In the past, many small business websites relied on shared hosting services. Popular choices include GoDaddy, HostGator, and DreamHost. Shared hosting is still a favorite for SMEs. Yet, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting is gaining traction as it’s faster and more secure.

Security

With a Fourplex VPS, you get a separate Linux or Windows setup. This includes dedicated memory, SSD storage, an IP address, and shared AMD Ryzen 9000 CPUs. These CPUs outperform Intel Xeon CPUs used in shared hosts. It’s like having your own server, but at a lower cost.

Think of a VPS as an apartment. You share the land but have your own rooms, mailbox, kitchen, and utilities. In contrast, shared hosting is like a hostel. You share rooms, showers, and Wi-Fi. You’ll definitely have noisy neighbors in a hostel, but not so much in an apartment.

If another Fourplex VPS user gets compromised, your service remains safe. With shared hosting, one compromised user affects everyone.

Software Choice

Shared hosting limits you to the software selected by the web host. This often includes older web frameworks like PHP, Perl, Python, or Ruby on Rails. They run on AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux.

What if you want to use newer languages and frameworks like Node.js, Go, or Rust? Not on shared hosting. How about a specific PHP version on Ubuntu instead of AlmaLinux? Nope. Want Docker? Not possible.

It’s not only web frameworks. Other apps like self-hosted email, VPNs, game servers, and AI apps need a VPS. A Fourplex VPS lets you control everything. You can act like you’re plugging in a display, keyboard, and mouse.

Most VPS users choose Linux, but you can run mission-critical apps on Windows or FreeBSD. This saves you from costly porting or repurchasing. You can upload your server operating system image to a Fourplex VPS.

Cost

VPS hosting is now better than shared hosting in both price and performance.

At the time of writing, HostGator charges $3.75/mo for its basic shared hosting plan. This is an introductory rate for a 3-year contract. After one year, it rises to $10.99/mo. In contrast, Fourplex’s VPS S plan costs only $3.50/mo without any introductory prices.

If we break it down, HostGator’s basic plan totals $308.76 over three years ($3.75 x 12 months + $10.99 x 24 months). Fourplex’s VPS S plan costs $126 over three years ($3.50 x 36 months), and there’s no contract, so you can leave anytime.

Fifteen years ago, shared hosting was more affordable. But now, it’s 2025. VPS hosting is a smart choice for anyone looking to save money. This doesn’t even factor in hidden costs like slow performance and security issues.

Conclusion

Shared hosting suits those without IT skills to manage a server. Yet, businesses with Linux or Windows admin skills should switch to a VPS. It’s faster, more secure, flexible, and cost-effective.

Every business needs a computer and phone. Many have IT staff or MSPs. If your business fits the latter category, a Fourplex VPS is a great option for your apps or website.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Fourplex VPS today.