Types of VPS: How Many Are There?
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Summary
Virtual private server is the intermediate hosting solution between the resource limiting shared hosting and costly dedicated servers. It is a web hosting option where virtualized resources of a physical server are shared across multiple users.
Each VPS uses its own operating system (OS) and has a reserved share of dedicated resources. These servers remain completely separate from one another, offering better security, control and the flexibility to customize the hosting environment to suit different needs.
Nevertheless, it is important to know that virtual private servers are of different types as the hosting requirements of users differ. So, what are the types of VPS and how are they categorized?
According to server management, the VPS types are managed, unmanaged and semi-managed. They are also grouped by operating systems into Linux and Windows.
This article breaks down these types of VPS and guides you in choosing the best option for your project. This will allow you to confidently select the right VPS plan whenever you are searching for the best VPS hosting providers like Hostinger, InMotion Hosting and A2.
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What is a VPS best for?
Most users would choose a VPS because of its cost effectiveness and dedicated hosting environment. It is best for users and businesses that need more control and resources than shared hosting but don’t want the higher costs of a dedicated server.
From developers managing complex projects to e-commerce businesses handling secure transactions or forex traders requiring low latency, VPS hosting adapts to specific requirements effectively.
Here are the specific use cases for VPS and the reasons it might be the right choice for your project:
1. Hosting Gaming Servers:
Gaming servers require stable performance, low latency, and the ability to handle multiple players simultaneously. A VPS ensures that gamers experience uninterrupted play and can customize the server settings to match the needs of specific games. Unlike shared hosting, VPS allocates resources exclusively for your server, eliminating performance drops caused by other users.
- Who Benefits: Gaming communities, multiplayer game hosts, and game developers.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: With VPS hosting, you can scale resources as player counts grow, install necessary mods or plugins, and maintain a lag-free environment.
2. Moderate to High-Traffic Websites:
Websites experiencing steady growth or high traffic need to choose between managed or unmanaged VPS hosting to maintain fast load times and uptime. Shared hosting often struggles under high traffic, but VPS ensures consistent performance by dedicating resources to your website.
- Who Benefits: Bloggers, news websites, and businesses expanding their online presence.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: VPS hosting provides dedicated resources and control, which can help a website perform better than shared hosting. A VPS can handle the increased demand without slowing down. It helps to retain visitors and improve search engine rankings. The ability to adjust resources ensures that the site scales with your audience.
3. Creating Development or Testing Environments:
Developers often need isolated environments to test code, debug applications, or deploy new features. A VPS allows full control over the server environment, enabling developers to install custom stacks and simulate production conditions.
- Who Benefits: Software developers, app testers, and digital agencies.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: The ability to clone environments, configure software dependencies, and experiment without affecting live systems makes VPS for developers an ideal choice.
4. E-commerce Websites:
E-commerce platforms rely on secure, fast, and scalable hosting to manage transactions and customer data. The best VPS for eCommerce provides the resources needed to handle high traffic during peak shopping periods while ensuring data security.
- Who Benefits: Online stores, marketplaces, and subscription services.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: VPS hosting enables faster load times, supports SSL certificates for secure payments, and offers the ability to scale during sales or promotions. Reliable performance reduces cart abandonment rates.
5. Forex Trading and Financial Platforms:
Forex traders benefit significantly from a Forex VPS, which provides a low-latency environment for executing trades in real time. A VPS allows traders to run automated trading software (expert advisors) without interruptions.
- Who Benefits: Forex traders, financial analysts, and hedge funds.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: A Forex VPS ensures that trading platforms remain online 24/7, with minimal delay in executing buy or sell orders. This stability is crucial for markets that operate around the clock and rely on automated trading software.
6. Setting Up a VPN:
A VPS for VPN hosting is an excellent option for creating private and secure network connections. It allows users to bypass geographical restrictions, encrypt data, and maintain complete control over network configurations.
- Who Benefits: Remote teams, privacy-conscious users, and organizations managing sensitive data.
- Why It’s the Right Choice: With a VPS, users can configure a VPN that provides high speeds and security, ensuring complete control over network configurations.
In addition, VPS is a good choice for a variety of applications, including email servers, backup servers, hosting for specific programming environments like Node.js or Javascript based servers.
Types of VPS according to OS: Windows and Linux
Linux VPS
A Linux VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtualized hosting service that runs on a Linux operating system. It gives users a dedicated share of a physical server’s resources in a secure, isolated environment.
Why Choose Linux VPS?
