When deciding between shared hosting vs VPS hosting, it often comes down to your website’s needs, traffic levels, and budget. Shared hosting works well for small sites, while VPS offers more power for growing projects. At WebHostingPeople, we help users in India make informed choices based on real-world use cases. This guide breaks it down step by step.
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting means multiple websites share the same server resources, like CPU, RAM, and storage. It’s like renting a single room in a big apartment building—affordable but with neighbors affecting performance.
Providers split the server among dozens or hundreds of users. This setup suits beginners because setup is simple, and support handles most technical stuff.
- Low cost: Starts at ₹99-₹300/month in India.
- Easy to use: One-click installs for WordPress, Joomla.
- Limited resources: If one site hogs bandwidth, others slow down.
It’s ideal for blogs, small business sites, or portfolios with under 10,000 monthly visitors.
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS, or Virtual Private Server, gives you a virtual slice of a physical server with dedicated resources. Think of it as your own apartment in the building—you control more, but pay extra for privacy and power.
Unlike shared, your VPS won’t slow down from other users. You get root access for custom software, better security, and scalability.
- Higher performance: Dedicated CPU cores and RAM.
- Full control: Install any OS, tweak settings via SSH.
- Scalable: Upgrade RAM or storage without migrating.
VPS fits e-commerce stores, apps, or sites with 50,000+ visitors monthly.
Key Differences: Shared Hosting vs VPS Hosting
Here’s a side-by-side comparison tailored to Indian users, with realistic pricing from providers like WebHostingPeople.
| Feature | Shared Hosting | VPS Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Price (India, per month) | ₹99 – ₹500 | ₹500 – ₹5,000 |
| Resources | Shared CPU/RAM/Disk | Dedicated CPU/RAM/Disk |
| Performance | Good for low traffic | High, handles spikes |
| Control | Limited (cPanel only) | Full root access (SSH) |
| Security | Basic, shared risks | Isolated, custom firewalls |
| Scalability | Hard to upgrade | Easy to scale vertically |
| Best For | Blogs, small sites | E-commerce, high-traffic apps |
| Uptime | 99.9% typical | 99.99% with managed options |
Reliable shared hosting plans that start under ₹83/month.
Prices vary by provider; always check for GST-inclusive rates.
When to Choose Shared Hosting
Pick shared if you’re starting out or keeping costs low. It’s perfect for:
- Personal blogs or portfolios.
- Small business sites with steady, low traffic.
- Testing new ideas without big investments.
In India, shared plans often include free .in domains—WebHostingPeople offers accredited .in domain registration at just ₹555/year. .in domain registration
No need for server knowledge; focus on content.
How to optimize WordPress on shared hosting for better speeds.
When to Choose VPS Hosting
Switch to VPS when shared limits hit: slow speeds during peaks, custom needs, or growth. Go for it if you have:
- Growing traffic or resource-heavy sites.
- Need for specific software like Node.js.
- E-commerce with payment gateways.
VPS shines for developers managing multiple sites. In India, unmanaged VPS on AlmaLinux or CloudLinux costs less than dedicated servers.
CloudLinux documentation for secure VPS setups.
People Also Ask
Is VPS better than shared hosting?
Not always—VPS excels in performance and control, but shared is cheaper for simple sites.
How much does VPS hosting cost in India?
Entry-level VPS starts at ₹500/month; managed plans go up to ₹3,000+ for 4GB RAM.
Can I upgrade from shared to VPS?
Yes, most providers migrate for free. Check downtime policies.
Does shared hosting support e-commerce?
Basic WooCommerce works, but VPS handles high sales volumes better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main downside of shared hosting?
Neighbor sites can affect your speed if they overuse resources.
Do I need technical skills for VPS?
Yes, basic Linux/SSH knowledge helps; opt for managed VPS if not.
How does VPS improve SEO?
Faster load times from dedicated resources boost rankings.
Is shared hosting secure in India?
Reputable providers use firewalls, but add SSL and plugins for safety.
When should I switch to VPS?
When your site exceeds 50GB storage or gets consistent traffic spikes.
Shared hosting vs VPS hosting boils down to your site’s scale and control needs. Start with shared for simplicity, upgrade to VPS as you grow. At WebHostingPeople, we’ve seen countless sites thrive with the right choice—test based on your traffic and goals.
