
Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS – In your search for the most reliable VPS hosting plan, you’ve probably encountered the terms managed vs unmanaged in your hunt. But what are the main differences between the two plans, and how can these plans support VPS hosting for your business?
Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS – Once you have figured out your business’s resource demands, the next step is to determine how much control you want. Let’s breakdown some of the main differences between unmanaged vs managed VPS hosting to help you decide:

What Is Unmanaged VPS Hosting?
With unmanaged VPS hosting, you are responsible for everything. If you’re tech-savvy or have a decent-sized IT department, an unmanaged plan can be an option for you. There are no tickets or calls; just jump in and get to work. Here are a few pros and cons of using unmanaged VPS hosting:
Pros of Unmanaged VPS
- Cost savings over managed VPS.
- Gives you more control.
Cons of Unmanaged VPS Hosting
- Takes time away from core business functions.
- Requires 24/7 IT support from your business on the clock.
- Difficult to keep up with OS updates and patches.
- Potentially decreases security and reliability if updates are not performed regularly.
What Is Managed VPS?
A managed VPS lets you take more of a hands-off approach. The VPS is available for whatever functionality you require. You use it, and we take care of the technical side of things. This style is an ideal choice if you are not tech-savvy or don’t have a team to manage on a regular basis. Managed VPS allows you focus on growing your business without having to manage the core of the server. When things like maintenance, troubleshooting, or software installation come up, you can stay focused on what’s important. Here are a few pros and cons of choosing managed VPS hosting:
Pros of Managed VPS
- Saves you and your team time.
- Requires no IT expertise on your side.
- Ensures OS updates are made, keeping you secure and current.
- Ensures all changes are made correctly.
Cons of Managed VPS
- Costs more than unmanaged.
- Gives more control to an outside party.
Why Should I Choose Managed vs Unmanaged VPS Hosting?
With fully managed VPS, you’ll have a dedicated support team handling all aspects of VPS hosting, saving your team valuable time. Choosing managed hosting allows you to:
- Reduce your risks. You can effectively reduce your exposure to online risks with a managed hosting provider that offers a high level of oversight and constant maintenance on the backend.
- Keep up with the speed of business. Your hosting provider will work with you to adjust your hosting resources when you need them to ensure your IT scales with your business.
- Stay up to date with technology. You’ll get access to the latest technology without having to invest a lot of capital.
- Stay compliant. Your managed hosting provider will take care of ongoing compliance requirements, freeing up time to focus on other tasks.
- Get access to skilled experts. Your provider can help keep team members educated and up to date on the latest IT threats and opportunities.
All our managed servers can be protected by our proprietary server protection technology, which helps ensure your systems remain secure while they’re being used. Our Support Team, meanwhile, will help you deal with everything from software compatibility to VPS security.
Whichever option you choose between managed vs unmanaged VPS, a Liquid Web VPS has you covered.
Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS Managed VPS vs Unmanaged VPS
Managed VPS (Virtual Private Server) and unmanaged VPS refer to two different types of hosting services with varying levels of server management and support. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Managed VPS:
- Definition: Managed VPS hosting is a service where the hosting provider takes care of server management tasks on behalf of the customer. This includes setup, configuration, monitoring, maintenance, security, and technical support.
- Features:
- Server Setup: The hosting provider handles the initial setup and configuration of the VPS server, including installing the operating system, control panel (if applicable), and essential software.
- Server Monitoring: Managed VPS providers monitor the server’s performance, availability, and security round the clock. They may employ automated monitoring tools to detect issues and ensure optimal server performance.
- Software Updates and Patches: The hosting provider is responsible for installing software updates, security patches, and system upgrades to keep the server’s operating system and applications up to date and secure.
- Security: Managed VPS hosting typically includes security measures such as firewall configuration, intrusion detection, malware scanning, and DDoS protection to safeguard the server from cyber threats.
- Technical Support: Managed VPS hosting comes with technical support from experienced professionals who can assist with server-related issues, troubleshooting, and guidance on server management best practices.
- Benefits:
- Reduced Complexity: Managed VPS hosting relieves customers of the burden of server management tasks, allowing them to focus on their websites or applications.
- Expert Support: Customers have access to knowledgeable support staff who can provide assistance and guidance on server-related issues.
- Enhanced Security: Managed VPS providers implement security measures to protect the server from security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Unmanaged VPS:
- Definition: Unmanaged VPS hosting is a service where the customer is responsible for managing all aspects of the VPS server, including setup, configuration, maintenance, security, and technical support.
- Features:
- Server Setup and Configuration: The customer is responsible for setting up and configuring the VPS server, including installing the operating system, control panel (if desired), and any required software.
- Server Monitoring and Maintenance: The customer must monitor the server’s performance, availability, and security independently. This includes performing routine maintenance tasks such as software updates, security patches, and backups.
- Security: The customer is responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures to protect the server from security threats, such as configuring firewalls, installing security software, and monitoring for suspicious activity.
- Technical Support: Unmanaged VPS hosting typically does not include technical support from the hosting provider. Customers are expected to have the technical expertise to manage the server themselves or seek assistance from third-party sources.
- Benefits:
- Full Control: Customers have complete control over their VPS server, including the choice of operating system, software configuration, and server management practices.
- Cost Savings: Unmanaged VPS hosting is often more cost-effective than managed hosting since customers are responsible for performing server management tasks themselves.
- Customization: Customers have the flexibility to customize their server environment according to their specific requirements and preferences.
In summary, the main difference between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting lies in the level of server management and support provided by the hosting provider. Managed VPS hosting offers a fully managed solution with comprehensive support and server management services, while unmanaged VPS hosting puts the responsibility for server management entirely on the customer. The choice between managed and unmanaged VPS hosting depends on factors such as technical expertise, budget, and the level of control and support required for your hosting environment.