A Linux VPS offers numerous advantages, making it a versatile and cost-efficient choice for developers, businesses, and individual users.
One key benefit is its open-source nature, which provides direct access to the source code. This gives users maximum control over their server environment, enabling full customization to meet specific needs. Its free operating system reduces costs while maintaining high performance, making it an affordable option for projects of any scale.
The lightweight design of Linux ensures faster processing speeds, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring quick response times. It supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, including Python, Node.js, and Ruby, making it a favorite among developers for compatibility and flexibility.
Security is another major advantage of Linux VPS. The operating system is renowned for its stability and robust security features, offering a reliable environment for hosting websites, applications, and databases. This combination of flexibility, speed, security, and cost-efficiency makes Linux VPS a top choice for developers, small businesses, and anyone seeking a dependable hosting solution.
Types of Linux Distributions for Server Management
Linux offers various distributions (distros) for server management, each with unique features tailored to specific needs. Here are some of the most popular Linux distributions and what they are best suited for:
- Ubuntu: Known for its ease of use, Ubuntu is a beginner-friendly option with a strong community for support. It is ideal for web hosting, cloud services, and application development due to its regular updates and extensive documentation.
- CentOS: CentOS is a stable and reliable distribution often used in enterprise environments. It focuses on security and long-term support, making it perfect for hosting critical applications and managing business servers.
- Debian: Debian is highly customizable and renowned for its stability. It works well for developers and advanced users who need control over their server environment. Debian is often chosen for running databases, email servers, and web hosting platforms.
- Fedora: Fedora includes the latest technologies, making it great for developers who want access to new features. It is best suited for experimental projects or environments where innovation and testing are a priority.
Each of these distributions offers unique advantages, allowing users to select the one that best matches their server management needs. Whether prioritizing ease of use, stability, or access to the latest features, Linux provides a reliable option for every scenario.
Pros and Cons of Linux VPS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High security | Steep learning curve |
| Open-source and customizable | Limited compatibility with commercial software |
| Cost-effective | Fewer GUI options |
| Supports a wide range of programming languages | Requires manual updates and maintenance |
| Lightweight and fast | |
| Highly stable and reliable |
Windows VPS
Windows VPS is a type of VPS that is partitioned at the OS level with a Windows operating system. The main difference in terms of cost between Windows VPS and Linux VPS is the licensing fee associated with the Windows OS. This makes the hosting plans for Windows VPS more expensive than Linux VPS, as hosting providers pass on the cost to customers.
Furthermore, Windows virtual private servers are popular in corporate environments because they include Active Directory, which is useful for authentication and access control.
Why choose Windows VPS?
Windows VPS hosting remains in high demand because of its compatibility with Windows-specific applications and its ease of use for those familiar with the Windows environment. You might prefer Windows VPS for businesses if your projects require tools like ASP.NET, Microsoft SQL Server, or Remote Desktop access, as these integrate seamlessly with the Windows ecosystem.
The graphical user interface (GUI) in Windows VPS makes it easier for you to manage your server, especially if you prefer a more visual and intuitive approach compared to command-line interfaces.
This ease of use is particularly helpful for beginners or professionals with limited technical expertise.
In addition to compatibility and ease of use, Windows VPS hosting provides the advantage of premium support from Microsoft, ensuring that you have access to reliable assistance for troubleshooting and optimizing their server. These factors make Windows VPS a preferred choice for businesses and individuals with specific project requirements or those seeking a user-friendly and robust hosting solution.
Windows Versions for Server Management
When choosing a Windows VPS, you’ll find several server versions available for installation. While the latest versions typically provide enhanced features and improved performance, older versions can still meet basic needs for many use cases.
Windows VPS environments use some of the best Windows VPS server versions, including Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 each tailored to specific needs.
- Windows Server 2012: This version is ideal for small businesses or basic tasks. It is a lightweight and cost-effective option for web hosting, file storage, and remote desktop services.
- Windows Server 2016: Perfect for mid-sized businesses, this version offers enhanced scalability, improved remote desktop functionality, and better virtualization support with Hyper-V. Its advanced security features make it suitable for growing businesses managing sensitive data.
- Windows Server 2019: As one of the best Windows VPS server versions for enterprises, it supports hybrid cloud environments, advanced storage solutions, and superior cybersecurity. This version is ideal for demanding applications and businesses integrating cloud services.
- Windows Server 2022: Building upon its predecessors, it introduces advanced multi-layered security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible application platform. It offers features like secured-core server, improved containerization, and enhanced storage migration services, making it suitable for businesses aiming for enhanced security and cloud integration.
