Are you looking for a cost-effective solution for your website, but prefer not to share resources or break the bank for a dedicated server? If so, then virtual private server (VPS) hosting might be just what you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll explore VPS hosting, including key benefits to help you determine if it’s the right web hosting solution for you, along with top VPS hosting web providers to choose from.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is VPS Hosting?
Virtual private server (VPS) hosting occurs when the same server is shared among other websites, but each website gets a dedicated space on the server. Typically, there’s no limit on the number of websites you can host under one VPS plan.
While you also share your server with other websites in the shared hosting model, VPS allows you to have your own dedicated space. In addition, it is more affordable than dedicated hosting — where you get a dedicated server — because you don’t have to rent an entire server.
How Does VPS Hosting Work?
When you sign up for VPS hosting, each website on the server is hosted on a detached virtual partition and is assigned a set number of resources to use (depending on your VPS plan). In VPS web hosting, you can make changes to your dedicated virtual server, and you’re not restricted when it comes to the type of software or programming language you can use in web development.
Here's a breakdown of how VPS hosting works:
- VPS hosting starts with a powerful physical server, often referred to as the host server or the node. This server is equipped with hardware components like processors, memory (RAM), storage (hard drives or SSDs), and network connectivity.
- Then, virtualization software is installed on the host server. This software allows the server to be divided into multiple virtual machines (VMs), each representing a VPS instance.
- Using the virtualization software, the host server creates and manages multiple isolated virtual machines. Each VM is assigned dedicated resources from the host server, such as CPU power, RAM, disk space, and bandwidth.
- Once a VPS is created, an operating system (OS) needs to be installed on it. Users can choose the OS based on their requirements.
- The virtualization software allocates a specific portion of the physical server's resources to each VPS. This ensures that the resources assigned to one VPS are not shared or affected by other VPS instances on the same server. Each VPS operates independently, providing isolation and dedicated resources.
- Users are granted administrative access to their individual VPS instances. They can configure server settings, install software, and manage the VPS as a standalone server. Users have full control over their VPS environment, including root or administrator privileges.
- Each VPS is connected to the internet through the host server's network infrastructure. The host server typically has high-speed connections to ensure fast and reliable data transfer between the VPS instances and the outside world.
Types of VPS Hosting
Managed VPS
With a managed VPS hosting package, you entrust the hosting provider with all server management chores. The web host reduces your workload by maintaining your server, and you pay somewhat more than you would for an unmanaged VPS hosting package.
Proactive monitoring for signs of hardware failure, poor software performance, and any external security threat is also included in the best-managed VPS hosting plans. The host will repair those issues so that they do not interfere with the performance and dependability of your server. You can read our reviews of the finest cPanel-managed VPS plans.
Unmanaged VPS
Unmanaged VPS hosting, or self-managed VPS hosting, is a hosting type in which a web host offers a hands-off approach, allowing you to design your server environment to your liking. This means you'll be in charge of server installation, management, and updates. Users are also in charge of identifying security threats, installing fixes, and troubleshooting issue alerts.
If your hardware fails or goes down, you may not get any help from your host. Furthermore, the supplier may exclude backup services from your package. You may have to purchase it as a paid add-on and manually activate it.
Because of these criteria, unmanaged server hosting is appropriate for those who have the technical knowledge and time to run a server.
Semi-Managed VPS
A semi-managed VPS hosting plan includes a certain amount of maintenance services. Depending on your provider and hosting plan, you may be able to get assistance installing operating systems and applications. The top semi-managed VPS servers also offer security features to assist in the protection of your website. You will be required, however, continue to manage some server components or hire someone.
What Is a VPS Used For?
When you should think about using a VPS:
- When the architectural and resource restrictions of your shared or reseller hosting are exceeded.
- When you need to install bespoke modules or programs that your shared host does not support.
- When you need to gain root access to the server.
- When you require a virtual development environment for software development and testing.
- When handling sensitive data and processing financial transactions.
- When there are huge website traffic swings.
When Should You Switch To VPS Hosting?
Some indicators of having to switch to VPS Hosting are as follows:
- When your traffic is increasing at a pace of 30% per day and you are receiving up to 5000 page views per day, you might consider switching to VPS hosting. When traffic exceeds 8000 page hits per day, VPS hosting is a must-have solution.
