VPS vs Shared Hosting: What Are The Key Differences?

VPS vs shared hosting is a debate that has sparked many conversations between webmasters, developers, and hosting providers. Some believe VPS has more benefits while others find that shared hosting is a more cost-effective solution.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the key differences between these two types of hosting to help you make an informed decision.

What is a VPS Hosting?

VPS, or Virtual Private Server, is a type of hosting that allows users to have their own virtual server. This means that each user has their own set of resources, such as CPU, memory, and disk space.

VPS hosting is a great option for those who need more control over their server or are looking to run resource-intensive applications. It is also a good choice for those who want to have their own unique IP address.

What is Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is a type of hosting where multiple users share the same server. This means that each user has access to a limited amount of resources, such as CPU and memory.

Shared hosting is a great option for small websites or those just starting out because it is more cost-effective than VPS or dedicated hosting. It is also a good choice for those who do not need the extra control that VPS provides.

Now that we have a better understanding of what each type of hosting is, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between them.

Performance

VPS hosting offers better performance than shared hosting because each user has their own set of resources. This means that there is no competition for resources, and each user can utilize the full extent of their allotted resources.

Shared hosting, on the other hand, offers less consistent performance because multiple users are sharing the same server. This can lead to some users hogging resources, which can cause the server to slow down or even crash.

Security

VPS hosting is more secure than shared hosting because each user has their own virtual server. This means that each user’s data is isolated from the data of other users on the same server.

Some of the security features that come with VPS hosting such as AWS Lightsail include:

  • Firewalls: These can be used to protect your server from security vulnerabilities.
  • DDoS Protection: This can help to prevent your server from being overloaded with traffic from a denial-of-service attack.
  • IP Blocking: This can help to prevent malicious users from accessing your server.
  • Intrusion detection and prevention: This can help to detect and prevent unauthorized access to your server.
  • Anti-malware protection: This can help to protect your server from malware attacks.
  • SSL certificates: SSL is used to encrypt data that is being transferred to and from your server.

Shared hosting is less secure than VPS hosting because multiple users are sharing the same server. This means that if one user’s data is compromised, the data of all other users on the same server is at risk.

Most security features that come with VPS hosting can, however, be purchased differently and added to a shared hosting plan.

Pricing

In terms of pricing, VPS hosting is more expensive than shared hosting. This is because each user has their own virtual server. This means that users must pay for the resources that they use – such as CPU, memory, and disk space.

In contrast, with shared hosting, users share the same server resources. This means that the cost of running the server is spread out among all of the users.

Configuration and Customization

Another key difference between VPS and shared hosting is configuration and customization.

When it comes to configuration, VPS hosting is a bit complex. There are two types of VPS hosting, and both have different configurations:

  • Managed: This type of VPS hosting is managed by the hosting company. This means that the company will take care of all server maintenance and updates for you. In terms of configuration, managed VPS hosting is like shared hosting. Everything is done for you.
  • Unmanaged: With this type of VPS hosting, you are responsible for maintaining and updating your server. This means that you will need to have some technical knowledge to configure your server.

Shared hosting is much simpler in terms of configuration. All you need to do is choose your hosting plan and then install your website.

When it comes to customization, VPS hosting gives you more control. This is because you have your own virtual server. Therefore, you can alter your limits to suit your needs. Shared hosting sets limits on what you can do. For example, you may not exceed a certain data transfer limit.

Final Thoughts

From the differences above, there is no doubt that VPS hosting is more powerful than shared hosting. However, this does not mean that VPS hosting is better for everyone. It all depends on your needs.

Before you choose a hosting plan, you need to think about your budget and your website requirements. Also, take into consideration whether you need the extra power and control that VPS hosting provides. If you don’t, then shared hosting may be a better option.