicity – it’s a fully hosted, drag-and-drop website builder designed for people who want a professional site without worrying about technical stuff.

If you’ve ever wished you could just pick a template, add your content, and hit publish – Squarespace is made for you. Everything from hosting to design tools to updates is handled automatically, which makes it ideal for creative business owners, small businesses, and anyone who prefers a visual building experience.


Here’s what makes Squarespace stand out:

  • Beautiful, modern templates: You can launch a sleek site in minutes.
  • Built-in tools: SEO settings, email campaigns, and even e-commerce features come ready to use.
  • No plugins or coding required: Everything you need is already inside the platform.
  • 24/7 support: Their help center and chat are surprisingly responsive.
  • Mobile-optimized designs: Every template looks great on any device.


Of course, the trade-off is control – you’re limited to what Squarespace allows. You can’t install external plugins or tweak the backend to make improvements. But for someone who wants a no-fuss, professional-looking website fast, Squarespace is one of the easiest options out there.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Pros & Cons Compared

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace, it really comes down to your comfort level and goals. DreamHost offers flexibility and ownership, while Squarespace focuses on simplicity and design. Both have their strengths – and a few trade-offs worth noting.


Pros & Cons Overview:

FeatureDreamHostSquarespace
Ease of UseRequires setup and WordPress knowledgeDrag-and-drop, very beginner-friendly
CustomizationFull control with code and pluginsLimited to built-in tools and templates
PerformanceStrong uptime and fast serversGood speed, but less customizable
Best ForDevelopers, bloggers, small businessesCreatives, entrepreneurs, beginners


DreamHost: Pros

  • Full website control – You can customize everything, from your CMS (like WordPress) to plugins and design.
  • Affordable long-term pricing – Plans stay budget-friendly, even after renewals.
  • Free domain and SSL – Included in most plans, saving you setup time and cost.
  • Reliable uptime and performance – DreamHost’s servers are known for stability.
  • Excellent privacy and transparency – No shady upsells or data-sharing.
  • Daily backups – Extra peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
  • Flexible for scaling – Easily upgrade from shared to VPS or dedicated hosting as your site grows.


What are the disadvantages of DreamHost?

DreamHost’s biggest drawback is that it’s not an instant website builder. You’ll need to install WordPress (or another CMS) and learn some basics before your site looks the way you want.


Here are the main downsides:

  • Not as beginner-friendly if you’re new to WordPress – Requires some learning to get WordPress or other CMS running smoothly.
  • No drag-and-drop builder – You’ll handle most design through themes and plugins (some of which may offer drag-and-drop functions).
  • Some tools cost extra – Features like email hosting or staging aren’t always included in basic plans.
  • Interface looks plain – Functional, but not as sleek as newer hosts.


That said, if you’re okay with a bit of learning upfront, DreamHost’s flexibility pays off long-term.


Squarespace: Pros

  • All-in-one platform – Hosting, design, updates, and security are all handled for you.
  • Drag-and-drop builder – Perfect for non-tech users who just want a beautiful site fast.
  • Professional templates – Polished, responsive, and easy to customize visually.
  • Built-in SEO, marketing, and e-commerce tools – Everything works out of the box.
  • Consistent performance – You never have to worry about server management.
  • 24/7 customer support – Live chat and a robust help center.


What are the limitations of Squarespace?

Squarespace removes the tech headaches, but it also removes a lot of freedom. Everything happens inside its ecosystem, which means you can’t always do what you want creatively or technically.


Key limitations include:

  • Limited customization – No access to external plugins or backend code.
  • Pricing adds up – Plans can feel pricey once you add features, mostly for e-commerce or business tools
  • Dependence on the platform – You can’t easily migrate your site elsewhere.
  • SEO control is basic – Good enough for most users, but not advanced.
  • No ownership of hosting environment – You’re renting space, not fully owning your site setup.
  • Limited customization – You can’t install external plugins or access the backend code.


If you love simplicity, Squarespace is great. But if you crave flexibility or plan to scale your site later to boost your earnings, DreamHost might be the smarter long-term choice.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Pricing & Plans Breakdown

When weighing DreamHost vs Squarespace, one of the most practical deciding factors is “How much will this cost me long-term (and what will I get)?” So let’s dig in!


