Let's start from the very beginning and conceptually divide hosting into four basic types: shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated servers and managed servers. Shared hosting is on the lowest floor of hosting in terms of performance, price, and customizability, while managed server is on the conceptual roof of hosting solutions. 
Web Hosting or Virtual Server (VPS)? In the case of shared hosting (web hosting), the provider fully takes care of the servers on which web, email, database, and other related services are operated. They perform maintenance, security settings, monitoring, updates, and resolve any problems associated with it (unless it's errors in the customer's application). However, web hosting options are fixed, meaning that MySQL or PHP versions are clearly prescribed. If you have a different version, you're out of luck. Shared web hosting is usually offered with unlimited bandwidth and often unlimited space, but without guaranteed CPU performance and memory capacity (RAM). TIP for web hosting - If the purpose of your hosting is a small informational website or blog, then web hosting is suitable. However, if you're planning a project with further development, we recommend not placing it on classic web hosting, but directly on VPS (virtual server). 
Virtual Server (VPS) Virtual servers use (more efficiently) the computing resources of physical servers, which in the case of dedicated (physical) servers are only used to a small extent. This is a standard phrase that all virtual server (VPS) providers swear by. In practice, however, this means that providers "slice up" their server (and thus its entire computing power) appropriately with the aim of achieving the highest possible yield at the expense of equipment lifespan and often, in the pursuit of maximum profit, also at the expense of the "quality" of services provided. However, this is not always the case, so it's worth monitoring who is or isn't satisfied with the given VPS product. Moreover, if providers rent out their VPS honestly and at a professional level, significant cost savings arise from their operation – starting with energy and ending with space savings in the server room (not to mention the costs of purchasing and maintaining several physical servers). What does a virtual server (VPS) offer? Unlike regular hosting, VPS uses virtualization software and each virtual server has its own copy of the operating system, a set of installed applications, IP address, etc. Access is often provided either via SSH or an administrator account for Windows. Customers can install almost any applications on the virtual server, use their own configurations, and host practically an unlimited number of domains. Running a VPS instead of hosting requires advanced technical knowledge, which is why managed VPS versions (managed VPS) with administration by the provider often appear in the offer. TIP for VPS - It's not for nothing that they say nothing is free, so be very careful with the cheapest VPS variants and first monitor the popularity of the given product or provider. 
When is the right time for a physical server? Dedicated servers are often the fastest and most powerful option (except for high-end VPS) and hosting possibility that you can get for your money. An important fact is that dedicated servers occupy the upper layers of hosting, both in terms of performance and usually price. When is a dedicated server worth it? This cannot be answered simply. However, there are several indicators that should help you when choosing a dedicated server. Price - If you have one VPS and everything works, then there's nothing to solve. But if you have 2, 3, or more VPS, the question of costs and revenues arises. Sooner or later, you can migrate your VPS to a physical server and, besides savings, increase e.g. stability (SLA). Control and HW - One of the main attractions that a dedicated server offers is its full control by the customer. This means it can be fully customized in terms of software. Another huge attraction is full hardware dedication. VPS solution is based on resource sharing, unlike a dedicated server, where all resources, i.e., memory, hard disk, capacity, computing power, and network access are 100% dedicated to one customer. The result is predictable performance, which is very important for those who are planning to host e-commerce solutions or plan to monetize their websites in any way. Control over IP address - An overlooked feature of a dedicated server compared to web hosting is also its unique IP address. On shared hosting, dozens or even hundreds of web presentations of other customers run under a single IP address, over whose content you have no control. It only takes a little and your shared IP address appears on blacklists of organizations. Another equally important advantage of dedicated servers is higher security. Because the server is not shared and its operator is the only one who has access to it, the risk of attack is reduced. TIP for dedicated server - Are you experiencing outages with your VPS, does the page take a long time to load, are you paying more than two thousand crowns per month for your virtual VPS servers? Then it's time to think about a dedicated server. 
Managed server This is essentially a dedicated server, but with the difference that a managed server is partially or fully administered by the provider. Usually, you won't get access to the server under the root account (Administrator) and you handle the installation and configuration of all programs through technical support. In practice, this means that the provider takes care of the trouble-free operation of the server, its maximum stability, updates, security, and primarily its performance. Renting a dedicated server with an administrator (i.e., managed server) also allows you to save costs on employing your own specialist. Managed server is simply the choice wherever deploying your own administrator would be uneconomical or inefficient. TIP for Managed server - Don't understand servers, but agree with what's in the tips for dedicated server? Then think about a managed server. TIP on how to choose a server for your internet projects - You'd probably expect us to sell you our services here. Yes, but also no. Finding the right balance between performance and price is always a challenge, so remember that you usually get exactly what you pay for. It's sad that some people get less than they pay for, so be careful. Compatibility, references, and brand are an equally important trio, so stick with hosts that you find appealing. Do you have any questions? Then contact us, it won't cost you anything :) ed.