The 7 Cheapest VPS Hosting Providers: Reviewed & Ranked

Starting price: $2 per month, renews each month

IONOS throws its hat in the ring for anyone seeking a cost-effective VPS hosting option, thanks to its balance of price and features. Here’s a detailed overview of what IONOS offers.

✔️ What We Liked

• High reliability and uptime: IONOS has demonstrated exceptional stability and reliability in hosting services.
• Comprehensive support: It offers 24/7 support to customers, meaning help is always available when needed.
• Flexible and scalable solutions: With a variety of VPS plans, including options for Linux and Windows, IONOS caters to a wide range of needs and preferences.
• Strong security features: IONOS places a strong emphasis on security, offering features such as SSL encryption, DDoS protection, and customizable external firewalls.
• Competitive pricing and promotions: Users get affordable VPS hosting options, with plans starting from as low as $2 per month for Linux VPS.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Setup and usability challenges: We found the initial setup process and overall usability of the platform to be less intuitive than other providers.
• Limited third-party integrations: We found the options to integrate third-party applications and services somewhat limited.
• Resource scaling limits: Despite IONOS’ flexible and scalable solutions, there may be upper limits to how much resources can be scaled up on certain VPS plans.

Who Should Choose IONOS?

Price and Plans

There’s no doubt that IONOS is super competitive with its VPS pricing. Plans start from $2 per month, and there are six available overall with prices maxing out at $30 per month. This is rate—and good—for web hosts, as they usually push for longer-term subscriptions. In a sense, there’s no commitment with IONOS, and its plans offer dedicated resources, full root access, and a choice between Linux and Windows operating systems.

Performance and Scalability

IONOS VPS hosting is known for its solid performance and scalability, with live vertical scaling to adjust resources like CPU and RAM on the fly. And with dedicated resources for each plan, IONOS focuses on providing optimal performance for sites and apps while catering to a range of needs from small to medium-sized projects.

Compatibility and Support

When it comes to VPS options, you get a range of plugins plus a user-friendly control panel catering to different needs. These include compatibility with multiple CMS like TYPO3, Joomla, Drupal, and PrestaShop—you can easily extend the functionality of your website. Even better, you get to pick your system version and management, with options like ubuntu 22.04, debian 12, centos 7, or alma 9.

Twenty-four-seven phone support and an online help center have you covered for assistance, although live chat availability can be a bit more limited than we’d like due to advisors not always being able to assist because they’re helping other users.

Security and Reliability

IONOS takes security seriously with features like ModSecurity rules, an anti-virus scanner, and premium virus protection. The provision of a free Wildcard SSL certificate, which adds layers of data security adds another layer. And IONOS gives users daily backups from $7 per month, although this option is set at “no thanks” to opt you out rather than in.

VPS hosting from IONOS is well-suited for users seeking an affordable yet reliable hosting solution that can let you dip your toes in the water without committing to expensive plans. Though, it’s worth pointing out that some beginners may find the initial setup process a tad more difficult than other VPS options, like GoDaddy.

More Information

• Read more with our detailed IONOS review.

Starting from: $8.99 per month of a 36-month subscription

If you’re seeking a user-friendly yet customizable VPS solution, GoDaddy checks off many key boxes. Robust performance, flexibility, and exemplary 99.9% uptime reliability make its plans a versatile contender. Let’s see how it stacks up against the other cheap VPS hosting providers.

✔️ What We Liked

• Control panel: GoDaddy’s powerful control panel, offering both cPanel and Plesk, is user-friendly.
• Performance: High-performance servers with advanced Intel processors offer reliable performance.
• Flexibility: Supports both Linux and Windows operating systems, providing versatility for various users.
• Uptime guarantee: Promises a 99.99% uptime, which is crucial for maintaining website availability.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Additional costs for control panel: Users may incur additional costs for control panels like cPanel and Plesk depending on the hosting plan they choose
• Resource limits: GoDaddy’s hosting plans come with defined resource limits, which could impact the performance of larger websites or those experiencing rapid growth.
• Managed support limitations: GoDaddy’s managed VPS plans come with restricted administrative access, which may not suit advanced users.

Who Should Choose GoDaddy?

Plans and Pricing

GoDaddy’s VPS hosting plans offer scalable options with dedicated resources, starting at affordable prices of $8.99 per month (renews at $30 per month after 36 months) for its standard options. Overall, you get a choice of four plans, with the most expensive version costing $44.99 per month to start with before it renews at $149 per month after 36 months. Plans include both self-managed and fully-managed services, which cater to a range of user expertise and needs.

