In this article we will talk about the two most popular types of web hosting that can meet your needs: shared hosting or VPS hosting. Don't know which one to choose? Don't worry, because here ITD offers you a complete guide to make your decision easier.
First of all, what is hosting?
Different types of web hosting allow you to customize different levels of control over your server. They vary in price, performance (e.g., page load time), and service availability (e.g., uptime).
Now, what is shared hosting?
Shared Hosting means that a website shares hosting on the same server with other sites in a designated space on that server.
Typically, this type of service is economical due to limitations on performance, storage, and server permissions.
In general, the most notable advantages are:
Highly affordable
Since it occupies almost no space, resources, or additional privileges, the provider can offer very affordable plans that work most of the time. While prices vary from one provider to another, it’s easy to find deals that offer hosting for $1 per month.
Easy to set up
Shared hosting is easy to configure. If you’re managing a single website, it’s already set up, and you’re unlikely to need to do anything more than work on the front-end.
Moreover, if you ever need to make backups or add FTP users, for example, it’s simplified with standardized software like cPanel, which comes preinstalled in almost all shared hosting environments.
Managed infrastructure
With shared hosting, you work as an advanced user and don’t have to worry about what’s happening behind the scenes. System downtime, maintenance, and updates are handled by someone else. If something goes wrong, the support team will be there, even if the issue is complex. They will also follow up with their technical team.
However, there are some disadvantages:
While it's easy to work with, it is an extremely restrictive environment with limited options if the default settings do not meet your needs.
Additionally, if one website is experiencing high traffic, it will affect all the other sites sharing resources, meaning your site might suddenly become slow for no apparent reason. Security is another major concern, as well as performance.
While these servers are monitored and managed 24/7 by technical staff, they use a standard configuration. And although adjustments can be made to each website, there's not the same level of freedom as you would have with a VPS server.
What is a VPS?
With VPS hosting, the client has an exclusive server, with dedicated resources like RAM, CPU, disk space, IPs, etc., that are not shared with other clients, as is the case with shared hosting. With VPS hosting, you have the same root access as if you were renting a dedicated server, but at a much lower cost.
What are the advantages of a VPS?
Speed and reliability
It is faster and more reliable than shared hosting. Since the server’s resources (such as memory or processing power) are guaranteed, there is little to no fluctuation in the available resources.
Smooth performance
Problems and traffic spikes from other users on the server do not affect your site.
Accessibility
You get root (superuser) access to your server. It’s also an easily scalable service. As your website grows, you can easily upgrade your server’s resources (RAM, CPU, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
Privacy
You get greater privacy since your files and databases are locked away from other users on the server.
Does it have any disadvantages?
Yes, of course, first and foremost, it is more expensive than shared hosting. Also, more technical knowledge is required to manage your server. Finally, poorly configured servers can create security vulnerabilities.
Conclusion:
Shared hosting is the solution for website owners with lower traffic. It’s the starting point for most small businesses and bloggers. With shared hosting, the same physical server is divided among several customers of the hosting company. Therefore, you don’t get dedicated resources for yourself, as your site runs on the same operating system as others.
VPS hosting is generally seen as the next step once your website grows beyond the resource limits of shared hosting. If the most advanced shared hosting plan is no longer sufficient to run your website smoothly, it’s time to switch to a VPS plan.
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