What are the different types of web hosting?

These days, if you’re running a business, you need good web hosting. It’s as simple as that. But how do you choose from the different hosting types?

There are several types of web hosting, each with different advantages and disadvantages. The main types include shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting. Other specialized types include managed WordPress hosting, reseller hosting, and colocation.

There are undoubtedly many things to consider outside of the hosting choices themselves. Business owners need to consider budget, age of the project, third-party software licenses (where applicable), and the list goes on.

This guide aims to ease stress by outlining the different types of web hosting available and identifying which options work best for various scenarios.

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15 types of hosting: An overview

1. Shared hosting

Shared hosting is web hosting where single sites get placed on a single server with other websites, all sharing RAM, CPU, storage, and bandwidth resources. 

Features

These plans often include:

• Domain registration.
• Email accounts.
• Basic website builders.
• cPanel or a similar control panel.
• One-click installations for popular applications.
• Easy setup and management.

Shared hosting is affordable and suitable for beginners and small websites. Multiple websites are hosted on a single server, sharing resources like CPU, RAM, and storage.

Shared hosting has limited resources and potential performance impact from other users. There are potential security risks, and website performance can be affected by other sites on the same server. Users have less control over server configuration in shared hosting.

Cost

Shared hosting plans are typically the least expensive of the hosting options. Shared hosting costs between $3-15 per month. For those just starting and getting to know web hosting terminology, shared hosting can be a good starting point due to its low cost.

Shared hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Low cost.
• Pro: Easy to set up and manage.
• Pro: Suitable for beginners.
• Pro: One-click installations for popular applications.

• Con: Limited resources.
• Con: Potential security risks.
• Con: Less control over server configuration.
• Con: Website performance affected by neighboring sites.

2. VPS hosting

Virtual Private Server Hosting (VPS) is a dynamic virtualized hosting server within a parent server on cloud infrastructure. A virtual server is created on a physical server, providing dedicated resources to each user. While many VPS servers can exist on the parent server, the resources get explicitly dedicated to the user, unlike shared hosting. VPS hosting includes cPanel, Plesk, and InterWorx control panel options.

Features

VPS hosting offers a single-tenant environment with dedicated RAM, CPU cores, and storage. This is a dedicated, isolated system intended for one user. VPS hosting provides more resources than shared hosting with greater control. 

VPS hosting is suitable for hosting multiple websites and applications that are not resource-intensive. It’s also an ideal solution for file storage and sharing. Many providers offer upgradeable instances with packaged bandwidth to accommodate growing needs. VPS hosting offers better performance than shared hosting.

Liquid Web’s VPS Hosting offers all of this in upgradeable instances with packaged bandwidth. In addition to root-level access, users also get Secure Shell (SSH) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) access. InterWorx, cPanel, and Plesk are the available control panels for Linux, and they offer Plesk for Windows servers.

Cost

VPS hosting is more expensive than shared hosting and requires more technical knowledge. However, the dedicated resources and improved reliability can lead to better user experience and potentially increased revenue for online businesses. VPS hosting provides root access and SSH/SFTP connectivity.

VPS hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Dedicated resources (RAM, CPU, storage).
• Pro: Improved performance and reliability.
• Pro: Full root access for custom configurations.

• Con: Higher cost than shared hosting.
• Con: More technical knowledge required than shared hosting.
• Con: May have resource limitations compared to dedicated hosting.
• Con: Limited scalability compared to cloud solutions.

3. Cloud dedicated hosting

Cloud dedicated hosting is a single-instance dynamic virtualized hosting server on a parent server on cloud infrastructure. Both exist on the parent server, and the resources are explicitly dedicated to the user. The primary differentiation is the fact that a cloud dedicated server is the only server instance on the parent server. Often called hybrid dedicated servers, cloud dedicated server hosting also gets backed by clustered cloud infrastructure.

Features

• Full allocation of parent server resources to a single user.
• Backed by clustered cloud infrastructure.
• Easily scalable resources.
• Suitable for hosting resource-intensive websites and applications.
• Capable of handling multiple sites, apps, and databases.
• Simple upgrade options.

This hosting solution offers superior performance compared to shared or VPS hosting, making it ideal for high-traffic eCommerce sites, resource-intensive applications, or businesses managing multiple client websites.

