10 Different Types of Web Hosting

Last updated on January 19, 2025 by RGB Web Tech

There are different types of web hosting services. So, it can be very difficult to figure out which type of web hosting you need or choose.

In the article, I hope to teach you everything you need to know about web hosting. There are many kinds of web hosting. I can easily see how people get confused so quickly. I will cover the following:

Shared Hosting — Shared hosting is the most cost-effective plan for entry-level websites.
VPS Hosting — VPS hosting is for websites that have outgrown shared hosting.
WordPress Hosting — WordPress hosting optimized for WordPress sites.
Dedicated Hosting — Dedicated hosting is Enterprise-level servers for large websites.
Cloud Hosting — Cloud hosting is best for websites that are growing rapidly.
Reseller Hosting — Reseller hosting is for agencies, web developers, and web designers.
Managed Hosting — Managed hosting is an IT hosting model in which the client leases servers or cloud computing resources.
Colocation Hosting — Colocation hosting is where you rent space for your IT hardware at a 3rd party provider’s data center facility.
Self Service Hosting — Self hosting is a form of running your own website or application by setting up a server and network yourself.
Cluster Hosting — A Cluster hosting is a host that is configured to take over the role of another host server within a cluster.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is a type of web hosting where a single physical server hosts multiple sites. Many users utilize the resources on a single server, which keeps the costs low. Users each get a section of a server in which they can host their website files. Shared servers can host hundreds of users. Each customer using the shared hosting platform’s server has access to features like databases, monthly traffic, disk space, email accounts, FTP accounts and other add-ons offered by the host. System resources are shared on-demand by customers on the server, and each gets a percentage of everything from RAM and CPU, and other elements such as the single MySQL server, Apache server, and mail server.

VPS Hosting

VPS is short for a Virtual Private Server. VPS hosting is one of the most popular hosting services you can choose for your website. It uses virtualization technology to provide you with dedicated (private) resources on a server with multiple users.

It’s a more secure and stable solution than shared hosting where you don’t get a dedicated server space. However, it’s smaller-scale and cheaper than renting an entire server.

VPS hosting is usually chosen by website owners who have medium-level traffic that exceeds the limits of shared hosting plans but still don’t need the resources of a dedicated server.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress hosting is just hosting that has been optimized to better meet WordPress’ performance and security needs. It also typically includes one-click WordPress installs to make it easy to get started with WordPress. And some WordPress hosts will even automatically update your WordPress software as needed.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting is a term used to describe web hosting packages that provide a dedicated server with dedicated resources to a single client. Dedicated hosting plans are ideal for WordPress websites with a very large number of visitors. Many WordPress hosting service providers offer Dedicated Hosting plans along with shared and VPS hosting plans.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is a type of web hosting which uses multiple different servers to balance the load and maximize uptime. Instead of using a single server, your website can tap into a “cluster” that uses resources from a centralized pool. This means that even if one server fails, another kicks in to keep everything running.

Visualize the cloud as a web of different computers which are all interconnected. As more machines are hooked up to the network, more resources are added to the overall cloud.

With cloud hosting, you get a part of the so-called cloud cluster. As opposed to traditional web hosting, where you get a certain amount of space from a single server.

The main benefits of cloud hosting include a major focus on uptime, isolated resources, easy scaling, and a dedicated IP address.

Reseller Hosting

Reseller web hosting is an option that involves one company (a hosting provider) renting hard drive space and bandwidth to another company (small-midsize business), who then rents the space to third parties (entrepreneurs-small business). Simply put, reseller hosting is the ability to provide hosting to your own clients as if you yourself were the web hosting company. This is typical for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own web hosting firm or for current web developers and designers who desire to add additional services to their brand.

Managed Hosting

Managed dedicated hosting is an IT service model where a customer leases dedicated hardware from a managed hosting services provider. This solution includes servers, storage, and networking hardware. Because you aren’t sharing these resources with anyone else, it’s referred to as a single-tenant solution.

