VPS vs. Dedicated Server: When to Upgrade Your Hosting Plan

Everything You Need to Know About VPS vs. Dedicated Servers

Do you currently have a VPS hosting plan? Here’s how to know when it’s time to upgrade to a dedicated server.

VPS this, dedicated server that. A bit confused?

Never fear. If you’re in the business for a server or a VPS, or simply wanting to know what your options are, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to know all about VPS, dedicated servers, and which one would serve your business needs.

What’s a VPS?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is all about having your private little section of the web, but still not stepping on your other web-inhabiting neighbors’ toes.

A VPS has some similarities with shared hosting, which is sharing the space allocated to a single physical server.

However, the similarities end here. A VPS has fewer restrictions on its use of resources than shared hosting. It makes sense as VPS comes in a higher price range than shared hosting.

The technology is about using a software that creates separate virtual machines on a single server.

For example, the VPS virtually divides a building – which is the physical server itself – into apartments. You have your own apartment, but you have neighbors.

And while you share the building, every ‘apartment’ has its own space and resources. Your neighbors can’t come in and take down a wall or throw the trash in your apartment.

What’s a Dedicated Server?

Expanding on our little metaphor about apartments and buildings, if a VPS is a condo, then a dedicated server an upgrade and now you own the whole building.

A dedicated server is exactly what it sounds like – a server dedicated only to you and your business.

The beauty of dedicated servers is the complete control you have over the software installed and the allocation of resources. Unlike a shared hosting or a VPS, there are no limitations to your expansion of data or your preferred ways of server utilization.

In general, you can find different offerings of dedicated servers and their specifications, so feel free to take your pick.

Is It Time for an Upgrade?

That depends on your baseline.

There are multiple ways to determine your baseline, which are the main measurements that will help you choose a server that suits your needs.

You need to know the following data points:

Storage space: how much storage do you need and are willing to pay the price for faster SSD?
RAM: how much RAM space would you like to have?
CPU: how many CPU cores would you like? The more CPU cores you have, the faster your server will be

And that is the tip of the iceberg.

These question merely tackle resource allocation specifications, but there are other factors you need to keep in mind.

For example, you need to check how many websites and/or databases your business operates, and make an informed choice regarding the speed and space you need for optimal use.

Should I Go with a VPS or a Dedicated Server?

Alright, if you still need help deciding whether to go with a VPS or a dedicated server, we got you.

Choose a VPS if:

You’re on a budget
You don’t have a dedicated unit for tech services, so you’re not comfortable going with a dedicated server

Choose a dedicated server if:

You just want the best for your website and business in terms of RAM, solid resources and support for high-resolution visuals, and more
Security is a concern, and you’d rather go for the safest option
You have a specialized business that requires higher speeds and more resources to function properly, like architecture and app development

Ready to Pick Your New Hosting Plan?

Now that you know the differences between VPS and dedicated servers, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, you’re ready to go and pick a plan.

Whether you’re choosing a VPS plan or a dedicated server, going with a secure hosting service will take your business to the next level.