How to choose a VPS for your server

Choosing the right VPS is the first decision that shapes everything else: too small and the server stutters; too big and you overpay every month. These are the criteria that actually matter.

Memory (RAM): almost always the bottleneck

RAM is usually what limits a server. As a rule of thumb, leave 1-2 GB for the operating system and give the rest to the application. A small one runs on 8 GB; with more load or more users it wants 12-16 GB. Coming up short shows as stutters and a garbage collector that chokes performance.

CPU: fast cores matter, not just how many

Many server applications make better use of a few fast cores than of many slow ones. Before paying for the priciest plan just for more vCPUs, find out whether the application scales with cores or not — often it doesn't.

Disk: count the growth

Disk isn't just what you use today. Add the growth of your data and, above all, the backups: if you keep several copies, space goes fast. A comfortable margin avoids surprises and lets you keep a backup history.

Operating system and access

For real control you want a VPS with administrator (root) access and a stable, supported distribution. With that access you can set up the firewall, background services, automatic backups and security hardening. Without it, many of those pieces can't be installed.

Network and provider

You want a provider that offers DDoS protection out of the box and lets you open the ports you need. And choose stability over a euro less per month: a provider that goes down or is slow to support you ends up costing more. Check reputation and data-center location.

Rather not decide blind? If you want the right VPS chosen and configured for your case, tell us through the form and we'll scope it to measure.