Shared hosting
Many websites share one server. Each account gets its own share of disk space and resources. It is usually the cheapest type, so it suits hobby sites, blogs and small business sites.
VPS hosting
A virtual private server (VPS) is a step up from shared hosting. Several VPS run on one physical machine, but virtualization keeps them apart. Each one behaves like a small server of its own, with its own resources and root access. It suits growing sites and apps that need more control.
Dedicated hosting
A dedicated server is a whole physical machine for one customer. You do not share disk, memory or CPU with anyone. It is the best choice for very busy sites, large stores and heavy applications.
Quick compare
| Type | Shared with others | Control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | Yes, many sites | Low | Blogs and small sites |
| VPS | Server is split into parts | High | Growing sites and apps |
| Dedicated | No | Full | Large and busy projects |
Quick recap
- Start with shared hosting for a small site.
- Move to a VPS when you need more power or root access.
- Choose a dedicated server for the biggest workloads.