- Windows Server 2025: As the latest release, Windows Server 2025 focuses on advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility. It introduces features such as unified network policy management, built-in support for AI and machine learning workloads, and significant performance and scalability improvements in Hyper-V. This version is ideal for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud environments.
Choosing the best Windows VPS server version depends on your business size and specific requirements. Each version ensures reliable performance and tailored solutions to meet your hosting needs.
Pros and Cons of Windows VPS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Support for Microsoft products | Potential for security vulnerabilities |
| Regular updates | Licensing fee makes it more expensive |
| Remote desktop control | Requires technical expertise |
| Technical support from Microsoft | |
| Ease of use | |
Linux VPS vs Windows VPS - How to Choose the Right Hosting Solution?
Launching a website requires careful planning, and selecting the right hosting package and operating system is a crucial part of the process.
To make the best choice, you first need to understand your specific requirements and priorities.
Budget is often a key factor. Linux hosting is typically more affordable because most Linux distributions are free and open-source.
With Linux, you only pay for the hardware, making it a cost-effective option compared to Windows hosting, which comes with additional licensing fees.
Your technology needs are another critical consideration. If your project relies on tools like the MSSQL database management system or the ASP.NET development framework, a Windows server is your only viable option.
However, for simpler setups like a WordPress blog, a Linux server is usually the better choice, as it supports PHP, MySQL, Apache, and Nginx more seamlessly.
Finally, consider your technical expertise. While familiarity with Windows on a personal computer might seem like an advantage, managing a Windows server requires specialized knowledge. Linux, despite its learning curve, is often preferred for web hosting due to its simplicity, stability, and strong community support.
Understanding your needs and skill level will help you choose the ideal hosting environment for your website.
How to Choose:
Choosing between Linux VPS vs Windows VPS depends on your project’s requirements, budget, and technical expertise.
- Select Linux VPS if you need a cost-effective, high-performance solution for open-source applications or websites.
- Choose Windows VPS if your project depends on Microsoft-specific tools like ASP.NET or requires a graphical user interface for easier server management.
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you understand their differences and decide how to choose VPS hosting that suits your needs:
| Factor | Linux VPS | Windows VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | More affordable due to free and open-source operating systems | Typically more expensive because of licensing fees for Windows Server |
| Performance | Lightweight and faster, ideal for resource-intensive applications | Heavier on resources but optimized for Windows-based applications and frameworks |
| Compatibility | Best for websites and apps using PHP, MySQL, Apache, or Nginx. | Essential for applications needing ASP.NET, MSSQL, or Remote Desktop access |
| Security | Known for strong stability and fewer vulnerabilities | Reliable security but requires regular updates and proper configuration |
| Ease of use | Requires knowledge of command-line interface, suitable for experienced users | GUI-based interface makes it easier for beginners and those familiar with Windows systems |
| Support | Large community support for troubleshooting and customization | Premium support from Microsoft for server-related issues |
| Use Cases | Ideal for WordPress hosting, custom web apps, and open-source development | Best for businesses relying on Microsoft tools or specific Windows-based applications |
Types of VPS According to Server Management: Managed, Unmanaged and Semi-Managed VPS
When managing a VPS hosting service, you have three options to choose from based on your needs and technical expertise.
First, you can let the hosting provider handle everything for you, ensuring professional management without requiring your involvement.
Second, you can take full control and manage the server yourself or hire a third party to do it for you, which is ideal if you need complete customization.
Lastly, you can share the management responsibilities with the provider, giving you flexibility while still receiving support for critical tasks.
In this section, we will explore the types of VPS based on server management to help you choose between a hands-on or hands-off approach to hosting management.
Managed VPS
Managed VPS is a hosting solution where the provider takes care of all server-related tasks, allowing you to focus on your website or applications without worrying about maintenance. This option is ideal for users who lack technical expertise or prefer not to deal with the complexities of server management. Here are the key managed VPS benefits:
- With managed VPS, the hosting provider handles server setup, ensuring that your VPS is configured and ready to use from the start.
- They perform automatic updates to keep your server software current and secure.
- Security monitoring is another key benefit, as the provider continuously scans for vulnerabilities and protects against potential threats.
- Managed backups ensure your data is regularly saved and easily recoverable in case of an issue.
- Proactive monitoring means the provider keeps an eye on server performance, addressing potential problems before they escalate.
