TL;DR
Dedicated Hosting operates in a unique league, far above from the standard playing field of shared hosting plans. In looking out for the best dedicated hosting, top brands have come to our attention with the most notable among them being LiquidWeb for its innovative technologies.
Note: While our HostScore ratings provide a general overview of host performance, there are other factors you should consider for your specific needs. Our top hosting picks address this by offering tailored suggestions for different requirements, as demonstrated in this article.
LiquidWeb
LiquidWeb is one of those big-name premium web hosting service providers that many people can only wish they could afford. Due to their focus on enterprise-scale solutions, they have left out standard shared hosting and the closest most people come is to their Managed WordPress hosting plans. That being said, looking upwards on their plan scale, the sky is the limit.
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LiquidWeb Pros
- Powerful enterprise hosting solutions with great scalability
- 100% network uptime, backed by detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Excellent customer support – 59-Second support response guarantee
- Self-operated data centres – Higher degree of security and data integrity compared to providers renting space from third-parties
- PCI-Compliant and HIPAA-Compliant hosting servers available
LiquidWeb Cons
- No standard shared hosting plans
- No Asia-based data center
InMotion Hosting
Backed by excellent performance and customer support, InMotion Hosting is easily one of the top web hosting choices in the market. There are extensive plans available for website to scale up with. And for those with an already existing site, free migration services for easy transfer.
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InMotion Hosting Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Lowest shared hosting plan supports Python, Node.JS, Ruby and GIT version control
- Choice of data center locations in the United States and Europe
- Free AutoSSL
- Built-in hack, DDoS, and malware protection
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Free website migration services
InMotion Hosting Cons
- Lower shared hosting plans lack speed optimization
- Price increase during the renewal
GreenGeeks
With their eco-friendly vision GreenGeeks has positioned themselves in a unique spot to offer hosting that some companies have bylaws mandating them to take advantage of – green hosting. Combined with above-average performance and a good spread of supporting technologies, they are an attractive option for many.
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GreenGeeks Pros
- Returns 3x power consumed with renewable energy credits
- Affordable pricing
- Free daily backup for all shared hosting plans
- All plans support Perl, Python and Git
- Free website migration assistance
- Root access, control panel and cPanel/WHM included in reseller hosting plans
GreenGeeks Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Slightly lacklustre customer service
- Non refundable setup fees
Verpex
As a newcomer in the hosting industry, Verpex shows promise with feature-rich, affordable plans and solid customer support. Sadly, however, their premium hosting plans fall short in value compared to top-tier providers.
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Verpex Pros
- Budget-friendly shared and VPS hosting plans
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- Unlimited free site migrations
- Choice of 12 distributed data centers across five continents
Verpex Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
HostArmada
HostArmada offers some excellent features for shared plans and does so at very low prices. This is true even for their renewal rates which don’t spike horribly after your term is up. The company also offers full range solutions, users who wish to scale up get to choose from a wide range of VPS and dedicated hosting offers. More importantly, HostArmada ensures powerful security in all shared hosting plans, incorporating WAF, DDoS protection, and automatic malware scanning, fortifying their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
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HostArmada Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Daily remote backup included
- Host unlimited websites in mid-to-high shared hosting account
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
HostArmada Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Lack server speed features in lower shared hosting plans
AltusHost
AltusHost offers a wide range of web hosting services and has data centers across Europe. The web host isn’t the cheapest around but prices are reasonable and their feature list is nicely balanced. All their shared hosting is powered by LiteSpeed server and new customers get free migration services to this host.
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AltusHost Pros
- Great hosting speed and uptime performance
- Generous resource allocation
- Excellent for Euro-targeted traffic
- Lots of freebies in shared hosting plans
AltusHost Cons
- Limited reach in non-European areas
- Some complaints on customer supports
- Price increase during the renewal
IONOS
Although IONOS markets itself aggressively as an easy-to-use web hosting solution that offers full functionality and tons of freebies, it is in fact not that much different from your run-of-the-mill web host. Server resources are limited even for their more expensive shared plans. Renewal prices are reasonable and on par with market average though.
