TL;DR
Cheap Linux VPS Hosting attracts users with its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and support for diverse scripting languages and open-source technologies. Notably, Hostinger is spotlighted in our list for its unique blend of features including AI server management and budget-friendly plans, making it a standout choice for those seeking an efficient yet economical Linux VPS hosting solution.
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.
Hostinger
Hostinger Review
As many of you may know, Hostinger has long been reputed as one of the best cheap hosting choices. Yet just because of its low prices, it doesn’t cut too many corners. Even the most basic of its hosting plans have things like a free domain name and website builder tools.
Hostinger offers pricing advantages throughout its hosting packages. It even has cheap (by industry standards) VPS plans that allow devs or hobbyists to access servers with full root access. That means installing any environment or tools they need.
Be warned, though, that some of the lowest-tier plans won’t come with eCommerce-related features. However, there are dedicated plans for those that are just as cheap. You’ll simply have to see the plans to believe them.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
Hostinger Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Nine different data centers in four continents
- Good spread of hosting plans
- User-friendly control panel (hPanel)
- Wide range of payment options accepted
- Git environment available on shared hosting
- Additional 7% discount with coupon code “HOSTSCORE”
Hostinger Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Does not support Windows hosting
Ultahost
Ultahost Review
UltaHost claims to offer powerful shared hosting plans, two words we usually don’t associate. However, the plans are relatively cheap, at under $4/mo. While not the lowest price tag, it provides unmetered bandwidth and many freebies.
With each cheap shared hosting plan on UltaHost, you get free daily backups, domain transfers, and SSL certificates. Their shared hosting is also cPanel-based, which makes it a pretty sweet deal. Since cPanel is expensive, many competitors have shifted to other platforms.
UltaHost also offers an impressive range of data center locations for its shared hosting plans. You can choose from one of seven locations extending from North America to Singapore and everywhere in between.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
HostScore
Ultahost Pros
- Outstanding server uptime and speed performance
- Highly competitive pricing
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- NVMe SSD storage in all shared hosting plans
- Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
- Choice of 5 server locations in four continents
Ultahost Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Limited disk space.
Fastcomet
Fastcomet Review
From a pure pricing point of view, you will unlikely find any web host offering cheaper deals than Fastcomet. Their shared hosting plans are the lowest-priced we have ever seen, even considering promotions that other hosting companies may occasionally run.
However, remember that this is purely from a price perspective, and these plans are highly stripped down. While not affecting their performance, you may find the need for some things like file restoration and malware scanners a bit worrying.
Still, if you plan to run any site cheaply with the bare minimum in effort, Fastcomet is a no-fuss, straightforward solution. In any case, they have other plans for when you wish to upgrade to something better.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
Fastcomet Pros
- High-speed and reliable hosting
- Decent range of hosting plans
- Comprehensive support
- Excellent reputation
Fastcomet Cons
- Limited features on lower-priced plans
NameCheap
NameCheap Review
Like everything the brand does, NameCheap offers stunningly cheap hosting plans. The lowest-priced plan is shared hosting, which costs less than $2/mo. For the price, you get pretty basic features—some resources, email, and a website builder.
One feature that makes the cheap hosting plans here unique is the availability of Cloud storage. This helps eliminate downtime, but only for sites hosted on NameCheap’s US or EU data centers.
Another callout goes to the VPS plans, which cost slightly more than shared hosting. These plans are more flexible since you can configure the VPS server. However, remember that these are unmanaged plans, and support add-ons cost a bomb.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
HostScore
NameCheap Pros
- Budget-friendly shared hosting plans
- Excellent domain name prices with free lifetime privacy protection
- Free site migration
- Perl, Ruby, and Python support in shared hosting plan
NameCheap Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Limited VPS plans
- Only US and UK-based servers
- Pay extra to choose UK-data center
InMotion Hosting
InMotion Hosting Review
If we’re being honest, InMotion Hosting isn’t the king (or even Queen) of cheap hosting plans. Things are more or less standard, but they start at less than $3/mo. For that price, you get slightly above-the-norm features.
One highlight is its provision for a website builder tool in case you want to use something other than WordPress. That pairs well with features like access to specific script environments like Python Node.js, Ruby, and Git control.
Security is a top consideration, even for these cheap plans. In addition to the typical features, you get hack protection and free use of Monarx Security, which usually costs $19.99 extra. Plus, InMotion promises live chat support by real humans, so there are no AI bots talking here.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
HostScore
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
GreenGeeks Review
GreenGeeks’ cheap web hosting plans come together from two ends. On the one hand, the low pricing starts from under $3/mo. On the other hand, it backs up those prices with abundant resources, including 50GB of space in the cheapest plans.
Unmetered resources are also available for bandwidth and databases. Plus, you can create as many as 50 emails on the lowest tier. Once you go beyond that, almost everything else becomes unmetered on its shared hosting plans.
You might be surprised that GreenGeeks’ eco-friendly nature also extends to the cheap plans here. Even if you pay a few dollars monthly, they still meet a 300% green energy match. It’s fantastic if you consider that doing so costs them money.
VPS Hosting Plans Available
Supported Language
Developers Features
HostScore
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
What is Cheap Linux VPS Hosting?