- If you discover that it is critical for your website to be monetized, you should consider switching to a VPS.
- Another sign that your shared hosting plans may need to be upgraded is if you notice that your site is becoming slow. It often slows down when a large number of plug-ins generate numerous SQL database and PHP requests.
- Overloading may cause your website to go down from time to time, affecting your business. As a result, it could be interpreted as an indication that your shared hosting plans should be upgraded to VPS.
- If you notice that comments are loading extremely slowly and that it is becoming difficult to submit new ones, or 404 errors are becoming common, it is time to upgrade to a VPS.
- Another obvious reason to change your plans is when your web hosting company sends you notices that you have exhausted all of your monthly resources.
- When you load particularly large amounts of multi-media content, such as video files that must be downloaded, your site will require more processing power and bandwidth.
Benefits of VPS Hosting
From hosting your website on a separate virtual space to boosted security features similar to cloud hosting, here’s why VPS web hosting sets itself apart from the other types of web hosting. VPS hosting is:
1. Reliable
Websites that run on VPS web hosting don’t share resources. So even if one of the websites that you share the server with crashes, your website’s performance won’t be affected, since your website is hosted on a separate virtual partition.
2. Cost-Efficient
While VPS hosting isn’t the cheapest hosting solution (props to shared hosting), it is still the most cost-effective solution out of all the types — it's affordable and makes use of a dedicated space in a shared server.
Unlike dedicated hosting rates, which can reach around $100 to $500 per month, VPS web hosting rates typically range from just $20 to $60 for a monthly plan.
VPS web hosting gives you the best of both worlds, thanks to its affordability, which is similar to shared hosting, and dedicated virtual space, similar to dedicated hosting.
3. Secure
Similar to cloud hosting, VPS web hosting allows you to be in control of your website security. You can choose to install firewalls, acquire free SSL certificates and utilize 24/7 security from experts to protect your data.
4. Scalable
VPS hosting allows you to easily scale your resources as your website or business grows. You can upgrade or downgrade your VPS plan based on your changing needs, such as increased traffic, higher resource requirements, or additional website installations.
5. Fully Customizable
VPS hosting provides users with root or administrator access to their virtual servers. This level of control allows you to customize server settings, install applications and software, and configure the server environment according to your specific requirements. You have the flexibility to optimize the server for your website or application's needs.
What Makes VPS Hosting Different From Shared and Dedicated Hosting?
VPS hosting differs from shared hosting and dedicated hosting in several key aspects. Here's a comparison of these hosting types:
| Resource Allocation | Isolation | Performance | Customization & Control |
VPS Hosting | Each virtual server is allocated dedicated resources, providing better performance and stability. | Each virtual server operates in an isolated environment, ensuring that the activities or vulnerabilities of one VPS do not impact others. | Offers better performance by providing dedicated resources to each virtual server, eliminating the risk of resource contention | Users have root or administrator access to their virtual server, allowing them to customize server settings, install applications, and configure the server environment according to their needs. |
Shared Hosting | Multiple websites share the same server resources, including CPU, RAM, disk space, and bandwidth. This can lead to resource limitations and performance issues if one website experiences high traffic or resource usage. | Websites are hosted on the same server and often share the same IP address. This lack of isolation means that issues with one website, such as security breaches or resource spikes, can affect the performance and security of other websites on the server. | Hosting performance can be affected by other websites on the same server, particularly if one website experiences high traffic or resource demands. | Typically provides limited control and customization options. Users have restricted access to server configurations and software installations. |
Dedicated Hosting | Offers the entire server's resources exclusively to a single user or website, ensuring maximum performance and control. | Provides complete isolation, as there are no other users sharing the server. | Delivers the highest performance level since the entire server is dedicated to a single user or website. | Offers the highest level of control, allowing users to have full control over the server's configuration and settings. |
In general, VPS hosting is the bridge between shared and dedicated hosting. It guarantees better performance, customization, and control compared to shared hosting while being more affordable than dedicated hosting. Dedicated hosting provides the highest level of performance, control, and resource allocation, but it comes at a higher cost that might not fit everyone’s budget.
Top VPS Web Hosting Providers
So you’ve decided that VPS web hosting is worth investing in, thanks to its affordability and reliability. The next step? It’s time to choose who your web hosting provider will be. We searched high and low for reliable VPS web hosting providers and hand-picked three with a proven track record.