Cloud Dedicated Servers from Liquid Web cater to a wide range of hosting needs. They are suitable for hosting resource-intensive websites and applications, managing multiple sites, apps, and databases, and for businesses seeking flexible and scalable hosting solutions. Liquid Web’s offerings provide options to fit various requirements, ensuring that whether you’re running a high-traffic eCommerce site or managing multiple client websites, cloud dedicated servers can accommodate your needs.

Interested in learning more about dedicated cloud hosting? Check out Liquid Web’s complete guide.

Cost

Cloud dedicated hosting typically comes at a higher price point than shared or VPS hosting, but it offers more value for businesses with demanding hosting needs. The dedicated resources, enhanced performance, and scalability make it a cost-effective solution for those requiring robust hosting capabilities. 

Cloud dedicated hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Dedicated resources (RAM, CPU, storage).
• Pro: High performance and reliability.
• Pro: Backed by clustered cloud infrastructure.

• Con: Higher cost than VPS or shared hosting.
• Con: Requires advanced technical expertise.
• Con: May be overkill for smaller websites or applications.

4. Dedicated hosting

Dedicated hosting is a single-tenant environment where physical server hardware and resources belong to a single user. The user rents an entire physical server with all resources dedicated to their website. Primarily, the owner of the dedicated server operates off of the physical components with the operating system, web server stack, and optional control panel for their hosting environment. This makes dedicated hosting ideal for high-traffic websites and enterprise applications.

Features

Dedicated hosting provides maximum control, performance, and security. Dedicated servers offer complete control over hardware resources and server configuration. They are popular among resellers and agencies hosting a large number of small websites and applications. Additionally, dedicated hosting is well-suited for more significant sites and apps that require substantial resources.

Dedicated servers support dual processors and customizable RAM configurations. With dedicated hosting, users benefit from exclusive access to all server resources, ensuring optimal performance and security. This isolation from other users’ activities provides enhanced stability and reliability for hosted applications and websites.

Cost

Dedicated hosting is the most expensive hosting option. While typically costing more than shared or VPS hosting, dedicated hosting offers unparalleled resource allocation and control, making it cost-effective for businesses with high-demand hosting needs.

Liquid Web has been in the industry for several years, offering self-managed and managed dedicated hosting solutions. They have everything from smaller, single-processor options to larger configurations with dual processors. And customizing your server hardware is easy to do with multiple options available from storage, RAM, chassis, and bandwidth.

Dedicated hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Exclusive use of physical server resources.
• Pro: Maximum performance and reliability.
• Pro: Complete control over server configuration.

• Con: Highest cost among hosting options.
• Con: Less flexibility for rapid scaling compared to cloud solutions.
• Con: Dedicated hosting requires significant technical expertise to manage.

5. Cloud hosting

Websites are hosted on a virtual server spread across multiple physical servers in a cloud network. Both private and public clouds are forms of cloud hosting.

Features

Cloud hosting offers several key advantages:

• Cloud hosting offers high scalability, reliability, and flexibility. 
• Cloud hosting can handle traffic spikes effectively. 
• Cloud hosting uses load balancing to distribute traffic across servers. 

Many solutions also provide automated backup and disaster recovery options.

Cost

Cloud hosting costs vary depending on resource usage. Entry-level plans typically start around $50 per month. The pay-as-you-go model allows for cost optimization, but expenses can scale with usage, potentially increasing costs for resource-intensive applications.

Cloud hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Cost-effective for fluctuating resource needs.
• Pro: High scalability and flexibility.
• Pro: Global accessibility and collaboration features.

• Con: Potential for higher costs with increased resource usage.
• Con: Possible data privacy concerns, especially with public cloud solutions.
• Con: Cloud hosting can be more complex to manage than traditional hosting.

6. Private cloud

Private Cloud Hosting provides single-tenant cloud infrastructure for organizations. A single organization can take advantage of a cluster of servers in a private cloud environment and use the combined resources to fit their needs.

Features

Private cloud solutions enable businesses to create customizable virtual machines using software like VMware. This flexibility allows for the deployment of various projects, including SaaS applications and websites, with scalable resources that can adapt to changing demands. 

Private cloud infrastructure, such as Liquid Web’s solution powered by VMWare and NetApp, provides isolated resources for better data protection. The single-tenant nature of Private Cloud hosting separates an organization’s data and applications from other users, reducing potential security risks.

