Quick Pick At the top of our list sitting comfortably as the #1 VPS hosting provider is ScalaHosting. Its 2-core processor along with 4GB memory and 50GB of NVMe storage rests nicely on its in-house built control panel (SPanel) – all for as little as $29.95/mo.
More Hosting Choices: Best Overall / Cheap Web Hosting / Cloud Hosting / Website Builders
1. ScalaHosting
- Deployment of wholly owned equipment
- 99.9% server uptime guarantee
- Self-developed sPanel WHCP with auto offsite backups
- Scale up to 12 CPU cores at a reasonable price
- Overall ScalaHosting ratings:
Website: https://www.scalahosting.com/
Why ScalaHosting is Our #1 VPS Hosting?
Best alternative for cPanel VPS host
ScalaHosting has been in the business for over a decade now - its VPS plans are a strong part of its very comprehensive product suite. The company offers both unmanaged and managed VPS plans in flavors that ensure there is something for everyone.
Powerful server capacity, automatic offsite backups, full NVMe storage, top-notch customer support, and competitive pricing are key reasons why we think ScalaHosting is the best in today's VPS hosting space. The best part of ScalaHosting's offering, however, is that they offer users an opportunity to use their very own sPanel WHCP instead of cPanel. This comes at a very opportune time since cPanel raised its licensing fees last year, impacting many users.
Possible drawbacks
- Price bumps during renewal
- Lack of server location choices in the Asia region
Learn more in our in-depth ScalaHosting Review
Compare ScalaHosting VPS Plans
Plans | Build #1 | Build #2 | Build #3 |
---|---|---|---|
CPU Cores | 2 | 4 | 8 |
Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
NVMe Storage | 50 GB | 100 GB | 150GB |
Control Panel | SPanel | SPanel | SPanel |
Free Snapshots | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SShield Cyber-security | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Signup Price* | $29.95/mo | $63.95/mo | $121.95/mo |
Renewal Price | $46.95/mo | $80.95/mo | $138.95/mo |
2. LiquidWeb
- Scalable resources with 100% uptime SLA
- Standard DDos protection and off-site backup
- Support unlimited InterWorx accounts or 5 cPanel Admin accounts
- Introductory offer - save up to 75% on first bill
- Overall LiquidWeb ratings:
Website: https://www.liquidweb.com/
What We Think about LiquidWeb VPS Hosting
Highly scalable, enterprise-grade VPS offers
LiquidWeb is a solid hosting company with innovative server features and top-class support. Their entry-level Managed VPS offers 2 CPU Cores and 40 GB SSD storage at the cost of $25/mo (2-year plan). Offers go all the way up to 8 CPU Cores and 200 GB SSD Storage at $93.75/mo.
High-performing LiquidWeb VPS plans are ideal for businesses looking for scale and power combined with the ease of use that should be expected with any hosting plan. These solutions offer the one thing that all hosting providers hope to achieve - A stress-free experience for their users.
Possible drawbacks
- Expensive - Not for smaller websites with simple VPS hosting needs
- Lack of Asia-region data center
Learn more in our LiquidWeb review
Compare LiquidWeb VPS Hosting Plans
Plans | Linux / 2G | Linux / 4GB | Windows / 4GB |
---|---|---|---|
CPU Core | 2 | 4 | 2 |
SSD Storage | 40 GB | 100 GB | 100 GB |
Bandwidth | 10 TB | 10 TB | 10 TB |
OS | AlmaLinux or CentOS 7 | AlmaLinux or CentOS 7 | Windows Server 2019 |
Control Panel | InterWorx, Plesk Web Pro, or cPanel Admin | InterWorx, Plesk Web Pro, or cPanel Admin | Plesk Obsidian |
Price | $25/mo | $35/mo | $65/mo |
3. InMotion Hosting
- Well-optimized plans - Support Brotli Compression, NGINX, PHP-FPM, Apache, and REDIS
- NVMe SSD storage in all VPS plans
- WHM license with cPanel included
- Overall InMotion ratings:
Website: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/
What We Think of InMotion VPS Hosting
Great overall choice - Long business track record
With almost 20 years in the web hosting business, InMotion Hosting is one of the most recognized names around. A lot โ I mean really a lot of old-timers, myself included, have had their website hosted at InMotion in the past.