1. A2 Hosting
Founded in 2003, A2 Hosting is a premium web host provider that offers shared web hosting, dedicated hosting and VPS web hosting solutions.
A2 Hosting has been recognized by big names in the industry such as PC Mag and Tech Radar.
With A2 Hosting, you can:
- Use unmetered bandwidth
- Migrate your account for free
- Make use of a free SSL certificate
- Receive 24/7 support from experts
Price: A2 Hosting offers three plans: the Lift4 Plan for $44/month, the Lift 8 Plan for $61/month and the Lift 16 Plan for $75/month.
2. HostGator
Founded in 2002, HostGator is a cost-efficient yet reliable web hosting platform with monthly plans starting as low as $2.75.
Currently, HostGator hosts more than two million websites across different countries.
With HostGator, you can:
- Utilize unmetered bandwidth
- Transfer your website for free
- Make use of a free SSL certificate
- Get a free domain name for one year
Price: HostGator provides three plans: the Hatchling Plan for $2.75/month, the Baby Plan for $3.50/month and the Business Plan for $5.25/month
3. Bluehost
Launched in 2003, Bluehost is a top web hosting provider, was recently selected as the 2021 PC Magazine Editor’s Choice for hosting.
From providing SSL certificates to building WordPress websites, Bluehost is an affordable yet exceptional choice for shared hosting.
With Bluehost, you can:
- Update, transfer, purchase and manage your domains in one location
- Acquire a free domain name for one year
- Utilize a free SSL certificate for one year
- Use Bluehost Maestro, the platform’s own version of a cPanel, to manage your websites from one dashboard
Price: If you choose to avail services from Bluehost, they offer four plans: Basic, Plus, Choice Plus and Pro accounts. Rates start as low as $2.95 for the Basic account and $13.95 for the Pro account.
4. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is no stranger to the world of web hosting, with more than 20 million users subscribing to their hosting plans.
From guaranteeing a 99.9% service uptime to providing around-the-clock security for websites, GoDaddy is a top choice when looking for a shared hosting provider.
With GoDaddy, you can:
- Utilize unmetered bandwidth
- Access an easy-to-use control panel
- Leverage automated data backups
- Use a free SSL certificate for one year
Price: Select from the Economy plan, starting at $5.99/month, the Deluxe plan at $7.99/month, the Ultimate plan at $12.99/month or the Maximum plan at $19.99/month.
What Is VPS Hosting: Key Takeaways
VPS web hosting is an affordable web hosting solution that has similar features to dedicated hosting, as it provides users with a dedicated virtual space. It’s a reliable type of web hosting that’s worth considering if you want a dedicated space on the server but don’t want to break the bank.
If you’re interested in VPS web hosting, the top VPS web hosting providers include A2 Hosting, HostGator, Bluehost and GoDaddy. The next step is to choose the best web development agency to ensure the success of your website and online presence.
VPS Hosting FAQs
1. Is VPS good for hosting?
VPS hosting is considered a good option for hosting websites and applications as it provides dedicated resources, improved performance, customization options, scalability, and enhanced security compared to shared hosting. Balancing affordability and control, it is suitable for individuals, small businesses, and even larger companies. It offers the advantages of a dedicated server at a more affordable cost.
2. Is VPS better than VPN?
Although a dilemma for many people, VPS and VPN serve different purposes and cannot be directly compared in terms of one being better than the other.
VPS hosting is a type of web hosting service that provides users with a virtual server environment, offering dedicated resources, customization, scalability, and control over the server. It is primarily used for hosting websites and applications.
On the other hand, a VPN is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and a private network. VPNs are commonly used to enhance privacy and security when accessing the internet, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as they encrypt the user's internet traffic and hide their IP address.
3. Is VPS hosting expensive?
The cost of VPS varies depending on many factors. However, compared to shared hosting, you should expect VPS hosting to be more expensive due to the dedicated resources and increased performance it offers. But VPS hosting is typically more affordable than dedicated hosting, which provides exclusive use of an entire server.
4. Who should use VPS hosting?
VPS hosting can be beneficial for individuals, businesses, and organizations that require more control, scalability, performance, and security than shared hosting can provide. It caters to growing websites, small to medium-sized businesses, developers, resource-intensive applications, multiple websites, enhanced security needs, custom software or applications, and users with advanced technical expertise.
