If your website has outgrown shared hosting but you are not ready for the cost of a dedicated server, VPS hosting might be the perfect middle ground. It is a powerful alternative where a website is hosted in a virtualized environment that offers many of the advantages of a dedicated server, at a fraction of the cost.

It provides better performance, security and scalability, ideal for businesses, developers and high-traffic sites. If you’ve ever wondered what is VPS hosting and how it compares to other types, check out our check out our comparison of Dedicated vs VPS Hosting for guidance on choosing the best fit.

1. What Is VPS Hosting?

A Virtual Private Server is a hosting type where a physical server is divided into multiple isolated virtual machines. Each VPS behaves like its own dedicated server, with allocated CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth. This ensures more stable performance and control than shared hosting. Learn more on our Virtual Private Server infographic if you’re still unsure what is VPS hosting and how it works in detail.

2. What Is a VPS Server?

A VPS server is a virtualized environment created through virtualization technology (hypervisor), partitioning a physical server into multiple independent virtual servers. Each has dedicated resources, CPU, RAM, storage, ensuring isolation between users. This delivers reliable performance on shared infrastructure.

3. How Does VPS Hosting Work?

Here is how VPS hosting works.

• Physical vs Virtual Architecture:

A single physical server runs multiple VPS instances via a hypervisor layer.

• Isolation:

Each user operates independently, actions on one VPS don’t affect others.

• Dedicated resources on shared infrastructure:

You get reliability and performance similar to dedicated hosting without the cost, exactly why people researching what is VPS hosting often find it a great balance.

4. What Is VPS Hosting Used For?

Many users who explore what is VPS hosting are surprised by its flexibility. It’s perfect for:

• Hosting websites and multiple domains
• eCommerce stores with secure payment gateways
• Remote desktops and virtual workstations
• Game servers (PUBG, Minecraft, CS:GO) are great for stability and control
• Running applications, databases and development environments 

Learn more via VPS Hosting for WooCommerce Stores and our Forex VPS Server.

5. Types of VPS Hosting

Managed VPS Hosting

The service provider handles setup, security, updates and maintenance. It is ideal for beginners or businesses without technical staff.

Unmanaged VPS Hosting

You have full control but also full responsibility from setup to security, maintenance to updates. Unmanaged VPS hosting is ideal for developers and sysadmins with technical expertise.

6. What Is Cloud VPS Hosting?

Traditional VPS runs on a single physical server; Cloud VPS is hosted across distributed cloud infrastructure. It offers better scalability and uptime thanks to redundancy and flexibility, especially those who already know what is VPS hosting and how to manage servers effectively. 

Read more: What Is Cloud VPS? and VPS vs Cloud Hosting.

7. VPS Hosting vs Other Hosting Types

Compared to shared hosting, virtual private server offers:

• Superior performance and stability
• Greater security
• Root access and customization
• Scalability at reasonable cost

People exploring what is VPS hosting often realize it delivers much of the control and performance of dedicated servers but at much lower cost.

Explore Bare Metal Server or Virtual Server.

Cloud hosting excels in scalability and redundancy. Virtual Private Server gives more control and predictable pricing. Choose based on your needs for flexibility and control.

8. Advantages of VPS Hosting

Here are some of the advantages of virtual private server hosting.

• Improved uptime and reliability via dedicated resources
• Root access and customization
• Enhanced security through isolation
• Scalable resources and easily upgradable
• Cost-effective compared to dedicated hosting

9. Disadvantages of VPS Hosting

Even if you understand what is VPS hosting, there are a few drawbacks:

• Requires technical knowledge especially unmanaged
• Risk of misconfigurations causing security or performance issues
• Higher cost than shared hosting

10. How Much Does a VPS Cost?

Costs vary widely. VPS plans generally range from $5 to $500 per month, depending on resource levels, provider and plan type. Managed options like Bluehost start around $46.99/month (introductory price).

Factors affecting cost:

Here are some of the factors affecting cost.

• Managed vs Unmanaged
• CPU, RAM and Storage
• Data Center Location
• Provider Reputation

To get a detailed breakdown and real pricing comparison, check out this guide: How Much Does a VPS Cost?

11. How to Host a Virtual Private Server?

Here are the steps to follow once you know what is VPS hosting:

1. Choose your operating system (Windows and Linux)
2. Set up a web server (Apache and NGINX)
3. Configure DNS and SSL
4. Secure, monitor and maintain your virtual private server (firewall, updates and backups)

12. When to Upgrade to VPS Hosting?

Here are some of the warning signs that indicate that it is time to upgrade to VPS hosting.

• Frequent traffic spikes impacting performance
• Resource bottlenecks on shared hosting
• Need enhanced security, speed or compliance

Upgrading to VPS offers better control, performance and scalability.

13. How to Choose the Right VPS Hosting Provider?

Consider performance, uptime service level agreement, support quality, managed vs unmanaged, provider reliability and reviews. Explore our VPS Server service for tailored solutions.

14. Pros and Cons Table

Conclusion

VPS hosting is a future-proof solution that bridges the gap between shared and dedicated hosting. It offers improved performance, flexibility and control, without the dedicated server price tag. Whether you are running an eCommerce site, game server or development environment, VPS is a smart, scalable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Is VPS Hosting

What is VPS?

VPS stands for Virtual Private Server, a virtualized server within a physical server, providing isolated resources and dedicated performance to each user.

What is VPS hosting used for?

VPS hosting is used for:

 

• Hosting multiple websites
• Storing and managing business or customer data
• Running web servers, emails and databases
• Developing cloud services and remote workstations

What is VPS hosting?

A hosting service offering virtualized servers with dedicated resources and greater control compared to shared hosting.

What are the advantages of VPS hosting?

Some of the advantages of VPS hosting are:

 

• Improved performance and uptime
• Enhanced security
• Greater flexibility and control
• Cost-effective compared to dedicated hosting

What is the difference between VPS and shared hosting?

VPS offers many of the benefits of dedicated hosting but in a partitioned, cost-effective form.

Why should I upgrade to VPS hosting?

Consider upgrading to a virtual private server if your website is outgrowing shared hosting, especially for more demanding needs like secure payment processing or increased traffic.

How much does a VPS cost?

Generally ranges from $5 to $500+ per month, depending on resources and management level.

Can I host a website on VPS?

Virtual Private Server is excellent for hosting websites including high-traffic or secure platforms.

Is VPS hosting good for gaming servers?

VPS offers the necessary resources, stability and control for game hosting like PUBG or Minecraft.