There are also four high-performance plans for those who need it, ranging from $64.99 (renews at $209 per month after 36 months) to $199.99 per month (renews at $675 per month after 36 months). These plans offer more memory, CPU, and storage, ideal for larger businesses.

Learn more about GoDaddy Hosting Costs in our comprehensive pricing review.

Performance and Scalability

GoDaddy’s VPS hosting offers speed and scalability, making it a smart choice for many business and website needs. With SSDs across all plans for faster data processing and load times, alongside a 99.9% uptime guarantee, users get plenty of benefits.

However, sometimes performance can be inconsistent, including slow page loading times and occasional downtime—this may put off users with plans of achieving high-traffic growth.

Compatibility and Support

GoDaddy’s VPS hosting is compatible with various operating systems and has the added bonus of offering root access for customization. Such flexibility gives you more control to calibrate server environments to your site’s needs. There’s also 24/7 support for technical assistance.

Security and Reliability

Advanced DDoS protection, free SSL certificates, and dedicated IPs have you covered in the security stakes when using GoDaddy for VPS hosting. Reliable automated backups give you that little bit extra. Still, these features won’t please everyone—especially as GoDaddy has previously experienced a significant breach where attackers stole source code and installed malware on its servers over multiple years.

If seamless scalability and a decent entry price are high up on your VPS hosting must-have list, GoDaddy VPS warrants some serious consideration. Just be prepared for some limitations if you’re hoping to create a high-volume traffic website.

More Information

• Read our full GoDaddy Hosting review and see if it’s the right hosting plan for your needs.

Starting from: $10 per month on a 36-month plan

With its rare 100% uptime assurance, DreamHost’s VPS solutions excel in reliability for budget-focused sites wanting security, scalability, and support without extravagant spending. Let’s see if it’s the real deal.

✔️ What We Liked

• Diverse hosting plans: A wide range of hosting plans cater to different levels of hosting needs and expected web traffic bandwidth.
• 100% uptime guarantee: DreamHost is one of the few providers that deliver a 100% uptime guarantee, ensuring that websites are always available and open to visitors,
• Managed and unmanaged options: Provides both managed and unmanaged VPS hosting options, allowing users to choose the level of management that best fits their needs.
• Enhanced security: A world-class security engineering team known as Nightmare Labs helps keep websites running smoothly without breaches.
• Affordable and feature-rich plans: Hosting plans are affordable and include a range of features, such as unlimited bandwidth and unlimited hosting domains.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Limited server configuration: The VPS plans only offer the Ubuntu Linux operating system, which might limit users who prefer or require other operating systems for their projects.
• Base memory and storage could be higher: Memory and storage offered in the Basic VPS plan are quite low, with only 1GB of RAM and a 30GB solid-state drive.

Who Should Choose DreamHost?

Price and Plans

DreamHost’s VPS hosting plans start at an affordable $10 per month for the Basic plan on a 36-month deal, which renews at $12.99 per month. While only entry-level for VPS, it offers managed services with scalable options, dedicated resources, and a 100% uptime guarantee for various user needs. Monthly and yearly pricing options are also available, but will cost you more. For instance, the same plan on a one-year term is $13.75 per month before renewing at $15.99 per month.

Read our DreamHost Pricing Review for a closer look at its costs.

Performance and Scalability

When its comes to how Dreamhost works under the hood, expect scalable RAM and SSD storage for a speedy and stable environment for growth. With plans designed to accommodate a range of needs—from small projects to resource-intensive sites—DreamHost is a smart choice for WordPress enthusiasts, forward-thinking businesses, and anyone in need of a hosting solution that can easily adapt to changing demands.

Compatibility and Support

Through email and live chat, you get a variety of support options. Even better, they’re offered with 24/7 support. DreamHost’s VPS hosting is also compatible with a variety of technologies, including PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, and Node.js—all of which are essential for modern web development.

Security and Reliability

DreamHost’s VPS hosting is renowned for its security and reliability with features like free access to Let’s Encrypt SSL, which you won’t find offered for free with some providers, like Bluehost. You’ll also get daily backups and DDoS protection. Let’s Encrypt, for example, enhances security and user trust, plus it can potentially improve search rankings.

For lean operators prizing reliability, DreamHost’s VPS hosting delivers. But anyone needing niche configurations or more juice for large workloads may feel constraints on flexibility and power.

More Information

• Read our DreamHost Review to find out more about this web host.

