Shared hosting vs VPS vs WordPress hosting sounds technical, but the choice is simpler than it looks. Here is what each one means, who it usually suits and what to watch for, in plain English.
The short answer
- Most small business websites, such as a brochure site, a blog or a small WordPress site, usually run fine on shared hosting or managed WordPress hosting.
- A VPS gives you more power and control, but someone has to look after the server.
- A dedicated server is for very large or specialised sites. A small business rarely needs one.
What hosting is
Your website is a set of files and a database. Hosting is renting space for them on a server, a computer that is always switched on and connected to the internet, so visitors can reach your site any time. Your domain name is the address, and the hosting is the building it points to.
The main types at a glance
| Type | What it is | Usually suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | Many websites share one server and its resources. | Small sites, brochure sites, blogs. | A busy neighbour or your own traffic spike can slow things down. Plans have limits, even when described as unlimited. |
| Managed WordPress hosting | Hosting set up for WordPress, often with updates, backups and caching handled for you. | Owners who want less admin on a WordPress site. | Can cost more, and some plugins may be restricted. |
| VPS (virtual private server) | Your own slice of a server with guaranteed resources. | Busy sites, shops and custom setups. | You or someone you pay must manage and secure the server. |
| Dedicated server | A whole physical server for you alone. | Very large or specialised sites. | Costly, and you need technical help to run it. |
How to decide
- How big and busy is the site? A few pages and a contact form needs far less than a shop with many visitors.
- Who will look after it? If nobody wants to manage updates and security, choose hosting that does more for you.
- Does it run on WordPress? If so, managed WordPress hosting is worth a look.
- Will it grow? Pick a host that lets you upgrade without moving the whole site.
Common mistakes
- Buying a large plan “just in case” when a small one would do.
- Choosing on the first-year price and ignoring the renewal price.
- Having no backups of your own, see our website backups guide.
- Letting a web designer register the hosting or domain in their own name. See our domain name basics.
Next steps
Use our web hosting checklist to compare hosts, try the free website cost estimator and run through the website readiness checklist.
Still choosing what to build your site with? Read WordPress pros and cons, or compare WordPress, Squarespace, Wix and Shopify side by side.
If you already have a website, our website health check shows what to fix first, whichever type of hosting you use.
Hosting products and features vary by provider, so check the details of any plan before you buy. General information, not a recommendation of any host. Checked on 9 November 2026.
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