VPS vs dedicated server vs shared hosting: which do you need?

Last changed 2026-11-01. CortexHosting is not open yet, so you can’t order a server today.

Pick shared hosting for one simple website that needs no special software. Pick a VPS when you want to control the server or run your own apps. Pick a dedicated server when your work needs a whole machine.

The difference at a glance

	Shared hosting	VPS	Dedicated server
What you get	A space on a server, shared with other customers	A private server inside a bigger machine	A whole machine
Who shares the hardware	Many customers, on the same system	Other VPSs, each with its own system	Nobody
Can you install any software?	Usually only what the host allows	Yes	Yes
Do you get root access?	Usually not	Yes, unless someone runs it for you	Yes, unless someone runs it for you
How much you have to know	Very little	Some, unless someone runs it for you	The most
Best for	A small website or blog	Apps, shops, several sites, Docker	Very heavy, steady work

Pick shared hosting if

You have one small website, such as a blog.
You never want to use a terminal.
The software you need is on the host's list.

Pick a VPS if

You want to run an app, Docker or a database of your own choice.
Your site has outgrown shared hosting.
You want to host several sites in one place.
You want your own firewall and your own software versions.

Most people who ask this question need a VPS. You can usually move it to a bigger plan later, so you don't have to guess your size perfectly on day one.

Pick a dedicated server if

Your server stays busy all day, and a big VPS is not enough.
Your work needs special hardware.
A rule you must follow says you can't share hardware with anyone.

What about a "cloud server"?

"Cloud server" often means a VPS that you can make, resize or delete in minutes. Companies use the word in different ways, so read what the plan really gives you.

Who looks after the server?

This question matters as much as the size. On an unmanaged server, you do the updates and fix what breaks. On a managed server, someone does part of that for you. Ask exactly what that covers, because it differs from one company to the next.

Doing this on CortexHosting

We offer two kinds of server:

VPS (also called Unmanaged): you run it, and you can use root through sudo.
Managed: we help run it. Safety updates install by themselves, and you do your work through the dashboard. No account on the server has sudo.

You can pick Ubuntu, Debian or Rocky Linux when you make either one. Read more in What is CortexHosting?