Difference Between Web Hosting, VPS, and Dedicated Server
Explains the differences between web hosting, a VPS, and a dedicated server, and which option best fits your situation.
Not sure whether to choose web hosting, a VPS, or a dedicated server? In this article, we explain the difference.
Web hosting
With web hosting, you share a server with other customers, each with their own isolated environment (via CloudLinux). You manage your website through DirectAdmin, without having to do server management yourself.
- Suitable for: websites, webshops, email.
- No server access (no root/SSH to the operating system of the entire server needed).
- Lowest cost, we manage the server.
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
With a VPS, you get your own, isolated part of a physical server with guaranteed resources (CPU, RAM, disk space). You have full (root) access and choose your own operating system.
- Suitable for: game servers, your own applications, multiple websites with full control, software that doesn't work on standard web hosting.
- You are responsible for managing the server yourself (updates, security), unless you choose a managed solution.
- More flexibility than web hosting, lower cost than a dedicated server.
Dedicated server
With a dedicated server, you get a full, physical server exclusively for yourself, without sharing resources with other customers.
- Suitable for: heavy workloads, large websites/applications, businesses with specific performance or compliance requirements.
- Maximum performance and control, no shared hardware.
- Highest cost of the three options.
Which should I choose?
| Web hosting | VPS | Dedicated server | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server management | By us | By you (or managed) | By you (or managed) |
| Root/admin access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Resources | Shared (with limits) | Guaranteed, isolated | Full, exclusive |
| Suitable for | Websites, email | Game servers, apps, flexibility | Heavy/large workloads |
| Cost | €€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
Troubleshooting
- Not sure which option fits your situation: contact us, we're happy to think along about the right choice.
- Website becomes slow on web hosting: consider upgrading to a larger package or a VPS for more control and resources.
Still stuck? Feel free to reach out via Discord or create a support ticket.