DreamHost Pricing & Hosting Tiers

DreamHost is fundamentally a hosting provider, so its price structure is tied to how much control, performance, and support you want.


Here are the major plan types and what they typically offer:

Plan TypeStarting Price*What You Get / StrengthsGood for Scaling?Extras to Watch Out For
Web Hosting / “Starter”~$2.59–$2.99/month (with long-term commitment)Good for small blogs, portfolios, and small businesses that don’t get massive trafficExcellent for large sites, high traffic, and applicationsRenewal rates jump; email hosting or advanced features might cost extra
Managed WordPress / DreamPress$16.95/month and up (for more performance, caching, etc.)WordPress-optimized environment, staging, performance tweaks, possibly built-in cachingBetter for growing sites that want less hands-on server managementYou pay for the convenience; less flexibility in some backend customizations
VPS~$10/month minimumDedicated partition of server, more RAM, more control over environmentGood for scaling when shared is no longer enoughYou’ll need to manage more yourself (server settings, security)
Dedicated / High-End / Enterprise$149+/monthFull server resources, maximum control, high performanceExcellent for large sites, high traffic, applicationsVery technical to manage; costs increase significantly


These are starting (promotional or long-term) prices – renewal or month-to-month rates tend to be higher.


A few notes from my experience with DreamHost / what to watch for:

  • The “Starter” plan (Web Hosting) is great for small sites, but once traffic increases (i.e., 500-1000 monthly visitors), you’ll need to move to VPS or managed WordPress. That’s why I always recommend businesses and website/blog owners who intend to monetize to already start with Managed Hosting (DreamPress) – it costs just a little more, but it’s so fast that it will help you monetize earlier and avoid a lot of headaches with site migration.


  • In DreamPress, a lot of the scary technical overhead (caching, server tuning) is handled for you – you pay just a bit more, but trade off effort.


  • Some features – email hosting, staging, maybe advanced backup options – may not always be included in the lowest-tier plans, so they add to the cost.


  • Also, the renewal rates tend to be significantly higher than the launch offer, so always plan for that.


Squarespace Pricing & Plan Structure

Squarespace is an all-in-one website builder + host. When you pay them, you’re getting hosting, editing tools, templates, security, and support bundled.


Here’s how their structure breaks down:

PlanPrice (Annual Billing)Price (Monthly Billing)Key Features / StrengthsLimitations / Trade-offs
Basic~$16/month (when billed annually)~$25/monthGood for personal sites, basic pages, free domain first year, SSL, templatesHas transaction fees on sales; no advanced commerce tools
CoreMore analytic tools, better e-commerce features, and custom CSS/JS abilities~$36/monthStrong for small stores, lower fees, and more sales features~$36/month
Plus~$39/month (paid annually)~$56/monthBest for full-scale e-commerce, no transaction fees, and advanced featuresStill limited compared to full e-commerce platforms
Advanced~$99/month annuallyBest for full-scale e-commerce, no transaction fees, and advanced featuresBest for full-scale e-commerce, no transaction fees, advanced featuresTransaction fees may still apply; some features are locked


Extras / Additional Costs:

  • Domain renewals: After the free first year, domain renewal is a cost you’ll pay separately.
  • Email / G Suite integration: Squarespace may partner with external email providers.
  • Add-ons/integrations: If your site needs scheduling tools, membership areas, or other add-ons, those might cost extra.
  • Transaction/processing fees: Depending on the plan, Squarespace charges transaction fees on sales, plus the standard card processing fees.


What this means for scaling/choosing wisely:

  • For low-traffic, content-based sites or portfolios, the Basic plan might suffice.
  • As you add e-commerce or start getting more sales, moving to Core or Plus helps reduce transaction fees and unlocks extra commerce tools.
  • If your business grows large, Advanced gives you more headroom and fewer limitations – but you’ll pay the premium for it.
  • The downside of Squarespace is that you don’t get server-level scaling – you are constrained by what their platform supports. You can’t switch to a VPS or change server specs like you can with DreamHost.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Site Speed Compared

When it comes to DreamHost vs Squarespace, both deliver solid performance – but for very different reasons. Site speed matters more than ever (Google cares, and so do visitors), so let’s break down how each performs and what actually affects your load times.