InMotion Hosting works best if your main targeted audience is based in the United States. The web host checked all the boxes for a great web host โ long business track record, solid server performance, helpful customer support, and 90 days full refund guarantee (longest in the market). If you were looking for a trustworthy VPS provider โ InMotion Hosting is highly recommended.
Possible drawbacks
- Server location in the United States only
- NVMe storage only available in higher plans
Learn more in our InMotion Hosting review
InMotion VPS Plans
Features | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 12GB RAM |
---|---|---|---|
RAM (GB) | 4 | 8 | 12 |
NVMe Storage | 90 GB | 150 GB | 210 GB |
Dedicated IP | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Signup Price | $14.99/mo | $24.99/mo | $34.99/mo |
Data Transfer (TB) | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Free SSL | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4. Hostinger
- Huge discount during signup, the cheapest plan "VPS 1" starts at $3.99 per month
- AI-powered firewall and 100 Mb/s Network included
- 24/7 customer support via online chat / ticketing system
- Overall Hostinger ratings:
Website: https://www.hostinger.com/
Why Choose Hostinger VPS Hosting?
Highly affordable - Excellent choice for newbies
Hostinger is well-known for offering some of the best cheap shared hosting options on the market. Building on this reputation, their VPS hosting plans also feature equally competitive pricing - making them an attractive choice for those who are hunting for budget VPS deals.
The VPS hosting plans from Hostinger begin with an entry-level offering that boasts 1 GB RAM and 20 GB SSD storage at the highly competitive price of just $3.99/month. For those with more advanced needs - the company provides scalable options, including plans with up to 16 GB RAM and 250 GB SSD storage at $77.99/month. By striking a perfect balance between budget-friendly pricing, performance, and ease of use, Hostinger stands out as a highly recommended VPS hosting provider.
Read our full Hostinger review
Possible drawbacks
- Price increase during renewal
- Technical support for VPS users could be better
Hostinger VPS Plans
Features | VPS 1 | VPS 2 |
---|---|---|
vCPU | 1 Core | 2 Cores |
Memory | 1 GB | 2 GB |
Bandwidth | 1,000 GB | 2,000 GB |
Burst RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Control Panel | hPanel | hPanel |
Disk Space (SSD) | 20 GB | 40 GB |
Root Access | Yes | Yes |
Signup Price | $3.95/mo | $8.95/mo |
Regular Price | $9.95/mo | $19.95/mo |
5. Interserver
- Rock solid server performance
- Support cPanel and Webuzo
- Flexible VPS solutions - Choose from 16 flavors of Linux OS
- Root access available in all plans
- Overall Interserver ratings:
Website: https://www.interserver.net/
What We Think about Interserver VPS Hosting
Best value VPS - the biggest bang for your bucks
Over the years, Interserver has grown from strength to strength and even though today they are a global business, theyโve maintained American at heart and offer US-based support teams.
They have immense complete flexibility when it comes to VPS accounts and for those seeking to escape the cPanel price hike, this is one to look out for. Interserver offers users the opportunity to get up close and personal with the free Webuzo control panel - which helps lower your VPS bills.
Possible drawbacks
- The initial setup process may be overwhelming for newbies and non-techies
- Server location only in the United States
Learn more in our Interserver Review
Notable Features in Interserver VPS
Features | Linux Plan #1 | Linux Plan #3 | Storage VPS #1 | Storage VPS #3 | Windows Plan #1 | Windows Plan #3 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CPU Cores | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Memory | 2048 MB | 6144 MB | 2048 MB | 6144 MB | 2048 MB | 6144 MB |
SSD Storage | 30 GB | 90 GB | 30 GB | 90 GB | 30 GB | 90 GB |
Monthly Data Transfer | 2 TB | 6 TB | 2 TB | 6 TB | 2 TB | 6 TB |
cPanel | Add $15/mo | Add $15/mo | Add $15/mo | Add $15/mo | Add $15/mo | Add $15/mo |
Fantastico | Add $4/mo | Add $4/mo | Add $4/mo | Add $4/mo | Add $4/mo | Add $4/mo |
Softaculous | Add $2/mo | Add $2/mo | Add $2/mo | Add $2/mo | Add $2/mo | Add $2/mo |
Unique IP | Add $3/mo | Add $3/mo | Add $3/mo | Add $3/mo | Add $3/mo | Add $3/mo |
Monthly Cost | $6/mo | $18/mo | $6/mo | $18/mo | $10/mo | $30/mo |
6. A2 Hosting
- In-house customization supports
- Cheap unmanaged VPS options available
- Full NVMe Storage for Turbo plan
- Anytime money-back guarantee
- Overall A2 Hosting ratings:
Website: https://www.a2hosting.com/
Our Thoughts About A2 VPS Hosting
VPS for developers and small businesses
The best thing about A2 Hosting is speed. By introducing SSD and NVMe storage, Railgun Optimizer, and pre-configured server caching to its shared server hosting users, A2 is raising the speed standard of the entire hosting industry. By all accounts, A2 Hosting is definitely worth signing up if you donโt have a web host.
