Understanding the difference between VPS and Dedicated Servers. In short, VPS hosting works on a virtual shared server, where you host your website alongside others; dedicated hosting, meanwhile, gives you your own server. Unlike shared hosting, both a VPS, short for virtual private server, and a dedicated server give your site its own resources. However, they accomplish this in slightly different ways and at radically different price points, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the right solution for your needs.
As you’d expect, VPS hosting and dedicated hosting differ in a number of ways. So, to recap, here’s a table that breaks down their differences in key areas and shows which is better:
| Difference | VPS Hosting | Dedicated Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Allocation | Flexible resource limits with the possibility of using other websites’ resource on your server. | Massive resource limits are flexible month-on-month depending on your needs. |
| Security | You can install your own security software, but are still pretty vulnerable if other sites on the server have a security breach. | You’re in charge of your own security, and can install software to protect your site without relying on others. |
| Performance | Fast loading speeds for the most part, unless multiple sites on the server have traffic surges simultaneously. | Super quick loading speeds based on the resources available to your website. |
| Configuration and Customization | Technical set-up can be done for you with a managed plan, and resources are flexible based on your site’s performance and that of those on your server. | Again, technical set-up and support isn’t too much of an issue with managed plans, and you can customize your site with additional software. |
| Scalability | A great type of hosting to grow with your site, given its flexibility and the generous resource available. | You’re already at the summit. You can upgrade your plan, but you shouldn’t really need to scale up much more. |
| Price | Cheaper than dedicated hosting with a nice affordable price range, usually around $15 – $120/month. | The most powerful and most expensive type of hosting, usually ranging from $60 – $400/month. |
VPS hosting is perfect for small websites or large personal sites. It’s the logical step up from shared hosting, and has all the flexibility and resource you need to scale.
If that sounds like you, then check out our Linux VPS or Windows VPS, Dedicated Servers
