Shared hosting
Your site lives on one server with many others, and all of them draw on the same resources. It is the cheapest kind and the host handles the server. A busy neighbour can slow you down, and you cannot change server software.
VPS hosting
The server is divided into virtual machines, each with its own guaranteed share. You get steadier performance and more control. On an unmanaged plan, you also get the job of keeping it secure.
Cloud hosting
Your site runs on virtual servers from a large pool, so you can resize quickly. The term covers a wide range, from pay-as-you-go servers to managed plans that look much like shared hosting. Read what is included and how you are billed.
| Shared | VPS | Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative cost | Lowest | Middle | Varies with use |
| Upkeep | Host | You, unless managed | You, unless managed |
| Resources | Shared | Guaranteed | Guaranteed and resizable |
| Good for | Small sites | Busy or custom sites | Changing or growing traffic |
Still unsure? Our help-me-choose tool will suggest one, and moving up later is routine.