TL;DR
The Best Windows VPS Hosting offers a blend of affordability, performance, and support to Windows server features. Verpex stands out in this category with its exceptional customer support, affordable pricings, and strong security measures – making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users.
Verpex
Verpex
When it comes to Windows VPS Hosting, Verpex shines with a variety of flexible and reliable options. Their mid-range Windows VPS Hosting options cater to a variety of user needs, offering both managed and unmanaged packages to suit different levels of expertise and control.
All plans come with Windows Server 2022, Plesk control panel, NVME storage, and free daily backups. The main consideration is whether you prefer the server to be managed by the host (managed Windows VPS) or fully managed by yourself (unmanaged Windows VPS). Unmanaged plans start at $18/month and go up to $53.40/month, while managed plans range from $29.40 to $95.40 per month.
What sets Verpex apart is their exceptional support and security features. Enjoy 24/7 access to Windows Server experts and take advantage of free migration assistance if you’re moving from another host. Plus, your site will benefit from solid security measures, including firewalls and daily automated malware scans, ensuring peace of mind.
Windows Hosting Plans
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Verpex Pros
- Budget-friendly shared and VPS hosting plans
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Daily backup included in all shared hosting plans
- Unlimited free site migrations
- Choice of 12 distributed data centers across five continents
- Wide hosting selections including Windows and dedicated hosting
Verpex Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
TMDHosting
TMDHosting
TMDHosting offers Windows hosting plans in two forms: You can choose Windows-based shared hosting plans or get a VPS and run Windows Server 2022 on it. The former is notable because many hosts prefer to focus on something other than this business side.
The only downside is that Windows shared hosting costs more than Linux (nearly double), but we blame that on Microsoft, not TMDHosting. Likewise, Windows VPS plans are much pricier than Linux-based plans.
Either way, the plans include the usual goodies like 1-Click installers, caching, free domain names, and more. Their VPS servers also have excellent security through BitNinja and in-house server monitoring. For Windows hosting, TMDHosting offers an excellent range of choices.
Windows Hosting Plans
Recommended for
HostScore
TMDHosting Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Choice of global data centres in six continents
- Easy-to-use centralized dashboard
- Free white glove migration
- Host unlimited websites in Business or Enterprise plans
- Outstanding customer support
- Reinforced DDoS protection for all shared hosting accounts
TMDHosting Cons
- Lowest shared plan does not support automatic backup
- Free domain has no privacy protection
- Price increase during the renewal
IONOS
IONOS
By now, we must sound like a broken record, but IONIOS remains one of the few surviving web hosts that offer Windows hosting. This takes two forms: You can choose from Windows-based VPS plans or settle for ASP.net hosting.
Their Windows VPS plans are unusual since they start with minimal resources that may struggle with the OS. However, these are accompanied by relatively low prices, so they meet a niche in this space.
ASP.net hosting is based on Windows 2022 servers and is cheaper than the Windows VPS plans here. Don’t expect excellent performance, but these plans can be helpful if you are a dev or simply want to use the ASP.net environment.
Windows Hosting Plans
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IONOS Pros
- Reliable server uptime performance
- Easy-to-use user dashboard
- Built-in DDoS and web applications firewall (WAF) protection
IONOS Cons
- Unhelpful customer support
- Expensive signup price
- Limitations in SSL usage
- Price increase during the renewal
HostWinds
HostWinds
Windows Hosting Plans
Recommended for
HostScore
HostWinds Pros
- Fast and reliable services
- Sterling reputation and support
- Lots of automated services
- Weebly website builder included
HostWinds Cons
- Shortest money-back guarantee period in market (3 days)
- No extra business services
- Slightly higher than usual starting prices
Windows VPS Hosting Explained
What is Windows VPS Hosting?
Windows VPS Hosting refers to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) that runs on the Windows operating system. This type of hosting is suitable for websites that require specific Windows technologies.
