When you are ready to launch your new website, you are faced with many options about web hosting. What is shared hosting? What is dedicated hosting? Which one is right for you? How can you choose the plan that’s right for your budget?
Though shared and dedicated hosting serve the same purpose, there are some significant differences between the two. Choosing the right option for your new website depends upon a thorough understanding of the differences between the two.
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is web hosting in which the service provider serves pages for multiple websites, each having its own domain name, from a single web server. In other words, there are other sites hosted on the same server, along with your website.
Benefits of Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is the most economical option for webmasters. Because you are sharing a server with other websites, the server’s total operating costs are distributed across multiple users. This makes it a less expensive option, which may make sense if you are on a limited budget.
Another advantage is that you don’t need a lot of technical skills to set up with shared hosting. Issues like maintenance and security are handled by your hosting provider. If you’re new to running a website, you will find it easier to get started with shared hosting.
Disadvantages of Shared Hosting
Despite its many advantages, there are some downsides as well. The biggest concern is bandwidth. Because you are sharing your hosting with other sites, there are limitations in the amount of bandwidth you have to work with, even if you are technically on an “unlimited bandwidth” plan. A massive surge in traffic on your site could result in network downtime or other complications.
Next, there is issue about security. Although web hosts keep shared hosting users safe, the simple fact of the matter is that you’re more susceptible to security threats on a shared plan, because there are other sites on the same server.
What is Dedicated Hosting?
Dedicated hosting is the rental and exclusive use of a computer that includes a web server, related software and connection to the internet, housed in the web hosting company’s premises. In simple terms, with this type of plan, your website will be the only one hosted on its server.
Benefits of Dedicated Hosting
One of the most common reasons webmasters opt for dedicated hosting is the performance and control it offers. If you expect to have a high volume of traffic, a dedicated server may be your best option for handling it.
You may also reduce some security risks with dedicated hosting, as your site will be the only one using your server. In terms of preventative control, you’re in a position to implement stronger security measures to meet your unique specifications. This reduces the potential of an attack and makes your site less susceptible.
You have an overall higher level of control with dedicated hosting. If you need flexibility on the back end, consider dedicated hosting, as this option will let you customise settings in a way that you simply can’t with shared hosting.
Disadvantages of Dedicated Hosting
The biggest drawback of dedicated hosting is the increased cost. Since there is a single server dedicated totally to your website, your operating costs are higher. It can be problematic for smaller businesses or individuals who are working with a finite budget.
If you have a considerable amount of technical expertise, you can put it to full use with dedicated hosting. However, if you’re lacking skill in this department, you can quickly run into trouble.
How To Decide Which Option is Best
Now that you have a basic understanding of the key differences between shared hosting and dedicated hosting, you can decide which one is suitable for your website.
Shared hosting is usually your best if:
- You’re new to running a website
- You don’t plan on having a high volume of traffic
- You lack technical knowledge and expertise
- You’re working with a limited budget
On the other hand, dedicated hosting might be your best option if:
- You plan on receiving a high volume of traffic right from the beginning or in the near future
- You want a high level of control over your server
- You possess the technical know-how to effectively manage a server and want maximum flexibility
- Security is a major concern
- You have a bigger budget and don’t mind spending considerably more