9 Types of Web Hosting & Which One Should You Choose?

Not every website is the same.

Some are smaller and have very little traffic, while others are larger and receive more content and visitors.

A smaller website demands fewer options, including disk space and bandwidth.

A larger, more popular website, on the other hand, will require more resources to function properly.

Moreover, different types of hosting packages are available from website hosting providers, each tailored to meet the demands of a particular website.

The following are some of the most popular types of hosting available.

Cloud hosting
Shared hosting
VPS hosting
Managed hosting
Dedicated hosting
Reseller hosting
E-commerce hosting
WordPress hosting
Colocation hosting

Let’s see each of these hosting options in detail!

1. Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is the most dependable alternative on the market at the moment now. Your host will set up a cluster of servers for you, and your data and resources will be replicated across all of them.

Instead of using a single dedicated server, cloud hosting makes use of resources from numerous distinct servers. Because your website and its contents are stored in many locations, this method of hosting is extremely dependable.

Because it can extract resources from other servers, a single server being down will have no effect on your website. This means that there will be little to no downtime, which is ideal if you have a high-traffic website.

Cloud hosting is particularly scalable since resources appear to be limitless. That does not imply that you must always pay for all of those resources. You just pay for the resources you utilize with cloud hosting. While this is a convenient feature, it does increase the risk of cost fluctuations.

Pros of Cloud Hosting.

Downtime is limited.
Access to resources whenever and wherever you want them.
Latency is minimized.
Pricing is based on usage.
Customizability and scalability.
Value-added services are available to you.
Resources pooling.

Cons of Cloud Hosting.

Customization is limited (depending on the CSP and cloud type).
Responsibilities in terms of security are shared.
Expertise in the cloud is essential.
Costs might rise as a result of inefficient resource utilization.

2. Shared Hosting

The most popular option for website owners is shared hosting services. A single server is shared by several users on this type of plan.

This means that a single workstation (called a shared server) can host scores (or even thousands) of websites.

Despite the fact that you’ll be sharing resources with other users, you won’t have access to their directories, personal information, or any other data. Because hosting providers can distribute server maintenance expenses among numerous users, shared plans have the advantage of being less expensive.

Although shared hosting may not usually have a great reputation, the level of service you receive will be mostly determined by your hosting provider. While some shared hosting plans are extremely limited, others are capable of handling websites with moderate traffic.

Pros of Shared Hosting.

Low-cost, ideal for small-business websites.
There is no requirement for specialized technical skills.
Options for a pre-configured server.
Control panel that’s easy to use.
You won’t have to worry about server upkeep or administration.
Native website administration capabilities that are ready to use right out of the box.

Cons of Shared Hosting.

There is little or no control over how the server is configured.
Increased traffic on other websites can cause your website to slow down.

3. Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting

VPS stands for a virtual private server, and it is a step up from shared hosting. You’re still sharing a server with other websites, but you now have virtual separators that offer you your own space.

It’s as if you had your own room in a house this time, with no roommates to share your space with. You don’t have to share RAM or CPU with other websites when you use a VPS.

Virtual private servers are generally more expensive than shared hosting, but they must be able to manage more traffic and allow for more customization. VPS hosting is significantly more adaptable than shared hosting, making it a superior choice for individuals who would like to scale up when the time comes.

In this kind of hosting, there are two keywords:

You get private hosting resources (RAM, CPU, bandwidth) that you don’t have to share with anyone else.
Virtual: Your server is a partitioned component (virtual machine) that is put upon a “parent” server that hosts multiple virtual machines.

VPS hosting is a popular option for websites that have surpassed shared hosting but do not yet require a dedicated server (or the price tag that comes with it).

Pros of VPS Hosting.

For your website, you’ll get 100% dedicated resources.
You may be able to customize your VPS to your particular requirements depending on your host.

Cons of VPS Hosting.

Trying to figure out just how many resources you’ll need can be difficult.
Configuring a virtual private server (VPS) frequently necessitates technical expertise.

4. Managed Hosting

Managed hosting is a sort of web hosting plan that is designed to handle WordPress-based websites and includes a variety of tools to make managing your website easier.

This usually includes automatically upgrading WordPress to newer versions, maintaining automated backups, and checking your website for security issues.

Managed hosting can refer to any of the types of web hosting we examine here, including shared, VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting, depending on the web hosting company and plan you choose.

Some hosting firms provide round-the-clock assistance with almost all aspects of maintaining your website. Others will just take care of the upkeep.

Pros of managed hosting.

Basic maintenance will be handled by your provider.
Your web host may be able to enhance the performance of your website for you.

Cons of managed hosting.

It is generally more expensive than switching providers or typical web hosting packages
You have very little direct control over the setting of your server and the optimization of your website.

5. Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting entails having your own physical server that is completely dedicated to your website. As a result, you have a lot of control over how you maintain your website.

You have complete control over the configuration of your server, including the operating system and software you employ, as well as the entire hosting environment.

