VPS hosting is a powerful yet flexible choice. From private gaming servers to high-traffic ecommerce sites, the possibilities are endless when you choose a virtual private server. But what exactly are the different types of VPS hosting, and which is best for you? Read on to learn more.
What are the types of VPS hosting?
When choosing a VPS and hosting provider, it’s important to narrow down the criteria and features you’re looking for to ensure your VPS is exactly suited to your needs. This will involve key decisions at multiple stages of the buying process, starting with choosing between a managed or unmanaged VPS, then moving to picking your preferred operating system and hosting technologies, and finally choosing whether you need a specialised VPS or not (e.g., whether you need a Forex VPS for trading, a gaming VPS to host gaming servers, or a regular VPS for website hosting).
So there are many types of VPS hosting to choose from, like managed VPS, unmanaged VPS, Windows VPS, Linux VPS, SSD VPS, Forex VPS and gaming VPS. Let’s work through these different types of virtual private servers in order to help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for.
Managed VPS vs unmanaged VPS
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want a managed VPS or unmanaged VPS. Not all hosting providers offer both, so choosing one of these types of VPS first will help you narrow down your search. Both choices offer the same server resources and features – the main difference is simply who will run the server day-to-day.
A managed VPS is the term used to describe a server overseen by a hosting provider. This means that your provider will manage the overall maintenance of your server, including internal changes. As the user, you will have very little responsibility for its upkeep. This is great for those who may not have a lot of tech knowledge or are just looking for an easy-to-use server.
An unmanaged VPS is the opposite of a managed server, and they rely on the user to maintain and manage them. Your VPS provider will take care of the OS installation, but after that it’s all up to you. This is an ideal choice for those who require very specific updates, resource levels or software on their VPS. An unmanaged VPS allows the user to take charge of the inner workings of their server.
Here at Fasthosts, our VPS hosting is unmanaged because we want our customers to have complete control and autonomy when it comes to their server.
The benefits of managed VPS hosting
Many people love the hands off approach of managed VPS hosting, but there are a few other upsides to choosing this type of server. If you opt for a managed VPS, there are several benefits that you can expect:
1. Peace of mind
Knowing that your VPS is in capable hands will give you the peace of mind that everything will run smoothly without any hiccups.
2. Easy to use
If you don’t have much technical knowledge, a managed VPS is the easiest way to still get your fill of virtual private servers, without having to deal with the management side.
3. More support
If something goes wrong with your managed VPS, then you can rest assured that your provider will have it covered. It won’t be up to you to fix any internal issues, and you’ll have all the support you need 24/7.
The benefits of unmanaged VPS hosting
If you’re looking for a VPS that you can mould to suit your needs, then an unmanaged server is the perfect choice. But what can you expect to benefit from this type of hosting?
1. Ultimate server control
One of the main benefits of an unmanaged VPS is that you get to decide exactly what software is installed and your level of server resources. As the owner of an unmanaged VPS, you get to make the executive decisions.
2. Great for those with prior server experience
Most people opt for an unmanaged VPS because they already know how to manage a server. And if you do have previous server knowledge, then this type of VPS will be a piece of cake.
3. Cost effective
Unmanaged VPS hosting can often save you a bit of cash compared to managed servers. Taking care of the overall maintenance of your VPS cuts the cost of paying someone externally to manage your server – so this is usually a cheap VPS option.
What are the types of VPS operating systems?
The two most common VPS operating systems are Windows and Linux. If your business primarily uses Windows-based applications, it may make more sense to choose a Windows VPS. However, if you've got a strong technical team, they may prefer to work with a Linux VPS for the extra control and flexibility. Once you’ve chosen managed or unmanaged VPS hosting, you need to decide which operating system you’re looking for.
Still not sure what to choose? Here are the main benefits of each, and if you want to dive deeper into this topic, make sure you read our Linux VPS vs Windows VPS guide too:
Benefits of a Windows VPS
1. User-friendly
Windows features a super easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI), so even if you’re a total beginner, you should find server management pretty straightforward. Plus, most people are familiar with Microsoft tools, which makes them even more user-friendly.
2. Compatibility with Microsoft products
A Windows VPS works seamlessly with Windows applications like SharePoint or Exchange, so if you frequently use these Microsoft tools, Windows is the obvious choice. A Windows VPS will also support Microsoft’s .NET framework, so developers who use this software framework will need to opt for Windows.
3. High level of reliability and uptime
The Windows operating system is extremely reliable, so you can rest assured that server downtime is likely to be minimal.
4. Secure
A Windows VPS comes with built-in security features such as firewalls and intrusion detection. Windows also offers regular security updates to help reduce the risk of cyber attacks. But you should also bear in mind that this popular operating system is targeted by cybercriminals more often than Linux.
Benefits of a Linux VPS
1. More control
Linux gives you direct access to source code for maximum control. This is why many developers opt for Linux when they need to fully control their server environment and its settings.