While Linux VPS hosting is more common, Windows VPS hosting is essential if you need compatibility with Microsoft products. If your website or application is developed using ASP.NET or that your business relies on MSSQL databases or an ERP system that runs on Windows environment – then Windows VPS is a must.
Windows VPS vs Linux VPS Hosting
| Feature | Windows VPS | Linux VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows Server | Various Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, etc.) |
| Common Control Panels | Plesk, SolidCP, WebsitePanel, DotNetPanel, Magma, Hosting Controller | cPanel, Webmin, DirectAdmin, Virtualmin, ISPConfig |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually cheaper |
| Software Compatibility | ASP.NET, MSSQL, Microsoft Exchange | PHP, MySQL, Apache, Nginx |
| User Interface | GUI (Graphical User Interface) via Remote Desktop | CLI (Command Line Interface) via SSH, some GUIs available |
| Licensing Fees | Yes, Windows Server licensing fees | No, typically free and open-source |
| Popular Use Cases | Enterprise applications, .NET applications, businesses using Microsoft products | Web hosting, LAMP stack applications, developers preferring open-source environments |
Note: Why is Windows Hosting usually more expensive?
Windows VPS hosting is typically more expensive than Linux VPS hosting due to the licensing costs associated with the Windows operating system – which are not present with the open-source Linux. Additionally, Windows servers require more resources to run efficiently and often need specialized support, adding to the overall costs.
How Much Does Windows VPS Hosting Usually Cost?
The cost of Windows VPS hosting can vary widely depending on the provider and the features included.
Cheap Windows VPS (Basics): $10 – $30 per month
On average, expect to pay between $10 to $30 per month for basic unmanaged VPS plans. These plans usually offer sufficient resources for small to medium-sized websites or applications.
Expensive Windows VPS (Premium): $50 – $150 per month
For more advanced needs, such as higher performance or additional storage, prices can range from $50 to $150 per month. Premium plans often include enhanced features like better security, more CPU and RAM, and advanced support services.
How to Choose?
Before You Begin
To choose the right Windows VPS, start by assessing your needs and understanding what you are looking for. Determine the primary purpose of your VPS – whether it’s for running a website, Windows application development, or remote desktop services. Estimate your basic resource needs, such as RAM and CPU, and consider your available budget.
Also, think about future growth and choose a provider that offers easy upgrade paths, allowing you to upgrade your hosting plan without significant downtime or cost.
Key Factors to Consider
Once you’re clear on your requirements, look into key features that make a Windows hosting provider stand out. These features include:
- Performance and Uptime Regardless of your choice of OS, hosting performance and uptime are critical for your website’s success. Check providers’ performance guarantees and uptime records to ensure your site remains accessible and runs smoothly.
- Security Features Security is paramount. Opt for hosting plans that include robust security measures like firewalls, regular backups, and malware protection to keep your data safe. Our top pick, Verpex Windows VPS, is particularly noteworthy because it includes a built-in firewall, daily backups, and automatic malware scanning by default for all plans.
- Customer Support Quality Good customer support is crucial. Look for providers known for exceptional support services, ensuring you get help whenever needed.
- Price Considerations Budget is always a factor. While some providers offer premium features at a higher cost, look for those that offer excellent value for money with affordable plans that still meet your needs. . If you are experienced, consider using an unmanaged Windows VPS, like those offered by Verpex and HostWinds, which are typically $5 to $10 cheaper per month for the same infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
While cheap Windows VPS hosting offers a cost-effective solution, it’s essential to determine if you actually need Windows-specific features. Windows hosting is particularly beneficial if you rely on ASP.NET, MSSQL, or other Microsoft technologies. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for users who are more comfortable with a Windows-based interface.
However, if your needs are more general or if you’re using technologies that are equally well-supported on Linux, you might find more affordable and flexible options with Linux-based VPS hosting. It’s also worth considering the community support and security features that are typically better covered in the Linux environment.
At the end of the day – Think about what you need, what you’re comfortable with, and how much you’re willing to spend. By weighing these factors, you can choose the Windows VPS that best fits your needs, ensuring your website runs smoothly.
