10 Best Cheap VPS Hosting Providers for 2023 [Reviews]

A VPS lets you host sites and apps on a shared server without sharing resources.

Let’s break down its name:

• It’s

  virtual

  , for its web host uses virtualization to create partitioned sections of a computer at the

  operating system

  level.

• It’s

  private

  , as 100% of its resources are only yours to use.

• It’s a

  server

  , for it acts as an independent computer residing within its parent hardware.

In other words, many virtual servers coexist within a single server and split its limited resources. And every VPS is reserved for only one user. So, in theory, the activity of others shouldn’t affect yours, and vice versa.

With that said, a VPS could siphon more processing or RAM power out of its server than intended. Ideally, honest cheap VPS providers should confess that individual tenants could slow down the entire hardware.

Nevertheless, virtual servers are less likely to have performance issues than shared ones. As such, VPS hosting is an upgrade from shared hosting and is a notch below bare-metal dedicated hosting.

How To Choose the Right Cheap VPS Provider

Finding the most budget-friendly VPS hosting service is more than just looking for the vendor that charges the least. The right web host for the job is the one that balances affordability and value for money.

To pick the VPS hosting provider that offers the most bang for your buck, consider the following:

Resources and Limits

Check out the maximum amounts of processing power, memory, and disk space you can rent.

The resources required depend on how you intend to use the VPS. Most hosting plans are scalable, so you should be able to upgrade or downgrade if need be.

Usage Restrictions

Find out the VPS uses that your prospective affordable VPS hosting vendor permits and bans.

As mentioned, one resource-hogging virtual server could paralyze the rest of its parent. That’s why many VPS hosting companies are particular about the users it accepts.

Most providers would welcome anyone who only intends to host a site without batting an eye.

However, it’s a different story if planning to run resource-hungry apps for gaming, file sharing, streaming, trading, etc. Some web hosts even list restricted network activities.

But those with no usage constraints might encourage you to rent a dedicated server instead if your project merits it. If a web host feels that its infrastructure isn’t sufficient, you may also receive such a recommendation. 

Operating System Options

It is important to know the OSes that cheap VPS hosting providers support.

Some companies exclusively have Linux-based servers. But you won’t be hard-pressed to find one that has invested in Windows.

Your choice of OS matters, as many apps are designed specifically for the Windows platform.

Although it’s still possible to launch such programs on certain Linux distributions, you can’t expect 100% operability. And the needed setup procedure might be more tricky.

Root or Administrator Access

Determine whether you can have full control over your VPS.

Root or administrator access is crucial when installing server-wide programs, implementing scripts, editing files, etc. For developers, this capability may be non-negotiable.

The problem is that not every low-cost VPS hosting company allows it. And those that offer it often limit access to premium subscribers. 

Backend Operations Management

Be sure to determine who tackles server-related issues. 

There are two types of VPS hosting services: unmanaged (or self-managed) and managed.

Unmanaged hosting means you need to take care of your server’s backend operations like software updates and site maintenance. It may give you more freedom to configure your VPS, but you won’t get by without technical skills.

Managed hosting means your vendor would be responsible for the heavy lifting. It’s great if unfamiliar with servers but costs extra.

Some web hosts are not keen on dealing with backend server operations. So, never assume that you are signing up for a managed VPS hosting service.

Server Locations

It’s good to be familiar with the cheap virtual server hosting vendor’s data center network.

As in real estate, location matters in web hosting. The farther the facility houses your site content from its intended audience, the slower the access speed.

Solutions like content delivery networks can alleviate distance issues. But as a general rule, the nearest data center to your target market promises the best online experience.

Moreover, facility location can impact data privacy. Some jurisdictions subject web hosts to open-door policies, allowing the authorities to seize sensitive user data under certain circumstances.

When given a choice, go with a country or city with adequate data protection legislation. 

Security

Think about the possibility of cyberattacks, data break-ins, and other contingencies that may result in data loss.

Data is the digital world’s oil. So, it only makes sense to rent a cheap VM or VPS from a vendor that takes security seriously. A suitable candidate can fend off different breeds of hackers and stop data center intruders.

Besides excellent cyber and physical security, a reliable web host is ready for outages. A company that can automatically backup data and restore your site after power interruptions is beneficial.

Uptime Commitment and Guarantee

Figure out whether a vendor can deliver the network availability it promises.

Most, if not all, VPS hosting providers advertise an uptime of no less than 99%.

However, understand how a vendor defines “uptime” because it generally only pertains to unscheduled service interruption. If you factor in routine maintenance, your VPS may record more than 1% downtime every month.

Therefore, never take uptime commitments at face value.

Plus, some cheap VPS service providers don’t back up their promises with pledges. A legit uptime guarantee comes with concrete compensation, usually as credits. So, beware of vendors you can’t hold accountable.

Customer Support

Gauge how accessible and responsive a vendor’s help desk is.

Most web hosts are reachable via various channels, particularly live chat, email, phone, and social media.

Not all VPS hosting providers extend sales, technical, and billing support 24/7, but they all have self-help options. Knowledge bases, FAQ sections, tutorials, and forums are the most common.

If they’re insightful enough, these resources can help you set up sites and apps, and troubleshoot basic issues.

Pricing

Study up on how cheap virtual server hosting vendors structure their plans.

Most VPS hosting companies sell multiple packages and use tiered pricing. In other words, you can change plans to get different features and for scaling purposes.

Some web hosts offer extras too. Add-ons provide more flexibility, but they can inflate your bill quickly.

To hunt for bargains, pay attention to billing options. Signing up for longer subscriptions drives down the price naturally. And some web hosts may have exclusive discounts for certain groups of subscribers, like students.

Contracts are not the norm, so you should be able to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel without penalty.

Look for free trials and money-back guarantees to decrease the financial risk of buying a VPS hosting package. Typically, the former are shorter and require no payment info, whereas the latter are longer and come with a purchase.

Mind you, money-back guarantees can be conditional. As such, it’s good to know the refund conditions and how to recoup your payment if unsatisfied.

Wrap Up

Comparing low-cost VPS hosts is much trickier than you think. Thankfully with this guide, you can now look beyond the prices of cheap plans and measure their real value.

If you think our top picks are worth their weight in gold like we do, start narrowing your list!