Managed vs Unmanaged VPS Hosting: Which Is Right for You?

Managed vs Unmanaged VPS Hosting: Which Is Right for You?

Managed vs Unmanaged VPS Hosting: Which Is Right for You? 

Most businesses opt for shared hosting when they start out as it’s the cheapest option. It makes sense; as a newly launched business, you don’t have a lot of applications to host, nor do you expect a lot of visitors for these applications. 

But as your business grows, you will realise that shared hosting just does not cut it. The traffic your website or app receives and the related operations the server must execute require a more powerful solution. 

This is when most businesses choose to upgrade to either a dedicated server or a Virtual Private Server (VPS). In this article, learn what a VPS is and what options are available to you in terms of VPS hosting. 

What Is a Virtual Private Server (VPS) 

When you opt for a virtual server dedicated to you, you get a complete virtual server that’s “private” to you—hence called a virtual private server or VPS. 

In essence, VPS is a mix of shared and dedicated hosting. The underlying physical server is shared by multiple virtual servers but one of these is dedicated to you. 

VPS servers are further divided into managed and unmanaged VPS, and we’ll look at these distinctions next. 

What Is Managed VPS Hosting 

In managed VPS hosting, the hosting provider takes care of all activities related to the virtual server, like maintenance, updates, patches, and software installation. It’s also responsible for managing the underlying physical server, including availability and uptime. 

As a business, you don’t need to worry about anything related to the server when go managed. 

You get to use your server resources as your business operates while the hosting provider manages all the underlying components, both virtual and physical. 

Pros and Cons of Managed VPS Hosting 

Pros  Cons 
Takes a lot of responsibility off your hands, saving you time and effort that can be applied to growing your business.  Managed VPS hosting costs more than unmanaged VPS hosting. 
You don’t need to hire and manage an entire team with server tech expertise.  You have limited control over the server and no flexibility when it comes to decisions like software versions. 
The hosting provider takes responsibility for availability and uptime, so you can expect little to no downtime.   
The hosting provider ensures every server aspect (like OS, firmware, and security updates) is current and up to date.   
The server is monitored for traffic spikes and cyberattacks to keep your assets and data safe.   
You get complete, round-the-clock technical support.   

What Is Unmanaged VPS Hosting 

In unmanaged VPS hosting, the hosting provider manages the physical server and its components, while you are responsible for the virtual server and its management. 

You will be responsible for all virtual server activities like OS updates, patch installation, virtual network routing, and so on. 

An unmanaged VPS gives you complete freedom over your hosting but requires a high level of technical skill and round-the-clock management on your end to ensure maximum availability and uptime.  

Pros and Cons of Unmanaged VPS Hosting 

Pros  Cons 
The recurring hosting price is lesser than managed VPS hosting.  Requires a high level of tech expertise from your end. 
You have complete control over the server and all decisions like storage partitioning, software used, network settings, etc.  While you save money on hosting, you need to hire an IT team to manage the server, which adds to your overhead. 
  You’re responsible for constant server monitoring in case of traffic spikes, issues, and attacks. 
  You must stay on top of all software and patch update releases to ensure your server is up to date. 
  Since you’re in charge of updates and server management, the level of technical support you get from the hosting provider is limited. 

Choosing the Right Hosting Plan for Your Business 

When to Choose Managed VPS Hosting 

Managed VPS hosting is perfect for enterprises that want to focus on growing their business without worrying about maintaining their hosting. 

You will have to pay a higher, recurring hosting price, but you save money on manpower in the long run. 

Managed hosting is the low-risk option since the hosting provider takes responsibility for monitoring and proactively securing the server. You are also guaranteed maximum uptime and availability, so you know your products are always available to your customers. 

Managed hosting is thus the safer option for businesses that require close to a hundred percent uptime, such as ecommerce businesses. 

We’ve discussed more on why businesses should consider fully managed hosting in this in-depth article. 

When to Choose Unmanaged VPS Hosting 

Unmanaged VPS hosting is the better option for businesses that want complete control of their server. If you want to make all the decisions and tailor the server and its operations to your needs, you should go for unmanaged VPS hosting. 

Another reason for going unmanaged is if you want to save on recurring hosting costs. But if the price is the primary deciding factor, you should ensure you aren’t spending more on hiring more people because that will defeat the purpose. 

Assess Your Business’s Needs  

The verdict depends on many factors, including your business’s needs, budget, and technical knowledge.  

If you’re unsure which fits your business best, check out BigRock’s VPS Server plans or let our experts help you decide.   

WRITTEN BY:

A SEO & Content Specialist who enjoys road trips and excels in the web hosting industry. Let's drive your online presence to new heights.

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