TL;DR
Cheap VPS Hosting like Hostinger, Verpex, and Kamatera stand out as a prime choice for small businesses and individuals looking for reliable yet budget-friendly hosting solutions. In this article, we will explore these top options, each offering a unique combination of affordability, powerful performance, and scalability tailored to a wide range of hosting requirements.
Host | Starting Price | Key Features | Recommended For |
---|---|---|---|
Hostinger | $4.49/mo | NVMe SSD, AI server management, KVM technology | Beginners, freelancers, small businesses |
Verpex | $12/mo | Daily backups, NVMe SSD, 24/7 support | Budget-conscious users, small businesses |
Kamatera | $4/mo | Fully customizable, cloud-based, 24 data centers | Advanced users, developers |
TMDHosting | $44.99/mo | Managed VPS, extensive CMS support | High-demand users, beginners needing support |
NameCheap | $6.88/mo | Unmanaged VPS, root access, affordable plans | Budget-conscious beginners, solo bloggers |
N6 Cloud | $2.96/mo | NVMe SSD, daily backups, centralized control panel | Canadian users, small to mid-sized businesses |
Note: HostScore Ratings offer a general overview of web hosting quality. However, consider additional factors for your specific hosting needs. This guide provides tailored hosting recommendations for readers who are looking for a budget-friendly VPS hosting solution.
Hostinger
Hostinger
Hostinger delivers impressive performance at a low cost, with a simple, user-friendly dashboard that makes setup easy – even for beginners. The host’s global server locations and scalable plans ensure support for users at all levels, from novices to those with more advanced needs.
The pricing is particularly attractive, making Hostinger an ideal choice for freelancers, small business owners, and beginners. However, keep in mind that renewal rates increase significantly after the initial term, so it’s important to consider long-term costs before committing.
For additional savings, use our promo code “HostScore” for a 10% discount – apply it on your order page during signup (opens in a new tab).
Hostinger
Hostinger offers unmanaged VPS hosting with features like Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) technology, weekly backups, auto malware scanner, full root access, dedicated IP address, AI server management assistance, NVMe SSD storage, and more, with prices ranging from $4.49 to $19.99 per month on signup.
Is Hostinger VPS Right for You?
Hostinger’s VPS is pretty basic but gets the job done for straightforward needs. The weekly backup could be a deal-breaker since most competitors offer daily backups. However, the AI assistance is a unique feature that stands out, making it easier for users to manage their server, especially for tasks like installing WordPress or setting up firewall rules.
Generally Recommended for
Hostinger Pros
- Affordable – Lowest plan starts at $2.99/mo and support up to 100 websites
- Nine different data centers in four continents
- Good spread of web hosting plans
- User-friendly proprietary control panel (hPanel).
- Wide range of payment options accepted
- AI-powered website builder in all shared plans
- Additional 10% discount with coupon code “HOSTSCORE”
Hostinger Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Does not support Windows hosting
Verpex
Verpex
Verpex stands out in the web hosting landscape with its commitment to affordability, offering valuable features like daily backups and unlimited free site migrations. However, like many budget hosting providers, the inevitable price increases upon renewal can be a point of consideration for long-term users.
For those seeking beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, or small business hosting, Verpex proves to be a reliable choice, equipped to handle a variety of hosting needs. Whether you’re starting a personal blog or managing a growing business, the company is ready to support your web hosting journey with its flexible and user-focused approach.
Verpex
Verpex supports both managed and unmanaged VPS for Linux and Windows. Managed VPS pricing ranges from $23.40 to $95.40, and unmanaged VPS from $12 to $53.4 per month. Features include NVMe SSD storage, choice of server locations, 24/7 support, and a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Is Verpex VPS Right for You?
Verpex offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. However, the short 7-day money-back guarantee might raise some eyebrows. Despite this, the deal of free daily backups for unmanaged VPS at such an affordable rate is hard to pass up. It’s worth noting that their website could do with some improvements to make the hosting options clearer.
Generally Recommended for
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
- Wide hosting selections including Windows and dedicated hosting
Verpex Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
Kamatera
Kamatera
While Kamatera’s affordability and advanced features make it a strong choice for experienced users with technical expertise, beginners may find it too complex to set up. Additionally, certain essential services like managed support and a web hosting control panel come at an extra cost, which can quickly add up. The IaaS platform excels in performance and scalability; but our market research shows that its customer support can occasionally fall short of expectations.
