One of the most important aspects of any hosting solution you might use for your WordPress site is whether you should choose managed VPS or unmanaged VPS. Each type of hosting has its advantages and disadvantages, and requires you to select the option best for you based on your WordPress site’s needs and technical capabilities.
The right VPS solution for your site, whether it be a small blog or a larger ecommerce store, will depend on these hosting options.
In this guide you will learn the ins and outs of managed VPS vs unmanaged VPS for WordPress, including a breakdown of the differences between the two, the pros and cons of each type of web hosting, and ultimately determine the solution best for your WordPress website.
What is Managed VPS Hosting for WordPress?
With managed VPS hosting, the hosting provider will do most of the management of the server for you. Security patches, backups, performance monitoring, software updates, etc. So, in a sense, with managed VPS you are paying for the server and the service of the hosting provider managing it to, for lack of a better term, keep your website ‘healthy’.
Key Features of Managed VPS for WordPress
- Server Monitoring & Maintenance: The hosting provider does monitoring and maintenance of the server and all the security that comes along with it. The provider watches for issues, and work proactively to resolve and fix issues without any action needed on your part and to keep your server up and running.
- Automated Backups: Many managed VPS plans will come with automated daily and weekly backups, and keep your data secure without you taking any action.
- 24/7 Technical Support: Managed VPS services typically come with full access to a team of experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call or get help regardless of time.
- Security Patches & Updates: The provider will automatically handle your updates and security patches and keep your WordPress site safe and the latest version without you doing anything to keep track of it.
Pros of Managed VPS for WordPress
- Reduced Technical Knowledge Needed: You do not have to worry about trying to administer a server, or debugging problems.
- Higher-Level Support: 24/7 site plans provide assistance to help you solve the issues faster and to make sure your server is running properly.
- Automatic Updates and Backups: Security patches and backups of your site are automatic.
- Better for Newbies: If you are focused on growth and content creation, managed VPS enables you to focus on growth and content with no worries.
Cons of Managed VPS for WordPress
- Increased Costs: Managed VPS plans will typically be more expensive than unmanaged VPS plans because of the level of management and support included with VPS services.
- Less Control: You may have less control over server configurations and custom setups.
What is Unmanaged VPS Hosting for WordPress?
Unmanaged VPS hosting gives you full control over your server, but that also means you’re responsible for every element of your server from installation to configuration and planning and implementing maintenance, updates, security, software installation, etc. Unmanaged VPS hosting is best suited to developers or other advanced users.
Key Features of Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
- Root Access Freedom: You have access to the entire root and can configure the server any way you want and install any software.
- Custom Software Installation: Install anything you want on your WordPress site, any software, any tools.
- Flexibility: If you are using an unmanaged vps, it is your server and you can set it up to meet your precise requirement for the project.
Pros of Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
- Total Control: Full root access means you can configure the server exactly how you want.
- More Affordable: Unmanaged VPS hosting is generally cheaper than managed VPS due to the lack of additional support and management services.
- Custom Configuration: You have the freedom to install and configure custom software, including advanced tools for WordPress development.
Cons of Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
- Requires Tech Skills: You will be solely responsible for all parts of server management, including updates, safety patches, and problems.
- No Support: Unmanaged VPS is usually free of any support, so if something breaks, it’s up to you to fix it.
- More Accountability: Overall performance, security, and stability of the server are up to you.
Key Differences Between Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS
Below is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between managed VPS and unmanaged VPS for WordPress:
| Feature | Managed VPS | Unmanaged VPS |
| Server Setup | Handled by the provider | You handle all configurations and setup |
| Security | Automatic security patches and updates | You must manage security manually |
| Software Updates | Automatic software updates | Manual installation of software updates |
| Support | 24/7 expert support | Limited or no support |
| Price | Typically higher (starting at $30/month) | Typically lower (starting at $15/month) |
| Ease of Use | Easier for beginners | Requires technical skills |
Security: Managed vs Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
Security should always be one of the highest considerations for any WordPress site. With a managed VPS, your hosting company will handle security updates, patches, and updates, which will reduce the potential threat of vulnerabilities. A managed VPS may also offer things like firewalls, DDoS protection, or daily backups that can keep your site secure.
