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Every hosting company sells the same three things under different names: shared hosting, cloud hosting and VPS. They differ in how much of a server you get, who looks after it, and what happens when your traffic grows.
We use Hostinger as the example because it sells all three and is where we usually start clients. The same logic applies to any provider.
Shared hosting: one server, many websites
Your site sits on a server with many other sites, each with its own slice. The host manages the server, the updates and the security of the machine itself.
Best for: brochure sites, blogs, small business sites and small WordPress sites.
Watch out for: a very busy neighbour can slow the server, and you cannot install custom software.
On Hostinger this is the "Premium" and "Unlimited"-style tier. It comes with hPanel, free SSL and, on higher plans, daily backups.
Cloud hosting: shared, with more guaranteed resources
Cloud hosting is managed like shared hosting, but your site gets dedicated resources such as CPU and memory that other sites cannot use. It costs more and copes better with traffic peaks.
Best for: busy WordPress sites, WooCommerce shops, and sites that must stay quick during sales or campaigns.
Watch out for: you still cannot run arbitrary software on it.
VPS: your own virtual server
A VPS is a slice of a server that behaves like your own machine. You install what you want, and you are also responsible for updating, securing and backing it up.
Best for: custom applications, Node.js and Next.js apps, internal tools and systems that need specific software.
Watch out for: an unmanaged VPS that nobody updates is the easiest way to get hacked. Only choose it if someone will look after it.
How to choose in two minutes
- Is it a normal website or online shop? Start with shared, or cloud if you expect heavy traffic.
- Does it need custom software? Choose a VPS and budget for someone to manage it.
- Will it take payments or personal data? Prefer daily backups, a plan with more resources, and a proper security setup.
- Not sure? Start on shared with daily backups and upgrade when the site outgrows it. Upgrading later is easy; the 30-day money-back period gives you room to test.
Common mistakes
- Paying for a VPS when a shared plan is enough. More power does not make a small site faster.
- Choosing a plan with only weekly backups for a shop. If you take orders daily, back up daily.
- Not checking renewal prices. Introductory prices usually rise at renewal. Read the renewal price before you buy.
- Forgetting that the host does not secure your website. The server is the host's job. Your site's plugins, logins and code are yours.
What we do for clients
We set up the plan in your name, choose a server location near your customers, configure SSL and backups, migrate your old site, and then keep it patched and monitored through a Care Plan. If you would rather compare plans yourself, start at Hostinger's hosting page and ask us for a second opinion.
