What is the best VPS hosting?
Here are my picks for the best VPS hosting.
1. Liquid Web.
Liquid Web is a web hosting platform that offers secure and fully managed VPS hosting plans.
It comes with 24/7/365 customer support to monitor your servers, mitigate risks, and optimize performance. A bandwidth of 10TB with all VPS hosting plans is also a plus.
The main technical characteristics are as follows:
- Centralized hosting management and unlimited sites with InterWorx
- Plesk and cPanel available
- Cloudflare CDN
- Integrated firewall
- ServerSecure Advanced Security
- Protection against DDoS attacks
- Access to the roots
- Dedicated IP address
Auto-scaling is missing from his VPS plan. However, it would save you a lot of money if your website does not experience regular traffic fluctuations.
VPS Features
- High disk space - The 16GB RAM plan offers 200GB of SSD space, the highest of all VPS hosting.
- Technologies that speed up web pages - It provides high-end tools like PHP 7, Varnish, Nginx, and image optimization for faster page loading.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA) - It promises a response time of 59 minutes for the help desk, livechat, and telephone. And once the problem is identified, they replace the faulty hardware within 30 minutes. If they do not meet this deadline, the duration of the outage will be multiplied by ten.
Pricing
Liquid Web VPS hosting prices depend on the size of the RAM.
- 2 GB RAM: $59 per month
- 4GB RAM: $99 per month
- 8GB RAM: $139 per month
- 16GB RAM: $189 per month
These are annual plans, and you'll need to pay more for monthly plans. Additionally, the 16GB RAM plan comes with specifications like 8 vCPUs, 200GB of SSD space, and 10TB of bandwidth.
Start with Liquid Web.
2. DreamHost.
DreamHost is a Los Angeles-based hosting service provider that offers four VPS hosting plans, starting at $10 per month. It provides fully managed performance, updates, and security.
In addition, it offers a personalized and user-friendly control panel, solid state drives, email, an SSL system, and an unlimited number of domains. Solid state drives contribute to a fast loading speed. Additionally, it provides unlimited bandwidth to help you handle any amount of traffic.
You also get up to 8GB of RAM and 240GB of SSD storage (with its most premium plan). DreamHost also allows you to instantly increase RAM resources from the control panel to manage any traffic spikes.
Other advanced features include
- Choosing between Apache and Nginx
- IPv4 and IPv6
- PHP7/Perl/Python
- Unlimited SFTP users
- Secure Shell (SSH) access
- Unlimited SFTP users
- And more
VPS Features
- Unlimited MySQL databases - They offer a pre-configured VPS option to provide an optimized MySQL database. You don't need to leave the control panel to set up and manage the MySQL database.
- Reseller account and sub-account features - Create an unlimited number of sub-accounts to manage customers, FTP, access to the contractor website, billing, etc.
- Subversion Repository (SVN) - It allows you to work as a team on the same web application or the same website. This means that it will keep the entire process sorted while minimizing conflicts.
Pricing
DreamHost offers four VPS hosting plans:
- VPS Basic: starting at $10 per month (for new and small websites)
- VPS Business: Starting at $20 per month (for small businesses)
- VPS Professional: Starting at $40 per month (for resource intensive sites)
- Enterprise VPS: Starting at $80 per month (for resource intensive sites)
The VPS Enterprise plan offers up to 8GB of RAM and 240GB of SSD storage. All plans offer features like unlimited websites, unlimited traffic, free SSL certificates, and unlimited emails on your domain.
Start with DreamHost.
3. ScalaHosting.
The best for creating your own customizable cloud VPS plan ($9.95 per month).
ScalaHosting is an independent hosting provider based in the United States that offers managed cloud VPS hosting (starting at $9.95 per month) and self-managed cloud VPS hosting solutions (starting at $10 per month).
Plus, it allows you to create your own cloud VPS configuration with up to 25 cores, 128GB RAM, and 500GB SSD space.
In addition, many of its features are priced individually so that you only pay for what you need.