Starting from: $14.99 per month on a 36-month contract

Boasting ultra-fast NVMe SSD servers and seamless scaling, InMotion’s VPS solutions stand out for growth-focused sites that want top-tier performance. Let’s see how it stacks up as a VPS hosting provider.

✔️ What We Liked

• UltraStack servers: InMotion’s UltraStack servers provide enhanced performance and efficiency for hosted websites, leading to faster loading times and improved overall site responsiveness.
• Free site transfer: A free site transfer service makes it easy for new customers to transfer website hosting for their existing websites to InMotion’s hosting environment without additional costs.
• Scalability: Customers can easily upgrade or downgrade their VPS resources based on their current needs, allowing for flexible growth without the need for a complete hosting change.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Limited global support: Despite operating global data centers, support is limited to the U.S., which can be frustrating for users managing their VPS from outside the United States.
• Additional costs for domain and backup space: While InMotion provides many features, there are additional costs for domain name registration and extra backup space.
• Resource constraints: Despite the scalability options, there can be upper limits to the resources or scalability available on certain VPS plans.

Who Should Choose InMotion?

Plans and Pricing

InMotion’s VPS hosting plans come in one month, six month, one year, two year, and three year options. Prices vary, but you’ll get the best value on its three-year deals, with options starting from $14.99 per month and renewing at $44.99 per month.

The entry-level plan gives you 4GB RAM while the priciest option ($44.99 per month renewing at $111.99 per month after three years) affords 16GB RAM. All plans come with free SSL and DDoS protection.

Performance and Scalability

VPS hosting is renowned for its performance and scalability on InMotion, offering 20x faster NVMe SSD Linux servers compared to HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and a 99.99% uptime guarantee. Consequently, you get reliable, high-performance hosting solutions—especially handy if you’re a growing business or developer.

With dedicated resources for RAM and CPU on high-availability servers, InMotion also supports easy resource management and scalability.

Compatibility and Support

Compatibility with multiple operating systems like Ubuntu and CentOS means InMotion is capable of integrating with a range of systems. You’ll also get 24/7 support through various channels, including live chat and phone. However, the support is limited to the U.S., which may be frustrating if you’re using it from another country.

From power users to growing enterprises, InMotion VPS hosting shows itself as a strong contender. However, restrictive support coverage can be a put-off for some—although, if you’ll need minimal assistance, InMotion offers a solid, affordable option.

More Information

• Check out our InMotion review for all you need to know about the hosting provider.

 Starting price: $31.99 per month on a 36 month term

Blending solid features with appealing pricing, Bluehost VPS solutions shine as a managed middle-ground between basic shared hosting plans and complex dedicated servers. Its plans deliver the performance, scalability, and support growing sites need while keeping costs reasonable.

✔️ What We Liked

• Bluehost VPS hosting offers instant provisioning and free Solid-State Drives (SSDs), which help enhance speed and performance.
• A range of plans are available, with 2-8GB of RAM and 2-4 CPU cores, catering to different needs.
• 24/7 managed support ensures constant assistance.
• The option for root access gives users complete control over their server environment.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Root Access might be complex for less experienced users and can lead to system configuration issues if not managed properly.
• Bluehost offers affordable plans, but some users may find that resources like CPU, RAM, and storage might not be sufficient for websites with high traffic on cheaper plans.

Who Should Choose Bluehost?

Price and Plans

Bluehost VPS plans strike a solid balance between affordability and dependable features:

• Its Standard option at $31.99/month (renews at $81.99 after 36 months) delivers 120GB SSD storage and 2GB RAM—ideal for small or entry-level sites wanting a cost-effective introduction to VPS.
• Stepping up to $41.99/month (renews at $116.99 after 36 months), the Enhanced plan nets 2 cores, 165 GB storage, and 4GB RAM. For many, this plan offers a popular middle-ground with more resources that don’t break the bank.

For more information on Bluehost’s costs, read our full Bluehost Pricing Review

Performance and Scalability

Bluehost VPS hosting uses Next-Gen infrastructure, starting with two cores, easy vertical scaling through upgrading storage, memory, and CPUs for fluid adaptability as your site traffic volumes grow. SSDs add a little extra speed right off the bat as well, and Bluehost VPS supports up to 100 million visits monthly from the get-go.

Compatibility and Support

Even if you’re on Bluehost’s cheapest VPS plans, you can enjoy the blanket of 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone. So if you’ve suddenly got a server question at 2am, assistance is just a click away.