Cost

Private cloud solutions typically cost more than shared hosting options. However, they offer predictable pricing models and potential long-term savings through resource optimization. Organizations may also reduce expenses related to in-house IT infrastructure and maintenance.

Private cloud hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Maximum control over the hosting environment.
• Pro: Customizable to meet specific business needs.
• Pro: Consistent performance and resource availability.

• Con: Requires significant IT expertise to manage and maintain.
• Con: Limited geographical redundancy compared to global public cloud providers.
• Con: Potential for over-provisioning resources.

7. Public cloud

On the other side of the spectrum from the private cloud is Public cloud hosting. Public cloud is a multi-tenant hosting environment where multiple organizations reside in the same hosting environment, siloed from one another.

Features

Public cloud solutions provide elastic and scalable resources, similar to private clouds. However, the infrastructure is not dedicated to a single organization. This shared environment allows for quick deployment of scalable solutions managed by the provider.

While public clouds offer less isolation than private clouds, providers implement measures to ensure data separation between tenants. The infrastructure managed by the provider can offer high availability and redundancy for websites and applications.

Cost

Public Cloud hosting is generally more cost-effective than private cloud solutions. Organizations avoid the expense of maintaining individual clusters, as the provider manages the infrastructure. This approach can significantly reduce hardware costs for businesses looking to move their workload to the cloud.

Liquid Web’s Cloud Servers solution exemplifies the public cloud model, offering businesses the ability to eliminate in-house hardware while gaining the benefits of cloud infrastructure. This option is particularly suitable for organizations seeking to reduce hardware costs while improving redundancy and availability for their digital assets.

Public cloud pros/cons

• Pro: Cost-effective, especially for variable workloads.
• Pro: No need for hardware maintenance or upgrades.
• Pro: Rapid scalability and deployment of resources.

• Con: Less control over the underlying infrastructure.
• Con: Potential security concerns due to multi-tenant environment.
• Con: Possible data privacy issues, especially for sensitive information.

8. Specialized hosting

Specialized hosting solutions are tailored to meet specific needs or industries, often combining traditional and cloud hosting technologies. These solutions create complex infrastructures designed to address unique requirements that standard hosting options may not fully satisfy.

Features

Many specialized hosts provide compliance-ready options that meet industry-specific regulations. Advanced management tools, including specialized control panels or interfaces, are common features. These solutions are designed to scale with specific business or application needs.

Cost

Specialized hosting costs vary widely depending on the specific solution and industry. Entry-level plans may start around $50-$100 per month, while enterprise-grade solutions can range from $500 to several thousand dollars monthly. Many providers offer custom pricing based on specific requirements.

Specialized hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Tailored solutions for specific industry needs.
• Pro: Optimized performance for particular applications or workloads.
• Pro: Enhanced security measures for sensitive data or compliance requirements.

• Con: Generally more expensive than standard hosting options.
• Con: May require longer commitment periods.
• Con: Limited flexibility for uses outside the specific specialization.

9. Enterprise hosting

Enterprise Hosting offers dedicated clusters and high-availability environments. It goes beyond basic web hosting to provide a robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure capable of supporting mission-critical applications, high-traffic websites, and large-scale data operations.

Features

Enterprise hosting often involves dedicated infrastructure, allowing organizations to run their sites and applications directly on physical server hardware. This approach typically includes replication and failover systems to ensure continuous operation in case of issues with the primary environment. Many enterprise solutions offer dedicated server clusters, high-performance setups with load balancing, and high-availability environments with failover capabilities.

Cost

Enterprise hosting solutions are typically more expensive than standard hosting options due to their specialized nature and high-performance requirements. Costs can vary widely based on specific needs but often range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per month. However, the investment is often justified by the critical nature of enterprise operations and the potential cost of downtime.

Providers like Liquid Web offer robust infrastructure and support necessary for organizations with demanding hosting requirements, balancing performance, security, and reliability to meet the needs of large-scale operations.

Enterprise hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Protects sensitive data and critical operations.
• Pro: Includes a wide range of services beyond basic hosting, such as backup, disaster recovery, and monitoring.
• Pro: Designed to grow with the organization’s needs, offering easy scaling of resources.

