How to choose a VPS (Virtual Private Server) provider

As your website grows, you may find yourself having to decide whether the hosting you have been using still works for you and allows you to scale. One type of hosting that is well-suited for scaling a website is VPS hosting.

Whether to choose a VPS or stay on a shared hosting provider is an important decision for owners of growing websites. From enhanced control and scalability to heightened security and cost-effectiveness, discover why VPS may be the ideal solution for your evolving website needs.

What is a VPS?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is an increasingly popular way of hosting websites. VPS hosting lets you to set up a website on a partitioned physical server, and it combines features from both shared hosting and dedicated hosting. A VPS is a cost-effective way to scale a growing website.

Unlike shared hosting,  where multiple websites share the same server resources, a VPS provides each user with a dedicated portion of resources within a virtual environment. This isolation grants users more control, privacy, and customisation options compared to shared hosting.

Meanwhile, dedicated hosting grants you exclusive access to an entire physical server, offering full control and maximum performance, but at a much higher cost.

What can you do with a VPS?

A VPS can be used for various applications and offers many options for implementing a wide variety of projects:

• Web server
• Data server
• Email server
• Game server
• Private cloud storage
• Test system
• Calendar and task server
• Communication server (VoIP telephony or chat)

Why choose a VPS?

With the variety of existing options for hosting, the specific benefits of VPS should be considered carefully before making a choice. There are a few key aspects that make a VPS an excellent choice.

Control

One of the primary advantages of VPS hosting is the level of control it affords users over their virtual server environment. Unlike shared hosting, where users are often constrained by hosting provider restrictions, VPS hosting grants users extensive autonomy. This means you have the freedom to install and run any necessary server applications without being hindered by arbitrary limitations imposed by the hosting provider.

Moreover, VPS hosting gives you root access. This gives you even more freedom to configure your VPS to suit your specific needs and optimise its performance accordingly.

Ability to host more websites

Compared to shared hosting, where resource limitations may hinder your ability to host multiple websites efficiently, a VPS offers dedicated resources that allow you to host more websites without compromising performance.

Whether you’re managing multiple business websites or running personal projects, a VPS provides the scalability you need to accommodate growth.

Cost

VPS hosting is a more cost-effective option compared to dedicated servers. While offering dedicated resources, VPS hosting allows you to share the costs of hardware and infrastructure with other users, resulting in lower overall expenses. This makes VPS hosting an attractive choice for businesses and individuals seeking a reliable hosting solution without breaking the bank.

Security factors

Security is crucial, and VPS hosting offers enhanced security measures compared to shared hosting. With your own virtual server environment, you benefit from isolation from other users, reducing the risk of security breaches and unauthorised access.

Additionally, good VPS providers implement robust security features such as firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular security updates to safeguard your data and ensure peace of mind.

When should you choose a VPS?

Determining when the right time is to transition to VPS hosting depends largely on your website’s needs and growth trajectory. Here are some scenarios where opting for VPS hosting makes sense.

Website growth that requires scalability

As your website grows in terms of traffic, content, and functionality, you may find that shared hosting no longer provides sufficient resources to support your needs. VPS hosting offers scalability, allowing you to easily upgrade your resources to accommodate increased traffic and demand without experiencing performance bottlenecks or downtime.

Ecommerce websites and web shops

Webshops and e-commerce websites, in particular, can benefit significantly from VPS hosting. These websites often require robust resources to handle large product catalogues, high transaction volumes, and secure payment processing. With dedicated resources and enhanced security features, VPS hosting provides the stability, reliability, and performance required to run a successful online store.

Smaller personal projects

While VPS hosting offers numerous benefits, it may not be necessary for smaller personal projects with minimal resource requirements. If you’re running a simple blog, portfolio website, or personal hobby site that receives low to moderate traffic, shared hosting may suffice and be more cost-effective. However, if your project grows and demands more resources, you can also consider upgrading to VPS hosting for greater control and flexibility.

What to look for in a VPS provider

When selecting a Virtual Private Server provider, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose the right hosting solution for your needs. Let’s look at some key aspects to evaluate when comparing VPS providers.

Reliability and uptime

When selecting a VPS provider, reliability and uptime should be some of your primary considerations. Choose a provider with a record of high network uptime levels, typically 99.9% or above. Consistent uptime ensures that your site remains accessible to users without interruption, which helps your users have a positive experience and gains trust in your project or product.

Beyond uptime metrics, reliability also covers factors such as network stability and server performance. Pick a provider that prioritises reliability to lower the risk of downtime and its potential impact on your website’s reputation.

Equipment quality and performance

Evaluate the hardware infrastructure offered by the VPS provider. Look for providers that utilise high-quality components such as NVMe SSDs for storage, which offer superior performance in terms of memory and speed compared to traditional HDDs. Consider factors such as computing power, RAM capacity, and CPU performance to ensure the server meets your requirements.

Security features

Ensuring robust security measures for your online projects is critical. When selecting a VPS provider, prioritise security features that safeguard your data and protect against evolving cyber threats. Look for VPS providers that offer comprehensive features such as backup and restore capabilities, firewalls, HTTPS support, and protection from DDoS (Denial of Service) cyber-attacks. Backup and restore capabilities are also key for making sure your data is protected against loss or corruption, providing peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents.

By prioritising security features in your choice of VPS provider, you can proactively protect your data and maintain the integrity of your site.

Full control with root access

One of the key advantages of VPS hosting is the control you have over your server environment. With full root access, you have the freedom to customise every aspect of your server configuration according to your specific requirements and preferences.

Having complete control over your server environment means you can install and run custom software applications that you might find essential for functionality. Whether you need to deploy content management systems (CMS), e-commerce platforms, or specialised development frameworks, full root access enables you to install and configure these tools without any restrictions imposed by the hosting provider.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to implement advanced security measures tailored to your specific needs, such as configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control policies. This level of control is essential for businesses and individuals seeking maximum flexibility and scalability in managing their online presence.

Scalability

Scalability is crucial for accommodating the growth of your website or application. Choose a VPS provider that offers scalable hosting solutions, allowing you to easily upgrade or downgrade your resources as needed without downtime or disruption to your operations.

Cost

Compare pricing plans offered by different VPS providers to ensure they align with your budget and resource requirements. Be aware of any additional costs for features such as data transfer, storage, or additional services. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and flexible billing options.

Customer support

Good customer support is essential for resolving technical issues and addressing concerns promptly. Choose a VPS provider that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support, preferably available 24/7 via multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone support. A reliable support team can provide assistance and guidance whenever you need it, ensuring a seamless hosting experience.

Should you choose managed or unmanaged VPS hosting? 

Many VPS hosting providers offer both managed and unmanaged options.

Which one you choose should come down to your technical knowledge and preference for hands-on server management. Managed VPS hosting is tailored for users seeking a hassle-free experience, with the provider handling server maintenance, security updates, and technical support. On the other hand, unmanaged VPS hosting appeals to users with the expertise and inclination to manage server operations independently, offering greater control and customisation options at a lower cost. Consider your comfort level with server management tasks and your budget constraints when making this decision.

Compare VPS hosting providers based on your needs

When selecting a VPS provider, it’s crucial to compare offerings based on your specific requirements and preferences. Consider factors such as reliability, performance, security, scalability, pricing, and customer support. By thoroughly evaluating each provider’s features and services, you can choose the VPS hosting solution that best aligns with your needs and budget. Remember to prioritise reliability, security, and support to ensure a seamless hosting experience for your website or application.