When you choose managed dedicated hosting, you get to choose your operating system while your service provider handles the administration, management, and support of your solution. And because you’re not sharing any of these resources with another tenant, you have access to the full performance capabilities of the hardware you’re leasing.

Colocation Hosting

Colocation hosting is a type of service a data center offers, in which it leases space and provides housing for servers. The clients own the servers and claim full authority over the hardware and software. However, the storage facility is responsible for maintaining a secure server environment.

Colocation services are not the same as cloud services. Colocation clients own hardware and lease space, with cloud services they do not have their hardware but lease it from the provider.

Colocation hosting should not be confused with managed (dedicated) services, as the second implies the data center also assumes management and maintenance control over the servers. With colocation hosting, the clients are the one who is responsible for supplying, maintaining, and managing their servers.

Self Service Hosting

Self-service web hosting is done completely on your own. This is the most advanced web hosting. You need to have a place to rent that stores your server. Then you’re responsible for the cooling, power, bandwidth, hardware, system administrator, backups, etc.

Cluster Hosting

Cluster hosting is sometimes confused with Cloud or Grid hosting. It is simply a group of servers that operate together and act as one “mega” server. The big difference between cluster hosting and cloud hosting is cluster hosting is over a smaller area. For instance, there could be a cluster of servers along the eastern coast of the United States.

Cluster hosts are typically billed on an hourly or monthly rate.

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Best WordPress Hosting - Fast & Secure

Last updated on January 19, 2025 by RGB Web Tech

In this post, we’re going to tackle head-on the confusion that seems to keep coming up in the world of hosting with the terms WordPress hosting vs Web Hosting.

Using some form of web hosting is essential if you want to take your business online. Picking the right host can boost your site’s SEO, increase your sales, and provide tools and packages to help your business. But what is the difference between WordPress hosting and web hosting, and which is the better option?

WordPress hosting and web hosting are two very different types of hosting and are not to be confused. There are a few key differences between the two, and each has its own advantages, plans, and providers. Here’s a guide to WordPress hosting vs. web hosting and how to differentiate and choose between the two.

What is WordPress hosting?

In a nutshell, WordPress hosting is a form of web hosting optimized to run WordPress sites.

By using a WordPress host, you’ll receive lots of tools and services that are specifically tailored to WordPress sites. These may vary depending on what WP hosting service you opt for, but often include features such as one-click-install, automatic software updates, and a team of support staff who specialize in WordPress to provide you with customized support.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is a much more general term and describes the process of an individual or organization buying a spot online to make their website accessible on the Internet.

A web host works by allocating space on a server to store the files associated with your website and by providing internet connectivity for your site. This allows your website to go live on the Internet and appear in search results.

Web hosting is very much an umbrella term, and there are lots of different types of web hosting, as well as different providers and features. If you plan on creating a website for your business, you’ll need to use some form of web hosting because you won’t be able to get your site online without a host.

What’s the difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting?

The key difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting is that web hosting is a much broader, overarching service, while WordPress hosting refers to a specific niche tailored to WordPress installs.

Web hosting is a more generalized service and refers to any hosting service that stores a site’s files on a server to make the site live on the Internet. A web host will cater to a wide range of site builders, and the websites stored on one of their servers may be operating on thousands of different platforms.

WordPress hosting, on the other hand, is a specific niche in web hosting. WordPress hosting can also use shared servers to host multiple websites at once but, unlike web hosting, every website on a shared server will be a WordPress site. A WordPress host caters specifically to WordPress installs and offers customized solutions, services, and support optimized for WordPress performance.

How to choose the best hosting option for your business

With over 338,561 web hosting service providers available worldwide, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your business – especially if you’re still deliberating between WordPress hosting vs. web hosting.

Both options have their advantages and are available from a wide range of providers in a variety of plans. To choose the best option for your business, keep in mind the key things a business needs in a web hosting service:

Dedicated 24/7 customer service
Supported domain name management
Basic security features
Uptime guarantee
Server accessibility

WordPress Quick Overview

WordPress powers 35% of all websites on the Internet right now – and with a 4% annual growth, this is set to rise. WordPress is a hugely popular site builder and is used by businesses such as eBay, The New York Times, and Sony to create and power their websites.

