When selecting a hosting solution, many users choose a Virtual Private Server (VPS) as a balance between performance and cost. Positioned between shared hosting and a dedicated server, a VPS gives you isolated resources at a fraction of the price. But there's another key decision to make: should you go with a fully-managed VPS or an unmanaged VPS?
Let’s explore what these two options mean, what their benefits and drawbacks are, and how to choose the one that suits your needs best.
Why Choose VPS Hosting?
It is a known fact that VPS is one of the most cost-effective web hosting solutions.
Because you’re sharing the physical hardware but not the software environment, a VPS offers more control and privacy than shared hosting while being more affordable than a dedicated server.
A VPS provides dedicated RAM, CPU, storage, and often a dedicated IP address. You also get full access to install software and configure services. This flexibility is one of the reasons VPS hosting is so popular.
What Is a Fully-Managed VPS?
In a fully-managed VPS, the provider handles all the technical issues behind the running of the server.
This means you don’t need to worry about:
- Server setup
- System updates
- Firewall configuration
- Software installation
- Monitoring
- Security patches
- Backups
This offers a great advantage: simplicity. This type of VPS is perfect for users who don’t have the technical knowledge to operate a server.
You simply manage your website or app, and the hosting company takes care of everything else.
Benefits of a Fully-Managed VPS
Leaving all the technical responsibility to the server provider has some benefits.
Expert Maintenance: Your provider ensures that your system is always running smoothly. They apply updates to both software and hardware, avoiding potential failures or vulnerabilities.
They will update the software and hardware whenever necessary.
Stability: Managed VPS servers are monitored for performance and availability. This reduces the risk of downtime due to overloads or misconfigurations.
Hence, there are no possibilities of a server crash.
Security: Security patches, firewall rules, and malware scans are typically part of the service.
The technical experts will make regular backups and fix all the server vulnerabilities. Hence, the possibility of failure due to a virus or malware is minimized.
Even if a hacker attack happens, recovery is usually fast and complete.
The data can be restored quickly and nearly in its entirety.
Round-the-Clock Support: Fully-managed VPS plans often include 24/7 technical support, meaning you can get help any time you encounter issues.
What’s more, you get technical support around the clock.
Drawbacks of a Fully-Managed VPS
Despite its many benefits, this hosting type is not without its disadvantages.
Even though it all looks good, there are some disadvantages to this VPS modality.
Cost: A managed VPS is more expensive than its unmanaged counterpart.
You're essentially paying for the expertise and time of technical professionals.
You have to pay for the services of the technical expert(s).
Limited Control: You won’t always have immediate control over your system. Requests for software or changes must often go through the provider.
You have little control over what software and hardware are installed.
Even though you can ask for special setups, they may take longer than if you configured the server yourself.
In most cases, it will take some additional time to get it on the server. This would not happen if you installed it yourself.
What Is an Unmanaged VPS?
Though it wasn't fully covered in the original text, it's helpful to contrast.
An unmanaged VPS is a blank slate. The provider gives you access to the server, and everything else is up to you:
- Install and maintain software
- Secure the server
- Monitor usage and logs
- Manage backups
- Fix any errors or attacks
It’s the cheaper option, but it demands knowledge, time, and effort.
Unmanaged VPS is often used by:
- System administrators
- Web developers
- DevOps professionals
- Companies with in-house IT teams
It gives full control — but you take full responsibility too.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your skills, your project, and how much time you're willing to invest in server management.
Choose a fully-managed VPS if:
- You want everything handled for you
- You lack technical experience
- You run a business and need peace of mind
- You value stability and security above all
Choose an unmanaged VPS if:
- You know how to manage Linux or Windows servers
- You want to customize every part of the setup
- You prefer saving money over convenience
- You don’t mind handling support and errors yourself
Final Thoughts
Both types of VPS hosting serve different users. What they have in common is flexibility and potential.
VPS is the best tradeoff of the different web hosting modalities.
If you want control without complexity, go with a fully-managed VPS. If you're confident in your skills or have a dedicated team, an unmanaged VPS might be the best fit — and save you money in the long run.
Even though it all looks good, there are some disadvantages to this VPS modality. First of all, you have to pay more for a fully-managed Russia VPS. That is somehow expected. You have to pay for the services of the technical expert(s). Moreover, you have little control over what software and hardware are installed. Of course, you can ask for any special software you need. But consider that in most cases it will take some additional time to get it on the server. This would not happen if you installed it yourself.