All managed VPS hosting plans also provide:
- SPanel control panel
- Daily remote backups (with free snapshots)
- SShield security protection
- Dedicated IP address
- Free website migration
- And more
With servers located at multiple sites and data centers in the United States and Europe, they also provide customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, all of its SSD cloud servers work with dual power supplies, a dual E5 Intel Xeon CPU with a minimum of 256GB of RAM, and redundant network uplinks.
VPS Features
- 10 Gbps redundant network - It uses redundant 10 Gbps networks that connect to top-notch upstream providers for 100% availability.
- 100% automated - Manage cloud hosting servers with automated functions such as starting, stopping, and restarting, upgrading and decommissioning, password reset, resource usage monitoring, console access, and more.
- SPanel VPS control panel - The proprietary platform is designed explicitly for VPS to ensure faster speed and reliable security.
Pricing
ScalaHosting offers two types of VPS hosting plans, including managed Cloud VPS and self-managed Cloud VPS.
Managed cloud VPS
- Start: Starting at $9.95 per month
- Advanced: Starting at $21.95 per month
- Business: Starting at $41.95 per month
- Business: Starting at $63.95 per month
The Enterprise plan offers up to 6 Core CPUs, 8 GB RAM, and 80 GB SSD.
Self-managed cloud VPS
- Start: $10 per month
- Advanced: $19 per month
- Business: $33 per month
- Business: $49 per month
Here, the Enterprise plan offers up to 6 Core CPUs, 8 GB RAM, and 150 GB SSD.
Start with ScalaHosting.
4. InMotion Hosting.
InMotion is a web hosting platform that offers two types of VPS hosting services, namely managed VPS hosting and self-managed cloud VPS.
Managed VPS hosting plans are suitable for agencies, business owners, and resellers. On the other hand, self-managed cloud VPS hosting plans are ideal for system administrators and developers.
Both plans have Linux SSD VPS hosting servers for better security, faster speed, and increased uptime. They also offer free Launch Assist and 24/7/365 U.S.-based technical support to help you track your website launch. Plus, you get a 90-day trial with the 6, 12, and 24-month plans.
Managed VPS and self-managed cloud VPS hosting plans offer:
- An end-to-end infrastructure powered by the cloud
- Free SSDs
- Protection against DDoS attacks
- Five cPanel accounts
- Server Management
- WHM license
- NGINX 10x faster
- CentOS software configurations
- And more
VPS Features
- LAMP - The LAMP function helps you switch from shared hosting to VPS hosting, create web sites and applications, and stay familiar.
- Burstable RAM - This function allows your website to cope with a sudden increase in traffic by automatically increasing the use of resources, without degrading.
- cPanel and Web Hosting Manager - It offers you total control of your accommodation. You can even easily resell it to a buyer.
Pricing
InMotion hosting offers three managed VPS hosting plans:
- VPS-1000HA-S: $29.99 per month
- VPS-2000HA-S: $49.99 per month
- VPS-3000HA-S: $83.99 per month
The most premium plan offers up to 8GB RAM, 260GB storage, and 6TB bandwidth. Additionally, InMotion offers self-managed cloud VPS starting at $5 for 1GB RAM, 25GB storage, and 1TB bandwidth.
Start with InMotion Hosting.
5. Bluehost.
Bluehost is one of the 20 largest web hosting platforms that offers three VPS hosting plans that all use SSD storage. It claims to provide 100% managed VPS hosting that gives you increased power and control over your websites.
Additionally, Bluehost offers a year of free domain registration with all VPS hosting plans. You also benefit from a 30-day refund policy. So you can get your money back within a month if you don't find the services that are up to par.
It also offers a host of features, including:
- Full SSD servers
- Multi-server management
- Managing files
- Choice of 2 to 4 cores
- Dynamic resources
- Instant provisioning (setting up the entire hosting infrastructure)
You also get 120GB SSD storage, 8GB RAM, 3TB bandwidth, and 2 IP addresses with its most premium plan. For lower requirements, you can choose from the other two plans. Bluehost also provides a KVM hypervisor for optimal performance during traffic spikes.
VPS Features
- Root access- Its improved cPanel control panel gives full access to CentOS for total server control.
- Access control - Control access to specific functions in your account. For example, you can grant access to server administration, ownership information, and master password.
- SiteLock - Protect your websites against malware and attacks by identifying and fixing security breaches in advance.