Dedicated hosting is reserved for the economic elite – the world’s largest firms and businesses. It is, without a doubt, the most costly hosting option. It enables you to have complete control over a server.

You are relieved of the responsibility of sharing your server and its resources with others. It has the ability to manage massive amounts of traffic and attracts more visitors than any other hosting service. In this type of hosting, the security system is also rather good.

Pros of Dedicated Hosting.

Complete control over the server’s setup.
Options with high levels of security and dependability.
You’ll have root access to your server.
Flexibility and high speed
Outstanding performance.
Can handle a lot of traffic.

Cons of Dedicated Hosting.

High-priced, geared toward larger companies.
Knowledge of technology and server administration is required.

6. Reseller Web Hosting

Reseller hosting plans are basically shared hosting plans with extra capabilities to help users make money by selling server space.

Reseller accounts offer more technical control (typically via the Website Host Manager (WHM) control panel), billing software to assist you to invoice customers and other benefits.

Reseller web hosting is ideal for those with a limited budget yet who require high-end websites. It entails the service provider sharing your allocated space and bandwidth with other websites.

Reseller web hosting is perfect for people on a shoestring financial plan who nevertheless need a strong website. It means that your hosting provider will share your assigned environment and network capacity with several other websites.

The ability to offer inexpensive prices is indeed the main reason underpinning reseller web hosting prominence. It allows significantly larger customization and personal freedom than shared web hosting.

When it comes to offering customer support to the websites utilizing your servers, you wouldn’t have to worry about the technicalities. Your website host is responsible for providing reputable and comprehensive web management services.

Pros of reseller hosting.

You can create hosting accounts for third-party users and charge them directly.
You have complete control over your web hosting services.

Cons of reseller hosting.

You’re usually in charge of billing clients, which carries a great deal of weight.
In the vast majority of instances, you are always accountable for your overall administration and assistance.

7. E-commerce hosting

The method by which a hosting company makes an eCommerce website available to its customers is known as eCommerce web hosting.

The expectations placed on an eCommerce hosting service, on the other hand, are considerably different from those placed on standard web hosting.

E-commerce hosting comes with everything you’ll need to manage your online store effectively and efficiently.

It includes payment processing services, security initiatives, SSL, and online ordering software, among other things required to run a business website.

There are a plethora of eCommerce web hosting options available. The best option for you will be determined by your volume of sales, website traffic, website size, finances, and website development knowledge.

Pros of E-commerce web hosting.

Buying time is reduced.
The creation of a store and a product listing.
Budget-friendly.
Low-cost marketing strategy
Customers’ freedom of choice.

Cons of E-commerce web hosting.

Security.
Site crash.
There’s no way to get a tried-and-true product.
Late delivery.
Privacy issues.

8. WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting is specially designed hosting for WordPress websites with the goal of improving efficiency, performance, privacy, and sustainability.

It also provides platform-specific capabilities like automatic software updates and a one-click WordPress setup.

WordPress hosting can refer to any of the types of web hosting we discussed here, including shared, VPS, cloud, and dedicated hosting, depending on the web hosting company and package you choose.

Pros of WordPress Hosting.

Improved performance and increased speed
Expert assistance from WordPress specialists.
The most secure WordPress practices.
It’s easy to set up an SSL certificate.
Reselling web hosting services is possible.
Site administration is simple.

Cons of WordPress Hosting.

Expensive.
It does not provide email or domains.
Plugins have very little flexibility.

9. Colocation Web Hosting

This is perhaps the most expensive hosting option, as the user owns the server and the hosting provider merely provides the facilities for it to run. Users will have complete control over the server, and the hosting firm will typically only provide space and no additional services.

Colocation web hosting differs from cloud hosting in that it allows users to own infrastructure rather than renting it. It also differs from dedicated servers in that the user is in charge of the server’s availability, administration, and use.

The colocation host’s main responsibility is to create a favorable environment for the colocation clients. Security, power, cooling, and storage are all provided by it. It also aids compliance and damage recovery.

Pros of Colocation Web Hosting.

Increased Bandwidth
Uptime is very high.
Software Choices Are Endless
Extremely secure.

Cons of Colocation Web Hosting.

Configuration and debugging are difficult.
It is quite costly.
High-level expertise is required.

What is the best type of Web Hosting?

To this question, there is no correct response. The best type of hosting for you will be determined by a number of factors, such as your budget, the type of website you’re operating, your traffic, website performance expectations and so much more.

The majority of entrepreneurs who want to start a new website prefer to start with shared or cloud hosting and then upgrade as necessary.

If you anticipate a high volume of traffic from the start, a VPS or even a dedicated server is an excellent choice.

Which hosting service should I choose?

We would recommend going with Bluehost if you are getting started & have limited budgets available to you.

Bluehost is one of the most popular blogging companies in the world & has very affordable solutions ranging from shared to managed hosting.

If speed & performance are highly important to you, we recommend going with Cloudways. Their plans are slightly costly but rest assured, your website will be blazing fast. This website was started with Bluehost & then shifted to Cloudways once we had bigger speed requirements.