VPS hosting and reseller hosting are 2 unique web hosting solutions designed with distinct setups for different purposes. VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting operates as a powerful hosting solution for resource-hungry websites and applications by providing isolated resources from a server that is virtually partitioned. Reseller hosting targets businesses looking to resell hosting services to clients and offers tools for client management, branding, and plan customization.
Reseller hosting generally involves a lower financial investment compared to VPS hosting. VPS hosting offers superior performance. Reseller hosting is more user-friendly for those managing multiple accounts but less flexible in terms of server customization. VPS hosting requires more server and site maintenance, whereas reseller hosting demands client-focused maintenance. VPS hosting generally offers higher security and scalability.
Performance, user-friendliness, and maintenance are the 3 key areas where the differences between VPS and reseller hosting stand out. These distinctions help users decide which hosting type best suits their needs. Choose VPS hosting if you require a robust hosting solution for a medium or fast-growing website or application. Choose reseller hosting if you aim to sell hosting services to clients or manage multiple websites.
What is VPS Hosting?
VPS hosting is a type of web hosting that divides a physical server into isolated virtual servers. It works by using virtualization technology to allocate dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage to each environment. The core advantages of VPS hosting include isolated resources, full control over server configurations, robust security, and the ability to scale resources as needed.
What is Reseller Hosting?
Reseller hosting is a type of web hosting where businesses purchase resources in bulk to resell them to clients. It works by enabling resellers to manage client accounts, billing, and branding using tools like WHM, while the provider handles server infrastructure. The core advantages of reseller hosting include earning revenue without owning servers and easily managing multiple accounts under a single plan.
What is the Difference Between VPS and Reseller Hosting?
The difference between VPS hosting and reseller hosting refers to the variations in these types of hosting caused by their different setup and focuses.
VPS hosting’s higher starting costs are due to dedicated resources, while reseller hosting costs depend on server type and account numbers. VPS hosting delivers consistent performance with isolated environments, while reseller hosting varies by infrastructure. VPS offers greater server flexibility, while reseller hosting offers flexibility in resource allocation across plans. Unmanaged VPS plans require higher maintenance, whilst reseller hosting involves ongoing client support. VPS hosting offers more robust security. VPS scales resources precisely, while reseller hosting grows by adding accounts or expanding plans.
Cost
VPS hosting starts at lower costs than reseller hosting due to its allocation of dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and storage. Prices typically range from $4 to $80 per month, depending on resources and whether managed services are included. Reseller hosting costs less upfront, ranging from $3 to $100 per month. Reseller hosting costs ultimately depend on the server type being resold (shared, VPS, or dedicated) and the number of accounts you plan to resell. Reseller hosting often includes added expenses for tools like WHM and white-label branding
Performance
VPS hosting delivers higher and more consistent performance because each user gets isolated resources. Reseller hosting performance varies based on the underlying infrastructure. Plans built on VPS or dedicated servers offer better performance than shared reseller hosting, which may suffer from slowdowns due to resource sharing.
User-Friendliness
VPS hosting is generally less user-friendly than reseller hosting because it requires handling server setup and maintenance, especially with unmanaged VPS plans. Reseller hosting is slightly more user-friendly because it provides managed services and responsive customer support to assist with technical or client-related issues.
Flexibility
VPS hosting offers higher flexibility in the area of server customization because it offers root access. This allows users to configure operating systems and software according to their needs. Reseller hosting only offers root access on certain types of reseller plans (e.g. VPS, dedicated). However, reseller hosting does offer flexibility in giving you control over how resources are distributed and in creating customized plans for clients.
Maintenance
VPS hosting requires users to handle server maintenance unless they opt for a managed plan, where the provider performs updates and security tasks. Reseller hosting shifts server maintenance to the provider, but resellers are responsible for managing client-specific technical support. This means maintenance workloads increase as the client base grows.
Security
VPS hosting provides much more robust security by providing isolated environments and customizable measures like firewalls. Reseller hosting security depends on the type of infrastructure being resold. Shared reseller hosting shares risks similar to shared hosting, while VPS-based or dedicated reseller hosting offers better isolation and security controls.
Scalability
VPS hosting better supports resource upgrades as website demands grow, offering granular control over scaling. Reseller hosting scales by allowing resellers to add client accounts or allocate more resources to existing plans, but scalability depends on the purchased infrastructure limits.
How Do I Choose Between VPS and Reseller Hosting?
Choose between VPS and reseller hosting depending on your objectives and resource requirements. Choose VPS hosting if you need a secure, high-performance hosting solution for resource-intensive applications or websites. It’s a great solution for fast-growing or large eCommerce sites. Choose reseller hosting if you want to sell hosting services or if you’re a developer or agency managing multiple client accounts.
What Makes a Good VPS Hosting Provider?
A good VPS hosting provider supplies generous provisions of vCPU and RAM, data center locations near your target audience, and compatibility with your preferred operating system. Check our shortlist of the best VPS hosting providers for strong candidates.
What Makes a Good Reseller Hosting Provider?
A good reseller hosting provider supplies white-label branding, client management tools, billing features, strong uptime, and strong customer support. Check our shortlist of the best reseller hosting providers for strong candidates.
Does Reseller VPS Hosting Exist?
Yes, reseller VPS hosting exists. Reseller VPS hosting combines the server setup of VPS hosting with the reseller hosting model. Resellers allocate virtual servers to clients, providing them with isolated resources for better performance and reliability compared to standard shared reseller hosting. Clients experience fewer resource bottlenecks. Resellers benefit from the flexibility and scalability of VPS hosting.
VPS Hosting vs Reseller Hosting: Difference Summary
Performance, user-friendliness, and maintenance are where the main differences between VPS and reseller hosting stand out. The variations between VPS and reseller hosting are summarised in the table below.
| Aspect | VPS Hosting | Reseller Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher due to dedicated resources | Moderate, includes management tools |
| Performance | High performance | Dependent on provider infrastructure |
| User-Friendliness | Requires technical expertise especially on unmanaged VPS | Moderate, requires some expertise for client account management |
| Flexibility | Full control over server configurations | Control over resource allocations |
| Maintenance | High and complex on unmanaged VPS plans | Handled by the provider but entails client management |
| Security | High with customizable measures | Varies by infrastructure type |
| Scalability | Easy to upgrade resources | Scale by adding accounts or plans |
| Use Case | Hosting resource-intensive websites | Managing and selling hosting plans |
VPS hosting delivers superior performance with isolated resources. While both require some technical prowess, reseller hosting is generally more user-friendly and emphasises responsive support. Maintenance is more complex with unmanaged VPS hosting but reseller hosting adds client support responsibilities. VPS hosting caters to resource-hungry business sites and developers, while reseller hosting supports agencies or entrepreneurs reselling hosting services under their own branding.