Overall, we believe Kamatera is ideal for users comfortable with self-management, but not the best fit for beginners or small businesses seeking a straightforward hosting solution.
Kamatera
Kamatera offers cloud-based unmanaged VPS solutions with a high degree of customization. Like industry giants such as Google Cloud, Kamatera gives users the freedom to tailor their hosting environment down to the finest detail, from resource allocation and server location to operating systems and more. This flexibility, paired with the option of monthly or hourly billing, makes Kamatera an excellent choice for a wide range of hosting needs. With prices starting as low as $4 per month, Kamatera provides an affordable entry point into cloud hosting while offering the scalability required for growing projects. Sign up for a free trial to receive a cloud server worth up to $100 for 30 days, with the configuration of your choice.
Is Kamatera VPS Plans Right for You?
amatera is like the buffet of VPS hosting: you pick what you need, pile it onto your plate, and only pay for the portions you actually use.
With 24 data centers around the world, including the Oceania, Middle East, and China, the platform is great for businesses wanting to save money and still have a wide reach. However, due to its complexity and the extra costs for important add-ons, Kamatera may be best suited for experienced developers. Beginners might find simpler, less customizable hosting solutions a better fit.
Generally Recommended for
Kamatera Pros
- Excellent server speed performance
- Highly flexible hosting plans
- Wide range of support and use cases
- Affordable pricing at bare server unit
- Choice of 24 distributed data centers
- Free to create a $100 worth server during the first 30 days
Kamatera Cons
- Confusing pay-as-you-go pricing model
- Many vital add-ons require extra cost
NameCheap
NameCheap
NameCheap stands as a beacon for those who seek the sweet spot between affordability and essential hosting functionalities. With shared hosting plans that won’t bleed your wallet dry, tempting domain name deals, and advanced hosting security features – NameCheap a haven for budget-conscious beginners and solo bloggers.
Despite the narrower selection of VPS plans and limited server locales, NameCheap’s value proposition is a compelling choice for those just starting out or looking to establish a personal or small-scale web presence.
NameCheap
NameCheap offers unmanaged VPS from $6.88 to $24.88 per month, with the option to add a complete server management service for an extra $25 per month. Features include full root access, support for various OS, and flexible add-ons.
Is NameCheap VPS Right for You?
NameCheap’s VPS offerings are best for projects where high performance and reliability aren’t critical. The additional cost for server management might not justify the overall expense, suggesting that their unmanaged VPS plan could be the most reasonable path for budget-conscious users.
Generally Recommended for
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
TMDHosting
TMDHosting
TMDHosting: Where affordability meets excellence. This hosting provider strikes a fine balance with cheap shared hosting plans, worldwide server locations, and stellar customer support that’s hard to beat. It shines with user-friendliness and top-tier security features, making it a prime choice for beginners, small businesses, and anyone aiming to captivate a global audience.
TMDHosting
TMD Hosting focuses primarily on delivering managed VPS hosting services that cater to a wide array of needs, from individual projects to comprehensive business requirements. Despite a recent price increase that has made their offerings less competitively priced, the web host continues to be recognized for its superior equipment and exceptional support.
What makes TMD different than many of its peers, is it boasts an extensive array of pre-built solutions, supporting popular CMS platforms like WordPress and Joomla, ERP systems such as IceHrm and YetiForce, LMS platforms including Moodle and Dokeos, alongside development frameworks and eCommerce platforms like Vue.js, Laravel, Magento, PrestaShop, and OpenCart.
Their managed VPS plans for Windows range from $89.99 to $269.99 per month, while the unmanaged Linux VPS plans are priced between $44.99 and $125.99 per month.
Is TMD Hosting VPS Plans Right for You?
TMD Hosting impresses us with its commitment to quality hardware and support. The company guarantees a 15-minute response time for VPS plan support tickets – which is outstanding. Their extensive support for pre-built solutions is a major time saver, ensuring optimized performance for a wide variety of applications. Additionally, the free manual site migration service and the overall positive feedback from users highlight TMD Hosting’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
The catch? TMD’s VPS plans are pricey, especially when it’s time to renew. But if you’re all about quality and don’t mind spending for top service, TMD’s your spot. Great for those who want the VIP treatment without the DIY headaches.
