### ZDNET’s Approach to VPS Hosting Recommendations
ZDNET is a trusted source for technology product and service reviews, including virtual private server (VPS) hosting. Their recommendations are based on thorough hands-on testing, extensive research, and careful comparison shopping. The team collects information from vendor listings, independent review sites, and customer feedback to ensure their advice reflects real-world experiences. While ZDNET may earn affiliate commissions when readers purchase through their links, this does not influence their editorial process or the pricing for readers. The editorial team remains committed to transparency and upholds strict guidelines to ensure unbiased reporting and recommendations.
### What is VPS Hosting and Who Needs It?
VPS hosting is a step up from basic shared web hosting. In VPS hosting, a physical server is divided into several virtual servers, each allocated its own dedicated resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage. This setup means users get more consistent performance and greater control compared to shared hosting, where resources are split among many users and one resource-heavy site can drag down everyone else’s performance. While VPS hosting is more expensive than shared hosting, it is generally more affordable than a dedicated server and provides more flexibility and scalability. It’s ideal for individuals and businesses whose websites or applications have outgrown shared hosting, need more power and privacy, but don’t yet require an entire server to themselves.
### ZDNET’s Top VPS Hosting Recommendations
#### 1. Ionos – Best Overall VPS Hosting
Ionos stands out for its balance of performance, customization, and security at a competitive price. Plans start at just $2 per month, offering features like a free SSL certificate, DDoS protection, regular backups, and a straightforward control panel. Users can easily adjust server configurations to fit their needs, making Ionos suitable for both beginners and more advanced users. The main drawback is inconsistent customer support, though the value for money and ease of use make it a strong choice for most businesses.
#### 2. Kamatera – Best for Scalability
Kamatera is designed for businesses that anticipate rapid growth or fluctuating resource needs. It offers highly customizable plans with pay-as-you-go pricing, so customers only pay for the resources they actually use. With global data centers, users can choose server locations closest to their audience for optimal speed. The setup process is straightforward, and a 30-day free trial is available. The one downside is that backups are not included for free, so users who require regular data backups should budget for this additional cost.
#### 3. Hostinger – Best Value for Money
Hostinger excels at providing reliable VPS hosting at a budget-friendly price, with plans starting at $5 per month. It’s optimized for WordPress and suitable for small to medium projects. Hostinger offers weekly backups, a free dedicated IP, and a user-friendly control panel. Customer support is available 24/7, though some users have reported mixed experiences with its effectiveness. For those on a tight budget who still want a