Pricing
Bluehost offers three hosting plans:
- Standard: $18.99 per month
- Enhanced: $29.99 per month
- Ultimate: $59.99 per month
The highest plan offers 4 cores, 120GB SSD storage, 8GB RAM, 3TB bandwidth, and 2 IP addresses. For fewer specifications, you can try the other two plans.
Get 70% off at Bluehost
6. A2 Hosting.
The best for unmanaged VPS plans at low prices for experienced developers ($5 per month).
A2 Hosting is a hosting service provider that offers three VPS hosting plans, namely Unmanaged, Managed VPS, and Core VPS. Both the Unmanaged VPS and Core VPS plans offer root access, which is not the case with the Managed VPS plan.
You can also host your website on a Windows server, although they are about 25% more expensive than Linux. And instead of a cPanel, you get Plesk with Windows plans.
Additionally, all VPS plans come with features like:
- RAID 10 storage eliminates data redundancy and improves performance. (However, the size of the RAID 10 drive varies depending on the plan you choose.)
- SSD VPS hosting solutions.
- Exclusive Turbo server for up to 20x faster servers.
- Money-back guarantee.
- 24/7/365 customer support.
They also claim to offer a 99.9% uptime commitment and an average load time of 320ms.
Additionally, the entry plan includes 20GB of SSD storage, 1 core, 2TB of transfer, and 512MB of RAM. Upgrade your plan to get more storage, bandwidth, and RAM.
VPS Features
- SwiftServer platform - It is based on the SwiftServer platform, which is optimized for speed, runs on solid state drives and offers Turbo servers that are 20 times faster.
- Free cPanel control panel - It offers a free cPanel control panel for greater ease of use. You can also access databases, email, software, and files directly from the cPanel panel.
- Guru Crew 24/7/365 - Besides 24/7 support, they offer HostGuard management to completely manage your VPS characteristics, network, hardware, security, etc.
Pricing
A2 Hosting offers three types of VPS hosting plans, including:
- Unmanaged VPS: starting at $5 per month
- Managed VPS: starting at $25 per month
- Core VPS: starting at $25 per month
The managed and core plans are quite similar. The only difference is that the Core plan offers root access, which is not available with the managed VPS plan. The unmanaged plan also allows you to set up your server preferences, like storage, bandwidth, and more.
Start with A2 Hosting.
7. HostGator.
HostGator is a Houston-based hosting service provider that offers three VPS hosting plans for dedicated control and features.
All VPS plans allow you to use cPanel VPS hosting and Plesk VPS hosting. Plus, it offers up to 4 Core processors, 8GB RAM, and 240GB SSD storage space. You also get 2 dedicated IPs, unmetered bandwidth, and free website migration (with all plans).
Additionally, all VPS plans offer features like:
- Full root access (64 bits)
- Weekly offsite backups
- cPanel with WHM control panel
- Centralized DDoS protection and secure VPS firewall
- fault-tolerant RAID disk arrays
- Gigabit uplink with 20Mbit connection
- Multiple bandwidth providers (AboveNet, ATT, Comcast, Global Crossing, Level (3), NTT)
- And more
All VPS servers work in complete isolation and allow you to increase security via Plesk or cPanel. And you can change resources at any time. However, it only offers Linux-based hosting.
Additionally, they also promise to pay a one-month credit if their uptime guarantee falls below 99.90%. Additionally, it offers an extensive knowledge base and 24/7 support via phone, email, and livechat.
VPS Features
- Full root access - It allows the administrator to obtain unlimited access to the hosting environment and to install custom software. In addition to that, it gives you full control over actions like rebuilding, restarting, shutting down, web-based VNC, resource monitoring, and more.
- Linux KVM - HostGator offers Linux KVM based VPS for consistent, reliable performance with guaranteed resources.
- A first-class network - Its network is built with several ISPs for great stability. It also offers built-in DDoS security and prevents a single point of failure.
Pricing
With HostGator, you get three VPS hosting plans:
- Snappy 2000: Starting at $19.95/month
- Snappy 4000: Starting at $29.95/mo
- Snappy 8000: Starting at $39.95/month
The starter plan offers 2 GB of RAM, a 2-core processor, and 120 GB of disk space. While these specifications increase with pricing plans, all VPS plans provide unmetered bandwidth. In addition, these are introductory rates that are increased upon renewal.
