Cloud Hosting Vs. VPS - Which Comes Out on Top?

Written by Web Hosting Expert

Reviewed by Technical Editor

Updated June 8, 2022
Cloud Hosting Vs. VPS - Which Comes Out on Top?

Cloud Hosting shares server space with other websites, but resources for all sites are split across multiple different servers.

VPS Hosting (virtual private server) also shares server space with other websites, but the server will be partitioned off into your own private environment.

Both share many similarities relating to performance, cost and support, yet they differ in several key areas such as scalability, infrastructure and technical knowledge required.

It’s easy to get confused between the benefits that each hosting option offers yyour business website, but comparing the two is crucial for anyone looking for more than shared hosting.

In this article, we will give a point by point comparison of the two to find out which one is best for you.

Cloud Hosting Vs. VPS: Common Features


A step up from shared hosting

A step up from shared hosting

Both cloud and VPS hosting offer better performance and more storage space than shared platforms.

Similar price tags

Similar price tags

You’ll find both types of hosting are generally quite reasonably priced, and there usually isn’t a big difference between the two.

Customer support

Customer support

Whichever package you opt for, both have similar customer service support teams that will take care of server maintenance under managed options..

Cloud Hosting Vs. VPS: Differences


Scaling

Scaling

While cloud hosting has more flexible scaling to deal with traffic spikes, VPS is designed to handle larger volumes overall ensuring consistent performance

Server infrastructure

Server infrastructure

Cloud hosting draws on multiple servers for processing power, while VPS solutions are housed on one physical server which is then partitioned virtually

Technical knowledge

Technical knowledge

If your cloud hosting package is a managed service, you don’t require technical skills. However, it helps to have some hosting knowledge when choosing VPS

Cloud Hosting Vs. VPS: Point By Point Comparison


Resource Allocation

  • Cloud hosting
    Efficiency is the name of the game with cloud hosting, and resources are spread across multiple servers at any given time.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS offers a hefty amount of processing power, but this is still restricted to what’s available on just one server.

Verdict
Cloud hosting
This is a close one as while VPS hosting generally has more resources per site, cloud hosting applies those resources more efficiently.

Performance

  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud hosting has been designed for speed, and if one server suffers performance issues, websites can easily draw on resources from multiple other servers.
  • VPS Hosting
    In a VPS environment, your website is segregated virtually from other users. This means no one will ever be able to tap into your resource and affect performance.

Verdict
Cloud Hosting
While both options offer great performance, cloud hosting takes the win because it's just that little bit more flexible than VPS.

Traffic volume

Traffic Volume of Cloud and VPS Hosting
  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud hosting can much more easily scale up to handle large spikes in traffic by dipping into the server pool during busy times.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS infrastructure is well suited for large amounts of traffic, but you’ll need to plan ahead as the solution is designed to cater to stable levels. If visitor numbers spike above your average, you might get slow-down.

Verdict
Cloud hosting
Again, cloud hosting wins this one for its level of flexibility when dealing with peaks and troughs in traffic.

Security

  • Cloud hosting
    While cloud solutions are very secure, you’re still sharing your space across multiple servers and are open to attacks from the web. You can, however, install additional third-party security options to your site.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS is an incredibly secure form of hosting. Your site is completely segregated from other sites on the server, and you have far more customization options to add additional protective measures to the server.

Verdict
An easy win for VPS here, and its segregated environments offer one of the most secure hosting types on the market.

Control

  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud hosting is generally quite limited when it comes to control. Most users opt for a managed service, where all maintenance, patches, and software are covered for you.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS offers a lot more in terms of control, and users have the opportunity to take charge of all software that gets placed on the server, as well as manage their own maintenance issues.

Verdict
VPS
VPS hosting certainly offers a lot more in the way of control, but you should be aware that you’ll need some technical expertise to get the most out of it.

Server Administration

Server Administration of Cloud Hosting and VPS Hosting
  • Cloud hosting
    For the most part, server administration is handled by the data host and you won’t need to lift a finger. Although you can take charge of some limited admin tasks via your website control panel.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS hosting offers both a fully managed service and your own customization options. In a managed service you’ll delegate all server admin to the data host, while those looking for customization will find they have total freedom.

Verdict
Draw
It’s difficult to choose between the two here as both offer quite different services based on different needs and skillsets. For newbies, we’d recommend cloud hosting, but web development veterans might want to go for VPS.

