The best VPS hosting services: Expert tested
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Choosing the right virtual private server (VPS) hosting service can be a challenge, especially with so many options out there. There are tons of features, pricing plans, and control levels to consider, so it's easy to get lost in the details. That's why we did the work for you.
VPS hosting is great because it offers something for everyone. It works for small business websites or larger projects that need more power and flexibility. Most providers offer customizable resources, reliable security, and scalability, so your hosting can grow along with your website or project.
Also: The best web hosting services: Expert tested
What is the best VPS hosting service right now?
After digging into the details and putting several VPS hosting providers to the test, our pick for the best VPS hosting service overall is Ionos. It strikes the right balance between performance, security, and price.
Read on for the rest of our top picks for VPS hosting services, ranging from highly customizable and scalable to beginner-level services and those looking for solid support options.
The best VPS hosting services of 2024
Ionos is our top pick VPS hosting right now. The company offers a good balance of price, customization, and security. It's a solid option for businesses of most sizes.
Ionos makes VPS hosting easy, especially if you like having options to tweak things to your liking. You can adjust the server setup to fit exactly what you need. The control panel is straightforward, so you don't have to be super technical to get things going.
When I tried Ionos, I found the setup process pretty painless. The free SSL certificate and domain on some plans are a nice touch, saving you a bit of cash and hassle when getting started. Security is well-covered, too -- they include DDoS protection and regular backups automatically, so you don't have to worry about that side of things.
Performance-wise, Ionos delivered. I didn't run into any major slowdowns, and everything stayed up and running smoothly. The only downside I noticed was the customer support -- it's a bit of a mixed bag. Sometimes you get great help, other times it feels like they're just checking boxes. It's not bad, but it's something to be aware of, especially if you think you'll need a lot of support.
All in all, Ionos offers solid value for the price. It's reliable, easy to customize, and comes with the features you need without breaking the bank.
Ionos features: Affordable VPS plans | Customizable configurations | Free SSL certificate and domain | DDoS protection | Regular backups
When you think Hostinger, think of getting great value for your money. If you're working with a tight budget but still want reliable VPS hosting, this is a great option. The control panel is straightforward, so even if you're not super tech-savvy, you'll find it easy to manage your server.
Hostinger handles most small to medium-sized projects really well. It's optimized for WordPress, which is perfect if you're running a blog or a content-heavy site. Plus, its 24/7 customer support means there's always someone available to help if you run into any issues.
That said, if you're running a large-scale operation or need more advanced features, Hostinger might not be the best fit. It's more focused on providing solid, basic VPS hosting at a price that's hard to beat.
Review: Hostinger
Hostinger features: Affordable VPS plans | User-friendly control panel | WordPress optimization | 24/7 customer support | Free dedicated IP
InMotion Hosting is known for having some of the best customer support in the business. Its support team is available around the clock to help you out with starting out or even more complex setups. The support staff is quick to respond and genuinely helpful, which can make a big difference if you're not super familiar with server management.
It also makes switching over from another host pretty painless. The free site migration service handles all the technical stuff, so you don't have to worry about downtime or losing data. On top of that, the server management tools are straightforward, making it easy to keep everything running smoothly.
Performance is solid. The SSD storage ensures your site loads quickly, and the company includes free backups to keep your data safe. Plus, the plans are scalable, so as your business grows, your hosting can grow with you.
The only real downside is that InMotion has fewer data centers compared to some of the bigger players, which might affect performance if your audience is spread out globally. But for most users, especially those in North America, this shouldn't be a big issue.
Review: InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting features: SSD storage | Free site migrations | 24/7 customer support | Scalable VPS plans | Free backups
A2 Hosting is all about speed. Its Turbo servers are designed to make your site load up to 20 times faster, which is a big deal if performance is a priority for you. When I tried A2 Hosting, I noticed pages loading quickly and staying consistent, even with more traffic hitting the site.
The SSD storage helps too, cutting down on load times and making your site more responsive overall. This is especially useful if you've got a site with a lot of content or one that gets a lot of user interaction.
A2 Hosting also makes it easy to get started by offering free site migration and an SSL certificate, so you can move your site over without a lot of hassle. Plus, its anytime money-back guarantee means you can try it out without worrying about getting stuck if it's not the right fit.
The one thing to watch out for is the renewal rates -- they can be higher than the initial prices. But if speed is what you're after, A2 Hosting is a solid choice.
A2 Hosting features: Turbo servers | SSD storage | Free site migration | Anytime money-back guarantee | Free SSL certificate
DigitalOcean is a go-to option if you're looking for VPS hosting that lets you customize just about everything. It gives you the tools to build and manage your server exactly how you want. If you like to have control over every detail, this is the platform for you. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy to get your server set up and customized to your needs.
When I used DigitalOcean, I found it to be especially good for developers. You can choose everything from the storage type to the level of CPU power, which is great if your project needs something specific. Plus, if you ever get stuck or want to learn more, the strong developer community and extensive documentation are super helpful.
