Best VPS Hosting

TL;DR

Not all VPS hosting plans are equal and the difference between managed and unmanaged VPS could also be a game-changer. Yet the key underlying factor – scalability is what makes all these providers great at what they do. We recommend Interserver as a good entry ground for users who are venturing into the VPS segment.

However, there are others worth noting such as InMotion Hosting, AltusHost, KnownHost, and ScalaHosting.

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Best VPS Hosts That We Recommend

Choosing a VPS hosting plan isn’t all that difficult – in many cases, it’s simply opting for resources that you need. After all, the beauty of VPS hosting is scalability and that can be adjusted later. However, pricing varies widely and a large part of that is due to software options.

For example, the cPanel price hike last year resulted in many web hosts offering alternatives, or simply raising their prices. Yet some hosts offer a ton of add-ons that can increase your bill significantly. This guide will run through some of the top web hosts and look at both their pros and cons as well as how transparent their pricing is.

1. Interserver

Who is it for: Interserver offers such excellent pricing that it serves as a good entry ground for many users looking to get started in the VPS segment.

Why We Like Interserver VPS: You can opt for a variety of VPS specialization types including Windows, Linux or even WordPress optimized. Each VPS account center around four key resource types; CPU cores, memory, storage and bandwidth.

The lowest tier (Interserver calls each tier a ‘slice’) starts at only $6 per month and you can easily scale up anytime you want. For those who reach a certain number of slices, there are extra benefits thrown in such as managed support.

Other Notable Features: Scale to as many as 16 CPU cores and 32GB memory, Instant Provisioning means you get resources anytime needed, Full root access.

How Much Does InterServer VPS Really Cost?

The first thing you need to know about know Interserver’s VPS hosting is that you can’t even try and buy it unless you have an account with them – they make you sign in.  The good news is that their pricing really is transparent. 

Expect to pay their advertised cost of VPS hosting + add on the price of whatever control panel you choose. For example, signing up for their most basic VPS account is $6, with no control panel. If you want cPanel with that, add on $15, or $8 for DirectAdmin.

Pros

• Scale to as many as 16 CPU cores and 32RB memory
• Instant Provisioning means you get resources anytime needed
• Full root access

Cons

• Only US-based servers available

Interserver Ratings & Performance

Discover more from our comprehensive Interserver review.

2. InMotion Hosting

Who is it for: InMotion’s VPS plans are pretty power packed and not very suitable for new VPS users. I would recommend them for sites that know the scope of what they are getting in to so they can leverage on the offerings’ true potential.

Why We Like InMotion VPS: All VPS plans come with free migration, free domain name, full use of cPanel, a resource-monitoring dashboard, and more. If you’ve moving to Inmotion VPS and launching your site, you also get 2 hours of free dedicated system administrator support time to help you out with anything you need.

Other Notable Features: Inmotion VPS servers are all based in the US and you can opt for either their East or West coast locations. Plans are backed by a 90-day money-backed guarantee and feature high redundancy Cloud infrastructure.

How Much Does InMotion VPS Really Cost?

InMotion Hosting’s VPS plans are a little more complex. This is because they separate their managed and unmanaged plans – with the unmanaged plans not having the option to choose a different control panel other than what it comes with – AMP Control Panel. Of course, you can likely change that later, but it’s more work for you. $21.04 per month for that is kind of steep.

The good news though is that the prices you’re looking at on their site are ‘all-in’ for whatever category you choose.

Pros

• High redundancy Cloud infrastructure
• Optimized for eCommerce
• cPanel and WHM access

Cons

• Only US-based data centers for VPS

InMotion Hosting Ratings & Performance

Read our in-depth InMotion Hosting review to find out more.

3. AltusHost

Who is it for: Because of their unique infrastructure setup, AltusHost is recommended for more niche users who are targeting EU-specific traffic.

Why We Like AltusHost: Fast provisioning will see you being able to access your account within 24 hours of your order. Their plans are also flexible meaning you can increase the amount of resources you need at any time. Their confidence in the service stems from owning their own private network hardware.

Other Notable Features: Private network infrastructure, 14-day money back guarantee, and free migration services.

Billed in Euros, their cheapest VPS plans vary in price depending on the platform you require. Linux plans start from EUR 3.20 per month while Windows starts from EUR 35.27 per month.

How Much Does AltusHost VPS Really Cost?