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IONOS Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- Built-in DDoS and web applications firewall (WAF) protection
IONOS Cons
- Unhelpful customer support
- Expensive signup price
- Limitations in SSL usage
- Price increase during the renewal
Hostgator
With over 20 years in the industry HostGator has grown from a solo operation to the web hosting powerhouse it is today. The company offers wide range of hosting services that come with a built-in website builder, which is convenient for newbies. The company was sold to Endurance International Group in 2012 (and later to the NewFold Digital) and now joins the many who are part of a big conglomerate. They still retain their signature iconic cartoon alligator logo.
Dedicated Hosting Plans
Data Center Locations
HostScore
Hostgator Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free domain name with all shaerd hosting plans
- Free $100 Bing and $100 Google ad credits
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Hostgator Cons
- Resources limited by server constraints
- Not much variety in VPS plans
- Only US-based servers
- Price increase during the renewal
What is Dedicated Hosting?
Dedicated hosting is a type of web hosting where a client leases an entire server not shared with anyone else. This contrasts with shared hosting – where multiple clients’ websites reside on a single server, and resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space are shared among all the websites on that server.
Ideal Use Cases for Dedicated Web Host
Dedicated hosting is a powerful solution for websites with demanding requirements in terms of traffic, performance, security, and customization. While it comes with a much higher price tag compared to shared or VPS hosting, the benefits of having a server solely dedicated to one’s needs often outweigh the cost for those who fit the categories outlined above.
Some of the ideal use cases for a dedicated web host include:
Large Enterprises and E-commerce Sites
Businesses that operate large-scale websites, such as e-commerce platforms, often find dedicated hosting to be the best fit. These sites require consistent uptime, enhanced security, and the ability to handle sudden spikes in traffic, especially during peak shopping seasons or promotional events, which dedicated servers can reliably support.
Websites with High Traffic Volumes
Websites that attract a high volume of traffic consistently, such as popular blogs, news portals, and entertainment sites, can benefit significantly from dedicated hosting services. The dedicated resources ensure that the site remains responsive and accessible even under the strain of numerous simultaneous visitors.
Users with Specific Technical Requirements
Dedicated hosting offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of server configuration and software installations. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and developers with specific technical requirements that cannot be met by shared or VPS hosting. For instance, if a website needs to run on a unique operating system, use specialized software, or implement custom security measures, dedicated hosting provides the control necessary to configure the server to these precise specifications.
Organizations with Strict Security Demands
For organizations that handle sensitive information, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and legal firms, the enhanced security capabilities of dedicated servers are a must. Dedicated hosting allows for the implementation of advanced security measures, including custom firewalls, encryption techniques, and intrusion detection systems.
How to Choose a Dedicated Hosting?
Key Features You Need for a Dedicated Host
- Exclusive Resources: With dedicated hosting, all the server’s resources are allocated to a single client. This means you have full access to the server’s CPU, memory, and storage, ensuring that your website can handle large volumes of traffic and complex operations without being affected by other sites’ traffic and usage patterns.
- Customization and Control: Since you’re not sharing the server with other users, you have complete control over the server environment. You can choose the operating system, software, and configurations that best suit your needs, allowing for a highly tailored hosting experience.
- Enhanced Security: Dedicated servers provide a more secure hosting environment since you’re not at risk from other websites on the same server. You can implement custom security measures tailored to your specific needs, including firewalls, security protocols, and more.
- Improved Performance: Without other sites sharing your resources, your website can benefit from higher uptime, faster loading times, and smoother performance. This is particularly important for websites with high traffic volumes or those running resource-intensive applications.
- Technical Support and Management: The best dedicated hosting providers offer robust technical support and management services. This includes monitoring your server’s performance, applying necessary updates and patches, and providing expert assistance for any issues that arise. For businesses without in-house IT support, these services are invaluable in ensuring their online operations run smoothly.
