VPS hosting stands for virtual private server hosting. This type of hosting uses a shared server to store data and files. While it’s much like a dedicated server, it’s less expensive but still provides many benefits of a dedicated server.
Although you’re sharing the server, your data won’t be available to other unauthorized users who are also using the server. So you can rest assured that your information is secure.
The best VPS hosting platforms provide excellent security, outstanding performance and affordable pricing to meet your needs.
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS hosting takes advantage of virtual servers so that you don’t need to invest in and maintain your own. Because the service is shared, other users also have data on the server, but that will have little impact on you. That’s because the hosting platform separates the server into different sections using virtual walls so you can use your chosen operating system, software and settings.
Because you’re able to customize your operating system and settings, it will feel much like a private server and you’ll have guaranteed resources. You choose your memory, CPU cores, disk space and more.
VPS hosting has many uses, including the following:
- Website hosting
- cPanel hosting
- File storage
- Database hosting
- Web server hosting
- Email hosting
- Virtual workstation hosting
- As a platform to deliver cloud-based services to customers
Both Windows and Linux operating systems work with VPS hosting with benefits for each operating system.
Why is VPS So Expensive?
Protecting your digital information is not something you should take lightly. The big reason VPS is so expensive is because the host is creating a separate space for you on its servers. This requires extra care and technology.
Upkeep on your server will be more involved than it is for shared hosting where the server resources are not sectioned off like they are with VPS.
But with VPS hosting, you can enjoy these benefits:
- Performance: Because your bandwidth and storage are allocated instead of shared, you can enjoy reliable performance.
- Growth potential: Request more resources and your host can adjust your plan.
- Value: While you’ll pay more for VPS than for shared hosting, it’s still less expensive than dedicated hosting. With VPS, you only pay for the resources you need instead of an entire server.
- Server backups: Protect your data with regular server backups. This will vary based on the host you choose.
- Security: Because your server space is isolated from others, it’s more secure than shared hosting.
- Customization: You choose your operating system and the features you want for your VPS hosting.
So although VPS hosting is more expensive, you get what you pay for. And it’s still less expensive for smaller organizations with limited storage needs than a dedicated server.
What to Look Out for in a VPS Hosting?
Each company will have different needs and requirements when it comes to VPS hosting. However, there are several factors you should consider when evaluating VPS hosts.
Server Location
Like all types of hosting, you should consider the server location. Many hosting platforms offer multiple server locations to make for a great experience from anywhere.
But some smaller hosting companies have fewer locations, which could impact your experience or your customers’ experience. Make sure the host you choose has local servers based on your customer base and your employee locations.
Reliability
Choose a hosting partner who has redundancies and backup servers in case something goes wrong. You don’t want to lose access to your files or resources due to a server failure.
Look for servers with high reliability and uptime records.
Scalability
When reviewing VPS hosting plans, consider the scalability of the company’s offer. As your needs adapt, you might need to increase your storage.
Make sure that’s possible with your chosen VPS host.
Support
Small businesses with limited technical resources should especially consider the need for technical support. While you hope to get up and running with VPS with no problems, you never know what challenges you might encounter.
Consider the support options when reviewing plans.
Cost
You certainly don’t want cheap VPS hosting because that’s your data and operations on the line. Instead, balance the cost with the total value of the hosting plan. Remember that the reason to choose VPS over shared hosting is to get improved security, reliability and scalability.
Make sure all those elements are present to get the value for your money with VPS hosting.
Best VPS Hosting Provider
Make a list of your requirements before reviewing hosting provider options. This will help you make a short-list of companies to look into in more detail.
Here’s a look at some of the best VPS hosting providers available in 2021.
1. Best for Quick Scaling: Kamatera
With unlimited storage options and total flexibility to add or discontinue server use at any point, Kamatera is a leader in VPS solutions. In a few minutes, you can increase your server space to allow for real-time scalability. For fast-growing companies who only want to pay for what they need now, this is an ideal way to get started with VPS that will grow with your organization.