Generally Recommended for
TMDHosting Pros
- Affordable pricing with our exclusive promo code
- Choice of global data centres in six continents
- Easy-to-use centralized dashboard
- Free white glove migration
- Host unlimited websites in Business or Enterprise plans
- Outstanding customer support
- Reinforced DDoS protection for all shared hosting accounts
TMDHosting Cons
- Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
- Free domain has no privacy protection
- Price increase during the renewal
N6 Cloud
N6 Cloud
Founded by industry veterans with over 20 years of experience, N6 Cloud is a solid hosting choice for Canadian websites. One of N6 Cloud’s standout features is its state-of-the-art, HIPAA and PCI DSS compliant data centers located in Canada. These facilities boast advanced high-powered servers, continuous monitoring, and yearly compliance audits.
The web host services are reasonably priced, offering a wide range of options to cater to various needs. Their customer support is also commendable, providing reliable assistance whenever needed. For those hesitant to commit, N6 Cloud offers a risk-free model with a 30-day money-back guarantee for most services.
While N6 Cloud already offers significant advantages, an upgrade from SSD to NVMe storage in some plans would further enhance their offerings, boosting performance and appeal.
N6 Cloud
N6 Cloud offers managed VPS hosting plans that are both affordable and high-performing. Lowest plan comes with 1 core vCPU, 1 GB memory, 20 GB storage and priced at just $2.96 per month if you signup for a year. This scales up to nine packages with higher server capacity, with the highest plan running on 16 cores and 640 GB storage selling at $91.84 per month.
N6 Cloud VPS services utilize ultra-fast NVMe SSD storage, ensuring lightning-fast speeds that are up to 20 times faster than traditional SSDs. Each plan includes root access for complete control, a centralized control panel for easy management, and a range of features like automated daily backups, unlimited bandwidth, and robust security measures including external firewalls and IPS protection.
Is N6 Cloud VPS Right for You?
While N6 Cloud’s VPS hosting is an excellent choice for businesses within Canada, offering reliable and secure hosting solutions, the lack of server locations outside of Canada is a notable disadvantage. Then again – for Canadian users, the combination of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive management, and cost-effectiveness makes it a standout option in the market.
Generally Recommended for
HostScore
N6 Cloud Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Solid range of hosting plans
- LiteSpeed Web Server in higher shared plans
- Daily backup in all shared and VPS plans
- Helpful support documentation
N6 Cloud Cons
- Lack choices in server location
- No NVMe storage in shared hosting plans
- Live chat only available during in-house office hours (8am – 5pm PT)
HostWinds
HostWinds
HostWinds blows in with a reputation for speed and reliability, offering a sanctuary of support that’s hard to overlook. Yes, you might find their prices leaning towards the higher side, but what you’re paying for is quality that often exceeds expectations. If you’re all about investing in top-tier service and features that make a difference, this web host stands ready to impress. However, if your budget is tight or your needs skew towards very specific business solutions, you might want to weigh your options a bit more carefully.
HostWinds
HostWinds supports both Linux and Windows for managed and unmanaged VPS. Managed VPS prices for Linux start at $8.24 to $395.24, and for Windows, from $12.74 to $431.24 per month. Features include 24/7 support, free migration, 1 Gbps ports, enterprise firewall, and nightly backups. Unmanaged VPS costs $4.9 to $328.90 (Linux) and $10.99 to $376.99 (Windows) per month, with a 99.9999% uptime guarantee, instant scalability, and more.
Is HostWinds VPS Right for You?
If you’re looking for value, Hostwinds delivers with very competitive pricing and a solid 99.9999% uptime guarantee. The option for nightly backups and a wide selection of OS choices (both Windows and Linux) makes it a versatile option for various hosting needs.
Generally Recommended for
HostScore
HostWinds Pros
- Fast and reliable services
- Sterling reputation and support
- Lots of automated services
- Weebly website builder included
HostWinds Cons
- Shortest money-back guarantee period in market (3 days)
- No extra business services
- Slightly higher than usual starting prices
Cheap VPS Hosting Explained
What Is VPS Hosting?