Scalability

  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud solutions are the most easily scalable of all hosting types. Since your site isn’t restricted to the resources of just one server, you can scale up almost instantly as your site traffic grows, and vice versa when you get a drop.
  • VPS Hosting
    Each VPS hosting package assigns you a set amount of bandwidth and storage space. If you want to scale up you’ll need to plan in advance and upgrade to a better package.

Verdict
Cloud Hosting
Having a whole network of servers to draw from, often across different data centers, means scaling up is incredibly easy for cloud-hosted sites.

Price

  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud hosting is a little more expensive than shared hosting options, but it won’t necessarily break the bank and prices can be as low as $3.50 per month.
  • VPS Hosting
    VPS solutions tend to be a little more expensive than cloud options, but it really depends on what you want to get out of the platform. You’ll obviously pay a lot more for expensive customizations, but you can easily find packages on par with cloud solutions.

Verdict
Draw
While VPS is usually a little pricier than cloud hosting, it’s difficult to award the prize to either. Both cater for different needs and you’ll usually only pay for what you need.

Technical knowledge needed

Technical knowledge comparison between Cloud Hosting and VPS Hosting
  • Cloud hosting
    Cloud hosting is newbie-friendly and you don’t need a lot of prior knowledge about web hosting to get involved. Although there are a few customization options for the more technically-minded to get their teeth into.
  • VPS Hosting
    Those that want a fully customized service, have bespoke software, or want to tweak and optimize servers will need a lot of specialist knowledge. Or, at the very least, need to hire in expertise.

Verdict
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is much easier to get to grips with, although you can still opt for a managed VPS solution if you don’t have the technical knowledge to run it.

Customer Support

  • Cloud hosting
    You’ll have access to a knowledgeable in-house team of experts that can answer any technical or maintenance issue. Service agents can even answer questions about the best plug-ins for your site.
  • VPS Hosting
    A VPS solution will most often use the same customer service teams as its cloud counterpart, so you can expect a very similar level of service.

Verdict
Draw
As customer service starts to become standardized right across the industry, there’s very little between these two hosting options.

Why Make the Switch Between Web Hosting Types?


  • You want more customization
    If you’ve got a few years of hosting experience under your belt, are dabbling in bespoke systems, or simply want more control over the security measures on your server, you might want to consider a switch to VPS

  • More flexible scalability
    If traffic to your site has become too unpredictable and your VPS package can no longer cope with traffic spikes, we’d highly recommend switching to a cloud package.
    You can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan in just a few clicks, and the multiple servers are perfectly set up to deal with fluctuating bandwidth requirements

  • You’ve outgrown shared hosting
    The most common switch to either cloud or VPS hosting is because sites have outgrown shared hosting packages. This is common in growing businesses and those with popular eCommerce stores. Either of the two alternatives is a good place to start, and it all depends on your personal preference in how much control you’d like

Additional Web Hosting Comparisons


Shared Hosting Vs. Cloud Hosting

Shared hosting is the ideal choice for brand new sites, bloggers, and small businesses. It’s incredibly cheap, easy to set up, and can deal with respectable amounts of traffic. Cloud hosting is really the next step up from this.

Cloud Hosting Vs. Web Hosting

Web hosting and cloud hosting are easily confused. Web hosting is a more general catch-all term that covers multiple types of different hosting, while cloud options are very specific.

Summary


Cloud hosting and VPS hosting are both incredibly popular choices for those needing more than shared hosting, and it’s tough to pick a clear winner especially since your business needs are unique.

Our recommendation is to thoroughly consider what you want to get out of your site and go for the option that best meets your needs.

If you’re looking for flexible management of traffic, easy scalability and want to get set up quickly, cloud hosting is highly recommended.

However, if you’re after more customization options, enhanced security and a little more control over your servers, then VPS might just be the solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easily can I switch between VPS and cloud hosting?

Generally, there shouldn’t be an issue when switching. However, if you’ve done a lot of heavy customization to your VPS solution you might find making the switch a little more time-consuming.

Will Verpex handle any VPS technical issues?

Yes, if you opt for a managed service Verpex will take care of all service and maintenance issues for you.

Can I get a fully customized VPS solution?

Yes, you have a lot more freedom when signing up to a VPS solution. Simply chat to one of our service agents to walk you through your options.

Is a free trial available?

No, but Verpex does offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service.

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