Shopping for web hosting isn’t an easy process. There are a number of choices from shared web hosting to VPS hosting to dedicated server hosting.
Maybe you’ve figured out shared hosting isn’t the right choice for you. However, the decision between VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting has you stumped. Let’s look at each type of hosting so you can make the right decision.
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS hosting or virtual private server hosting offers an upgrade from the entry-level shared hosting. With shared hosting, you share the resources of the server in a buffet-style or first-come-first-serve.
VPS also allows you to share the cost of the server, but you have your own set of resources. Instead of getting in a buffet line for resources, you’re assigned a specific set of resources separate from everybody else using the server.
You’ll be fully isolated from the other accounts on the server, which provides a better option compared to shared hosting. However, you won’t pay the higher cost of dedicated server hosting, since you’re still sharing the server.
What is Dedicated Server Hosting?
Dedicated server hosting, on the other hand, gives you the entire server to yourself. Instead of sharing the server with other accounts, you get all the resources of the server without any other accounts on the server with you.
You will have a server with a set amount of disk space, CPU/core, RAM, and other resources. It can be customized to fit your specific needs and no other user will be on the server with you.
Main Differences between VPS Hosting and Dedicated Server Hosting
The main differences between VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting is the way resources are given to you. This main difference leads to several differences stemming from the way you are given resources.
- Cost – Of course, since you’re sharing the server with VPS hosting, you’ll pay less each month. Dedicated server hosting allows you all the resources and you lease the entire server.
When it comes to the cost, VPS hosting will cost significantly less than dedicated server hosting. - Security – Another huge difference between VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting is the security of the server. With VPS hosting, you share the server, so you’re still counting on other accounts securing their websites properly. Dedicated server hosting gives you the ability to fully customize your security without counting on anybody else. You gain full access to the server; therefore, you can create a more secure environment for your website.
- Speed – While there isn’t a massive difference in speed from VPS hosting to dedicated server hosting, there can be a difference. VPS hosting is still a form of shared hosting, so you will be limited when it comes to resources. If you want the best speed for your website, dedicated server hosting is the right option.
- Flexibility – Both VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting offer plenty of flexibility. However, you will gain full access to the server with dedicated server hosting. If you want the most flexibility possible, dedicated server hosting is the right choice. When you have access to the entire server, you can choose the operating system, configure the resources, choose the storage options, and completely customize the server to fit your specific needs.
- Scalability – As you grow, you need hosting that can grow with you. Both VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting offer scalability. However, there’s a point with VPS hosting where you will outgrow it. At this point, dedicated server hosting just makes sense. With dedicated server hosting, you won’t outgrow it. You may need to add a second or even a third server, as you grow, but it’s incredibly scalable without limits.
Pros & Cons of VPS Hosting
VPS hosting has plenty of benefits, especially for the right business. Here are the pros and cons of VPS hosting.
Pros
- A massive upgrade from shared hosting options
- Excellent performance for most mid-sized websites
- Cheaper than dedicated server hosting
Cons
- Still shares the resources of the server with other accounts
- Doesn’t perform as well as dedicated server hosting
Pros & Cons of Dedicated Server hosting
For the right type of website, dedicated server hosting offers massive benefits. Here are the pros and cons of dedicated hosting.
Pros
- Massive amount of resources for your website
- Fully customizable to your specific needs
- Best performance of all hosting types
- Ability to secure the server however you prefer
Cons
- Most expensive type of hosting
- May need some technical knowledge to gain all the benefits
What can VPS Hosting & Dedicated Hosting Handle?
When you look at the traffic you get to your website or plan to get, it could make your hosting decision for you. VPS hosting cannot handle the same level of daily traffic as dedicated server hosting.
If you have VPS hosting, you’ll likely be able to support between 30,000 and 60,000 daily visitors with the highest plan. Websites receiving more daily traffic will require dedicated server hosting or the site might load very slow.
With a dedicated server, you can handle an unlimited number of visitors because you can add more servers, when necessary. While every server has limited, VPS hosting is more limited than dedicated server hosting.
Making the Right Hosting Decision
While it might be tempting to make your hosting decision based on price, it’s important to look at your needs. Many businesses will do very well with VPS hosting, but dedicated server hosting offers the right solution for several websites, as well.
For most small to medium-sized businesses/websites, VPS hosting will be sufficient. However, if you have special security needs or you see a large number of daily visitors, dedicated server hosting makes quite a bit of sense.
It’s not an easy decision as VPS hosting is certainly less expensive compared to dedicated server hosting. Look at your specific needs before you make your final hosting decision.
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