They also have a very strategic spread of server locations to choose from and back all their plans with an anytime (pro-rated) money-back guarantee. A deal like this really does inspire confidence in their products.
Possible drawbacks
- Price bumps during renewal
- Expensive
Learn more in our A2 Hosting Review
A2 VPS Hosting Package
Features / Plans | Runway 1 | Runway 2 |
---|---|---|
RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB |
SSD Storage | 150 GB | 250 GB |
CPU Cores | 1 | 2 |
Root Access | Yes | Yes |
Price | $4.99/mo | $7.99/mo |
7. GreenGeeks
- cPanel available
- Eco-friendly hosting - 300% green
- One tree plant for every purchase
- High server performance (4vCPU minimum)
- Overall GreenGeeks ratings:
Website: https://www.greengeeks.com/vps-hosting
What We Think of GreenGeeks VPS Hosting
Environmental friendly, 300% green
GreenGeeks fills a niche portion of the web hosting business. With more than ten years in the business of web hosting, GreenGeeks is a unique bastion for those seeking web hosting that is eco-friendly.
The company claims to offer โ300% Green Web Hosting Powered by Renewable Energyโ. This means that they buy three times more the amount of Renewable Energy certificates that are being used by the services they provide.
If youโre looking for a hosting solution that reduces your carbon footprint on Earth then GreenGeeks is definitely a strong choice.
Possible drawbacks
- Does not support NVMe storage (SSD only)
- Expensive
Learn more in our GreenGeeks Review
GreenGeeks VPS Hosting Plans
Features | VPS 2GB | VPS 4GB | VPS 8GB |
---|---|---|---|
CPU Core | 4 | 4 | 6 |
RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 8 GB |
Storage ( Pure SSD) | 50 GB | 75 GB | 150 GB |
Data Transfer | 10 TB | 10 TB | 10 TB |
cPanel/Softaculous | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Signup | $39.95/mo | $59.95/mo | $109.95/mo |
Order | VPS 2GB | VPS 4GB | VPS 8GB |
8. HostPapa
- Guaranteed dedicated server resources
- Manage multiple VPS from one dashboard
- Affordable long-term cost - Renew your VPS plan at the same rate
- Overall HostPapa ratings:
Website: https://www.hostpapa.com/
About HostPapa VPS Hosting
Top Canadian hosting provider
HostPapa is a Canadian-based web hosting provider that has been around since 2006. The company is dedicated to offering users all the features they need in web hosting and has done so admirably.
HostPapa's VPS hosting plans start with an entry-level option featuring 4 CPU cores and 60 GB SSD storage, priced at an affordable rate of $19.99/month on a 2-year plan. For those with more demanding needs, plans scale up to 12 CPU cores and 1 TB SSD storage at $249.99/month. The company's commitment to providing scalable, high-performance VPS solutions allows businesses to grow and adapt with ease. HostPapa VPS hosting is a perfect blend of power, performance, and simplicity, ensuring a stress-free experience for users and establishing itself as a highly recommended VPS provider in the market.
