Shared vs VPS hosting: the difference and which one costs less
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Shared web hosting puts many websites on one server, and they share its processor and memory. VPS hosting gives each customer a fixed share of a server's processor, memory and storage, which the customer manages.
What is the difference between shared and VPS hosting?
The difference is who gets the resources and who manages the server. The plan figures are from the Hostinger plans we tested on 12 October 2026.
| Shared web hosting | VPS hosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Server resources | Shared with other websites | A fixed share, reserved for you |
| Who manages the server | The hosting company | You |
| Setup | A control panel, ready to use | You choose and install the software |
| Example plan | Hostinger Premium | Hostinger KVM 1 |
| Processor and memory | 1 CPU core, 2 GB RAM | 1 vCPU core, 4 GB RAM |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50 GB NVMe |
| Lowest tested price per month | $2.39 for 48 months | $5.19 for 24 months |
| Per month at renewal | $10.99 | $11.99 |
Which costs less, shared or VPS hosting?
Shared web hosting costs less. The Hostinger Premium plan costs $2.39 a month for 48 months. The KVM 1 VPS plan costs $5.19 a month for 24 months. The Hostinger VPS coupon page lists the tested price of each VPS plan.
Which should I choose for a first website?
Shared web hosting. It costs less, and the hosting company manages the server for you. A blog, a portfolio or a small business site does not need a server of its own.
When do I need VPS hosting?
You need VPS hosting when your project needs software or settings that a shared plan does not allow. Examples are a custom application, a game server or your own server configuration.
Do I need technical skills for VPS hosting?
Yes. On a VPS you install, update and secure the server software yourself. If you have not managed a server before, start with shared web hosting. The guide what is web hosting explains the other hosting types.