What Else You Should Know Before Selecting Your Dedicated Host?
Managed vs. Semi-Managed vs. Unmanaged Dedicated Hosting
When opting for dedicated hosting, you have the choice between managed, semi-managed, and unmanaged services, each offering different levels of support and control. The choice among these options depends on your technical capability, resources, and how much direct control you wish to have over your server environment.
- Managed dedicated hosting provides comprehensive support where the hosting provider takes care of server setup, maintenance, security updates, and technical issues, making it ideal for businesses without an in-house IT team.
- Semi-managed hosting offers a middle ground, where the provider handles some aspects of server management, such as monitoring and basic support, while you’re responsible for specific tasks like software updates.
- Unmanaged dedicated hosting, on the other hand, places all responsibilities of server management on you, from software installations to security protocols, offering maximum control but requiring significant technical expertise.
How Much to Pay for a Dedicated Web Host?
The cost of dedicated hosting can vary widely based on the server’s specifications, the level of management provided, and additional services or features. Unmanaged dedicated servers can start at a lower price point, while fully managed solutions with high-performance hardware and enhanced security features can cost significantly more.
Rough Estimation
Based on our market research of 30+ hosting companies, pricing typically ranges from around $100 – $160 per month for basic setups; and goes all the way up to $2,500 per month for top-tier configurations and services.
It’s important to assess your specific needs, including performance, security, server compliances, and management requirements, to determine the most cost-effective hosting solution without compromising on essential features.
Dedicated Hosting vs. VPS Hosting
Dedicated hosting and Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting differ mainly in terms of resource allocation and scalability. With dedicated hosting, you have the entire server and its resources exclusively, offering maximum performance and security. VPS hosting, however, involves partitioning a single server into multiple virtual servers, each isolated from the others. This setup allows users to have a dedicated portion of resources at a lower cost than a full dedicated server.
While VPS can be a cost-effective solution for medium-sized businesses or websites with moderate traffic, dedicated hosting is better suited for high-traffic sites and applications requiring extensive resources and security.
Dedicated Hosting vs. Cloud Hosting
Dedicated hosting provides physical servers with resources exclusively reserved for your use. Cloud hosting, on the other hand, spreads your website across multiple virtual servers in a cloud infrastructure, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability. Cloud hosting excels in handling fluctuating traffic by easily scaling resources up or down as needed, often with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. While cloud hosting offers benefits in terms of scalability and cost-efficiency for varying traffic loads, dedicated hosting remains the preferred choice for businesses requiring stable, high-performance resources, and enhanced security for sensitive data.
The Difference Between HDD and SSD
In dedicated hosting, you’ll encounter two main types of storage options: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD).
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are traditional storage devices that use mechanical parts to read/write data, making them less expensive but also slower and more prone to physical wear and tear.
- Solid State Drives (SSD), however, use flash memory to store data, resulting in faster data access, lower power consumption, and increased reliability due to the lack of moving parts.
While SSDs are generally more expensive than HDDs, they offer significant performance benefits, making them a preferred choice for websites and applications that require high-speed data access and improved overall server performance.
Server Uptime Guarantee (SLA)
A Server Uptime Guarantee, often part of a Service Level Agreement (SLA), is a commitment from the hosting provider to keep your website operational for a specified percentage of time, excluding scheduled maintenance.
Common uptime guarantees are 99.9% or higher, which translates to minimal downtime over a month. Uptime is crucial for maintaining a reliable online presence, particularly for businesses where any amount of downtime directly impacts revenue and user experience. SLAs usually outline compensation or credits offered by the hosting provider if this guaranteed uptime is not met, ensuring that there is a measure of accountability in maintaining server availability.
Final Thoughts
The best dedicated hosting is characterized by its ability to provide a reliable, secure, and high-performing hosting environment tailored to specific needs. While it represents a significant investment, the benefits a dedicated web host delivers in terms of performance, security, and control make it an essential consideration for businesses serious about their online presence.
