HOSTING MODEL
Shared hosting vs VPS vs managed hosting
The main difference is not simply performance. It is how much of the server stack you are responsible for operating.
| Question | Shared hosting | VPS | Managed hosting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server administration | Mostly provider | Mostly you unless management is added | Provider handles more of the platform |
| Control | Limited | High | Varies by platform |
| Updates/backups | Check plan details | Your responsibility unless included | Often more assistance, but verify scope |
| Good fit | Smaller conventional sites | Custom server workloads | Users who value lower maintenance |
Shared hosting
You share server infrastructure with other customers and usually manage the site through a control panel. It can be cost-effective for smaller PHP or WordPress sites but comes with tighter limits and less server-level control.
VPS
A virtual private server gives you much more control over the operating system and services. That flexibility means you also own patching, firewalling, backups, monitoring and troubleshooting unless you buy managed support.
Managed hosting
Managed WordPress and application platforms take on more operational work. The exact meaning of “managed” varies, so check what is actually included: core updates, backups, restores, malware response, staging and support.
Choose the maintenance model deliberately
A cheaper VPS can become expensive if you need to pay someone to maintain it. A managed plan can be good value when it replaces work you would otherwise outsource.