To put this into perspective, I recently launched a Japanese gaming media site using DigitalOcean. I used smaller Droplets when I first started developing, then I scaled up once we launched, and then recently scaled up again after hitting 10,000 visitors in a month. It's ridiculous how simple it is.
On the flip side, the customer support isn't as strong as some other providers. You'll mostly be relying on community forums and documentation for help. But if you're comfortable figuring things out on your own, DigitalOcean's flexibility and clear pricing make it a solid choice.
DigitalOcean features: Customizable VPS plans | Easy-to-use interface | Active developer community | Extensive documentation | Transparent pricing
Kamatera is a great pick if you need VPS hosting that can grow with your business. If your business is growing or you're managing a project where resource needs can change quickly, Kamatera makes it easy to scale up or down. You can tweak CPU, RAM, storage, and more on the fly, which is really handy if you're dealing with unexpected traffic or need to expand your services.
When I tried out Kamatera, I found the setup process to be smooth, and the control panel easy to navigate. It's got data centers around the world, so you can pick a location close to your audience, which helps with reducing latency and keeping your site running fast.
One thing that stands out is the pay-as-you-go pricing. You only pay for what you use, and there's no need to lock yourself into a long-term contract. It's cost-effective if you need that kind of flexibility. Just keep in mind that backups aren't included for free, so you'll need to account for that if keeping your data safe is a priority.
Kamatera features: Scalable VPS plans | Global data centers | Pay-as-you-go pricing | 30-Day free trial | Custom server configurations
If you're just dipping your toes into VPS hosting, GoDaddy is a great place to start. The setup process is straightforward, so you won't need to be a tech expert to get your server up and running. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, which makes managing your VPS pretty stress-free.
I've had hands-on experience with GoDaddy, and one thing that stands out is how approachable it is for beginners. There's a lot of helpful guidance along the way, and the customer support is solid. If you run into any issues, it's got 24/7 support and a ton of tutorials and articles to help you out.
GoDaddy also offers affordable plans, often with discounts, making it a budget-friendly option if you're just starting. However, if you're looking for advanced features or more control over your server, you might find GoDaddy a bit limiting. It's geared more toward simplicity and ease of use than power and flexibility.
Review: GoDaddy
GoDaddy features: Easy-to-use interface | 24/7 customer support | Affordable pricing | Integrated domain registration | Simple setup process
What is the best VPS cloud hosting service?
When it comes to the best VPS hosting service, Ionos takes the top spot. It offers a great mix of affordability, customization, and security, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes. Regardless of your current size, Ionos has the flexibility to grow with you.
One of the things I really like about Ionos is how customizable it is. You can tweak your CPU, RAM, and storage to fit exactly what you need, which is super handy if your business is expanding or if you just want more control over your hosting. Plus, it's affordable, so you're getting good value without breaking the bank.
That said, the other VPS hosting options on our list are also worth considering, depending on your preferences. Each one has its own strengths, so you can find the right fit for your specific needs.
| VPS hosting service | Starting price | Best for | Key features |
| Ionos | $2/month | Overall performance | Customizable plans, strong security features |
| InMotion Hosting | $5/month | Customer support | 24/7 support, free site migrations |
| A2 Hosting | $6.99/month | Speed/performance | Turbo servers, SSD storage |
| Hostinger | $3.95/month | Budget-friendly | Affordable plans, easy control panel |
| DigitalOcean | $5/month | Customization | Highly customizable, developer-friendly |
| Kamatera | Pay-as-you-go | Scalability | Flexible resources, global data centers |
| GoDaddy | $4.99/month | Beginners | Simple setup, good support |
Which is the right VPS hosting service for you?
There's not a right or wrong answer to this question. It really just depends on what you're looking for. Here's a simple guide to help you decide:
| Choose this VPS hosting service… | If you want… |
| Ionos | A well-rounded service that balances performance, security, and customization. Best for those who need a bit of everything. |
| InMotion Hosting | Top-notch customer support that's always there when you need it. Best for folks who value having help available 24/7. |
| A2 Hosting | Fast and reliable performance, especially if your site needs to load quickly and run smoothly. Best for those who care about speed. |
| Hostinger | A budget-friendly option that still gives you the essential features you need. Best for small businesses and individuals who want to save money. |
| DigitalOcean | The ability to customize every little detail of your server setup. Best for developers or anyone who likes full control. |
| Kamatera | To easily scale your resources up or down as needed, without getting stuck in long-term contracts. Best for businesses that need flexibility to grow. |
| GoDaddy | A super easy platform to get started with, plus solid customer support to help you along the way. Best for anyone new to VPS hosting. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best VPS hosting service
While everyone has different requirements, there are a few key things you need to keep an eye out for when you're picking a VPS hosting service. Here's a quick rundown to help you make the right choice:
- Performance and uptime: You need your website or app to run smoothly and be available whenever users need it. Look for a VPS hosting service that offers solid performance and reliable uptime, so your site doesn't end up going down at the worst possible time.
