Managed vs Unmanaged Hosting

If you are looking for a new hosting plan but feel unsure about what to go for, this page is the best place to start! The basic choice comes down to managed verses unmanaged hosting. Two very separate ideas with strengths in different areas. But what is the difference, and which should you choose?

What is managed hosting?

Managed hosting on a basic level comes down to one key thing: support. The host is there to help you with every problem you come up against and all routine maintenance. This includes help with pre-installed applications, the control panel, the operating system and the server setup. In other words, you will not be stranded if any issues arise with your website as you are paying to ensure you do not have to deal with these problems alone.

What is unmanaged hosting?

The opposite to the managed hosting option is to go for unmanaged hosting. This means that there is a lot less support and it is, therefore, a cheaper option. There is a low level of support available with this type of plan: failed components will be replaced by the host and they will be there to keep everything up and running. However, you are on your own when it comes to the majority of installation and fixing error messages.

There is a last resort support option if you become really stuck: you can choose to pay the host an hourly rate to help you fix an issue not covered by your hosting plan, although this can be very expensive and is not an ideal decision to make.

Which hosting plan should you choose?

So, now you know the basics of the different hosting plans available, it is time to decide which option is the best for you.

Of course, if you are judging your decision on cost, unmanaged hosting is the obvious choice. And if you have a good knowledge of your OS then there is no need to read any further: go for unmanaged hosting. You will have more control and complete freedom.

However, if you are not fortunate enough to have this experience, it may be better to splash out on the managed hosting plan. This will give you peace of mind and a sense of security, allowing you to focus on the things on your website that matter to you more, rather than wasting time fretting about technical issues.

So, ask yourself this question: do I want to spend less money on a hosting plan, or spend less time on maintenance?