These features make managed VPS a hassle-free and reliable option for users who want peace of mind and professional server management.
Choosing the best managed VPS hosting ensures you get all these benefits with minimal effort on your end. It’s an ideal solution for businesses, bloggers, or anyone seeking a seamless hosting experience without technical complexities.
Unmanaged VPS
With Unmanaged VPS, you are fully responsible for managing the server. It is also called self-managed VPS hosting, gives you full control over your server environment while the provider takes a hands-off approach.
This means you are responsible for configuring, managing, and maintaining the server entirely on your own. It is an excellent choice for users with technical expertise who need flexibility to customize the server to meet their specific needs.
Here are the key unmanaged VPS benefits:
- Flexibility: You can customize the server environment to meet your specific needs, including software installations, configurations, and optimizations.
- Lower Cost: Unmanaged VPS plans are generally more affordable than managed options since the provider doesn’t handle server management tasks.
- Full Control: You have complete administrative access, allowing you to tailor the server’s performance and security settings to your preferences.
However, unmanaged VPS hosting comes with challenges.
- It requires technical expertise to handle installations, updates, troubleshooting, and security configurations effectively.
- Managing the server can also be time-intensive, as tasks like detecting threats, applying patches, and resolving issues demand consistent effort.
- Furthermore, support from the provider is limited to hardware issues, leaving you to manage software-related problems independently.
- Automated backups are typically not included, so you must purchase and configure them manually.
While unmanaged VPS for developers offers cost savings and customization, it is best suited for experienced users with the skills and time to manage a server.
Semi- Managed VPS
Semi-managed VPS is a hosting solution that offers a middle ground between fully managed and unmanaged VPS hosting.
With this option, the hosting provider handles basic server management tasks, such as initial setup, core software updates, and security patches, while you take responsibility for other aspects like application installation, customization, and ongoing maintenance.
This approach provides a balance of support and autonomy, making it a versatile choice for users with moderate technical expertise.
Semi-managed VPS is ideal in scenarios where users need some assistance with server management but still want control over customization and application-specific tasks. It is especially suitable for:
- Growing businesses: Companies transitioning from shared hosting and not ready for the full complexity of unmanaged VPS.
- Moderately technical users: Users who can handle some server management but prefer not to deal with critical system updates and security.
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a balance between affordability and support without paying the premium cost of fully managed services.
Several hosting providers offer semi-managed VPS plans, such as:
- InMotion Hosting: Known for providing support with server setup and software updates while leaving customization to users.
- A2 Hosting: Offers semi-managed plans with assistance for core server maintenance but allows flexibility for advanced configurations.
- Liquid Web: Provides semi-managed VPS with robust customer support for basic server management and troubleshooting.
Semi-managed VPS hosting is typically more affordable than fully managed VPS because you handle some responsibilities, reducing the workload on the provider.
At the same time, it’s more expensive than unmanaged VPS because of the additional support and services included. This balance makes it an excellent choice for users who need support with core tasks but don’t require the extensive services of fully managed hosting.
When to Choose VPS hosting?
For those wondering when to switch to VPS hosting, the answer lies in recognizing your website’s evolving needs and planning for future growth.
Switching to VPS hosting is a smart move when your website demands more control, scalability, and security than shared hosting can provide.
VPS hosting offers more resources, control, and security than shared hosting, making it the right choice for several scenarios:
- Your Website Traffic Has Outgrown Shared Hosting
If your website receives over 2,000-3,000 daily visitors or 90,000 monthly users, shared hosting may no longer provide the resources needed to handle the load. A VPS ensures your website runs smoothly without slowdowns, even during traffic spikes.
- You Need to Install Custom Applications
Shared hosting has limitations on supported applications. If you need to install advanced tools like specific PHP modules, a VPS gives you the flexibility and control to configure the server environment as needed.
- You Require Root Access for Advanced Configuration
Developers or advanced users who need root access for tasks like custom scripts or specialized software setups should consider VPS hosting. This access allows complete control over the server, enabling advanced configurations.
- You Handle Sensitive Data or Financial Transactions
Websites processing payments or managing sensitive user data require stronger security measures. VPS hosting offers dedicated resources and enhanced privacy, making it a safer option for handling such responsibilities.
- You Experience Extreme Traffic Fluctuations
If your website experiences significant spikes in traffic, a VPS provides the scalability and resources to ensure consistent performance without crashing or downtime.
- You Need a Virtual Environment for Development and Testing
VPS hosting is ideal for creating isolated environments to develop and test software. It allows you to experiment without affecting your live site, making it a great choice for developers.
