Choosing between shared and virtual private server hosting depends on a number of factors, including your business needs, budget, and technical requirements. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.
Cost
Shared hosting is generally cheaper than hosting on a virtual server because the resources are shared among multiple users on the same server. VPS, on the other hand, provides dedicated resources and is therefore more expensive.
In 2024, the average cost of shared hosting is around $1-15/month.VPS Hosting costs $10 for an annual or multi-year plan. If you want to pay monthly, expect to pay $20 or more. The exact price depends on the resources required, the provider, and the length of the subscription.
If cost is a big concern, you can start with shared hosting and switch to a VPS once your site traffic increases and you outgrow the shared plan.
Scalability
VPS allows for more seamless scalability because you can upgrade your resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as your business grows. Shared hosting is limited in terms of scalability because you are sharing resources with other users on the same server.
Display
Virtual servers typically perform better than shared hosting because you have dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and disk space. This means your site will load faster and handle higher traffic volumes more efficiently.
Security
in shared hosting,security can be a concern since you are sharing the server with other users. VPS offers better security as the resources are isolated, reducing the risk of security breach.
Technical Expertise
Shared hosting is suitable for beginners or people who don’t have much technical expertise, as the hosting provider handles server management. VPS requires more technical knowledge as you have to manage and maintain your virtual server.
Control
With shared hosting, you have limited control over server settings and configuration. The hosting provider manages them. With VPS, you have more control and flexibility to customize server settings based on your specific needs.
What Types of Websites Benefit from a Virtual Private Server?
Websites that require more resources, customization, and control than shared hosting can provide should choose VPS. Here are some websites that can benefit from this type of hosting.
E-commerce websites
Online stores often require more resources and security features than basic websites. A VPS can provide the performance and security measures needed to safely handle transactions and customer data.
Professional website
Corporate website or portal may require a VPS to ensure reliability, security and customization options to suit their needs.
High-traffic websites
Websites that receive a lot of traffic may benefit from a VPS as it offers more resources and stability than shared hosting. This includes popular blogs, news websites, and forums.
Web Applications
Websites running complex web applications or Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms can benefit from a VPS to ensure consistent performance, scalability, and customization options.
Media-rich websites
Websites that host and present large media files, such as videos, images, or audio files, can benefit from increased storage and bandwidth capabilities.
development and test environments
Developers often use virtual servers to create development and testing environments that closely resemble production servers. This makes it easier to test and debug applications before deployment.
Reseller Hosting
Individuals or companies that provide hosting services to customers can use VPS to create customized hosting packages with dedicated resources for each customer.
Security Focused
Websites that prioritize security, such as financial institutions, government agencies, or websites that handle sensitive data, can benefit from advanced security features and isolation.
Gaming server
Multiplayer game servers often require low latency and dedicated resources. A VPS provides the level of control and performance needed to host a game server.
Final thoughts
For a small business with low to medium traffic and budget constraints, shared hosting may be a suitable option initially. However, if you expect growth or need more control over your server environment, a VPS may be a better choice in the long run.
