VPS vs cloud hosting: the difference and which one costs less
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VPS hosting gives you a fixed share of a server that you manage yourself. A cloud hosting plan gives a website reserved processor power and memory, and the hosting company manages the server.
What is the difference between VPS and cloud hosting?
The difference is who manages the server. On a VPS you install and update the server software. On a cloud hosting plan the hosting company does that, and you get a control panel. The figures are from the Hostinger plans we tested on 12 October 2026.
| Plan | Type | Who manages the server | Processor and memory | Storage | Per month | Per month at renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Startup | Cloud hosting | Hosting company | 4 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM | 100 GB NVMe | $6.39 for 48 months | $25.99 |
| KVM 1 | VPS hosting | You | 1 vCPU core, 4 GB RAM | 50 GB NVMe | $5.19 for 24 months | $11.99 |
| KVM 2 | VPS hosting | You | 2 vCPU cores, 8 GB RAM | 100 GB NVMe | $7.19 for 24 months | $14.99 |
| KVM 4 | VPS hosting | You | 4 vCPU cores, 16 GB RAM | 200 GB NVMe | $10.39 for 24 months | $28.99 |
| KVM 8 | VPS hosting | You | 8 vCPU cores, 32 GB RAM | 400 GB NVMe | $20.79 for 24 months | $49.99 |
Which costs less, VPS or cloud hosting?
The smallest VPS costs less. KVM 1 costs $5.19 a month for 24 months. Cloud Startup costs $6.39 a month for 48 months. The Hostinger cloud hosting coupon page lists each period of the cloud plan.
How long can I buy each one for?
Cloud Startup has periods up to 48 months. The VPS plans have periods up to 24 months.
Which should I choose for a busy website or an online store?
Cloud hosting. The hosting company manages the server, so you work on the website only. You get more processor power and memory than on a shared web hosting plan.
Which should I choose for custom software?
VPS hosting. You control the server, so you can install the software and settings your project needs. The guide on shared vs VPS hosting explains the work a VPS takes.