Possible drawbacks
- Expensive signup rates
- Does not support NVMe storage (SSD only)
Learn more in our HostPapa review
HostPapa VPS Hosting Plans
Features | Mercury | Venus | Earth | Maars | Jupiter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core CPU | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB |
SSD Storage | 60 GB | 125 GB | 250 GB | 500 GB | 1 TB |
Data Transfer | 1 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB | 4 TB | 8 TB |
IP Address | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Softaculous Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Signup Price ** | $19.99/mo | $59.99/mo | $109.99/mo | $169.99/mo | $249.99/mo |
Renewal Price | $19.99/mo | $59.99/mo | $109.99/mo | $169.99/mo | $249.99/mo |
9. AltusHost
- 2 to 8 GB RAM with full server root control
- Fast delivery time โ provisioning in 2 โ 24 hours
- DDoS (10 Gbit/s) protection included
- Overall AltusHost ratings:
Website: https://www.altushost.com/
About AltusHost VPS Hosting
Great Europe-based VPS provider
AltusHost is a well-known premium, no-overselling hosting provider that is extremely Euro-centric. Based in the Netherlands, it provides rock-solid customer support and server locations in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
It isnโt any run-of-the-mill service provider and does not offer shared hosting plans. Their solutions are geared more towards business deployment but we think AltusHost may also be the right call for individual bloggers who want a reliable EU-based hosting solution.
Possible drawbacks
- Server location in Europe countries only
- NVMe storage not supported (SSD only)
Learn more in our AltusHost review
AltusHost VPS Hosting Plans
Features | VM 1 | VM 2 |
---|---|---|
CPU Core | 2 | 2 |
RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Storage ( Pure SSD) | 40 GB | 80 GB |
Monthly Bandwidth | 4000 GB | 8000 GB |
Price | โฌ15.96/mo | โฌ31.96/mo |
Renewal Price | โฌ19.95/mo | โฌ39.95/mo |
Order | VM 1 | VM 2 |
10. TMD Hosting
- Fully managed VPS plans
- Fully redundant infrastructure and equipment
- Account isolation on private networks
- Good range of server locations available
- Overall AltusHost ratings:
Website: https://www.tmdhosting.com/
What We Think About TMD Hosting VPS
Wide choice in server locations - Excellent customer support
TMD Hosting may not be the biggest hosting provider around but we have to say that its VPS offerings are impressive.
Although TMD's recent price hike has made their VPS deals less attractive (we speculate that this is mainly due to cPanel's constant price hike), the good news is that in general, TMD Hosting offers top-of-the-line equipment and support. Their range of hosting plans makes them suitable for almost any use, from individual to business.
Possible drawbacks
- Expensive after recent pricing revision
- NVMe storage not supported (SSD only)
Learn more in our TMD Hosting review
TMD VPS Hosting Plans
Plans | Starter | The Original | Smart |
---|---|---|---|
Storage (SSD) | 60 GB | 100 GB | 180 GB |
Data Transfer | 2 TB | 3 TB | 4 TB |
Memory (DDR4) | 2 GB | 4 GB | 8 GB |
CPU Cores | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Signup Price (1st month) | $42.49/mo | $63.99/mo | $84.99/mo |
What is a VPS Hosting?
VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. A VPS is a siloed space on a server that has the characteristics of an entire server itself. A virtual server hosting has its own Operating System (OS), applications, resources, and configurations. All of this is contained within a single powerful server. Each server can have multiple VPS accounts on it.
When is the Right Time to Switch to VPS?
There are a number of factors that make VPS hosting the best option for specific websites. Generally, it's time to upgrade to VPS from a shared web host when:
- Your website needs higher server capability
- Your current web hosting performance degrades
- You have increased security concerns
- You have special needs in server operation systems
How to Choose the Right VPS Hosting Provider
As you can probably tell by now, itโs very difficult to compare (and choose) many of the VPS providers here. Many of them are top names in the business and have strong track records and a good range of products.
Some, like GreenGeeks, offer extremely niche services while others like AltusHost have a stronger focus in a specific geographic location. Because of this, you should strongly consider your own specific needs and what that means for each provider on this list.
Here are some key consideration factors to go through when choosing a VPS.
1. Good Customer Help & Support
Iโve always stood firm on the point that customer support is a make or break deal with any sort of hosting provider.
Your VPS host needs to offer at least some form of everyday, all-day support. It can be via live chat or a ticketing system, but customers always need to feel as if the host has their back.
Caveat: Unmanaged VPS Hosting
When we discussed about "Customer Support" as a primary factor in choosing a VPS - I referred to buying a "Managed VPS Hosting".
