Modern VOD hosting without the 2014 interface.
| Feature | host.video | Dacast |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $20/mo | $39/mo (Starter) |
| Bandwidth (entry) | 2 TB/mo | 2.4 TB/mo |
| AI search inside videos | Included on all plans | Not available |
| Auto transcription | Included, no per-minute fee | Not documented |
| DRM / AES encryption | Not currently offered | Scale tier ($165/mo) and above |
| Live streaming | Not currently offered | Included on all plans |
| Monetization (paywall, PPV) | Not currently offered | Built-in paywall on all plans |
| White-label player | Zero branding on all plans | Custom player with CNAME on all plans |
Dacast user reviews describe it as "technology stuck in 2014" with a buggy control panel where changes are not always saved on first try. Lag and sync issues between sound and image are reported. host.video provides a clean, modern dashboard that works reliably.
Dacast users report aggressive auto-renewal with "no consent policy before they charge" and no way to cancel on the same day. Refund refusal is policy. Cancellation requires both a form and an email before the renewal date. host.video lets you cancel anytime — no exit fees, no lock-in.
host.video automatically transcribes every upload and makes your library searchable. Dacast focuses on live streaming and monetization but does not offer in-video search or AI-powered features.
Dacast is a live + VOD platform with multi-CDN delivery (Akamai and Cloudflare), China live streaming capability, and unlimited concurrent viewers. If live streaming is a core requirement alongside VOD, Dacast offers both in one platform.
Dacast includes pay-per-view, subscription, and advertising monetization with an integrated paywall. If you need to sell access to video content, Dacast has a ready-made solution that host.video does not currently offer.
host.video Starter is $20/mo ($200/yr) for 200 GB storage and 2 TB bandwidth. Dacast Starter is $39/mo for 500 GB storage and 2.4 TB bandwidth (annual billing only). host.video Business is $100/mo ($1,000/yr) for 500 GB storage and 5 TB bandwidth. Dacast Scale is $165/mo (annual) or $250/mo (monthly) for 2 TB storage and 24 TB bandwidth. Dacast charges $0.30/GB for bandwidth overages and $0.15/GB for storage overages. DRM and AES encryption require the Scale tier at $165/mo minimum. host.video includes AI search, transcription, chapters, and a white-label player on every plan.
Dacast is the right choice for teams that need live streaming and VOD in one platform with built-in monetization (paywall, PPV, ad-supported). If broadcasting live events with multi-CDN delivery and China streaming capability is a core requirement, Dacast offers capabilities that host.video does not.
Choose host.video if your primary need is on-demand video hosting with a modern interface, AI-powered search, and predictable pricing. If you are a Dacast customer frustrated by the dated UI, aggressive auto-renewal policies, or lack of AI features, host.video provides a focused, modern alternative for VOD hosting.