8. iPage.
Best for cheap VPS hosting plans ($19.99 per month).
iPage is a web hosting company that offers three VPS hosting plans, starting at $19.99 per month. The most premium VPS plan offers a 4-core processor, 8GB RAM, 120GB disk space, 4TB bandwidth, and 2 IP addresses. You can choose from the other two plans for lower requirements.
Additionally, all plans include free domain registration for one year, CentOS 7, and a cPanel. It also offers plenty of free add-ons that are generally limited to paid shared plans. You also get free domain registration and access to hundreds of search engine marketing credits.
iPage also offers managed support, but online reviews suggest that it's not as good as that of its competitors. Additionally, its managed service is limited to updating operating system patches and critical security updates.
VPS Features
- Root access - It comes with optional root access for advanced users who need total control over hosting.
- Semi-private server : High-speed mirrored SAN storage and guaranteed memory allocation facilitate maximum server speed and reliability.
- Pre-installed software : iPage offers pre-installed programming languages, including PHP 5, Python, Perl, and Ruby on Rails.
Pricing
iPage offers three VPS hosting plans:
- Basic: starting at $19.99 per month
- Business: Starting at $47.99 per month
- Optimum: Starting at $79.99 per month
The basic VPS plan offers 1 CPU core, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB disk space, and 1 TB bandwidth. Additionally, the Optimum plan offers 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, 120GB disk space, 4TB bandwidth.
9. Kamatera.
Kamatera is a cloud service platform provider that offers numerous cloud VPS hosting plans. All plans allow unlimited traffic and a 30-day free trial to evaluate hosting services.
Additionally, Kamatera offers both fully managed cloud VPS and basic cloud VPS. The most advanced plan offers up to 104 vCPUs and 512GB of RAM. They also offer a Linux-based cPanel/WHM control panel and 24/7 global customer support.
Kamatera's cloud-based plans also allow you to:
- Importing files via FTP
- Upgrading the VPS from the admin console
- Create and restore backups
- Add new servers and databases
- Set up web servers
- Deploy SSL certificates
- Activate and deactivate domains
- Manage account users
Kamatera also offers additional domains, public IP addresses, spam protection, etc. The Microsoft licensed partner takes care of Windows through Plex.
However, you'll need to pay additional fees for services like DDoS protection and extended daily backups (at $3/month for a 20GB VM).
Benefits
- It supports MySQL or MS SQL databases.
- It also supports multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Server, Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, FreeBSD, Gentoo, and openSUSE.
- The control panel allows you to manage your layer 2 virtual network.
- Get up to 104 vCPUs and 512GB of RAM.
- You can upgrade your VPS plan directly from the console.
- A mobile-friendly user interface.
- 30-day free trial.
Pricing
VPS hosting plans start at $4 per month.
10. Hostinger.
The best cheapest VPS hosting ($3.95 per month).
Hostinger is an employee owned web hosting service provider that offers 6 Linux-based VPS plans and 4 Windows-based VPS plans.
All Linux-based VPS plans offer free backups, a dedicated IP address, a free domain name, and full root access. The highest Linux plan (with 8 CPUs) offers up to 8 cores, 8GB RAM, 160GB SSD storage, and 8TB bandwidth.
They also claim to run their servers on a 100 Mbps network for faster load times and a better customer experience. Additionally, its dedicated servers are equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors, IPV4 and IPV6 support, and multi-TB SSD disk space.
VPS Features
- IPv6 support - All of its VPS hosting plans provide a dedicated IPv6 Internet protocol to ensure that your scripts and extensions work faster.
- Easy installation of scripts and web operating systems - It comes with a developer-friendly auto-installer equipped with a web operating system and script templates.
- Advanced data backup - Its cloud-based infrastructure has a user-friendly VPS control panel that allows you to perform backups with a single click.