With an unmanaged VPS, you are responsible for protecting your site and will need to implement firewalls, ensure that you apply the security patches regularly, and perform monitoring for a potential issue. If security is one of your most important aspects and you are not comfortable with server administration then a managed VPS may make more sense.
Pricing: Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS
- Managed VPS hosting: Managed VPS hosting will be generally more expensive because of all of the services included, usually automatic backup, regular updates, and 24/7 customer service. Managed VPS plans come in all price ranges but typically between $30 and $200+ per month depending on the provider and the services included.
- Unmanaged VPS hosting: Without a doubt, unmanaged VPS hosting is generally cheaper, typically between $15 -$100+ per month, however, you are completely responsible for your server management, including updates, security, and troubleshooting. This can be a lot of work depending on your expertise and available time.
Ease of Use: Which VPS is Best for WordPress?
- Managed VPS: Good for a newbie or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with server management. If you have a WordPress blog, e-commerce store, or anything that is growing online and would like to focus on creating content or growing your business, a managed VPS will allow you to focus on that.
- Unmanaged VPS: Good for anyone that is used to managing a server and/or detail oriented enough and tech-savvy to be able to manage your own server. If you need to do your own configurations or to try out a new software setup, an unmanaged VPS will let you customize and give you flexibility.
Which VPS is Best for WordPress Users?
Best for Beginners
If you’re just starting your journey in WordPress and don’t have the technical know-how or experience managing servers, managed VPS is the best route.
You can simply focus on developing and growing your website without having to worry about server compatibility, performance, or security concerns.
Best for Developers
If you’re comfortable developing or have technical experience, an unmanaged VPS gives you maximum flexibility.
You have control over your server environment, and can configure your WordPress installation to meet specific requirements or experiments with new configurations.
Ideal for Scaling Businesses
Once your WordPress site grows—even if it’s an e-commerce site—a managed VPS can provide the performance, security, and reliability you need.
The added 24/7 support and automatic updates make it simple to run a growing site and make sure everything runs like clockwork while you focus on scaling your business.
Why Managed VPS is the Best Option for Most WordPress Users
For most WordPress users, managed VPS hosting offers a bunch of benefits:-
- Save Time – No need for server management, monitoring your security, or updates for software.
- Security – Your managed hosting provider will do security patches, monitoring, and backups, hence you reduce your chances of a security breach.
- Scalability – As your WordPress site grow, your managed VPS can grow with your increasing traffic needs.
- 24/7 Support – When you run into any issues, you will have a support team available to help resolve your issue quickly.
FAQs: Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
Q1: What’s the difference between managed and unmanaged VPS for WordPress?
A1: Managed VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a service that includes server management, updates, backups, and customer support anytime.
This is great for users who do not want to deal with these technical aspects. Unmanaged VPS service allows for full control of your server, but you will need the technical ability to manage security, software, and updates.
Q2: Is managed VPS more expensive than unmanaged VPS?
A2: Yes, managed VPS is typically more expensive because of included support and maintenance services. You will typically see starting prices around $30/month for managed VPS and $15/month for unmanaged VPS.
Q3: Which is better for WordPress—managed or unmanaged VPS?
A3: Managed VPS is usually the best option for the majority of WordPress users who want simple hosting without server management. Unmanaged VPS is best suited for developers or users with advanced technical ability who want complete control of the server.
Conclusion: Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS for WordPress
Whether you’ve decided on a managed VPS or an unmanaged VPS for your website depends a lot on your expertise, knowledge, budget, and needs. Most people will discover that managed VPS provides the best overall performance, security, and ease of use for a start-up entrepreneur or a blogger.
However, if you’re an expert developer needing complete control of your VPS server, then maybe an unmanaged VPS is the best option for you.