DreamHost Speed Overview

DreamHost’s performance depends mostly on your setup. Because it’s a hosting provider (not a closed builder), you’re in control of the tools, themes, and plugins that impact speed. That means your results can vary – but if you optimize your site, DreamHost can be incredibly fast.


Here’s what helps DreamHost stand out:

  • SSD storage on all plans – faster than traditional drives.
  • Built-in caching (especially with DreamPress plans).
  • Data centers in the U.S. with strong uptime and response rates.
  • Full control over optimization – you can add a CDN, image compressors, or lazy loading tools.


💡 DreamHost sites often load between 1.2–1.8 seconds when well optimized, which is exactly what you need to have an approved score on Core Web Vitals and boost your Google rankings!

However, since you’re responsible for performance tweaks (like caching plugins or CDNs), the final speed depends on how you set things up.


Squarespace Speed Overview

Squarespace Speed Overview
Image: Squarespace

Squarespace takes the opposite approach – it manages everything behind the scenes. You don’t have to think about caching, hosting, or performance tuning. It’s all built in:

  • Global CDN is included automatically.
  • Optimized images and compressed assets by default.
  • Server-side caching is handled by Squarespace’s infrastructure.


Typical Squarespace pages load around 1.8–2.3 seconds, which is solid, though not blazing-fast. The catch? You can’t manually fine-tune performance – so if your site gets heavier with large images or animations, you’re stuck with their setup.


In short:

  • 🏎 DreamHost wins for users who want top-tier speed potential and full optimization control.
  • 🚀 Squarespace wins for users who want “fast enough” without lifting a finger.

If you’re tech-comfortable, DreamHost lets you push your site’s speed further. If you’re all about simplicity, Squarespace gives you consistent, worry-free performance out of the box.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Ease of Use Compared

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace, this is where the biggest difference shows up. DreamHost gives you freedom, but freedom comes with setup work.

Squarespace, on the other hand, is about simplicity – you log in, pick a template, and start dragging things around; however, you get stuck on properly scaling your business.

Let’s unpack both experiences.


DreamHost Ease of Use

DreamHost is powerful but a little technical at first. You’re essentially renting a space on the web and building your house from the ground up. For beginners, that can feel intimidating – but it also means you control everything.


Here’s what it’s like to use DreamHost:

  • Setup: You’ll install WordPress (or another CMS) with one click. It’s quick, but you’ll still have to tweak themes and settings.
  • Dashboard: Clean but functional – not flashy. You’ll manage domains, backups, databases, and emails from here.
  • Learning curve: Steeper than Squarespace, but easy once you get the hang of WordPress.
  • Customization: Unlimited – add plugins, change code, or design with builders and themes like Divi.


If you love flexibility or plan to grow your website into a business, DreamHost’s setup is worth learning. But if you want instant gratification, you might find it slow to start.


Squarespace Ease of Use

Squarespace is the opposite experience. You sign up, choose a template, and your site looks polished within minutes.


Here’s what makes Squarespace so beginner-friendly:

  • All-in-one dashboard: Hosting, design, analytics, and SEO tools are all built in.
  • Drag-and-drop builder: No code required – what you see is what you get.
  • No maintenance headaches: Security, backups, and updates happen automatically.
  • Built-in templates: You can swap layouts or customize sections easily.


The trade-off? Limited flexibility. You’re designing within Squarespace’s ecosystem, so advanced custom features aren’t always possible.


Bottom line:

🎨 Squarespace wins if you want to skip the tech side and build a gorgeous site fast, but are not too worried about scaling a business.

🧩 DreamHost wins if you value control, customization, and scalability, but don’t mind waiting a few weeks to get used to it.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Monetization & Business Tools

DreamHost Monetization Tools
Image: DreamHost

When it comes to DreamHost vs Squarespace, both give you the tools to make money online – but they go about it very differently.

DreamHost is built around WordPress, which means freedom. You can install WooCommerce for online stores, add affiliate plugins, manage ads, or use lead-capture tools for email marketing. It’s a dream (pun intended – sorry folks, I couldn’t resist lol) for bloggers and entrepreneurs who want full control over their monetization strategy.


