A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is an independent server created by splitting a powerful physical server through virtualisation. You get your own operating system, your own IP address and your own share of CPU, RAM and disk.
On a VPS you have full root (administrator) access: you install any software and configure the server however you like. It gives you the freedom of a physical server at a much lower cost.
How does a VPS work?
A virtualisation layer such as KVM is installed on a physical server. It divides the server’s resources into virtual servers that are isolated from each other. Each VPS behaves like a separate computer; heavy load or a security problem on another VPS does not affect yours.
You manage the server from a panel: choose or reinstall the operating system, and start, stop or reboot the server. You connect to Linux servers with SSH and to Windows servers with Remote Desktop (RDP).
What is a VPS used for?
- Websites and online stores: sites that outgrow shared hosting or need custom server settings.
- Your own software: Node.js, Python, Java or .NET applications, APIs and bots.
- Docker and test environments: development, testing and staging environments.
- VPN: your own secure connection with WireGuard or OpenVPN.
- Mail server: run your own mail server.
- Remote work: use desktop software such as accounting packages from anywhere with a Windows VPS.
- Game servers: small and medium-sized game servers.
VPS vs hosting vs VDS
| Shared hosting | VPS | VDS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root / admin access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Server management | The hosting company | You | You |
| CPU | Shared with other accounts | vCPU, 1–8 cores | Guaranteed cores, 2–20 cores |
| RAM | 1–8 GB, by plan | 2–32 GB DDR4 | 4–64 GB DDR4 |
| Operating system | Not selectable | Linux or Windows | Linux or Windows |
| Best for | Business sites, blogs | Custom software, medium traffic, testing | High traffic, databases, critical applications |
| Starting price | 0.79 $/mo (annual) | 5.49 $/mo | 8.99 $/mo |
Prices are for Plus Datacenter plans; the hosting price is for annual billing, VPS and VDS prices for monthly billing. On annual billing a VPS drops to 4.12 $/mo. For more on VDS read What is a VDS?, and for bigger projects What is a cloud server?
Who is a VPS for?
- sites that have outgrown the resources or limits of shared hosting,
- developers who want to run their own software, bots or services 24/7,
- agencies that want to bring client projects together on one server,
- businesses that want to use Windows-based software remotely.
Managing a VPS takes basic Linux or Windows Server skills. If you only want to publish a website and do not want to deal with a server, web hosting is a better place to start.
What to check when choosing a VPS
- Virtualisation: KVM gives each VPS its own kernel and full isolation; prefer it.
- Processor: a current-generation server CPU (e.g. Xeon Gold) is much faster than an older one.
- Storage: NVMe SSD noticeably speeds up databases and file operations.
- Traffic: choose plans with no monthly traffic cap or overage fees.
- DDoS protection: during an attack, traffic should be filtered rather than your server being taken offline.
- Port 25: if you will run your own mail server, make sure the outgoing mail port is open.
- Backups and support: ask whether automatic backups are taken and how quickly support replies.
Frequently asked questions
Is a VPS the same as a virtual server?
Yes. VPS stands for “Virtual Private Server”, and the terms virtual server and virtual private server are used for the same thing.
VPS or hosting?
If you only need to host a website and email, hosting is enough and costs less. If you need to install your own software or want more resources and control, you need a VPS.
Can I install Windows on a VPS?
Yes. You can install Windows Server or Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux from the panel with one click, at the same price.
Is there a traffic limit on a VPS?
No. Our VPS plans include unlimited traffic and a 1 Gbps port on every plan.
Can I run a mail server on a VPS?
Yes. Port 25 is open for outgoing mail on our VPS servers.
Can I upgrade my plan later?
Yes. When you need more you can move to a larger VPS plan, or to a VDS or cloud server, and we migrate you for free.
VPS servers from 4.12 $/mo on annual billing
KVM, Xeon Gold CPUs, NVMe SSD, unlimited traffic and free migration, in our Istanbul data centre.