Whether you’re managing a growing audience, handling sensitive transactions, or developing software, VPS hosting delivers the resources and flexibility you need.
How do I choose the right VPS Plan?
Selecting the right VPS plan is essential to ensure your website performs well and meets your specific needs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate VPS plans and make an informed decision:
- Assess Your Website’s Requirements
Determine your website’s traffic, resource needs, and type of applications you plan to run. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I need root access?” or “Will my site handle sensitive data?”
- Evaluate RAM
Choose a plan with enough RAM to support your applications and handle multiple processes. For lightweight websites, 1-2 GB RAM might suffice, but for larger websites or high-traffic sites, aim for at least 4 GB or more.
- Check CPU Allocation
Look at the number of CPU cores offered by the plan. More cores mean better performance, especially for resource-heavy tasks like running scripts or handling high traffic. For basic needs, 1-2 cores are adequate, but complex applications may require 4 or more cores.
- Consider Storage Options
Ensure the plan provides sufficient SSD storage for faster data access and improved site speed. Small sites can function with 20-50 GB, but e-commerce or database-heavy sites might require 100 GB or more.
- Analyze Bandwidth Limits
Look for a plan with enough bandwidth to accommodate your monthly traffic without slowing down or incurring extra costs. Choose a plan with scalable bandwidth if your traffic fluctuates frequently.
- Review Technical Support
Confirm the availability of 24/7 technical support, especially if you lack server management expertise. Managed VPS plans are ideal if you want professional assistance with updates, backups, and troubleshooting.
- Look for Scalability
Ensure the VPS provider allows easy upgrades to higher plans as your website grows. This flexibility ensures you can add resources like RAM or storage without downtime.
Conclusion
VPS hosting is a powerful and cost-effective solution for most websites and applications. With its ability to balance performance and affordability, VPS hosting can be tailored to meet the demands of businesses and developers alike.
When selecting a VPS plan, we recommend opting for managed VPS hosting. Although it’s a more expensive option, it eliminates the stress of server management and allows you to focus on growing your business while the host handles maintenance and security. For those with technical expertise, unmanaged VPS can offer greater flexibility at a lower cost.
Your choice of operating system should align with your project’s technical requirements. For applications built on ASP.NET or requiring Microsoft tools, a Windows VPS is essential. Conversely, if your project involves PHP, Node.js, or Ruby, a Linux VPS is the better option due to its compatibility and efficiency.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the best VPS hosting providers today to find a solution that meets your needs and sets your website up for success!
Types of VPS FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about types of VPS that you may find helpful.
What is a VPS type?
A VPS type refers to the classification of VPS hosting based on the operating system (Linux or Windows) and management level (managed, unmanaged, or semi-managed). Linux VPS is ideal for PHP and open-source applications, while Windows VPS is suited for ASP.NET and Microsoft-based tools. Managed VPS provides full server management by the host, while unmanaged VPS gives you complete control.
How much does VPS cost per month?
- VPS hosting costs vary based on management level and operating system.
- Unmanaged VPS: $5–$20 per month (e.g., Hostinger offers plans starting at less than $5/month).
- Managed VPS: $15–$100+ per month (e.g., Liquid Web plans start at less than $15 with a regular price of $59/month).
- Linux VPS: Typically cheaper, starting at $5/month.
- Windows VPS: Higher cost due to licensing, starting at $10/month.
Is a VPS worth it for trading?
Yes, VPS is worth it for forex and cryptocurrency trading. A VPS ensures low latency, stable server connections, and uninterrupted trading, which are crucial for algorithmic and automated trading strategies. By reducing delays, a VPS enhances trade execution and minimizes risks in volatile markets.
Which VPS is best for the UK?
The best VPS for users in the UK depends on server location, speed, and support. Top providers with UK-based data centers include:
- Hostinger: Affordable plans with excellent speed and uptime.
- SiteGround: Known for superior customer support and reliability.
What is the difference between VPS and Cloud VPS?
VPS is ideal for predictable workloads, while Cloud VPS suits projects needing scalability and high availability. Here are the major differences:
| Features | VPS | Cloud VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Limited to server capacity | Highly scalable with pay as you go options |
| Reliability | Risk of downtime if the server fails | High uptime and optimum availability due to failover capabilities |
| Cost | Generally lower with promo and fixed pricing | Slightly higher based on resource usage |
| Resource allocation | Fixed resources on a single server | Scalable resources across multiple virtual servers |