DreamHost Monetization Tools

  • WooCommerce integration – free to install and ideal for scalable stores. Compare WooCommerce pricing plans here.
  • Ad management — easy to add Google AdSense, Ezoic, or Mediavine scripts for passive income.
  • Email marketing — integrates seamlessly with ConvertKit, MailerLite, or any plugin that collects emails via forms.
  • Affiliate links & digital products — plugins like Pretty Links or Easy Digital Downloads make monetizing simple.
  • Freedom to experiment — since you control hosting, you can try new tools or campaigns without limits.


Squarespace Monetization Tools

Squarespace simplifies everything – perfect for creators who want ready-to-use business features without plugin headaches.

  • Built-in eCommerce — great for selling physical or digital products, though limited in customization compared to WooCommerce.
  • Email campaigns — Squarespace Email Campaigns start at around $7/month – it’s integrated and easy to use.
  • Member areas — charge for gated content or online courses with zero technical setup.
  • Limited ad options — you can’t directly paste ad scripts like AdSense easily, which limits passive income potential.


Bottom line: DreamHost is better for creators who want total control and scalability (especially if you plan to grow multiple income streams).

Squarespace is better for beginners who just want a clean, all-in-one setup for selling or managing simple business models.


DreamHost vs Squarespace for Small Business Websites: Which Wins?

DreamHost vs Squarespace for Small Business Websites: Which Wins?
Image: DreamHost

When it comes to DreamHost vs Squarespace for small business websites, the choice really depends on your priorities. If you value full control, flexibility, and scalability, DreamHost is tough to beat.

With WordPress, you can add almost any feature you want – from custom forms and analytics to booking systems and membership areas. You also get more options for growing your site as your business expands.

Squarespace, however, shines if you want simplicity and speed. Its drag-and-drop builder, beautiful templates, and built-in SEO make it easy to get a professional-looking site up quickly. You won’t have to worry about hosting, updates, or technical tweaks – everything is handled for you.


Bottom line:

For owners who love control and plan to scale with plugins or custom tools, DreamHost is the winner. For business owners who want a no-fuss, polished website fast, Squarespace is the better choice. Both can work for small businesses, but your comfort with tech and long-term goals will determine the right fit.


Related: 45 Profitable Small Business Ideas From Home With Low Investment


DreamHost vs Squarespace for E-commerce: Best Choice in 2025?

DreamHost vs Squarespace for E-commerce
Source: Squarespace

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace for e-commerce in 2025, there’s a clear distinction.


DreamHost

DreamHost, with WordPress and WooCommerce, offers limitless customization.

You can sell physical and digital products, set up subscriptions, run an affiliate blogging business, and integrate advanced marketing tools. It’s perfect if your online store will grow, or you want full control over checkout, shipping, and analytics.



Squarespace

Squarespace is easier to set up and maintain. Its built-in e-commerce tools handle product pages, payments, and inventory without extra plugins. The platform also includes email campaigns, member areas, and simple analytics – all ready to use. However, it has limits on customization, advanced features, and large-scale stores.


Bottom line:

For a scalable, highly customizable online store, DreamHost with WooCommerce is the best choice. For a simpler, faster, visually polished e-commerce site, Squarespace is ideal – especially if you want a hassle-free setup in 2025.


Which Is More Secure, WordPress or Squarespace? (Is Squarespace Safe from Hackers?)

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace in terms of security, Squarespace wins for simplicity, while DreamHost wins for flexibility. Here’s why:


Is Squarespace Safe From Hackers?

Squarespace is a fully managed platform, which means they handle everything – SSL certificate to display important information, updates, firewalls, and threat monitoring – so your site is protected out of the box. You don’t have to install or configure anything.

  • Automatic security patches and updates
  • Built-in SSL (free for all plans)
  • DDoS protection and monitored infrastructure
  • Encrypted payment gateways for stores

So yes, Squarespace is safe from hackers in most cases, but you’re limited in how much you can customize security settings. It’s ideal for people who want security handled for them.


DreamHost Security

DreamHost also offers the means for excellent WordPress security, but since it’s self-hosted, you have to manage more of it yourself:

  • Free SSL and strong firewalls
  • Daily automatic backups and malware scanning
  • One-click restore points
  • Ability to install top-tier plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri
  • You can harden your site even further (two-factor login, IP blocking, etc.)