2. Open source and free OS
Linux (including almost all of its distributions, such as Ubuntu, CentOS and Debian) is totally free to download, making it much more affordable and accessible than Windows. Hosting companies have to pay a licensing fee to Microsoft to use the Windows operating system, and this extra cost is passed onto the customer.
3. Lighter and faster
The Windows GUI is pretty resource-intensive, so while you get the benefit of a user-friendly interface, it can also slow down your server. Linux is a more lightweight operating system, which means you’ll get faster speeds, better processing power and improved server performance overall.
4. Compatibility
Linux supports a wide range of programming languages and software packages – with the exception of proprietary Microsoft tools (which are compatible with the Windows operating system). Unless you use Microsoft/Windows tools, you’ll likely prefer the flexibility of Linux, which is compatible with most other tools and languages.
5. Secure and stable
Linux rarely suffers from crashes, which means you’ll get excellent server uptime, performance and reliability from this operating system. Linux is also targeted by cybercriminals less often, making it a very secure choice (as long as you implement common-sense security measures on your VPS).
Types of VPS hosting technology
Now you can really pay attention to the specifications of your new VPS. After you’ve picked your management style and operating system, it’s time to decide on what features matter most to you.
Are you looking for super-fast speeds and superior data protection? You need SSD VPS hosting rather than traditional HDD storage. Here’s what we mean by this:
Benefits of SSD VPS hosting
An SSD VPS is an absolute must if you want improved speeds and reliability. Here’s why you should opt for a newer SSD VPS rather than a VPS relying on old hard disk drive (HDD) technology:
1. Read/write speeds
SSDs are much faster than traditional hard disk drives, meaning they'll read and write your data quicker.
2. Page load times
Hosting a website with an SSD VPS will give you faster page load and response times, improving user experience.
3. Reliability
Unlike HDDs, SSDs use flash-based memory and have no moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failures.
4. Energy efficiency
SSDs consume less power than HDDs, making SSD VPS hosting a much more environmentally friendly option.
5. Data retention
SSDs use a non-volatile storage chip, and this means that even if the server lost power, your data would be retained. Thanks to this data security and the superior performance of SSD VPS hosting, all of our virtual private servers here at Fasthosts use this technology.
Types of specialised VPS hosting
If you’re looking for a VPS for website hosting or to use as a staging environment, you’ve probably narrowed down your search as much as you can in terms of deciding on a type of VPS. Now, all you need to do is choose the right VPS provider and package.
However, if you have a more niche application in mind for your new server, such as Forex trading or hosting a gaming server, you might need to look for a specialised VPS hosting package to get the right specifications:
Forex VPS
A Forex VPS is optimised for faster and more secure Forex (foreign exchange) trading. With a Forex VPS, you can easily connect to the wider trading network, run automated trading software, and keep trading 24/7 without needing to be glued to your screen. Here’s why you should use a Forex VPS if you’re keen to get into this side hustle:
1. Fast speeds
Complete trades faster than ever before with a VPS dedicated entirely to running automated trading software. With a Forex VPS configured specifically for 24/7 trading, you’ll never miss opportunities again.
2. Secure and reliable
Since a VPS is designed for data redundancy and low latency, they’re ideal for Forex traders who need fast trading at all times. With the risk of downtime dramatically reduced, you’ll be able to complete more trades, and the secure environment of your VPS will ensure your assets are safe.
3. 24/7 global trading
With automated trading software, your Forex VPS will keep trading 24/7 without the need for direct oversight. As long as you have an internet connection, you can trade anywhere in the world, at any time.
Gaming VPS
Want to run a gaming server for you and your friends? A gaming VPS is the ideal solution. Here’s why:
1. Reduced lag
Thanks to their fantastic performance, a VPS is ideal for hosting a gaming server with minimal lag and interruptions.
2. Customisable
With full root access, you can fully customise server settings to create the ideal gaming environment. Install all of your favourite mods to get full control over your gaming experience.
3. Scalable
If you ever start to experience performance issues, you can easily scale up your gaming VPS by adding more virtual resources via your control panel. Alternatively, if you need to save money, you can scale down your VPS at any time.
Which type of VPS hosting should you choose?
The type of VPS hosting that's best for you will depend on your project, skills, experience, budget, preferences and how much time you have. If you know a thing or two about managing a server, choosing an unmanaged VPS will give you the ultimate flexibility and save you some cash. However, if you'd rather someone else did all the heavy lifting, you should spend the extra money and opt for managed VPS hosting.
When deciding between a Windows VPS or Linux VPS, it mostly comes down to what you’re already familiar with and what’s most compatible with the typical software you use. Similarly, choosing a Forex VPS or gaming VPS will depend on what you want to use your VPS for, so make sure you’ve created a list of essential requirements to aid your VPS search.
For a quick recap, here’s our guide to the different types of VPS hosting:
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Managed VPS |
Unmanaged VPS |
Windows VPS |
Linux VPS |
SSD VPS |
Forex VPS |
Gaming VPS |
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