Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a hosting service set in a virtual environment. VPS hosting offers users dedicated server resources even though multiple users share the same server.
Choosing VPS hosting over other shared hosting is beneficial because of its increased performance, security, and overall hosting experience. Additionally, VPS hosting is still more affordable than a dedicated hosting service.
How to find best VPS provider?
With many VPS providers out there, it can be challenging to find the right one for you. To help, this article will discuss eight factors to consider when searching for the best VPS hosting provider. Let’s get started.
1. Server Uptime
Server uptime refers to the duration or percentage of time a server is fully up and running, affecting your website’s active running time.
More uptime is preferable because having server downtime means a website is unavailable, which can cost you monetary losses and result in a bad user experience.
Therefore, always look for VPS web hosting that offers the ideal uptime guarantee of 99.9% and above.
2. Managed or Unmanaged VPS
There are two types of VPS hosting – managed and unmanaged.
With fully-managed VPS hosting, you’ll have dedicated resources. At the same time, technical support and upkeep like server maintenance and updates will be conducted by the web hosting company.
Opt for managed VPS hosting if:
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You have limited technical knowledge of VPS and its server-related operations.
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You don’t have enough resources to maintain the server.
On the contrary, unmanaged VPS hosting allows you to have complete control over factors like full root access, random access memory (RAM), storage, and resource management.
Opt for unmanaged VPS hosting if:
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You are tech-savvy or have a skilled IT team to manage the dedicated server.
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You are looking for a cost-effective solution and want the freedom to completely adjust server resources according to your budget.
Remember that choosing between managed or unmanaged VPS hosting ultimately depends on your needs and technical capabilities.
3. Pricing
The average pricing for most VPS hosts is between $20 to $100/month, depending on the hosting plan. This price range makes it great for businesses that do not want to commit to dedicated hosting but want to upgrade from shared hosting.
Aside from choosing the best VPS provider based on your budget, consider these crucial points:
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Value for money in terms of the server’s features and performance.
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Return on investment (ROI) in both the short and long term.
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Other perks, like a free domain name or an SSL certificate.
Compare between multiple providers to get the best pricing possible.
4. Performance
Choosing a VPS hosting plan based on performance will help website growth and prevent downtime. VPS performance depends on factors like the physical server location, CPU power, and server and disk space.
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Therefore, understand how much performance you need for your own website. For example, the minimum RAM required for small websites is 2 GB. So, consider your project’s needs and compare multiple VPS hosting services before making your choice.
5. Security
Security is among the most crucial aspects when choosing a web host. A secure VPS can prevent malware, protect your personal data, and help increase site authority.
It also provides a safe web hosting environment so you can conduct secure app development or data migration. With robust built-in safety features from the web host, you and your team can focus on site development instead of worrying about security issues.
Some VPS hosting services offer a free SSL certificate, which is an essential security feature you want for your VPS. Other than that, also check for VPS hosting plans with these security aspects:
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Antivirus and firewall protection
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Authentication methods
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Automatic updates
6. Scalability
A scalable VPS environment allows you to add more resources, like storage, bandwidth, and other aspects to meet your project needs. Having this scalability option saves you the hassle of changing hosting plans or even providers later on.
Prior to purchasing a VPS plan, ask the hosting provider if they offer upgrades and what the process is. As VPS uses virtualization technology, the upgrading resources should be relatively simple. Additionally, being targeted in an area is key. There are specific providers, like VPS Europe.
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After that, define how much you are likely to scale in the short and long run to help decide how much scalability you need.
7. Technical Support
Fortunately, most hosting providers offer technical support. Most importantly, however, check how in-depth the support is and whether they provide assistance for users with limited technical experience.
If you’re choosing unmanaged VPS, consider if you’ll need some form of technical support in case a crisis arises.
If you’re choosing managed VPS, ensure the technical support doesn’t intrude on your web development strategy and technical team environment.
Try contacting some VPS providers to see how quickly they reply to your inquiry and check their communication platforms. Some web hosts provide technical support via phone, email, and chat, while others offer chat-only or email-only.
8. Customer Reviews
Looking at customer reviews allows you to understand the provider’s reputation and service quality to help you make a better decision. Customer reviews can also help identify the hosting plans worth purchasing and those that aren’t.
Go to review sites like PCmag or Techradar and check the provider’s website, social media pages, and forum websites to find customer reviews.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPS hosting provider is crucial as it can save you time, money, and resources.