Related: Blog Security: 11 Steps Every Blogger Can Take Today


In short, Squarespace = low maintenance, while DreamHost = higher control and custom defense.

If you’re tech-comfortable or working on a business that handles customer data, DreamHost gives you more flexibility to secure it your way.

But if you just want peace of mind without ever touching a setting, Squarespace keeps things locked down – effortlessly.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: SEO and Marketing Tools

When it comes to Squarespace vs DreamHost, SEO and marketing are major factors if you want your site to attract visitors and grow your business.

Both platforms give you ways to optimize your content and reach audiences – but they do it very differently.


DreamHost SEO & Marketing Tools

DreamHost SEO & Marketing Tools
Source: DreamHost

DreamHost is WordPress-based, which means you have almost unlimited SEO potential. With the right plugins, you can optimize every page, track traffic, and manage marketing campaigns:

  • WordPress Plugins – Optimize meta tags, keywords, sitemaps, and more with the best WordPress plugins for SEO optimization.
  • Google Analytics integration – Track visitors, behavior, and conversions.
  • Marketing automation – Integrate with MailerLite, ConvertKit, or other email platforms.
  • Advanced strategies – You can implement custom schema markup, redirects, and link-building tools.

The downside? You need to actively manage your SEO and marketing efforts. But if you enjoy tweaking settings, DreamHost gives you maximum control.


Squarespace SEO & Marketing Tools

Squarespace SEO & Marketing Tools
Source: Squarespace

Squarespace makes SEO and marketing simple and accessible, especially for beginners:

  • Built-in SEO options – Title tags, meta descriptions, clean URLs, and automatic sitemaps.
  • Integrated analytics – No plugin needed; view traffic, page performance, and sales data.
  • Email campaigns – Squarespace Email Campaigns are ready to use and match your site branding.
  • Social integration – Schedule posts, sync products, and share content directly.

The trade-off: Squarespace’s SEO is good enough for most small businesses, but it’s not as customizable as WordPress. You can’t fine-tune everything the way you can with DreamHost.


Bottom line:

Squarespace = easy, built-in SEO tools, great for beginners who want quick wins without plugins or coding.

DreamHost = full SEO control, flexible marketing integrations, better for scaling or aggressive campaigns.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Hosting vs Website Builder Compared

Understanding DreamHost vs Squarespace also comes down to a key difference: DreamHost is primarily a hosting provider, while Squarespace is a website builder.


DreamHost Hosting

DreamHost vs Squarespace: Hosting vs Website Builder Compared
Source: DreamHost

With DreamHost, you’re renting server space. You have full control over your environment:

  • Shared, VPS, Dedicated plans – Choose performance based on traffic and budget.
  • Customizable backend – Install WordPress or other CMS, add plugins, configure databases.
  • Scalable – Upgrade hosting as traffic grows without leaving the platform.
  • Freedom & flexibility – Install any theme, tool, or analytics service.

The downside? You’re responsible for updates, backups, and some technical maintenance – unless you choose managed plans like DreamPress.


Squarespace Website Builder

Squarespace Website Builder
Image: Squarespace

Squarespace handles hosting for you. You don’t need to worry about servers or technical setups:

  • Drag-and-drop editing – Build a website visually without coding.
  • Automatic updates – Security, speed, and backups are handled by Squarespace.
  • Limited server customization – You can’t change hosting specs or backend tools.
  • Easy scalability – Good for small to medium sites, but very large or highly customized sites are limited.


Bottom line:

Squarespace = perfect if you want speed, simplicity, and an all-in-one builder without server headaches.

DreamHost = perfect if you want ownership, full control, and technical flexibility.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Domain Names

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace, domain management is another important factor. Both platforms let you register domains, but the pricing and options differ.


DreamHost Domains

DreamHost Custom Domain Name
Source: DreamHost

DreamHost offers full domain registration services:

  • Pricing – Domains typically start around $8.99–$12.99/year, depending on TLD.
  • Free domain – Included for the first year with most hosting plans.
  • Privacy protection – Free WHOIS privacy included.
  • Management – Full DNS control, easy integration with your hosting or email.
  • Transfer options – Move your domain to another registrar or point it elsewhere.