According to research, WordPress is the most used CMS, and more than 1.1 million new domains are registered every six months. If you’re looking to create a business website or migrate your existing one, WordPress is a leading site builder – and it’s a noteworthy hosting option, too.

WordPress is an easy-to-use, simple, and fully customizable hosting option, and using a WordPress hosting service alongside your WP site will optimize your site’s performance and results.

WordPress hosting benefits

1. Improved Security : WordPress hosts offer servers equipped against WordPress-specific threats alongside a dedicated team who will stay on top of security issues and ensure your site is safe and secure.

2. Fast set-up and Performance : The website set-up process is made incredibly quick using pre-configured web technologies and the WordPress servers ensure fast loading times and quick uptime from the moment your site’s live.

3. Better Plugin Function : You won’t need to use as many plugins with a managed WP hosting service, because performance, security, and caching will all be optimized by the host. And for the plugins you do want or need, WP hosted sites are optimized to work with the most popular of them, which can be automatically updated.

4. Easy-to-add SSL Certificates : Most managed WordPress hosting plans allow you to add an SSL certificate to your site in a couple of clicks, at no extra charge.

5. Automatic Updates : Your website will receive automatic updates and upgrades, and security packages can be added to every website on a server at once.

6. Tailored Support : When using a WordPress hosting service, you’ll be able to access dedicated customer support services, experts in resolving WordPress issues.

Who should use WordPress hosting?

If you built your website using WordPress, you’ll benefit hugely from using WordPress hosting. WP hosting integrates perfectly with websites built with WordPress and will improve your site’s functioning, security, and offer automatic updates. You don’t have to use WordPress Hosting if you have a WordPress website, but combining the two creates the ultimate package.

Those looking for a managed hosting plan would benefit from WordPress hosting, too. WordPress hosts often offer managed services, where your site is run and maintained for you by WP experts. This is a great option for those with limited time or experience with running a website.

Web Hosting and WordPress Hosting Plans

Whether you choose to use WordPress hosting or web hosting, you’ll have to choose a hosting plan. Shared hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated server hosting, and Cloud hosting are popular services offered by both WordPress hosts and web hosts.

WordPress hosts also offer some additional managed hosting services that can help with the running of your site.

Here are six of the most popular hosting plans available:

1. Shared Hosting : When you use a shared hosting plan, your website will share a server with other clients. This is a cheaper option and is easy to set up, making it ideal for those who are creating a starter website or who don’t have much site traffic.

2. Virtual Private Servers : A VPS plan is similar to shared hosting; you will share your server with other users, but you will be more isolated and have your own allotted space. This plan is ideal for those operating on a lower budget and who want a higher level of control and customization.

3. Dedicated Server : If you have a high-traffic website and need optimized performance and fast loading speeds, a dedicated server is a good choice. Dedicated servers offer you total customization, improved reliability, and the chance to scale your business up; but they are a high investment option.

4. Cloud Hosting : This is a relatively new type of hosting, where your website is hosted on a cloud infrastructure rather than stored on a physical server. This hosting plan has lots to offer to those looking for scalability and stability at a cheaper price, but pricing isn’t always fixed, so if your site experiences an increase in traffic, you might see an unexpected rise in costs.

5. Managed WordPress Hosting : Lots of WordPress hosting providers offer a managed service, where the host manages and runs all the technical aspects of your WordPress site for you. Managed Hosting plans can be run across any of the hosting plans listed above, and offer optimum security, performance, and configuration.

6. Optimized WordPress Hosting : If you’re looking for a hosting plan that offers pre-installed features and technologies to optimize your site, Optimized WordPress Hosting is a great choice. Optimized WordPress Hosting is a complete package plan and comes with pre-installed WordPress hosting, WordPress optimized servers, built-in WordPress security, and WordPress expert support.

Which plan you choose will depend on your budget, the amount of traffic your site receives, and how much help you want from your host in the running of your site.