Pricing: Prices start at $4 a month, but will be highly dependent on how much space you need and what you’ll be using it for.
Bundles: Kamatera offers a diverse set of cloud business services, including remote desktop hosting, app servers, development servers, WordPress hosting and much more. Get in contact with the hosting company to learn more about bundling these services to save.
2. Best for Reliability: InMotion
InMotion focuses solely on VPS hosting environments and boasts a more than 99.9% uptime rate. Because of this, you get a great blend of server reliability, bandwidth and affordability.
Choose between a managed or cloud hosting plan. The cloud hosting option provides more flexibility for your developers.
Pricing: Plans start at $17.99 per month. Just be aware that this is an introductory rate, and you’ll see much higher prices at renewal.
Bundles: Plans include an unlimited number of domain-based emails, free website transfer, 24/7/365 support and more.
3. Best for Affordable Plans: A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting stands out because of its affordable unmanaged hosting plans. In fact, the unmanaged plans are less expensive than the managed plans, which is rare to find in hosting partners. Get root access with custom features to customize your virtual server.
Pricing: Unmanaged plans start at $4.99 per month, while managed plans start at $33.99 a month.
Look carefully at the storage and RAM for each plan type as the entry-level plans generally don’t meet average developer needs. Also be aware that these prices include an introductory offer that you might not get at contract renewal.
Bundles: A2 Hosting supplies a wide variety of hosting services that range from CRM to Linux. Consider your company’s needs and reach out for bundling options.
4. Best for Cheap VPS Hosting: Hostinger
With plans starting at $3.95 per month, Hostinger is one of the most affordable VPS hosting partners you can find. But the great news is, you still get excellent bandwidth and storage for the money. For developers, you can get full root access to the server as well.
Pricing: Plans start at $3.95 per month. Be aware that Hostinger provides introductory rates so be sure you know what the regular rates are before signing up.
With 6 tiers to choose from, the hosting plan is extremely flexible and scalable to meet your needs.
Bundles: Hostinger provides a wide variety of hosting services and domains. Consider getting all your hosting needs in one place by contacting their team about bundling the services.
5. Best for Large Storage: Liquid Web
Get 10TB of bandwidth and 16GB of RAM with Liquid Web. It’s one of the VPS hosts with the largest storage and memory plans available.
Pricing is based on the RAM you need from 2GB to 16GB. Liquid Web also offers outstanding support via live chat, phone and email. All plans are managed with no options for an unmanaged plan.
Pricing: Plans start at $30 per month. However, be aware that contracts are annual. You can pay a little more if you want to go month-to-month instead.
Bundles: Contact customer service for longer plans to save on your VPS hosting.
6. Best for Large Hosting Plans: HostPapa
HostPapa enables your enterprise to scale its resources at any time. Choose to use multiple servers at once with easy access to add another from your dashboard when you need to.
Developers will like the root access to customize the experience. Enterprises won’t outgrow this VPS hosting plan. All plans include 24/7 support.
Pricing: Plans start at $19.99 per month. To get the enterprise resources, you’ll need to spend up to $249.99. Plans include a free domain transfer and migration to VPS.
Bundles: HostPapa offers many additional services, such as Microsoft 365, SiteLock, domains and more. Contact the company before signing up for services to take advantage of bundling options.
Find VPS Hosting Today
Whether you’re looking for managed or unmanaged hosting and your storage and memory needs will determine which hosting plan is right for you.
Whether you need an inexpensive start or large storage capacity, our recommended VPS hosting provider can offer the service you need now.
About Rebekah Brately
Rebekah Brately is an investment writer passionate about helping people learn more about how to grow their wealth. She has more than 12 years of writing experience, focused on technology, travel, family and finance. Her work has been published in Benzinga, Hearst Bay Area, FreightWaves and Dallas Observer publications.