Pricing
Hostinger's VPS plans are as follows:
- 1 vCPU: $3.95 per month
- 2 vCPUs: $8.95 per month
- 3 vCPUs: $12.95 per month
- 4 vCPUs: $15.95 per month
- 6 vCPUs: $23.95 per month
- 8 vCPUs: $29.95 per month
The 8 vCPU plan includes 8 cores, 8GB RAM, 160GB SSD storage, and 8TB bandwidth. You can choose one of the plans with lower specifications based on your needs.
Additionally, Hostinger offers Windows OS-based VPS hosting plans starting at $26 per month and up to $250 per month.
11. GoDaddy.
GoDaddy is a US-based web hosting service provider that offers VPS hosting plans for standard RAM (starting at $4.99 per month) and high RAM (starting at $9.99 per month).
All plans come with:
- Full root access and optional control panels
- Performance monitoring
- Automatic backups with uptime
- Guaranteed uptime of 99.9
- Unlimited accounts with cPanel/WHM+ Installatron or Plesk Obsidian Web Host Edition option
- A free SSL certificate
It also allows you to set up your own VAP server with Linux or Windows 2016 options (as well as cPanel/WHM and Plex). If you are a developer or system administrator, then you can also take their VPS plan without cPanel.
Additionally, it provides additional website security that blocks malware before and prevents DDoS attacks at a nominal additional cost.
VPS Features
- Content delivery network - Its CDN can help you reduce page load time by up to 70%.
- Global data centers - Its data centers are present worldwide in EMEA, North America or Asia-Pacific. This allows GoDaddy to provide faster performance and a better customer experience.
- Backups and recovery console - Set up automated weekly backups and an on-demand snapshot and resolve issues using the recovery console. You can perform all of this even when your SSH is inaccessible.
Pricing
GoDaddy VPS plans include:
- 1 vCPU: $4.99 per month
- 2 vCPUs: $19.99 per month
- 4 vCPUs: $39.99 per month
- 8 vCPUs: $69.99 per month
The 8 vCPU plan provides 8 CPU cores, 16GB of RAM, and 400GB of SSD storage.
It also offers high-RAM VPS plans - starting at $9.99 per month and up to $99.99 per month.
12. Hostwinds.
Hostwinds is a Seattle-based web hosting company that offers managed and unmanaged VPS hosting services for Windows and Linux.
For managed hosting, you get up to 2 CPU cores, 6GB RAM, 100GB SSD space, and 2TB data transfer. And for unmanaged hosting, you get up to 16 CPU cores, 96GB of RAM, 750GB of SSD space, and 9TB of data transfer.
Additionally, Hostwinds operates on a redundant network that ensures the stability of business-critical tasks. Finally, it offers real-time server monitoring and, in the event of a technical problem, it automatically creates a support ticket.
In addition, all plans include:
- 1 Gbps ports
- Backup with snapshots
- Enterprise firewall
- Free website transfer
- Custom ISOs
- Real-time monitoring service (for unmanaged plans)
The Hostwinds firewall constantly monitors outgoing and incoming traffic. However, this depends on the safety rules you set.
It also supports multiple Linux operating system options, including Debian, CentOS, Fedora, and Ubuntu. You can also integrate your hosting infrastructure with applications like WordPress, Joomla, Minecraft, Drupal, etc. They help you customize your server with all required specifications.
VPS Features
- Personalize your images - You can use its cPanel in the cloud to install your own media or download an ISO. It allows you to set up the server the way you want.
- Custom rules - Create custom rules for specific ports, IPv4 and IPv6, traffic, and more, based on your security requirements.
- Nighttime backups - You need night-time backups to ensure the safety of your data. And most importantly, you can keep these backups for as long as you want
Pricing
HostWinds offers a variety of VPS hosting plans, including:
- Managed Linux: Starting at $5.17 per month
- Unmanaged Linux: Starting at $4.49 per month
- Managed Windows: Starting at $7.99 per month
- Managed Windows: Starting at $9.89 per month
13. AccuWeb Hosting.
AccuWeb Hosting is a web hosting provider based in New Jersey that offers Windows VPS and Cloud web hosting services. It also provides a dedicated VPS hosting solution for Forex trading.
Linux VPS hosting offers 1GB RAM, 20GB Raid 10 disk space, 150GB bandwidth, 1 dedicated IP, etc.
