Before you settle for any web hosting plan, it’s advisable to understand the difference between shared hosting and VPS hosting. Even though the two hosting plans have so much in common, there’s a huge difference between them. For one, shared hosting is extremely cheaper and can actually save you lots of money, but your website’s performance may be in great danger without VPS hosting. That said, what exactly makes the two web hosting plans different?
Shared Hosting vs VPS Hosting
Shared hosting
Shared hosting can actually be compared to an apartment complex. You share responsibility and the maintenance cost with all the residents, but you’re not permitted to customise anything. That’s to say, all accounts or websites in this type of hosting share resources–such as memory space, disk space and CPU time– with all the other accounts using the same server.
Apparently, shared hosting is the most common web hosting plan, which is predominantly used by customers who prefer low-hosting packages or are actually on trial.
That said, you can choose shared hosting if you fall in the following categories:
. – Those planning to start a venture using their own or loaned capital.
. – Those expecting a low traffic —less than 1, 000 visitors per day.
. – Those with few employees and only need to set up few email accounts.
. – Those planning to host their websites only or a couple of blogs.
Advantages
. – It’s economical when compared to VPS hosting.
. – It’s the best option for those with only a few blogs or smaller websites to host since it’s easy to maintain.
. – You can always demand for more space if need be.
. – Technical skills are not necessary when handling your website.
. – You can still install any kind of software, such as the virtualised software.
Disadvantages
. – Limited resources.
. – You website can easily be affected by other websites using the same server.
. – Your website might face security concerns.
. – You might be required to configure firewall settings while using certain applications.
. – Your customer support will be limited.
VPS Hosting…
VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting can actually be compared to half-plex or simplex–where everything can be customised to suit your taste, but you’ll still be required to maintain your allocated area.
This hosting plan is often times used by companies that deal with heavy applications and are more mindful of their data security.
Generally, VPS hosting can be the best hosting plan if you fall under the following categories:
. – If you’re planning to expand your business beyond the level of using a shared hosting.
. – If you’re planning to keep all your data exceedingly confidential and more secure.
. – If you’re assured of receiving a huge traffic in the future—over 1, 000 visitors a day.
. – If you have any intention of increasing the headcount, which may prompt you to create a significant number of email accounts.
. – If you’re planning to host numerous blogs, sites, and various applications.
Advantages
. – You’ll have limitless space and bandwidth for doing whatever you like.
. – You can downgrade or upgrade your subscription whenever you feel like.
. – Since you own the server, you can configure anything to suit your taste.
. – Using the shell access, you can run your own batch file for creating numerous services inside the server.
. – You can carry out an extensive, 24 hour customer support to enhance security.
. – You can easily backup your data using this type of hosting.
Disadvantages
. – You must employ a dedicated system admin to handle your server.
. – It’s costly if you’re planning to host a small website.
. – Some applications don’t run on a virtualised system.
Differences between the two: Shared hosting vs. VPS hosting
.1. While shared hosting comes with a limited number of shared resources, VPS allows you to have private disk spaces and limitless resources.
.2. Comparably, VPS hosting is more secure than shared hosting.
.3. Unlike VPS hosting, shared hosting offers a rudimentary file system.
When should you upgrade from Shared hosting to VPS hosting?
You can easily upgrade from shared hosting to VPS hosting in case:
. – Your website is eating up all your processor, Ram resources and CPU.
. – You need to have total control over your website.
. – You’re planning to send numerous emails.
. – You’re looking for an exemplary performance and stability.
. – You need to stand out from the rest.
. – You have to customise your settings and appearance.
. – You need to improve on your current performance level.
Shared or VPS hosting, which one is the best?
In terms of pricing, there’s a huge difference between the two hosting plans. In shared hosting, prices go to as little as $3.5 a month and can actually rise up to $20 a month depending on the package or the hosting company you choose. On the flip side, VPS hosting starts at a low price of $50 a month and can actually rise up to $ 200 a month. With that in mind, you’re better off with VPS hosting if you can afford $50 a month or more. But if your budget is limited, just start with shared hosting and then upgrade later.
