Managed VPS vs Unmanaged – Which Is Better?

This article will show you a comparison between Managed VPS vs Unmanaged and what the main specifics behind both choices are.

VPS web hosting has been showing very good signs of growth, especially in the last couple of years. This has pushed companies into developing new services, such as managed VPS, as they better address customer demands in high volume and pull more clients. In this article, we will explain to you what managed VPS is, how it works, and compare it with traditional VPS to show you the pros and cons of both.

Managed VPS and Unmanaged VPS: Definitions

Managed VPS is the kind of Virtual Private Server, in which the hosting company gives you trained pros, who set up your virtual server and also take care of software installations, any questions you may have, security and updates. You could say that they are tasked with managing all of the technical aspects of your services.

Unmanaged VPS hosting, on the other hand, is a type of Virtual Private Server hosting where the user has full control and responsibility over the server’s configuration, management, and maintenance. In this hosting model, the hosting provider only supplies the server hardware, operating system, and basic network connectivity, while all other tasks — such as software installation, security updates, troubleshooting, backups, and server performance monitoring — are left entirely to the user.

Who Is Managed VPS Suitable for?

Managed VPS Hosting is ideally suited for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and individuals with limited technical expertise or those who prioritize focusing on their business’s core functions rather than server management tasks. If you value spending time on strategic business growth instead of getting ensnared in the technicalities of server optimization, security management, and maintenance, Managed VPS Hosting is your go-to solution.

In addition, it offers reliability and peace of mind for those who desire round-the-clock monitoring of their server’s performance without committing internal resources. Whether you’re launching a new website, experiencing growth in your online presence, or simply looking to enhance your current hosting setup, Managed VPS Hosting provides a secure and scalable infrastructure to meet your needs.

How Does Managed VPS Work?

Managed VPS is probably the best choice, if you are responsible for a new company project and do not have the time, experience and resources of a professional technical team to help with building it. This is why companies provide well-trained employees, who will take care of all of the parts of your project that require such technical know-how.

Pros and Cons of Managed VPS Hosting

Managed Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is a service designed to simplify web hosting for businesses and individuals. It involves outsourcing daily management tasks related to a virtual server, which includes everything from software updates to security checks. Let’s delve into the benefits and challenges of opting for Managed VPS Hosting.

Pros of Managed VPS Hosting

• Professional Support: One of the most significant benefits is access to a dedicated support team. This means any technical issues that arise can be addressed promptly, ensuring minimal downtime for your website or application. The availability of expert assistance 24/7 not only saves time but also ensures your online operations run smoothly.
• Time and Resource Savings: With a managed VPS, businesses can redirect their focus towards more critical aspects such as growth and development rather than getting bogged down by server management. This service removes the need to invest in technical staff to manage the server, ultimately saving resources.
• Enhanced Security: Security is paramount in today’s digital age. Managed VPS hosting providers take this into account by implementing advanced security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Regular software updates and security audits help in identifying vulnerabilities early on.
• Automated Backups: Data loss can be detrimental to any business. Hence, managed VPS hosting often includes automatic backup services, ensuring that your data is safely stored and can be easily recovered in case of any mishap.
• Performance Monitoring: Managed VPS providers monitor server performance continuously. This constant vigilance helps in managing traffic spikes efficiently, ensuring your website remains operational and performs optimally even during peak times.

Cons of Managed VPS Hosting

• Cost: Quality comes at a price. Managed VPS hosting is typically more expensive than its unmanaged counterpart. For businesses just starting out or those with tight budgets, this can be a significant consideration.
• Limited Control: While handing off server management can free up valuable time, it also means relinquishing a degree of control. Some users might find the reduced flexibility in server configurations and the inability to implement custom solutions a drawback.

In summary, Managed VPS Hosting offers a plethora of advantages, including professional support, time savings, enhanced security, automated backups, and performance monitoring. These benefits make it an appealing choice for businesses looking to streamline their online operations without the complexities of server management. However, the associated costs and the reduced level of control are important factors to consider. When deciding on a hosting solution, balance your specific needs, skill level, and budget to choose the most appropriate service.

Pros and Cons of Unmanaged VPS Hosting

Unmanaged VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting represents a significant shift towards autonomy and control in the web hosting sphere. It extends the opportunity for users to fully customize and manage their server environments according to their specific needs. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and this level of control necessitates an in-depth understanding of server management. Below, we delve into the detailed benefits and drawbacks of choosing unmanaged VPS hosting for your website.

After the company sets up the VPS, their job is done and you get full control over all of the operations of your server, meaning that it is up to you to handle everything. And by that we mean that you have to set up your whole project details, security, updates, software and even hard coding all by yourself.