Better yet, handy cPanel management and root access also come bundled for deeper controls over sites and apps. On top of that, you don’t need advanced technical skills or coding, and the suite is designed for users without a developer mindset.

Security and Reliability

When it comes to website security, Bluehost VPS has you covered on several fronts. SiteLock protection guards against malware infiltration, while Postini spam filtering keeps the inbox clutter away. For added peace of mind, there’s the option to add Single Domain Privacy for $3.33 extra per month to shield personal data from phishing risks.

Now, no host can offer an ironclad uptime guarantee, but Bluehost has earned major trust points for consistent server performance and minimal unexpected downtime episodes—fundamental for smooth site operation.

If you’re looking for a well-balanced pick, especially for sites focused on performance, seamless scaling, helpful support, and, most importantly, price,  Bluehost is a top choice. Its competitive pricing aligns with a solid feature set—a sweet spot for higher-traffic sites, ecommerce stores, and small to medium-sized businesses.

More information

• Take a closer look at our comprehensive Bluehost review.

Starting from $36.99 per month on a 12-month contract

With its robust resources to support traffic spikes and smooth scaling, HostGator VPS solutions excel in flexibility for site owners needing more space and power at an affordable cost.

✔️ What We Liked

• Strong performance: HostGator’s VPS hosting offers strong performance with fast loading speeds regardless of traffic levels.
• Greater storage and bandwidth: With VPS hosting, HostGator provides greater storage and bandwidth, accommodating websites with higher data and traffic needs.
• High levels of reliability: HostGator is known for its reliability, with VPS hosting contributing to high uptime and stability for hosted websites
• Scalability: VPS hosting with HostGator is scalable, allowing users to adjust resources as their site grows.
• Support from a skilled tech team: Access to a skilled technical support team that can resolve issues with VPS hosting quickly.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Limited configuration options: While HostGator offers various VPS hosting plans, it provides little room for customization or tweaking server settings.
• Concerns over server maintenance: There are concerns that important updates and maintenance tasks aren’t automatically performed on Managed VPS.

Who Should Choose HostGator?

Price and Plans

HostGator’s VPS hosting plans offer a balance between control, flexibility, and cost.

• Starting at an introductory offer of $36.99 per month on the Snappy 2000 plan, users get 2GB or RAM and 120 GB of SSD.
• Snappy 4000 has an introductory offer of $53.99 per month and features 4 GB and 165 GB of RAM.
• The priciest option is the Snappy 8000, which has an introductory price of $95.95 per month, featuring 8GB and 240GB of RAM.

Each plan includes unmetered bandwidth and dedicated IPs, making them suitable for websites requiring more resources than shared hosting can provide.

For help choosing your plan, read our HostGator Pricing Review.

Performance and Scalability

VPS hosting balances cost and performance with an uptime close to the 99.90% industry standard. Its performance is decent, though speed could be better, and high CPU usage may affect service.

Scalability is a strong point, however, with plans ranging from 2GB RAM and 2 CPU cores to 8GB RAM and 4 cores, allowing for growth without unnecessary additional costs.

Compatibility and Support

VPS hosting plans are compatible with a wide range of CMS, such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento. You’ll also get 24/7 support through live chat and phone just in case there are any issues or hiccups while using the service. It’s worth noting that you only get access to Windows OS if you sign up to a dedicated hosting plan instead of VPS.

Security and Reliability

The VPS plans come with their fair share of security and reliability, including DDoS protection, free SSL certificates, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. These features offer peace of mind and a consistently available hosting environment.

If you’re seeking hassle-free VPS hosting with helpful support, HostGator checks many boxes. Just be aware that if you need elaborate configurations, such as advanced server configurations, you may be better off looking for more customizable providers.

More Information

• Read our full HostGator review for an in-depth look at what this hosting provider can do.

Starting from $39.95 per month, billed monthly

For eco-conscious users wanting robust control over virtual servers, GreenGeeks VPS solutions deliver customizable environments harnessing reliable enterprise-grade hardware for top-notch security, speed, and scaling.

✔️ What We Liked

• Enhanced security: GreenGeeks provides a high level of security with virtualized hosting environments, meaning sites are isolated and protected.
• Server customization and control: You have almost total server customization with root access, offering a high degree of control over the virtual server environment.
• Managed VPS options: For anyone who is less technical, GreenGeeks offers managed VPS platforms and provides assistance with server management.
• Environmental commitment: GreenGeeks is known for its green hosting initiatives, using renewable energy, and having a positive environmental impact.
• Daily backups: The hosting provider performs daily backups, safeguarding website data and providing peace of mind for data integrity.