If you want full ownership and control over multiple domains for business growth, DreamHost is ideal for you!


Squarespace Domains

Squarespace also sells domains:

  • Pricing – Most domains start around $20/year, slightly higher than DreamHost.
  • Free domain – Included with annual website plans for the first year.
  • Privacy protection – WHOIS privacy is free for supported domains.
  • Management – Easy to connect to your Squarespace site with minimal setup.
  • Limited DNS control – Advanced settings exist, but are not as flexible as DreamHost.


Bottom line:

Squarespace = convenient, simple, all-in-one domain + website setup, ideal for beginners or single-site projects.

DreamHost = cheaper long-term, more control, better if you manage multiple sites or domains.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Professional Emails

Professional email accounts are essential for credibility. Let’s see how DreamHost vs Squarespace handles this.


DreamHost Email

DreamHost includes email hosting with some plans:

  • Pricing – Starter email accounts often included; additional accounts $1.67–$1.95/month per mailbox.
  • Integration – Works with Outlook, Gmail, or webmail.
  • Features – Spam filtering, large mailbox storage, multiple aliases.
  • Custom domains – Your email matches your website domain for professional branding.

If you run a business or blog with multiple team members, DreamHost gives flexibility at a low cost, so you can get a domain email address for your business.


Squarespace Email

Squarespace partners with Google Workspace for email:

  • Pricing – Around $6/month per user via Google Workspace integration.
  • Setup – Easy one-click setup for your custom domain.
  • Features – Gmail interface, cloud storage, shared calendars, and strong security.
  • Limitations – Cost per mailbox is fixed, so multiple accounts increase monthly expenses.


Bottom line:

Squarespace = easy, fully integrated with Google Workspace, perfect if you value convenience over price.

DreamHost = better for cost-conscious users who want multiple email accounts.


Related: 10 Best Affordable Email Service Providers for Small Business Owners


DreamHost vs Squarespace: CDN & Site Performance Services

DreamHost Bunny CDN
Source: DreamHost

When comparing DreamHost vs Squarespace in 2025, content delivery and site performance are key for speed, especially for global audiences.


DreamHost

DreamHost provides robust CDN options through third-party services like Cloudflare. You can implement a CDN to cache content, reduce server load, and deliver pages faster to visitors worldwide. This flexibility allows advanced users to optimize for performance and scalability.

CDN is included on all DremPress plans, even the cheaper ones. You can activate it with just one click – literally.


Squarespace

Squarespace includes a built-in CDN automatically. Images, scripts, and pages are distributed across their network for fast, consistent load times without any setup. While convenient, you don’t get customization options or advanced caching rules – you rely on Squarespace’s infrastructure.


Bottom line:

DreamHost wins if you want control and fine-tuned optimization. Squarespace wins if you want “set it and forget it” speed, perfect for beginners or small businesses who just want reliable performance globally.


DreamHost vs Squarespace: Comparing Customer Support

DreamHost Customer Support
Image: DreamHost

Support is crucial when choosing between DreamHost vs Squarespace.


DreamHost offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and a knowledge base. Managed plans like DreamPress include more specialized WordPress help (which I’m a huge fan of, since I email them with very long emails quite often lol).

Response times can vary, and complex issues may require some DIY troubleshooting.


Squarespace provides 24/7 email support and live chat during business hours, plus an extensive knowledge base and video tutorials.

Because it’s an all-in-one platform, the support team can often solve issues without any technical setup on your part.


Bottom line:

Squarespace is better for beginners who want fast, worry-free help. DreamHost is excellent for those comfortable with a bit of DIY and who value access to more technical support for scaling websites.


DreamHost vs Squarespace for Bloggers: Which Platform Is Better?

DreamHost vs Squarespace for Bloggers: Which Platform Is Better?
Image: DreamHost

For bloggers, choosing between DreamHost vs Squarespace comes down to control versus simplicity.


DreamHost with WordPress gives full control over content, plugins, SEO, and monetization. You can use advanced analytics, affiliate tools, and unlimited customization – perfect for growing blogs and monetization strategies.


Squarespace offers a beautiful, easy-to-use blogging interface with templates and basic SEO tools. You can start quickly, but customization and plugin options are limited compared to WordPress.


