DreamHost Shared Hosting review
A practical multi-site shared host for Perl and CGI websites needing managed infrastructure.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
DreamHost Shared Hosting is managed shared web hosting for individuals, developers, small businesses, and growing websites that need Perl, CGI scripts, SSH access, and MySQL. Its multi-site focus suits users running several Perl-based websites without managing dedicated server infrastructure. The service includes a custom-built control panel, daily automated backups, NVMe SSD storage, unmetered bandwidth, and free SSL certificates.
Annual pricing starts at $7.99 per month for Launch, which supports 25 websites, 25 GB of NVMe SSD storage, and 40k monthly visits. Growth is listed at $8.99 per month and increases capacity to 50 websites, 50 GB of storage, and 200k monthly visits. Scale costs $19.99 per month and supports 100 websites, 100 GB of storage, and 400k monthly visits. Each tier includes daily automated backups, unmetered bandwidth, and unlimited free SSL certificates. The plans provide a clear capacity path for sites that outgrow the lower tiers.
Perl support is a central reason to consider this service: Perl is installed on managed hosting servers, CGI scripts are supported, and shell access is available through SSH when enabled per user. MySQL databases and a custom control panel add common management options for web projects. However, this remains shared hosting, so it is intended for managed shared infrastructure rather than dedicated server resources. Choose it for multiple Perl or CGI websites with predictable shared-hosting needs; consider another hosting type if dedicated resources are required.
DreamHost Shared Hosting pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Perl, CGI support, SSH, and MySQL are included.
- Supports up to 100 websites with unmetered bandwidth.
- Daily backups, NVMe storage, and free SSL certificates are included.
- Where it doesn't
- Shared hosting does not provide dedicated server resources.
- Plans are available for the web platform only.
- Email is included for an introductory period rather than indefinitely.
DreamHost Shared Hosting fact sheet, pricing and score →
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