AltusHost VPS plans are also transparent in pricing but keep in mind that adding on a control panel (or additional other stuff) will cost you more. The prices shown are barebones, meaning the cheapest plan of EUR 19.95 comes without control panel as well.

You can opt for an installation of the free CentOS Web Panel, but everything else like cPanel, Webuzo, or DIrectAdmin will increase your fees payable.

Pros

• Private network infrastructure
• 14-day money back guarantee
• Free migration services

Cons

• Data centers only in some EU countries

AltusHost Ratings & Performance

To find out more, read our detailed AltusHost review.

4. KnownHost

Who is it for: Because of a relatively stunning (red: high) starting price on VPS plans, KnownHost isn’t for the weak of heart. However, their service is fully managed so even relatively green VPS users can use them – if they are willing to pay.

Why We Like KnowHost VPS: KnownHost throws in a fair number of items you can add on that are redundant, such as anti-malware or proactive monitoring. In many cases, unless you have specific needs you will be fine with the plain vanilla packages that are put together.

There are some nifty options in the plans though such as being able to opt for LS cache and the WHMCS add on. The latter is great for resellers as it allows you to handle your own billing direct to your subs.

Other Notable Features: The choice of data center is free, cheapest plan comes with 2 processor cores, all VPS plans are fully managed, and free migration services.

How Much Does KnownHost VPS Really Cost?

As advertised, KnownHost is technically useable at that cost since they are willing to install DirectAdmin Control Panel for you for free. Given that their starting price is $50 per month, they’re willing to absorb the cost of that licensing.

However, there are a ton of add-ons that they make available and any one of these will adjust your bill upwards. These include the number of IP addresses, LS Cache, other control panels like cPanel, anti-malware, Softaculous, and much more. Resist temptation!

Pros

• Choice of data center is free
• Cheapest plan comes with 2 processor cores
• All VPS plans are fully managed
• Free migration services

Cons

• No Asia region data center
• Control Panel limited to cPanel or DirectAdmin
• No live chat support

KnownHost Ratings & Performance

To find out more about KnownHost, read out complete KnowHost review.

5. ScalaHosting

Who is it for: ScalaHosting introduced their own WHCP at just the right time and sPanel makes them a great choice for users trying to escape from the clutches of cPanel. Their excellent pricing also makes them ideal for almost everyone.

Why We Like ScalaHosting VPS: With Scala, all you get is the basic resources you sign up for which starts off at $12 per month for managed accounts. You get a handful of processing time, memory and storage space. There are no extra frills at all (not even backups) and you’ll be put on a 100Mbps network line.

Managed VPS at ScalaHosting is interesting because of their reaction to the cPanel price hike that took place late last year. For only a bit more in cost compared to their unmanaged plans, you get to try out the sPanel control panel. This has been undergoing development by ScalaHosting for awhile now and they really ramped it up and put it into play after the cPanel move. 

SPanel is very remarkable as it is compatible with cPanel. This means that for those who want to move away from cPanel, the migration process is simple. In fact, if you open a ticket with them, ScalaHosting will help you with your migration.

Other Notable Features: sPanel offered is cPanel compatible, wide range of VPS plans available, self-developed SPanel Shield Security.

How Much Does ScalaHosting VPS Really Cost?

ScalaHosting is another host that is very transparent in their hosting. In fact, they don’t offer any add-ons when you sign up, apart from you being able to opt for a managed or unmanaged plan. The most impressive thing is that they can offer their own control panel here for a very nominal fee.

What you see is what you get, so if you look at their pricing online – expect to pay the same when your bill hits you.

Pros

• sPanel offered is cPanel compatible
• Wide range of VPS plans available
• Self-developed SPanel Shield Security

Cons

• Data Centers are assigned, not chosen

ScalaHosting Ratings & Performance

Read our complete ScalaHosting review to learn more.

Conclusion: Look beyond the VPS tag

VPS plans are very similar in many ways so in order to make the best pick or switch to VPS, two elements are important. The first is the depth of knowledge you have on your own site requirements. Knowing this will enable you to look at various VPS service providers in a different light.

The second is reputation. When it comes to a product line that is difficult to distinguish in too many ways, other benefits of a reputable provider come into play. For example, the foresight that ScalaHosting had in developing sPanel, or the extraordinary customer service that some of these top hosts offer.

Blend your knowledge of the two and you’ll have the best fit for your site.