If you want to know about different types of web hosting services then you have come to the right place.
Whatever your website is, the web hosting type you choose is most important for that website.
When you start your website or bring your business online, you definitely need to know about the different types of web hosting.
We always say one thing the web hosting you choose can make or break your online journey.
In such a situation, choosing the wrong web hosting type can badly affect the growth of your website and business.
There are many hosting types available to choose from when you start a website. Each type has different features and different prices.
You can easily get overwhelmed when you look at all the different hosting types and their features.
This article will help you to find out which web hosting type is suitable for your website.
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.
Different Types of Web Hosting Services - Complete Guide
 |
| Different Types of Web Hosting |
What Is Web Hosting?
Before knowing the different types of web hosting and their advantages and disadvantages, it is also very important to know what is web hosting.
When an organization or an individual plans to bring their website on the internet, they first require two important things, which are domain and web hosting.
A domain is the URL address of the website i.e. the name of the website. But here we will discuss about web hosting.
Web hosting is a type of service where we store all the data of our website like HTML files, images, text, videos, etc.
After that, your website is able to go live on the internet through a web hosting server.
Whenever visitors reach your website, they get to see the data being published on your website. All this is possible through a web hosting server.
Through web hosting, your website is live on the internet all the time i.e. 24/7/365.
In short, when you choose web hosting for your website, it means that you are storing all the data of your website in one place which is available 24/7 on the internet.
Web hosting providers use a server to keep your data always available on the Internet.
A server is a type of computer with multiple hard drives attached to it. A web hosting provider stores all the data of your website on its servers.
In other words, for web hosting, you need a very powerful server that is running 24/7 so that whenever visitors access your website, they can easily browse your website.
When you choose a web hosting for your website, it means that you are renting a space for your website.
The servers that web hosting providers provide you are very difficult to build yourself, as their maintenance costs are very high.
Web hosting companies provide this facility to you to solve your problem and the servers they provide you are physically located in the data centers.
Web hosting companies install, run and manage these servers themselves, for which they charge you rent on a monthly or yearly basis.
Different Types of Web Hosting
Now we have come to the main topic of this article. Let us tell you that there are seven types of web hosting which we will discuss below:
1) Shared Web Hosting
Shared hosting is the most popular option for small businesses, beginners, and individuals.
As its name suggests, in this type of hosting you have to share your hosting with other users or vice versa.
It is a great option for hosting small websites, blogs, and entry-level websites and is also considered the most basic type of web hosting.
Users running small websites do not need an entire server of their own, as shared hosting works great for smaller websites.
It is also a great option for people who are not sure how much traffic their site will get, or whether their website will be popular in the future.
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where multiple sites are hosted on the same (single) physical server.
All the domains that come under the shared hosting plan share the same server resources with users, such as storage space, bandwidth, RAM, CPU, and other resources. In fact, the resources are split among each user here.
Now as you know that in a shared hosting plan all the resources are shared with other users, so you have to spend very little money on that.
Their cost is relatively less. In fact, it is the cheapest as compared to other web hosting types.
Pros of Shared Web Hosting (Advantages)
- Shared hosting is also very cost-effective as you are sharing your server with multiple users.
- Ideal for beginners and new websites. (Not recommended for large or high-traffic websites)
- Users do not require a lot of technical knowledge to get started with shared hosting.
- You can easily set up and manage your hosting account on your own
Cons of Shared Web Hosting (Disadvantages)
- The major downside of shared hosting is that the resources are shared. If your site becomes extremely popular, or there is a surge of traffic, the server may not be able to handle all of the requests, which will result in slow load times or even downtime.
- Only limited features and resources are provided in this.
Ideal For: Recommended for low-traffic websites (10000 to 20000 visitors per month) and newbies.
Also Read: Best Shared Hosting For Beginners
2) VPS Hosting
VPS stands for "Virtual Private Server". This is the next level or advanced version of shared web hosting. VPS is also known as a "Virtual Dedicated Server".
As you know that in Shared Hosting you are given very limited resources. This way, when the user's website goes beyond the limits offered in shared hosting, they upgrade their website to VPS hosting.
VPS hosting plans are more suitable for users who want to have more control over their websites.
Of course in VPS hosting each website is hosted on its own space on the server, but similar to shared hosting, VPS hosting plans also require users to share their servers with other website owners.
However the number of websites here is less, so you are offered more RAM, storage space, bandwidth, etc., as compared to shared hosting.
Actually, here the main server is split into multiple virtual servers, which is why it is called a virtual server.
VPS hosting is a better option for users who want dedicated hosting, but dedicated hosting costs a lot.
VPS hosting offers users the same features (not all) that are included in dedicated hosting but cost less than dedicated servers.
Pros of VPS Web Hosting (Advantages)
- It costs less than a dedicated server.
- VPS hosting allows you to run almost any software that you might need for your website
- VPS hosting plans come with root access, you can do custom configuration on your server as per your requirement
- Here you also get faster loading times and higher performance as compared to shared hosting.
