VPS vs WordPress hosting [how to choose]

Are you wondering if you should choose a VPS vs WordPress hosting for your WordPress website?

Building a successful WordPress website starts with choosing the right hosting foundation. VPS hosting and WordPress hosting represent two great options for hosting WordPress sites, each designed to meet different needs and technical requirements. WordPress VPS hosting combines VPS infrastructure with WordPress optimization, providing dedicated server resources specifically configured for WordPress websites. Each solution offers unique advantages, but making the right choice depends on factors like technical expertise, budget, and specific website requirements.

This guide breaks down the key differences and advantages of each hosting type to help website owners make the best choice for their specific needs.

Let’s define VPS hosting

Virtual Private Server Hosting (VPS) is a dynamic virtualized hosting server that exists within a parent server on cloud infrastructure. When you use it to power a WordPress website, it is known as a WordPress Virtual Server. WordPress VPS hosting combines VPS infrastructure with WordPress optimization, providing dedicated server resources specifically configured for WordPress websites.

In most cases, there is a cluster of servers that make up the infrastructure behind the VPS. The VPS instances themselves are independent partitions of the parent server with dedicated resources.

In terms of security, you will have access to Root, Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), as well as dedicated IP addresses and customizable firewall configurations. Most managed hosting providers also supply a software installer, such as Softaculous, to install popular server software and Content Management Systems (CMS). WordPress is one such CMS easily installed on a VPS through Softaculous or manual installation via SSG. The latter requires configuring the server environment, installing PHP, MySQL, and a web server before deploying WordPress.

VPS hosting operates in an isolated environment with dedicated resources for each server instance. Most VPS offerings are single-tenant, which means RAM, CPU cores, and storage are specific to a single user/owner instead of shared among many users. Operating system options include multiple flavors of Linux as well as Windows.

The good thing is that some VPS hosting plans provide scalable resources that can be upgraded as website traffic grows. For example, users can increase CPU cores, RAM, and storage without migrating to a new server.

Advantages of WordPress hosting over VPS

Performance is an enormous benefit to WordPress hosting. The environment’s focus on one type of hosting means that the entirety of the infrastructure gets uniquely optimized for the utmost performance. Unlike VPS hosting, which requires manual optimization and configuration, the performance out-of-the-box will be suitable for most WordPress sites.

Another advantage of WordPress hosting is not having to manage a VPS server. While VPS hosting requires technical knowledge and ongoing server maintenance, most providers design their WordPress offerings to allow web designers and agencies to focus on their sites.

Managed WordPress hosting handles server maintenance, security updates, and WordPress core updates automatically. This automation eliminates the technical expertise required for server administration.

With WordPress already set up, your first order of business is setting up your site and not configuring a server. This is different from VPS hosting, where you might spend considerable time configuring your server environment before installing WordPress.

Security is also a huge advantage of WordPress hosting. Since WordPress is the only framework the infrastructure will have to handle, services that are not needed to run WordPress are disabled. This specialized security approach provides better protection than a general-purpose VPS, where you’re responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures yourself. When you combine this with regular updates to the WordPress core and plugins, you have a secure, protected environment that requires far less manual intervention than a VPS solution.

Disadvantages of WordPress hosting

Not having root or low-level access to the server environment is, undoubtedly, a disadvantage of WordPress Hosting. A VPS is a better option for those looking for more control of the server and hosting for WordPress.

Some customers like the features that third-party software provides. Being able to install additional software that will run with your site outside of WordPress gives additional benefits. For the majority of WordPress-specific environments, third-party software is not allowed.

You or your agency might be at a disadvantage with WordPress hosting if you do more than just WordPress sites. Yes, we are talking about a specific, focused hosting platform. Some designers, however, don’t have the budget for more than one plan.

If you are looking to host other sites (HTML, CSS, Magento), and you are looking for one plan that fits all, you are going to want VPS or Dedicated hosting.

VPS hosting considerations

While VPS hosting offers significant flexibility and control, there are important factors to consider before choosing this option. Managing a VPS requires more time investment for server administration tasks including security updates, software installations, and performance optimization. This ongoing maintenance commitment can take valuable time away from focusing on your core business activities.

From a financial perspective, self-managed VPS plans typically start at lower price points than managed WordPress hosting. However, this initial cost advantage can be misleading. The time investment for maintenance should be factored into the total cost of ownership. When you account for the hours spent on server management, troubleshooting, and security updates, the true cost of VPS hosting may exceed that of a managed WordPress solution, especially for businesses without dedicated IT staff.

These considerations are particularly important for small businesses and content creators who need to weigh the benefits of complete server control against the practical demands of ongoing server management.

VPS vs. WordPress hosting: Final verdict

The choice between VPS and WordPress hosting comes down to your technical expertise, website needs, and management preferences:

For most WordPress website owners, managed WordPress hosting will be the optimal choice. It provides the perfect balance of performance, security, and ease of use without requiring technical expertise. However, if you’re running multiple types of websites or need granular control over your server environment, VPS hosting offers the flexibility and customization you need.

Best VPS hosting to consider

Here is an overview of Liquid Web’s WordPress VPS packages:

• RAM: 2GB-16GB
• CPUs: 2-8 vCPUs
• Hard drive space: 40GB-200GB
• Operating system: Linux or Windows
• Pricing: Check current pricing

Liquid Web’s VPS packages offers set configurations for RAM, CPU, and storage as well as upgradeable, packaged bandwidth. These servers do provide root-level access in addition to SSH and SFTP access.

Available control panel options include Interworx, cPanel, and Plesk for Linux, and Plesk only for Windows servers. In addition to using your primary storage for control panel backups, you would also have the option of Cloud Server Backups.

If you are hosting a few websites and applications that are not resource-intensive, or need a small server for file storage and setting up your file sharing and collaboration away from your home/business, the VPS is a perfect solution. Having complete control of your website and application’s underlying infrastructure is the reward.

Best WordPress hosting to consider

Here is an overview of Liquid Web’s WordPress hosting packages:

• Storage: 15 to 800 GB
• Bandwidth: 2 to 3 TB 
• Pricing: Starting at $5.25 per month. 

Liquid Web’s WordPress hosting provides multi-layered caching, the latest PHP versions, integrated CDN, and advanced image compression for optimal performance. The platform includes hassle-free migrations handled by experts and automatic scalability to handle traffic spikes without reaching capacity limits.

Every plan includes comprehensive security features like malware monitoring, complimentary SSL certificates, regular PHP updates, and the Solid Security Pro plugin at no additional cost.

Select the right hosting upgrade for your growing site 

Whether you choose VPS or WordPress hosting, Liquid Web provides industry-leading solutions for both options. Their VPS hosting delivers the flexibility and control developers need, while the WordPress hosting offers optimized performance without the complexity of server management.

Both solutions are backed by a 99.999% uptime guarantee and renowned 24/7 expert support. Liquid Web hosting includes:

• Industry-leading performance and reliability.
• Comprehensive security features.
• Expert support available around the clock. 
• Hassle-free migrations. 
• Scalable solutions that grow with your needs. 

Ready to get started? Explore Liquid Web’s hosting solutions today!