Choosing the right VPS
Picking a VPS comes down to four quick decisions. The good news: none of them lock you in, you can resize the plan, reinstall a different OS, and add resources later, so aim for a sensible fit and get going.
1. Which type of VPS?
- Linux VPS is the right call for most people: the best value, generous RAM on fast NVMe, and everything you need for websites, web apps, databases, VPNs, game servers, and self-hosting.
- Premium VPS reserves resources entirely for your server, for consistent, enterprise-grade performance, and its full virtualization lets you run virtually any operating system. Choose it when performance has to stay steady under load, or you need a non-standard OS. See Linux VPS vs Premium VPS.
- Windows VPS is for when you specifically need Windows, to run Windows-only software or a full Windows desktop you reach over Remote Desktop.
New to all this? Start with What is a VPS?.
2. How big?
Go with what comfortably fits what you're running today. RAM is usually the deciding factor, and our plans lead with plenty of it. A small site or VPN is happy on the entry plans; busier sites, databases, or Windows want more. Full guidance and per-workload starting points are in How to choose a plan size, and remember you can upgrade later (instantly, with no downtime, on Linux VPS).
3. Which operating system?
- On Linux VPS, pick a distribution, a current LTS release like Ubuntu or Debian is the safe default for most people, or use a one-click Application to deploy a ready-made stack.
- On Premium VPS, choose from the Linux distributions, or install virtually any non-Windows OS yourself, including BSD or a custom image, by sending us the ISO in a support ticket.
- On Windows VPS, choose Windows Server 2025, 2022, or 2019.
You can always reinstall a different OS later, so this isn't a one-way door.
4. Which datacenter?
Pick the location closest to the people who'll use your server, that's what gives you the lowest latency and the snappiest feel. Your IP address belongs to the location, so it's worth choosing well up front. We run six datacenters:
Availability can vary and a location is occasionally out of stock, the order form shows the ones you can deploy to right now. If you specifically need a location that isn't listed, just ask.
Not sure? Here's a safe default
For most people, a Linux VPS with 4 to 6 GB of RAM, running the current Ubuntu LTS, in the datacenter nearest your users, is an excellent starting point. And if it's your first order with us, it's covered by a 72-hour money-back guarantee, so you can try us with nothing to lose. Still torn? Contact our team and we'll point you the right way.
Related questions
- "Which VPS should I choose?"
- "Linux, Premium, or Windows, what's the difference?"
- "What size VPS do I need?"
- "Which operating system should I pick?"
- "Which datacenter location is best for me?"
- "Can I change my plan, OS, or size later?"
- "What do you recommend for a beginner?"