Advantages of Unmanaged VPS Hosting

• Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, unmanaged VPS hosting is less expensive than its managed counterpart because it lacks the additional layer of support and maintenance services. This makes it an attractive option for those with the technical know-how to handle their server’s upkeep.
• Complete Control: Users enjoy full root access to their servers, offering the freedom to install, modify, and configure the software and operating systems to their exact specifications. This level of control is ideal for businesses that require customized server setups.
• Configuration Freedom: With no restrictions on server configuration, users can optimize their server environment to meet their performance and security requirements. This includes installing advanced security measures, such as those provided by SpyHunter, to protect against malware and other threats.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Users can scale their resources as needed without waiting for provider approval or assistance. This flexibility ensures that websites can handle varying traffic loads efficiently.

Disadvantages of Unmanaged VPS Hosting

• Requires Technical Expertise: To effectively manage an unmanaged VPS, users must have a solid understanding of server administration, including software installations, security patching, and trouble-shooting technical issues. This steep learning curve can be daunting for novices.
• Time-Consuming: Monitoring and maintaining a server demands a significant time investment. For businesses without a dedicated IT team, managing an unmanaged VPS can detract from focusing on core operations.
• Lack of Support: Beyond the initial setup, unmanaged VPS hosting offers minimal support. Users are largely on their own when it comes to managing, securing, and optimizing their servers, potentially leading to setbacks if issues arise.
• Security Responsibilities: Users must take proactive steps to secure their server on their own.

SEO Implications of Managed VPS vs Unmanaged

When deciding between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting, you should take into consideration the SEO implications of either choice. Your choice can directly impact crucial factors like page loading times, search engine rankings, and overall user experience. This guide explores the benefits of each hosting type and how factors such as storage technology (i.e., HDD and SSD VPS hosting) and server management affect SEO.

1. HDD vs. SSD VPS Hosting: Performance and SEO

One of the most significant decisions you’ll face is between hard disk (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD) storage. SSD VPS hosting typically utilizes NAND-based technology, which offers far superior performance compared to traditional HDDs.

This technology makes SSDs significantly faster in terms of data retrieval, resulting in lightning-fast servers. Quick server responses contribute to minimal downtime and improved page loading times, two factors that positively impact search engine rankings.

On the other hand, HDD VPS hosting may be less costly but comes with slower data retrieval speeds, which can lead to sluggish website performance. Slow pages deter visitors and contribute to higher bounce rates, which could negatively affect SEO.

2. Performance: Managed vs. Unmanaged VPS

A managed VPS solution is perfect for businesses looking to outsource technical management while focusing on content and SEO strategies. Managed plans often come with high-performance servers that are optimized for maximum efficiency, offering increased security, maximum uptime, and routine server maintenance.

This results in minimal downtime, ensuring your website is always accessible to users, which is crucial for search engine rankings. The uninterrupted availability of your website enhances user experience, reducing bounce rates and boosting dwell time.

In contrast, unmanaged VPS hosting puts more control in your hands but demands technical expertise. While this option allows for greater flexibility in server configuration, a lack of timely maintenance or security updates could lead to more frequent downtimes and slower server speeds, all of which negatively impact page loading times and, consequently, your SEO performance.

3. Impact on Page Loading Times and User Experience

Speed is a critical SEO factor. Websites with fast page loading times are more likely to rank higher in search results because they provide a superior user experience.

Google’s algorithms prioritize fast-loading pages, as these pages tend to satisfy visitors’ expectations. SSD VPS hosting, powered by NAND-based technology, offers this speed advantage over hard disk storage. Paired with a managed VPS service that continually monitors server health, you’ll likely experience lightning-fast servers and minimal downtime, which directly contribute to better SEO outcomes and greater user experience.

4. Increased Security for SEO Benefits

Security is another aspect where managed VPS hosting excels. With better security management, you get protection against threats like DDoS attacks or hacking attempts, which can otherwise take down your website or inject malicious content.

A secure site is critical for maintaining maximum uptime and preventing penalties from search engines due to malicious activities. On the other hand, unmanaged VPS hosting leaves security in your hands, potentially increasing risks if not handled diligently.

Managed VPS vs Unmanaged – Which One To Choose?

In the battle of managed VPS vs unmanaged, it really depends on the situation. Generally, more companies with resources and technical experts at their disposal go for the unmanaged option, while beginner startups who want a professionally handled service, but do not have technical know how go for managed VPS.

If we had to compare them head to head to show you in detail the strengths and weaknesses of both, you can see the pros and cons of each type of VPS below:

Managed VPS Specifics

Unmanaged VPS Specifics

When put together, the activities that it takes to set up the same project using managed versus unmanaged VPS appear like the following:

These are the main key points showing where managed VPS is more appropriate than having unmanaged service.

Managed VPS vs Unmanaged: Conclusion

In order to best summarise these web hosting preferences for Virtual Servers, we would conclude that both are appropriate in specific circumstances.

If your project has resources and human power in terms of technical know-how, then save yourself the money and choose unmanaged VPS. This way, you will get more control over your project and peace of mind.

If however you are not so fluent in technical topics, go the extra mile and select managed VPS. It will guarantee that your project is professionally managed by well-trained experts, as long as the web hosting company you chose satisfies you.