You might consider the hosting type of your website in two situations: either you are launching a new website, or you have an existing site on shared hosting that needs an upgrade. If you are in the latter situation, then you must consider the numerous benefits of virtual private server (VPS) hosting.
You may have other options, like renting an entire dedicated server. However, VPS can give you the power and control required to run a high-performing website or application. In this post, we will discuss two hosting services: VPS and shared hosting.
First, you will find an overview of the two hosting types and then a deep insight into the comparison of VPS hosting vs shared hosting. The motive is to help you to decide confidently the next time the question ‘Why choose VPS hosting’ comes to you. So, let’s get started.
What Is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting used by website owners when entering the world of web hosting. You must be using it if you already have a website. In this plan, the server’s resources are shared among many websites. The resources are rotated between different websites as needed. This “round-robin” way of sharing resources makes shared hosting the cheapest and most common hosting option.
However, web hosts frequently oversell shared hosting plans. Overselling means they sell more hosting plans than the server can actually support with its resources. Because of overselling, websites on shared hosting may experience unstable performance with frequent ups and downs. That is where the comparison of VPS vs shared hosting comes into the scenario.
What Is VPS Hosting?
In a VPS or Virtual Private Server, your site will get a dedicated server, even though it is not physical but virtual. This means that a single physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. Each VPS account gets its own dedicated resources like an operating system, memory, storage space, and CPU power.
The main advantage of VPS over shared hosting is consistent performance. With a VPS, you know exactly how many resources are available for your website at all times. You don’t have to worry about your site slowing down because other websites on the same server are using up too many resources.
Comparison Of VPS vs Shared Hosting Features
You may easily get confused while choosing between VPS and shared hosting. But, once you have a detailed breakdown and comparison of the difference between shared and VPS hosting, it might get easier for you. So, here you go.
1. Performance and Reliability
Some factors like resource allocation and handling can influence your website performance. Due to dedicated resources, VPS hosting will almost always outperform shared hosting in terms of performance.
The isolated environment of a VPS will also ensure higher system integrity and reliability. However, uptime and overall service reliability should be similar for both hosting types.
2. Security
For secure web hosting, VPS is the better choice when we are comparing VPS hosting vs shared hosting.
In Shared Hosting, the lack of account separation raises security risks, and any breach can have severe consequences for all websites on the server. VPS can mitigate this risk as it comes with an isolated environment for each hosting plan.
3. Management and Control
Shared Hosting plans are the easiest to set up and manage, even for beginners, as the hosting provider handles most administrative and technical tasks. However, this simplicity comes with less control over server configuration.
VPS Hosting plans come in Managed or Unmanaged variants. Managed VPSs include assistance from technical teams for server maintenance and configurations at a premium price, while Unmanaged VPSs require server and network administration skills.
4. Scalability
While Shared Hosting plans can be upgraded, there is a low upper limit on resources, making scalability less apparent. VPS plans are generally more scalable, sometimes allowing you to choose the specific resource to scale up, depending on the service provider.
5. Pricing
Shared Hosting is usually the cheapest hosting option, particularly for entry-level plans. However, some mid to high-level Shared Hosting plans can cost more than entry-level Unmanaged VPS plans.
Remember that pricing is not always all-inclusive, regardless of the hosting type. For example, while most web hosts offer free SSL, commercial websites may need to consider SSL certificate prices for better options.
Why Choose VPS Hosting?
Now that you have gathered the difference between shared and VPS hosting let’s discuss the key reasons why you should choose a VPS instead of shared hosting.
- Root Access: With a VPS, you get full root access. This means you control everything on your server. You can install any software you want and restart the server anytime.
- Scalability: Websites grow over time as traffic increases. With a VPS, you can easily add more resources like RAM or storage when you need them. You only pay for what you use.
- Better Security: On shared hosting, other websites on the same server can impact your security. But with a VPS, you have your own isolated server environment with control over security settings.
- Affordable Cost: VPS plans are very affordable, with prices starting as low as $5 per month. You only pay for the resources you need.
- Choose Your OS: You can choose the operating system for your VPS – Windows or any Linux distribution you prefer.
- 24/7 Support: The hosting provider offers expert support around the clock to help with any issues or questions you have about your VPS.
Final Thoughts
VPS hosting is a great choice when you are scaling up your online business. Shared hosting may be a common choice for most new website holders because of its easy accessibility and low costs, but VPS hosting can mean so much more for your website or application. While shared hosting might be an appealing choice for the newbie to the world of hosting, soon you might find yourself dissatisfied with the performance of your Shared Hosting plan.
Don’t worry; most web hosts give you ample freedom to migrate to VPS hosting seamlessly as your website needs to grow. Now that you have enough reasons why choose VPS hosting over shared hosting, you can upgrade your hosting solution whenever you want.
Ready to take your website to the next level for better revenues? All you need to choose is a better-performing website with hosting services from Vodien. Contact us today and make your online business the best in the lot!