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is a type of hosting service that provides a virtualized server environment to its users. Unlike shared hosting, where multiple websites may vie for the same server’s resources, a VPS gives you a portion of the server’s resources that are exclusively yours. This is achieved through software that simulates multiple servers on a single physical server.
How It Works?
Through virtualization technology, a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. Each VPS runs its own operating system, and users have root access, giving them the ability to install applications and make environment changes without affecting other users on the same physical server.
Cheap VPS: How Much is Considered Cheap?
Considering the diverse needs of websites and the different inclusions of hosting plans – the term “cheap” is relative and depends on individual requirements. However, in the context of the current VPS hosting market, a monthly price range of $5 to $20 is generally considered cheap for VPS hosting.
Understanding VPS Hosting Pricing
- Baseline Costs: VPS hosting prices can vary widely depending on the provider, the hardware specifications, the level of managed services included, and any additional features. Generally, the monthly cost for a basic, unmanaged VPS hosting plan can start from as low as $5 to $10. This entry-level pricing typically includes a modest allocation of resources, such as CPU cores, RAM, and storage space.
- Mid-Range Offers: As the demand for more resources and better performance increases, so does the price. Mid-range VPS hosting plans can range from $20 to $60 per month. These plans often offer significantly more resources, better customer support, and additional features like backups, improved security measures, and more bandwidth.
- High-End VPS Hosting: For high-demand websites requiring substantial resources, the cost can escalate to $100 per month or more. These premium plans include generous allocations of CPU, RAM, and disk space, along with fully managed services, advanced security features, and top-tier customer support.
Factors Influencing “Cheapness”
- Managed vs. Unmanaged: Unmanaged VPS hosting is typically cheaper because it places the responsibility of server management, software installations, and security measures on the user. Managed VPS hosting, while more expensive, includes these services, providing value through saved time and technical expertise.
- Resource Allocation: The more resources (CPU, RAM, disk space, bandwidth) included in your VPS plan, the higher the cost. Entry-level, cheap VPS hosting plans offer limited resources sufficient for small to medium-sized projects with moderate traffic.
- Additional Features: Features like SSD storage, dedicated IP addresses, regular backups, and enhanced security can also affect pricing. Plans offering these features at no additional cost can provide significant value, even if their upfront price seems higher than the bare minimum options.
Why Not Just Get a Shared Hosting Instead?
Choosing between shared hosting and a cheap VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a common dilemma for many web hosting shoppers. Each option has its merits and limitations, which are important to consider based on your website’s needs, budget, and future growth expectations.
Here’s why opting for a cheap VPS might be more advantageous than settling for shared hosting, despite the apparent cost savings of the latter.
Aspect | Shared Hosting | Cheap VPS Hosting |
---|---|---|
Resource Allocation | Resources (CPU, RAM, storage) are shared among multiple users. | Dedicated resources are allocated to each user, ensuring consistent performance. |
Scalability | Limited scalability; upgrading often requires moving to a different server. | Easily scalable resources to accommodate growth or traffic spikes without major disruptions. |
Security and Isolation | Vulnerabilities in one site can potentially affect others; limited isolation. | Enhanced security and isolation; users can implement custom security measures. |
Server Customization and Control | Limited control over server settings and no ability to install custom software. | Full control with root access, allowing for custom configurations and software installations. |
Performance Consistency | Performance can fluctuate due to the shared nature of resources. | Consistent and reliable performance thanks to dedicated resources. |
Long-term Value | Initially cheaper, but may not offer the best value if frequent upgrades are needed due to growth. | Offers better scalability and flexibility, making it a more suitable long-term investment. |
In short, while shared hosting might seem like a cost-effective solution for new or small websites with low traffic, the benefits of a cheap VPS – dedicated resources, improved security, greater control, and scalability – make it a more suitable option for some scenarios.
All these benefits are essential for maintaining a positive user experience and supporting the long-term success of your website.
Will cPanel Regular Price Hikes Affect My VPS Hosting Cost?
Short answer: Yes. cPanel has been known to adjust its pricing structure, which can impact hosting providers and, consequently, end-users like you and me. Understanding the implications of these price adjustments and exploring strategies to mitigate the impact is essential for maintaining a cost-effective VPS hosting environment.