In a Managed VPS Hosting environment, you can sit back, relax and let your host know whatever youโd like done. There are no security issues to be concerned about, not function-specific tasks youโll need to handle. Your host should manage everything for you and resolve any issues that crop up.
With an Unmanaged VPS - which is usually 50% - 75% cheaper, your hosting provider has only two responsibilities โ making sure your VPS is running and that itโs connected to the network. There will be minimum customer support and you are on your own once you got the login credential to your VPS account.
2. Flexible Plans & Reasonable Pricing
Keep firmly in your mind the sort of assets that you require to serve your site(s) when seeking a host. Cost in a VPS is important, but not as key as you might think. VPS resource availability is scalable, so the cost that needs to be looked at is comparable cost from one host to the next.
Also - as cPanel revised their pricing model recently, web hosting companies across the board will have to pass those costs on to users sooner or later. You will need to consider the cost of control panel when selecting a VPS plan.
Companies like ScalaHosting have developed their own control panel to mitigate this issue โ so their users would have fewer issues with the price hike.
3. Hosting Speed and Stable Server Performance
Check how much uptime your host guarantees. Uptime in a shared server environment is often laxer than what you should expect in a VPS hosting environment.
Youโre paying more, so there should be a minimum uptime guarantee and better server speed.
Look for a host that offers 99.9% at a very minimum plus additional speed features. Ideally, Iโd prefer to opt for VPS plans with HTTP/3 and NVMe support for better server speed performance.
* Note: Gen 3 NVMe drives speed up to 3,500MB per second at max while in comparison SATA SSDs typically hit speeds up to 500MB per second (see reference).
4. Affordable and Easy-to-Use Control Panel
In one of the sections above, we discussed the price hikes that cPanel underwent recently and how it has affected pricing for cPanel hosting customers. It is important to know that although cPanel commands a huge portion of the Web Hosting Control Panel (WHCP) market share, there are many other viable alternatives.
Other top web hosting control panels may charge much less than cPanel, and in fact,there are a number of free options in WHCPs available as well. Doing some research on what WHCP to choose can make a big difference in how you use your VPS account and the price it costs you.
FAQs about VPS Hosting
VPS hosting, or Virtual Private Server hosting, is a type of web hosting that uses virtualization technology to divide a single physical server into multiple, isolated virtual servers. Each VPS functions independently, with its own operating system, resources, and administrative access, providing users with greater control, customization, and scalability compared to shared hosting.
Unmanaged VPS hosting is a type of Virtual Private Server hosting where the hosting provider offers minimal support and management services. This means that the user is responsible for all server administration tasks, such as software installation, configuration, updates, security, and maintenance. Unmanaged VPS hosting provides more control and flexibility but requires a higher level of technical expertise compared to managed VPS hosting.
In "Unmanaged VPS hosting" - Users are responsible for all aspects of server management, including software installation, updates, security, and maintenance. The hosting provider typically only handles hardware-related issues and network connectivity. In "Managed VPS hosting" - The hosting provider takes care of most server management tasks, such as software updates, security patches, and monitoring. Users can focus on their website or application without worrying about server administration.
In shared hosting, multiple websites share the same physical server and its resources, which can lead to performance issues and limited customization options. VPS hosting offers a more stable and customizable environment, as each virtual server operates independently and has dedicated resources.
Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, provides an entire physical server for a single user, offering even more resources and control than VPS hosting. However, dedicated hosting is generally more expensive and may require more technical expertise to manage and maintain.
VPS hosting is ideal for website owners who require more control, customization, and resources than shared hosting can provide but don't need the full resources or cost of a dedicated server. This includes small to medium-sized businesses, e-commerce websites, and websites with growing traffic.
A Web Hosting Control Panel (WHCP) is a web-based interface that allows users to manage various aspects of their hosting account, including domains, email accounts, databases, and server resources. WHCPs simplify server administration tasks, making it easier for users with limited technical knowledge to manage their websites and hosting environments.
A WHCP can be particularly beneficial for VPS users, as it provides a user-friendly interface for managing server resources and website-related tasks without the need for extensive command-line knowledge. Simplified server management, user-friendly interface, and server automation are some of the key benefits of using a WHCP with a VPS.
Yes, you can install a Web Hosting Control Panel on an unmanaged VPS. However, you will be responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the control panel, as unmanaged VPS hosting providers typically do not offer support for third-party software.