Dedicated servers and Virtual Private Server (VPS) are two of the most common and highest-performing web hosting solutions available today. While both options offer you a customisable server, they differ in pricing, security, infrastructure, and more.

So, which one is best for you? Find out in this guide as we deep dive into dedicated servers and VPS hosting and their key differences to help you make the right choice.

What Is a Dedicated Server

A dedicated server lets you exclusively access an entire physical server. This means that all the server’s resources, such as CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth, are dedicated solely to you.

This offers you greater performance, reliability, and security because it eliminates the risk of resource contention. You have full control over your server’s configuration and can customise it to suit your specific needs.

Dedicated Server Pros

  • Offers maximum flexibility and configuration options
  • Gives you complete control over your server’s hardware and software
  • The website is physically isolated from other accounts because it’s on its own physical server

Dedicated Server Cons

  • It’s the most expensive web hosting solution
  • It requires a decent amount of technical knowledge to handle

What Is VPS Hosting

Virtual Private Server or VPS uses virtualisation technology, a hypervisor, to divide a single physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server operates as an independent server with dedicated resources, including CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth.

VPS hosting provides you with the control and performance of a dedicated server without the high price tag. You can have root or administrator access to your VPS, so you can configure your server and install software as needed.

VPS Hosting Pros

  • Quick set-up and instant activation
  • Cost-effective solution
  • Highly scalable (especially with a cloud VPS)

VPS Hosting Cons

  • Even with dedicated resources, they’re still shared among multiple users
  • Requires technical expertise to manage and maintain
  • Less secure compared to a dedicated server

Dedicated Server vs VPS Hosting: Key Differences

Here’s a comprehensive summary of how dedicated servers and VPS hosting differ in several aspects:

Dedicated Server  Virtual Private Server 
Infrastructure
 		 A physical server is dedicated to a single user.  Virtualized servers are created within a physical server, often shared among multiple users.
Resource Allocation
 		 Exclusive access to an entire server’s resources  Each virtual server gets its allocated share of resources.
Customisation
 		 Full control over server configuration and software installations.  Customisations and installations are within the limits set by the hosting provider. 
Security
 		 High level of security and isolation. No neighboring users to affect security.  Good security with isolation from other VPS instances, but still sharing a physical server with other users. 
Scalability
 		 Limited scalability, as upgrading requires physical hardware changes.
 		 Scalable with the ability to upgrade or downgrade resources easily without physical changes.
Pricing
 		 Generally more expensive due to exclusive use of resources.  More cost-effective than dedicated servers. Pricing varies based on resource allocation.

The Decision: Choose The Hosting that Fits Your Needs

Both dedicated server and VPS hosting have their own merits. Your winning choice should be the hosting that effectively meets your needs, guarantees optimal site performance, and supports your growth.

VPS hosting provides you with more control, scalability, and dedicated resources at a lower cost. If your website typically receives high traffic and uses resource-intensive apps, a dedicated server has all the resources you need.

While it may cost more, it’s clear that a dedicated server grants your business more capability for high performance and growth. It also provides higher levels of security and privacy, reducing the risk of security breaches or performance fluctuations. It’s a worthy investment.

If you’re looking for one, check out Crazy Domains’ Dedicated Server plans today.