❌ What We Didn’t Like

• Technical skill requirement: Unmanaged VPS hosting requires a certain level of technical skill, which may not be suitable for all users.
• Limited VPS plan options: With only three VPS plans and no configuration options, users looking for more tailored solutions might find the offerings restrictive.

Who Should Choose GreenGeeks?

Price and Plans

GreenGeeks offers three managed VPS plans, all billed monthly. It certainly keeps it simple, with three prices—$39.95, $59.95, and %109.95—and no renewal fees. The downside, of course, is that you don’t get the initial discount.

Still, GreenGeeks offers good value for money, with free SSL certificates, website transfer, and access to Softaculous across all three plans. The higher up you go price-wise, the more RAM, CPU, and disk space you get, among other features. All plans are backed by a 300% green energy match, making sure GreekGeeks is the eco-friendly option.

Performance and Scalability

Celebrated for its performance and scalability, GreenGeeks offers fast, reliable, and scalable VPS hosting plans. With enterprise-grade hardware, SSD storage, and Intel Xeon Processors, it provides industry-leading performance and reliability.

Compatibility and Support

VPS hosting offers compatibility with leading CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, while 24/7 support through email and live chat means you can receive assistance for all your hosting needs.

Windows users will be disappointed, though, as GreenGeeks operates exclusively on Linux/Unix-based systems, meaning it doesn’t support Windows hosting.

Security and Reliability

There’s an emphasis on security and reliability in GreenGeeks’ VPS hosting plans. Users get advanced security measures, including custom security rules, DDoS protection, and real-time 24/7 monitoring. Additionally, each VPS is provisioned with a dedicated IP for enhanced security and reliability.

With rock-solid infrastructure and diligent support, GreenGeeks excels in dependability for green-focused power users. But limited plan options and the fact that it doesn’t operate on Windows may frustrate anyone seeking more tailored VPS environments.

More Information

Get the lowdown with our GreenGeeks review.

When selecting an affordable but good quality VPS hosting provider, there are key factors to consider and potential pitfalls to avoid. Most importantly, you want to make sure you get the features, resources, and reliability needed to support your website’s growth at a budget-friendly price.

What To Look For

Prioritize VPS hosts that offer robust storage, bandwidth, and RAM allotments to handle spikes in traffic. Managed services should provide extra support while still allowing server customization. Focus on reputable providers with solid uptimes and security provisions like SSL and backups.

What To Avoid

Watch out for dirt-cheap vendors with poor reviews or support channels. Of course, you want the best prices, but base VPS plans with bare minimum resources won’t scale well over time. Unmetered offerings seem appealing but often come with hidden resource caps or overage fees. Don’t overpay for unnecessary add-ons, either.

Key Considerations

• Performance and reliability: Ensure your VPS provider has strong infrastructure and uptime track records. This guarantees site stability as you grow.
• Support and ease of use: Look for 24/7 customer support and intuitive control panels and management tools. This allows oversight without advanced technical expertise.
• Security protections: VPS plans should have standard security provisions like SSL certificates, firewalls, and backups. Additional monitoring and DDoS prevention are ideal.

What Are the Benefits of VPS Hosting?

VPS hosting gives you more resources and flexibility than shared hosting and at a significantly lower price than dedicated hosting. It’s a lovely middle ground between the two, where you can download your own software and have more say over your site’s security, performance, and customization.

Do I Really Need VPS Hosting?

It depends on your needs! We’d recommend VPS hosting if you expect medium-level traffic on your website and if you’ve outgrown your shared hosting plan. When it comes to the cost of hosting your website, VPS hosting can be a pricey commitment in comparison to shared hosting, so you want to make sure you choose the right plan for your website.

At Website Builder Expert, we conduct extensive research and analysis on major hosting providers to provide fair, unbiased recommendations to our readers. We put significant effort into evaluating key criteria like performance, features, ease of use, and value across popular hosting types – shared, WordPress, VPS, and dedicated.

The result is impartial, rigorous hosting provider reports that reveal true strengths and weaknesses. We want readers to select the ideal host for their needs and budget, not just the flashiest vendor.

Seeking value-packed VPS hosting that won’t drain your budget? Our top choice is Bluehost, even though it’s not the cheapest option, thanks to its price-smart plans and ease of use. But any one of the options on this list offers fair pricing and a range of features for hosting virtual private servers.