- Here you get more resources, so your website will perform much better than shared hosting.
Cons of VPS Web Hosting (Disadvantages)
- You need some technical knowledge to use VPS hosting. But for those who are tech-savvy, VPS is very beneficial for them.
- It costs less than dedicated hosting, but you may have to pay a lot more per month than with shared hosting.
- As you know that even on VPS hosting you have to share the main server with other users, so you have some limitations here too.
Ideal For: Recommended for small and medium-sized websites. It is also useful for those who want something other than shared web hosting.
If you run a website that contains heavy files such as images and videos, then VPS hosting is a great option for you too.
Also Read: Best VPS Hosting Providers
3) Dedicated Server Hosting
Dedicated hosting is considered to be the best hosting service. It is used by website owners whose website gets a lot of page views every month, especially for large websites and high-traffic websites.
In dedicated hosting, a server is provided to the users, which you do not need to share with any other website owners. That is, the server that is being given to you is completely yours.
Website performance is always excellent as the server is not shared with anyone else.
Not only this, but you also get other benefits with dedicated hosting servers, such as higher uptime and super fast website loading speed.
However, you will have to spend more money to get all these facilities. The cost of dedicated hosting is very expensive compared to any other hosting.
When users choose dedicated hosting they are offered extremely powerful servers.
No matter how much traffic your website gets, the servers will be able to handle the heavy traffic with ease and provide you with extremely high uptime, and won't let the loading speed slow down.
Dedicated hosting is like owning a home. That is, you have an entire house where you can do anything according to your wish in that house.
Of course, with dedicated hosting, you can have more control over your servers, but it also requires more technical knowledge.
Dedicated hosting is the best of all hosting types, although it is also the most expensive.
Pros of Dedicated Server Hosting (Advantages)
- Your website works at peak performance on dedicated hosting as you do not need to share the server and resources with any other user.
- High uptime rates and lightning-fast loading speeds.
- Here you can configure anything and choose any software according to your need.
- You can have more control over your server.
- Dedicated hosting is best in terms of security, as here you get the highest levels of security.
Cons of Dedicated Server Hosting (Disadvantages)
- Dedicated hosting can cost you a lot compared to any other web hosting. (Most Expensive Hosting)
- Users should have more technical knowledge.
Ideal For: It is recommended for large websites that have more than 100,000 monthly visitors to their website.
It is also recommended for people who want to have more control over their hosting. Especially recommended for enterprise-level websites and eCommerce websites.
4) Cloud Hosting
The demand for cloud hosting has increased a lot over the last few years. Moreover, it is an emerging web hosting among users.
You can also call cloud hosting a hybrid version of VPS hosting. This type of hosting has multiple servers, which means that when a user purchases cloud hosting, their website is hosted on several different servers.
Overall, cloud hosting involves multiple computers working together, but each server has different responsibilities.
The biggest advantage of cloud hosting is that if a server stops working or goes down for any reason, it will not affect your website in any way.
If one of the servers is not working then your website automatically connects to the other server, so that your website is live 24/7 and visitors can easily access your website anytime.
If a user chooses shared hosting, VPS hosting, or dedicated hosting, he is provided with only one server. If there is a problem with that server then it greatly affects the uptime of your website.
But thanks to cloud hosting, you do not have to depend on a single server, due to which the uptime of the website is always maintained.
So this is the major reason why users prefer to choose cloud hosting instead of any other hosting.
What I love about cloud hosting is its scalability. Choosing cloud hosting allows you to scale your resources on demand.
This means that you can adjust your resources according to your needs.
For example, let's say there's an upcoming sale or event that's going to drive more traffic to your website, then you can configure the resources (increase or decrease) accordingly.
Overall you only have to pay for what you are using.
Pros of Cloud Hosting (Advantages)
- The chances of server downtime are minimal.
- Easy scalability.
- High Server Security
- You only have to pay for what you are using.
Cons of Cloud Hosting (Disadvantages)
- Users do not get many customization options.
- You need to have proper knowledge of configuring your resources. In the absence of information, you may have to pay more or less and the performance of the website may also be affected.
Note: Do not configure your resources if you don't have any proper knowledge
Ideal For: It is recommended for users whose website is growing very fast. Especially for medium and large websites. If your website gets more than 50000 monthly visitors, then cloud hosting is a very good option.
5) Managed Hosting
In managed hosting, the website owners do not have to do anything on their own.
Whenever a user chooses Managed hosting for their website, the responsibility of managing their hosting (technical aspects) lies entirely with the hosting provider, such as website or server maintenance, data backups, software updates, website security, hardware & software set up or configuration, etc.
Managed hosting is useful for people who run large websites, or who don't have much technical knowledge to manage their own hosting.
Although managed hosting is expensive, it saves website owners a lot of time, so that they can focus their entire attention on the content of the website.