Bottom line:

For bloggers who want scalable monetization and full control, DreamHost is the winner.

For those who want a fast, polished, low-maintenance hobby blog, Squarespace is ideal. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility or simplicity.


Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

So after going through all the details – features, pricing, performance, SEO, monetization, and support – it’s time for the final call: DreamHost vs Squarespace, which one should you choose?

If you’re someone who loves control, flexibility, and long-term scalability, DreamHost is hard to beat.

With DreamHost + WordPress (friendly reminder that WordPress is free), you can customize almost everything: plugins, themes, SEO strategies, e-commerce setups, and monetization tools.

You can optimize for speed, use advanced CDNs, manage multiple domains, and even scale to enterprise-level traffic if your blog or business grows (which is what I did when I transitioned from being a French-English translator and part-time blogger to a full-time blogger).

The trade-off? You’ll handle more technical work and updates, but the payoff is a website that grows with you, fully belongs to you, and is well prepared for multiple monetization strategies.


Squarespace, on the other hand, shines for those who want a fast, polished, all-in-one experience.

Hosting, templates, SEO, email campaigns, and even basic e-commerce are built in.

You won’t need to fuss with plugins or server tweaks. It’s ideal if you want to launch quickly, maintain a sleek site with minimal effort, and have everything managed for you.

The downside? You sacrifice some flexibility and advanced customization.


The bottom line:

  • Choose DreamHost if you want full ownership, more control, and maximum growth (aka money 💸💸) potential.
  • Choose Squarespace if you want simplicity, a quick start, and worry-free management.


Ultimately, the “best” platform depends on your comfort level, goals, and how much you want to tinker under the hood. Both can deliver beautiful, functional sites – it’s just about which approach fits your style.


So which one will you choose?


FAQ

Can I migrate my DreamHost website to another platform later?

Yes! Since DreamHost is self-hosted, you have full control over your website files and database. You can export your WordPress content, themes, and plugins to move your site to another hosting provider whenever you want, making it flexible if your business grows or you decide to switch platforms in the future.

Can I migrate my Squarespace website to another platform later?

Partially. Squarespace allows you to export content like blog posts, pages, and product listings, but the full design and functionality won’t transfer automatically. Moving to another platform may require manually rebuilding templates, adding integrations, or adjusting styling to match your original Squarespace site.

Is DreamHost self-hosted?

Yes, DreamHost is a self-hosted platform, meaning you have complete control over your website, server settings, and customizations. This gives you the flexibility to install plugins, choose themes, manage databases, and scale your site according to your needs without restrictions.

Is Squarespace self-hosted?

No, Squarespace is a fully hosted website builder. Hosting, security, and server maintenance are handled by Squarespace, so you don’t need to manage technical aspects. While convenient, this means you have less control over server-level configurations and certain customizations compared to self-hosted platforms.

Can I keep my domain if I leave Squarespace?

Yes! You can transfer your domain to another registrar or point it to a different hosting provider. Squarespace allows you to retain full ownership of your domain, ensuring your website address stays the same even if you switch platforms or hosting services.

Who owns Squarespace?

Squarespace is an American publicly traded company, founded in 2003 by Anthony Casalena. Headquartered in New York, it provides website building, hosting, and e-commerce solutions worldwide.

Is Squarespace a Chinese company?

No, Squarespace is an American company based in New York. It is not affiliated with China and operates independently as a website and e-commerce platform provider for users globally.

What is the best Squarespace alternative?

Popular alternatives include WordPress with DreamHost, Wix, Webflow, and Shopify for e-commerce. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility, ease of use, or advanced customization for your website or online store.

Does DreamHost include SSL certificates?

Yes, DreamHost provides free SSL certificates on most hosting plans. This secures your website, improves trust for visitors, and boosts SEO rankings without requiring any extra setup or additional cost.

Can I use my own custom email with Squarespace?

Yes, Squarespace integrates with Google Workspace to create professional email addresses using your domain. This allows you to send and receive emails that match your website branding, improving credibility for your business or blog.

Are Squarespace templates mobile-friendly?

Yes, all Squarespace templates are fully responsive. They automatically adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring your website looks great on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops without extra effort on your part.

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