Additionally, all hosting plans provide:
- Full root access with SSH
- Free cPanel/Plesk/DirectAdmin +
- 1 Gbps port connectivity
- Weekly backups
- VPS snapshots
- Full control of files and processes
- And more
Furthermore, AccuWeb also supports various operating systems such as Windows, CentOS, CloudLinux, Ubuntu, etc. Additionally, its Windows operating system is pre-activated to avoid manual configuration.
AccuWeb also offers guaranteed resources. So scaling will never be a problem if you're a growing business. A free backup service with all plans is another bonus.
VPS Features
- Dedicated IP address - It uses a dedicated IP address to access an SSH or RDP connection and host your website's domain.
- Unlimited websites - Host an unlimited number of websites on all VPS plans with cPanel, SolidCP, and Plesk support.
- Forex trading server - Its servers dedicated to forex trading are present worldwide in cities like Mumbai, Singapore, Seoul, London, Sydney, Tokyo, etc.
Pricing
AccuWeb Hosting offers three Linux VPS hosting plans:
- Classic VPS hosting: $5 per month (Low-Cost Xen Powered VPS)
- SSD VPS hosting: $12 per month (pure SSD storage)
- Cloud VPS hosting: $15 per month (hardware availability guarantee)
It also offers Windows VPS hosting (starting at $7.99 per month) and VPS for Forex trading (starting at $12 per month).
What is VPS hosting?
VPS is the abbreviation for Virtual Private Server. It is one of the most popular hosting methods for businesses that want to take advantage of more advanced features after using shared hosting. It takes advantage of virtualization technology to facilitate the use of dedicated/private resources on a server with more than one user.
Additionally, VPS is a more stable and secure solution than shared hosting, where you don't have dedicated resources on a server. It's also cheaper than renting a full server.
Additionally, VPS hosting is suitable for website owners with average traffic that a standard shared hosting plan cannot handle. However, you still don't need the hardware resources of a dedicated server.
FAQs
When should you consider using a VPS?
- When your website exceeds the architectural and resource limits of your shared or reseller hosting.
- When you need to install custom modules or applications that are not supported by your shared host
- When you need root access to the server.
- When you want to have a virtual environment for developing and testing your software.
- When you're processing financial transactions and handling sensitive data.
- When you experience extreme traffic fluctuations.
When should you NOT consider using a VPS?
- When you're hosting low-traffic websites that aren't essential.
- When you're a beginner and just want to learn the basics like FTP, WordPress, and cPanel.
Overall, though, VPS hosting is a versatile choice for a wide range of different situations, which is one reason it's so popular.
It offers increased performance and scalability compared to shared hosting while isolating your site from those of other users. It's also available at a much more affordable price than dedicated hosting. What can't we like?
How does VPS hosting work?
A server is a computer where your web host stores the files and databases needed for your website. When an online visitor wants to access your website, their browser sends a request to your server, which transfers the necessary files via the Internet. VPS hosting provides you with a virtual server that simulates a physical server, but in reality, the machine is shared between multiple users.
Thanks to virtualization technology, your host installs a virtual layer on top of the server's operating system (OS). This layer divides the server into partitions and allows each user to install their own operating system and software.
Therefore, a virtual private server (VPS) is both virtual and private because you have total control over it. It is separated from other server users at the operating system level. In fact, VPS technology is similar to creating partitions on your own computer when you want to run multiple operating systems (for example Windows and Linux) without rebooting.
Operating a VPS allows you to set up your website in a secure container with guaranteed resources (memory, disk space, processor cores, etc.) that you don't have to share with other users. With VPS hosting, you have the same root level access as if you had a dedicated server, but at a much lower cost.
Summary.
That summarizes my guide to the best VPS hosting services.
Before you buy any of these VPS hosting plans, take a close look at its features.
For example, Liquid Web is a suitable option for business owners who want suppliers to sign service level agreements for absolute reliability.
My first choice is Liquid Web for VPS hosting due to features such as:
- 10TB bandwidth
- 24/7/365 customer support
- Disable default server backups
- Multi-level DDoS protection
- Root access
- And more
Carefully consider all of your options before choosing your VPS - and the right hosting.