• Con: More expensive than standard hosting options.
• Con: Requires longer contract terms, which can limit flexibility in changing providers.
• Con: Physical infrastructure may be less flexible than cloud-based solutions for rapid scaling or resource allocation changes.

10. HIPAA compliant hosting

HIPAA Compliant Hosting provides specialized security for healthcare data. For businesses handling Protected Health Information (PHI) or Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), ensuring their hosting solution complies with HIPAA regulations is important to avoid potentially steep fines for data breaches or compromises.

Features

HIPAA compliant hosting offers a dedicated environment with user-specific access controls and comprehensive activity logging. It implements processes to ensure data integrity and security, complying with HIPAA security and privacy guidelines. This includes administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Providers typically offer specialized PHI and ePHI hosting packages and may provide Business Associate Agreements (BAA).

Cost

While HIPAA compliant hosting may come at a premium compared to standard hosting solutions, the cost is justified by its security measures, compliance assurance, and potential savings from avoiding HIPAA violation penalties. 

Liquid Web offers HIPAA compliant dedicated server packages specific to the needs of those hosting PHI and ePHI. Speak with a hosting advisor today to ensure that you have the right solution and the information you need to get your HIPAA environment set up.

HIPAA compliant hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Strict access controls and user authentication measures are implemented.
• Pro: Stringent measures to protect sensitive patient information.
• Pro: Helps healthcare organizations avoid hefty fines and legal issues.

• Con: Generally more expensive than standard hosting solutions.
• Con: Continuous monitoring and updates are required to maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Con: Moving data between different HIPAA compliant systems or providers can be complex due to strict security requirements.

11. Managed WordPress hosting

Managed WordPress Hosting is specifically optimized for WordPress websites with automatic updates and security. It offers a range of features and services designed to optimize performance and simplify website management for WordPress users.

Features

Managed hosting includes 24/7 monitoring and automated backups. Performance enhancements come from built-in caching, CDNs, and one-click SSL installation. Security is strengthened through expert support and advanced protective measures. For developers, tools like Git integration and SSH access are typically available. Staging environments allow for safe testing of changes before going live. 

Cost

Pricing for managed WordPress hosting typically ranges from $20 to $100+ per month, depending on the plan and provider. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go models for more flexible pricing. It’s important to note that additional costs may apply for extra services or resources, such as additional storage or premium plugins.

Managed WordPress hosting pros/cons

• Pros: Optimized performance for WordPress sites.
• Pros: Automatic updates and backups.
• Pros: Expert WordPress support.

• Cons: Higher cost compared to standard shared hosting.
• Cons: Less control over server configuration.
• Cons: May be overkill for small, low-traffic sites.

12. Reseller hosting

Reseller Hosting allows users to resell hosting services to their own clients. This allows the reseller to start their own hosting business without the need for extensive infrastructure investment.

Features

Reseller hosting typically includes white-label services, client management tools, and customizable hosting plans. Automated billing systems and domain reselling capabilities are common. Most packages offer email hosting and control panel access, as well as resource allocation tools, support ticket systems, and website builder tools.

Cost

Pricing for reseller hosting is typically more expensive than shared hosting but cheaper than dedicated server options. Resellers can set custom pricing for end clients, allowing for profit margins. Additional costs may apply for extra features or resources. Some providers offer pay-as-you-grow models for more flexible pricing as the reseller’s business expands.

Reseller hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Low initial investment to start a hosting business.
• Pro: Ability to create custom hosting packages for clients.
• Pro: White-label services allow for brand building.

• Con: Profit margins can be slim, especially when starting out.
• Con: Dependent on the parent hosting company for infrastructure and support.
• Con: Responsibility for customer support, which can be time-consuming.

13. Colocation hosting

Colocation lets businesses place their own servers in a third-party data center. Instead of maintaining their own data center, companies can house their equipment in a facility that provides power, cooling, security, and network connectivity. This allows organizations to benefit from enterprise-grade infrastructure without the high costs of building and maintaining their own data center.

Features

Colocation facilities offer businesses a professional environment to house their hardware without the overhead of maintaining a private data center. These facilities provide secure rack space or cages for server equipment, coupled with high-speed internet access and multiple connectivity options. 