Let us tell you that in all types of hosting, you get the option of managed hosting, such as:
- Managed Shared Hosting
- Managed VPS Hosting
- Managed WordPress Hosting (Most Popular)
- Managed Dedicated Hosting
- Managed Cloud Hosting
To know more in-depth about Managed Hosting must read this article "Best Managed WordPress Hosting Providers"
Pros of Managed Hosting (Advantages)
- Users do not need much technical knowledge.
- You are relieved of the responsibility of managing the hosting, due to which you can focus more on the content.
- Your website is always up-to-date and performing well.
Cons of Managed Hosting (Disadvantages)
- You have to pay more as compared to other web hosting plans.
- If you want to make a change on the server, you cannot configure it yourself.
Ideal For: It is recommended for users who do not have much technical knowledge, or who do not have time to manage their hosting. Keep in mind that this hosting can be expensive for beginners and low-traffic websites.
6) WordPress Hosting
WordPress is the largest content management system (CMS) in the world, powering about 43% of websites on the Internet.
WordPress hosting is specially optimized for WordPress websites. Many such features are offered to the users on this type of hosting which is designed for WordPress websites.
Most hosting providers offer two types of WordPress hosting, which are as follows:
- Shared WordPress Hosting
- Managed WordPress Hosting
We have already discussed shared hosting above, but the only difference is that on shared WordPress hosting, your website is hosted on a server that is specially optimized for WordPress websites.
Whereas managed WordPress hosting offers benefits such as automatic plugin updates, automatic core updates, enhanced security, peak performance, superfast loading speeds, high uptime rates, staging environment, and much more.
Apart from this, users also get a 1-click WordPress installation or pre-installed WordPress in WordPress hosting.
Pros of WordPress hosting (Advantages)
- There are many security features offered on WordPress hosting to keep your website safe and secure from hackers and attackers.
- Here you get a 1-click WordPress installation or pre-installed WordPress
- Servers are specially optimized for WordPress websites
Cons of WordPress hosting (Disadvantages)
- Managed hosting is a bit expensive
- Shared WordPress hosting is economical but resources have to be shared with other WordPress sites
Ideal For: This is best for users who want to work only on WordPress websites.
7) Colocation Hosting
Colocation hosting is similar to dedicated hosting. To understand this, you need to have a good knowledge of dedicated hosting.
When you choose dedicated hosting, your service provider provides you with a complete server, in which you do not need to share your hosting with any other website owner.
Similarly, in colocation hosting, you also have your own server, which you do not need to share with anyone else.
But the difference is that the server should be your own, in which the RAM, CPU, and other resources should also be your own. Even you are responsible for setting up your own server.
After creating your own server, instead of keeping it in-house or in a private data center, users rent space (rack or cabinet) in a colocation center where they can keep their server secure. This is called co-locate.
Colocation Center provides 24/7 power, internet, bandwidth, IP address, server maintenance, server monitoring, and cooling system for website owners' servers.
Of course, the colocation center provides you with the space for your servers, if any problem occurs with your server, you are solely responsible for managing it. For example Replacing hardware, updating software, DNS configuration, etc.
Colocation hosting is not recommended for users running small websites, but it is a good option for those running large websites.
Pros of Colocation Hosting (Advantages)
- Cost-effective for large businesses or websites.
- High Security.
- Full control over the equipment.
Cons of Colocation Hosting (Disadvantages)
- Bit expensive for small businesses or websites.
- Require complete technical knowledge.
Ideal For: It is recommended for those who have a large website. Apart from this, it is also effective for those people who have good knowledge of technology. This is very expensive hosting, but users get maximum control over the hardware and software.
8) Reseller Hosting
Reseller hosting means you can buy web hosting from a hosting provider and sell it to your clients and generate passive income. This hosting plan is not suitable for everyone.
If you set up your own website, you can choose one of the other hosting plans mentioned above.
But if you use reseller hosting to host your own website then you will lose money.
Reseller hosting is a type of white-label web hosting that you can buy from a hosting provider and sell to your clients without any restrictions.
When you buy a reseller hosting plan from a hosting provider, they provide you with web hosting at wholesale prices, through which you can generate good profit margins when you sell to your customers.
If you want to start a business selling web hosting to other sites, you should definitely look into reseller hosting.
Pros of Reseller Hosting (Advantages)
- If you have clients, then you can generate great passive income.
- It is a good way to generate recurring income.
- You can sell web hosting to your customers at different prices.
- You can have more flexibility in your services.
Cons of Reseller Hosting (Disadvantages)
- If you do not have a limited number of customers, your money, time, and effort may be wasted.
- If your customers don't get good services, they may lose trust in you.
Best For: Reseller hosting is recommended for users who run a digital marketing agency, are web designers, and are web developers. Because such users have no shortage of clients.
The more customers you have, the more profit you will make. You can add the option of web hosting to the services provided to your customers.
Final Verdict on Different Types of Web Hosting
So far in this article, we have discussed many different types of web hosting services. Which type of web hosting service is right for you, you can decide according to your need.
If you face any issues in choosing any hosting type, then you can definitely comment to us in the comment box below.
Also Read:
0 Comments
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.