Cheap Linux VPS Hosting refers to an affordable, virtualized server hosting solution based on the Linux operating system. It offers a customizable environment with root access, suitable for users requiring exclusive server resources. This cost-effective option balances performance and expense, making it a popular choice among VPS hosting shoppers.
How Much Does a Cheap Linux VPS Host Usually Cost?
The cost of a cheap Linux VPS hosting can vary widely depending on the provider, the resources allocated (such as CPU, RAM, storage), and any additional features or services included.
Generally, entry-level low cost Linux VPS hosting plans can start from as low as $5 per month for the most basic resources, such as 1 GB of RAM and a single CPU core, with limited bandwidth and storage.
Mid-range plans, which offer a better balance between resources and cost, typically range from $10 to $30 per month. These plans are slightly pricier but often include more server resources such as CPU cores, RAM (2GB to 4GB), storage (often SSD for faster access), more bandwidth, and additional features like automated server backups and security enhancements.
It’s important to consider not just the price but also the reliability of the provider, the quality of customer support, the scalability of the VPS hosting solution, and any additional costs such as for backups, domain registration, or SSL certificates.
Always check for hidden fees and review the terms of service to understand what you’re getting into before making a decision.
Can I Get Linux VPS Hosting for Free?
Finding completely free Linux VPS hosting is challenging due to the costs associated with maintaining the physical hardware and infrastructure required for VPS services. However, there are a few avenues you might explore for free. These include:
- Educational Programs: Some platforms offer free credits or special programs for students and educators. GitHub Student Developer Pack is one such example, providing access to various tools and services, including hosting resources.
- Free Trials from Cloud Providers: Major cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure offer free tiers or trial periods with limited resources. These can function similarly to a VPS for learning, development, and small-scale applications.
- Open Source Projects: Contributors to certain open-source projects may receive access to hosting resources as part of the community support from sponsors or through partnerships with hosting providers.
What Are the Limitations in Cheap Linux VPS?
While attractive for their affordability, cheap Linux VPS often come with a set of limitations that might affect your project in the long run. Understanding these limitations is crucial to making an informed decision:
- Limited Resources: Lower cost often means less RAM, CPU power, and disk space, potentially hindering performance for demanding applications.
- Shared Environment: Cheap VPS may still share physical server resources with other VPS instances, affecting stability and speed during peak times.
- Support and Maintenance: Budget options might come with limited customer support and self-managed maintenance, requiring technical proficiency from the user.
- Security Risks: Cheaper VPS solutions might not include advanced security features, making them more susceptible to vulnerabilities and attacks.
Do I Still Get Root Access in a Cheap Linux VPS Plan?
Yes, most cheap Linux VPS plans include root access, providing users with full control over the server environment. Root access allows users to install software, customize server settings, and manage security measures, offering flexibility and control that are essential for advanced server management and application deployment. However, the extent of access and ease of use can vary between providers, so it’s important to confirm the specifics before making a decision.
Is Cheap Linux VPS Host Safe?
The cost of a Linux VPS hosting plan is not a direct indicator of its security capabilities.
While it’s true that cheaper VPS plans might come with fewer features – which could indirectly impact security, the core security of a Linux VPS hinges more on the hosting provider’s infrastructure and how the server is managed by the users.
If the hosting provider maintains strict isolation between servers; and, if users are diligent in managing their servers (e.g. applying updates, implementing necessary security measures, etc) – then even budget-friendly VPS options can offer robust security.
It’s crucial to evaluate the reputation and practices of the hosting provider alongside the specific needs and capabilities of the user to ensure a secure VPS hosting environment.
I Want a Cheap VPS Solution; Should I Consider Windows VPS Hosting?
For those of you who are looking for cheap Linux VPS options – the lack of licensing fees, lower resource requirements, and the availability of free open-source software make Linux VPS a more cost-effective choice compared to Windows VPS hosting.
While Windows hosting provides advantages in certain use cases, especially for those deeply invested in the Windows ecosystem or requiring specific Windows-only applications, the associated costs are typically higher due to licensing, resource consumption, and software fees.
How the choice between Linux and Windows VPS affects cost
| Factor | Linux VPS | Windows VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Fees | None (open-source, free to use) | Required (adds to the cost) |
| Resource Efficiency | More resource-efficient (can run on less powerful configurations) | Less resource-efficient (requires more resources due to GUI and background processes) |
| Management Costs | Potentially lower for those familiar with Linux; requires technical skill for command-line interfaces | Potentially higher but more user-friendly for those familiar with Windows; additional costs for Windows-specific tools |
| Additional Software | Many free, open-source options available | Licensing fees for Windows-specific applications and server software |
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our exploration of cheap Linux VPS hosting – it’s proven that while budget constraints often dictate our choices, they shouldn’t compromise the quality and scalability we require from a hosting solution.
Linux VPS hosting, with its affordability, flexibility, and a wide array of features, stands out as a compelling option for those looking to strike a balance between cost and performance. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first project or a seasoned developer seeking a robust environment, the key lies in selecting a provider that aligns with your specific needs. Consider not just the price, but also reliability, customer support, and further server expansions. Remember, the right hosting environment is pivotal to the success of your online endeavors, making thorough research and consideration a worthwhile investment.