Impact of cPanel Price Hikes on VPS Costs
- Direct Cost Increase: If your VPS hosting plan includes cPanel, any price increase for the control panel license can be passed down to you by your hosting provider. This could result in higher monthly or annual hosting fees.
- Tiered Pricing Model: cPanel’s pricing often depends on the number of accounts or domains hosted, which means costs could escalate significantly for users managing multiple sites on a single VPS.
Strategies to Mitigate the Impact
While cPanel’s regular price hikes can affect your VPS hosting costs, several strategies can help mitigate these impacts. Of course, it’s also beneficial to stay informed about cPanel’s pricing updates and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected cost increases.
- Opt for Bundled Deals: Some VPS hosting providers offer packages that include the cost of control panels in their overall pricing. Look for deals where the impact of any potential cPanel price hikes is minimized or absorbed by the host.
- Consider Alternative Control Panels: There are several cPanel alternatives that offer similar functionalities at a lower cost or even for free. Some popular options include:
- DirectAdmin: Known for its simplicity and efficiency, DirectAdmin is a cost-effective alternative with a straightforward pricing model.
- Webmin/Virtualmin: An open-source alternative that provides a comprehensive set of features for managing web servers, with the added benefit of no licensing fees.
- ISPConfig: Another free, open-source control panel offering a wide range of features suitable for both personal and professional hosting environments.
- Self-Management: If you have the technical expertise, consider managing your server without a control panel. This approach eliminates the need for cPanel altogether, though it requires a higher level of technical skill to manage server tasks via command-line interfaces.
How to Choose A Cheap VPS Hosting Service
When opting for a cheap VPS hosting, it’s crucial to assess the plan’s features, the reputation of the hosting provider, and the specific needs of your website to ensure that you find a balance between affordability and the quality of service.
Five Steps to Follow
For those who are new, here are the exact steps you need to choose the right low-cost VPS hosting for your site.
1. Assess Your Requirements
- Resource Needs: Estimate the resources your website or application will require, including CPU cores, RAM, storage, and bandwidth. Understanding your needs will help you avoid paying for unnecessary resources.
- Growth Potential: Consider your plans for scaling. A good VPS provider should offer easy scalability to accommodate your site’s growth without requiring a full migration to a new server.
2. Decide Between Managed and Unmanaged
- Managed VPS: Opt for managed VPS if you prefer the hosting provider to take care of server maintenance, updates, and security. This is suitable if you lack the technical skills or time to manage a server.
- Unmanaged VPS: Choose unmanaged VPS if you have the technical expertise to manage the server yourself and wish to save money. This option gives you more control but requires a higher level of responsibility.
3. Compare Hosting Providers
- Reputation: Research the reputation of potential VPS providers. Look for user reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability and quality of their services.
- Customer Support: Ensure the provider offers robust customer support. Good customer service is crucial, especially if you’re not technically inclined. Look for 24/7 support via multiple channels (phone, chat, email).
4. Evaluate the Price vs. Feature Ratio
- Essential Features: Compare the features included in the VPS plans you’re considering. Look for essential features like SSD storage, easy SSL implementation, I/O limitations, integrated CDN, and other essential measures.
- Data Backups: Confirm the frequency and type of data backups provided. Regular backups are essential for data recovery in case of accidental loss or cyberattacks.
- Security Measures: Ensure the provider offers robust security features to protect your server from cyber threats. This includes firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular security patches.
- Control Panel Cost: There are several cPanel alternatives that offer similar functionalities at a lower cost or even for free. If cPanel is not a must, check with providers and see if they support these control panels in their VPS plans.
- Pricing Structure: Be wary of providers that offer extremely cheap prices at the expense of service quality. Ensure that the plan you choose offers a good balance of features for the price.
5. Check the Service Level Agreement (SLA)
- Uptime Guarantee: Review the provider’s SLA for uptime guarantees. A high uptime guarantee (e.g., 99.9%) is crucial for ensuring that your website remains accessible to users.
Final Thought
Depending on your requirements and budget, a cheap VPS can be a lifesaver for your project. The low-cost VPS hosting providers recommended above are worth trying. However, don’t just take our word for it- take advantage of the free trials and test the hosting services yourself. Track their uptime, server response times, and customer support responsiveness to find the best budget VPS hosting solution for your needs.