Cross-connects and carrier-neutral facilities ensure reliable and flexible network solutions. To protect these valuable assets, providers implement solid security measures, including 24/7 physical surveillance, advanced fire suppression systems, and controlled access protocols.

Cost

The pricing structure for colocation hosting can vary based on several factors. Typically, the base cost is determined by the amount of rack space used, with options ranging from quarter racks to full racks. Power consumption is often billed separately, as is bandwidth usage, which can be offered on a metered or unmetered basis.

Initial setup fees for installation and configuration are common, and additional charges may apply for remote hands services or specialized support. Many providers offer long-term contracts with discounts for longer commitments, allowing businesses to lock in favorable rates.

Collocation hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Lower capital expenditure compared to building a private data center.
• Pro: Access to enterprise-grade infrastructure and connectivity.
• Pro: Scalability to accommodate growth.

• Con: Ongoing operational expenses for space and power.
• Con: Limited physical access to equipment.
• Con: Potential for additional costs for on-site support or maintenance.

14. eCommerce hosting

Ecommerce Hosting includes features and tools tailored for online stores. It provides the infrastructure, tools, and features needed to run an ecommerce website efficiently and securely. This hosting is optimized for handling transactions, managing product catalogs, and delivering a smooth shopping experience.

Features

Key features include SSL certificates for secure transactions, PCI DSS compliance support, and integration with shopping cart software like Magento or WooCommerce. These hosts offer high bandwidth, ample storage, and database support for product catalogs. They typically provide regular backups, CDN integration, and mobile optimization.

Cost

Costs for eCommerce hosting range vary depending on the plan and provider. Additional expenses may include premium features, transaction fees, and charges for exceeding bandwidth or storage limits. When choosing a plan, consider the trade-offs between long-term contracts and month-to-month pricing.

Ecommerce hosting pros/cons

• Pro: Optimized performance for ecommerce websites.
• Pro: Scalability to accommodate business growth.
• Pro: Built-in features to support online sales and marketing.

• Con: Higher costs compared to standard web hosting.
• Con: Potential limitations on customization with some all-in-one solutions.
• Con: May require additional costs for advanced features or scalability.

15. Free hosting

As the name suggests, free hosting is a web hosting service that allows users to host websites at no cost. It’s aimed at beginners, those with limited budgets, or individuals experimenting with web development. 

Features

Free hosting typically includes limited storage space, usually between 1–5 GB, and restricted bandwidth, often capped at a few GB per month. Users get access to a basic control panel for site management and support for common web technologies like PHP and MySQL. Many free hosts offer one-click installers for popular applications such as WordPress.

These services usually provide a subdomain or free domain extensions. Some may offer basic email services. Customer support is generally limited, often available through forums or knowledge bases.

Cost considerations

While free hosting doesn’t require direct payment, there are indirect costs to consider. Most free hosts place forced advertisements on websites. The limited resources may require upgrades to paid plans as a site grows. Users might also experience potential revenue loss due to slower loading times or downtime. 

Free hosting pros/cons

• Pro: No financial cost to start a website.
• Pro: Opportunity to learn web hosting basics.
• Pro: No long-term commitments.

• Con: Limited storage and bandwidth.
• Con: Slower website performance.
• Con: Unreliable uptime and potential for unexpected downtime.

Find the right type of web host for your needs

Keep the following guidelines in mind as you make your choice:

• Choose VPS Hosting if you are hosting a few websites and applications that are not resource-intensive.
• Choose Cloud Dedicated Hosting if you are hosting resource-intensive websites and applications, multiple sites and apps, databases, or want simple upgrade options.
• Choose Dedicated Hosting if you are a reseller or agency hosting a large number of small websites and applications or have significant sites and apps that need more resources. Also, choose this hosting option if you need more customizable storage options.
• Choose Private Cloud Hosting to leverage the cloud to create as many virtual machines as can be handled to run your SaaS applications, websites, or other projects.
• Choose Public Cloud Hosting if you are looking to move your workload to the cloud and eliminate in-house hardware. Also, choose this option to reduce hardware costs for your websites and applications while gaining redundancy and high availability.
• Choose Enterprise Hosting for complex needs requiring dedicated server clusters, high-performance setups equipped with load balancing, and high availability environments with failover.

Ready to get started? Explore all of Liquid Web’s hosting options or speak with a hosting advisor today to set up the environment that’s right for you.