Hosting is a crucial aspect of any website, quite often  being the strongest factor which determines its overall success. If you’re already a business website owner, you already know what a powerful tool a good website can be.

If not, and you are still planning to make one, then you are probably considering which hosting option would work best for you between WordPress and VPS hosting.

WordPress, being a platform that powers more than a third of the websites on the internet, can provide all the necessary tools to create the best possible website for your business along with a hosting plan. 

A VPS, meanwhile, is your own virtual server that gives you the flexibility not many other options can.

So, what should you focus on? 

In this article, we will compare the key differences between these two hosting types as well as addressing their key advantages for business owners.

Definition of VPS hosting

VPS hosting, refers to a hosting option in which a digital server is dedicated to your website with a specific amount of resources. 

Typically, VPS servers are created by the hosting company, by separating a physical server into smaller dynamic sections via a cloud network. Every VPS server has its own amount of storage, RAM, CPU cores as well as its own OS.

This means that every client gets the flexibility to operate their website as they prefer.

Benefits and drawbacks of VPS Hosting

Benefits

• Cheap price – the first big benefit of choosing a VPS hosting option over other alternatives is the relatively low price tag for the functionality that it offers. You not only get root access, but also the ability to customize your server and OS.
• Easy to upgrade – another plus is the easy scalability of a VPS option. As you grow, you’ll need more resources and most hosting providers should provide you with an option to upgrade your server no problem.
• Customization options – within a VPS network, you should have no problems adding more functionality and upgrades for your server, OS, control panel, among other things with the help of software.

Drawbacks

• Tricky for beginners – while the amount of flexibility a VPS option offers is certainly great, it might be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not that tech savvy. While you don’t have to be an experienced Admin to run a VPS server, technical skills are still necessary.
• Requires more attention – the most effective way to run a VPS server is by being actively involved in what can be done to maximize the resources that you have. If you don’t like to get too involved, this might not be the best option for you.

Definition of WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting refers to a hosting plan specifically tuned to run a WordPress-based website to its maximum potential, either on a shared or dedicated server space.

Since it’s already optimized for the use of WP, you don’t need to scratch your head on what means have to be taken to maximize the potential of your website, how to configure the server, etc.

If you plan to run exclusively on WordPress, this is by far the best option for you.

Benefits and drawbacks of WordPress Hosting

Benefits

• Everything is already optimized – since this hosting plan is specifically tuned for WordPress, all of its resources will be set up to get the most performance out of your website. For most business owners, you won’t have to do much tuning at all to launch your site.
• Enhanced security – another major plus is the security options you get with such a hosting plan. Since all of your resources will be dedicated to the site, you can focus on updates and the right plugins for maximum security.
• You can focus on building your site – already tuned servers enable you to focus on other aspects of your website such as the design, functionality and overall user experience.

Drawbacks

• Less flexibility over your server – WordPress hosting is fine tuned for simplicity, which unfortunately means sacrificing things like root access and server customization. VPS is much better in this regard.
• Not suitable for other sites – naturally, a WordPress dedicated plan will mean that you won’t be able to host other website types. A VPS option is again better in this case.

All in all

Today we compared the key aspects of WordPress and VPS hosting. Both of these options are great depending on what you’re looking for from a host. 

VPS offers more flexibility in terms of technicalities, while WordPress hosting shines by tuning all resources for ease of use and performance.

The final decision on what hosting type to choose should depend on your priorities, technical skills and the personnel you have.