Probably one of the biggest challenges when building a website is deciding which type of web hosting plan you will use. There are many options to choose from, and prices vary widely, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right decision.
Choosing the best web hosting plan isn’t just about cost, It’s critical to choose a plan that provides you with the right level of resources and features so you can set up your website for success from the start.
In this article, we’ll explain the different types of web hosting plans you can choose from, discuss their pros and cons, and help you decide between them. let’s start!
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows a web server application (website or web page) to be hosted/published on a computer system through which web browser clients can easily access electronic content on the Internet.
Today’s web hosting is bundled and sold in a number of ways. Despite its relatively simple origins, consumer needs have changed. Because of this, web hosting providers have also adjusted their plans to meet customer needs.
Generally, there are four different types of hosting servers: shared, virtual private server (VPS), dedicated, and cloud hosting.
While all types of servers will act as the storage hub for your website, they differ in storage capacity, control, technical knowledge requirements, server speed, and reliability.
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is great for entry-level website hosting. This is where your website will be stored on the same server as multiple other websites. With a shared hosting plan, all domains share the same server resources, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, since all resources are shared, the cost of shared hosting plans is relatively low, making it a great option for website owners in their infancy.
2. VPS Hosting
VPS hosting plans are the ultimate middle ground between shared servers and dedicated servers. It’s perfect for website owners who need more control but don’t necessarily need a dedicated server.
VPS hosting is unique because each website is hosted in its own space on the server, although it still shares the physical server with other users.
Typically, VPS hosting is used by website owners who want dedicated hosting but don’t have the technical knowledge required. VPS hosting offers the cost advantages of shared hosting with control over dedicated hosting. A great choice for advanced users and those who need specific software and package installations.
3. Dedicated Hosting
A dedicated server gives you the most control over the web server your website is hosted on – you can rent the entire server exclusively. Your website is the only website stored on the server.
With a dedicated server, you get exclusive access to a single server (or sometimes more than one). This means that you have full control over its configuration and the web hosting provider will only provide it for you.
Dedicated servers are basically the top option when it comes to web hosting. At this level, you can expect to pay at least $100 per month, and the price will only go up from there.
4. Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is where things get a little tricky. When people talk about “cloud”, they usually mean distributed VPS. The way it works is that instead of storing virtual servers on one computer, they are hosted on their entire network.
This computer network is what we call the “cloud”. The advantage of this approach is that over the network, you can easily scale server resources as needed. Also, with cloud hosting, downtime is rarely an issue, nor is data loss an issue due to the system’s built-in redundancy.
Which is Right for You?
There is a stark contrast between the type of web hosting and which plan is suitable for which purpose.
For example, a low-traffic personal blog is fine even on low-cost shared hosting. If your needs are more mission critical, then VPS or Dedicated Hosting will suit you.
While the cloud is similar in some ways to a VPS, it may be a better option if you need more elasticity to handle seasonal traffic or have heavy computing power needs.
For those who already have a platform, there may be other considerations. For example, if you plan to run WordPress, some hosts already have specific plans for this and custom-optimize it to run well.
Ultimately, it’s important to have a clear idea of what types of web hosting are available and what each one is for. If you choose the right one, it can save you time and money and possibly improve your website performance.