- Scalability: As your site or app grows, your hosting needs will change, too. Make sure your VPS service can easily scale up (or down) so you can control resources like CPU, RAM, and storage as needed, without any major headaches.
- Security features: Security is a big deal. Look for features like DDoS protection, firewalls, and SSL certificates to keep your data safe and protect your site from potential threats.
- Pricing: Take a close look at the pricing options. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go plans that let you pay only for what you use, while others have fixed plans. Also, watch out for hidden costs like extra fees for certain features or higher renewal rates.
- Ease of use: A user-friendly control panel and easy management tools can make your life a lot easier, especially if you're not super technical. Choose a service that won't require a ton of time or effort to manage.
- Support and documentation: Good customer support is a must when you hit a snag. Check if the provider offers 24/7 support and has plenty of documentation or tutorials to help you solve problems on your own.
How we test VPS hosting services
When we test VPS hosting services, we like to dive in and really get a feel for how they work. We do this so that we can provide honest, reliable, and well-informed recommendations to those of you who are reading this. Here are the ways in which we test VPS hosting services.
- Hands-on testing: First off, we get hands-on with the services. I've worked with several companies and managed multiple projects that relied on VPS hosting, so I've had plenty of opportunities to see how these services perform in different scenarios. Actually using these services lets me assess how easy they are to set up, how well they perform (like uptime and load times), and how they handle everyday tasks. This gives me a solid understanding of what it's like to use these services in the real world. For example, I launched my first (now defunct) website over decade ago, and I used InMotion Hosting. Being a green thumb, I relied on their support to walk me through several things that I couldn't quite get using their documentation. Of course, I've used them since then, but this is just an example to highlight my experience with them.
- Real user reviews: We pay close attention to what actual users are saying. Reviews can be hit or miss, so we look at a ton of them to spot patterns -- both good and bad. This helps us figure out what's consistently working well with a service and what might be causing users headaches.
- Feature comparisons: We also compare the nitty-gritty details like features, pricing, and security. VPS hosting providers often tweak their offerings, so we stay on top of those changes to make sure our recommendations are up-to-date and relevant.
- Research: We round out our testing with some good old-fashioned research. We dig into industry reports, expert opinions, and check out how each provider stacks up in the market overall. This helps us back up our findings and ensures we're giving you recommendations that are based on both experience and solid research.
By combining hands-on experience, real user feedback, detailed comparisons, and thorough research, we're confident that our VPS hosting recommendations will help you find the right fit for your needs.
What is VPS hosting?
VPS (virtual private server) hosting is a type of web hosting where a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server acts like a dedicated server, but shares the physical server with other VPSs. This means you get your own resources -- like CPU, RAM, and storage -- so you're not competing with other users for power, which can keep things running more smoothly.
VPS hosting also gives you more control than shared hosting. You can install the software you need and make custom configurations because you have root access to your server. It's a good middle ground for websites or apps that need more power and flexibility than shared hosting offers, but without the higher costs of a full dedicated server.
FAQs on VPS hosting
How does VPS hosting differ from Shared and Dedicated hosting?
VPS hosting sits between shared and dedicated hosting in terms of cost and resources.
With shared hosting, your website shares a server with a bunch of other sites. It's cheap, but if other sites on the server are hogging resources, your site might slow down.
In VPS hosting, you still share a physical server, but you get your own slice of it with dedicated resources. This means better performance and more control over your server settings compared to shared hosting.
Dedicated hosting gives you an entire server all to yourself. It's the most expensive option, but it offers the best performance and full control over everything. It's great for big sites or apps that need a lot of power.
Can you get VPS hosting for free?
Yes, you can find free VPS hosting, but it usually comes with limitations. Most free VPS plans offer limited resources like lower CPU power, less RAM, and reduced storage. These plans are mostly used for testing, learning, or running small, low-traffic projects.
Keep in mind that free VPS hosting often lacks the support and reliability you'd get with paid services. Also, some providers offer free trials of their paid VPS plans, which can be a good way to try out the service as intended before committing to a subscription. However, for a serious website or app, investing in a paid VPS plan is usually the better choice.
Can I scale my VPS as my business grows?
Yes, you can scale your VPS as your business grows. Most VPS hosting providers offer plans that allow you to upgrade your resources, like CPU, RAM, and storage, as needed. This means you can start with a smaller plan and increase your resources over time without having to switch to a different hosting service. Pretty handy.
Scaling your VPS is usually pretty easy and can be done through your hosting provider's control panel. Or, you can always contact support to help you if needed.
Is VPS hosting secure?
Yes, VPS hosting is generally secure. Since your virtual server is isolated from others on the same physical server, your data and resources are kept separate, which adds a layer of security. Most VPS hosting providers also offer additional security features like firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular backups to help protect your data. If they don't offer that, you probably shouldn't use it.
However, security also depends on how well you manage your server -- keeping software up to date and using strong passwords are important steps in maintaining a secure VPS.
Other VPS hosting services we've tested
There are a few other VPS hosting providers that could be a good fit for you, depending on what you're looking for: