Our comparison

We update the prices and offers of numerous hosting providers daily for you. We take into account as many factors as possible to present you with the best offers. All offers are listed independently and directly. We do not prioritize any providers or products in order to provide you with an objective basis for comparison. Our comparisons are transparent and based on the most up-to-date information we can find.

Your project and the right server

First of all, you should think about what you want to do with your server. Do you want to host a website, run an application or perhaps set up an online store? The requirements for the server can vary depending on the use case. A web server, for example, requires fewer resources than a server for data-intensive applications. A game server may require a higher bandwidth and more RAM. It is important that you are clear what requirements your project places on the server in order to make the right choice. The type of server is also crucial: a VPS is significantly cheaper than a root server. However, you do not necessarily always have access to all the resources you have booked. You can find out more about this in our Wiki.

Try to answer the following questions first:

• Which operating system do I need?
• What type of server do I need?
• Which applications do I want to install?
• What do I want to do with the server in the future?
• How much traffic do I expect?
• How much disk space do I need?

Servers are often booked on a long-term basis. Planning for the future is therefore important. If in doubt, you can opt for a root server or VPS. These can usually be upgraded without affecting the data and installations.

Cloud hosting can be practical for projects that grow or change quickly. Here you can flexibly adapt resources. However, costs can rise quickly if you're not careful. Make sure you understand the billing models and keep an eye on the costs.

Definitions

You can find precise definitions and further criteria in our Wiki.

CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the heart of a server. It performs most of the calculations and operations. A powerful CPU is important for computing-intensive applications and ensures that requests are processed quickly.

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the working memory of a server. It stores temporary data that is required for the execution of applications. More RAM allows the server to run multiple applications simultaneously and improves overall performance.

Hard disk storage

Hard disk storage is the permanent storage of a server. It is used to store data, applications and the operating system. More hard disk space makes it possible to store larger amounts of data and install more applications.

NVMe or SSD or HDD

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) and SSD (Solid State Drive) are faster storage technologies compared to HDD (Hard Disk Drive). NVMe offers the highest speed, followed by SSD. HDD is slower but more cost-effective for large amounts of data. For applications that require high speeds, NVMe or SSD are recommended.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data a server can transfer per second. Higher bandwidth allows more data to be transferred simultaneously and improves the loading times of websites and applications. Note that some providers limit the amount of data transferred each month. Throttling can lead to a negative user experience.

VPS

A VPS (also vServer or virtual server) is a virtual server that runs on a physical server. It is cheaper and more flexible than a root server. It is ideal for small to medium-sized projects. However, depending on the provider, you may not always have access to the resources you have booked, as you share them with other customers.

Root server

A root server is a separate virtualized server that is available to you alone. It is ideal for large projects.

Dedicated servers

A dedicated server is a physical server that is available to you alone. It is ideal for large projects.

Windows servers

A Windows server is a server that runs the Windows operating system. It is ideal for Windows applications.

What are the costs?

Billing models vary depending on the provider. In most cases there is a monthly fee. Special servers such as Windows servers or Red Hat Linux servers may require an additional license fee. Sometimes there is also a one-time setup fee. Providers want to prevent frequent switching back and forth between servers. Pay attention to whether there is a minimum contract term and what notice periods apply. Some providers also offer discounts for longer contract periods. Important: Upgrading or downgrading (e.g. booking more RAM) with the same provider is usually possible without any problems. Switching providers, on the other hand, can be time-consuming as you have to migrate your data and configurations. There are also no contract transfers or other savings tricks.

Frequently asked questions

I only want to host one website. Which server do I need?

Probably none at all. Many providers offer cheap web hosting packages that are sufficient for simple websites. These are often cheaper and easier to manage than your own server. However, if you need more control over the server environment or want to install special software, a server can be useful. However, web hosting is probably sufficient for beginners.

I would like to host a game server. Which server do I need?

It depends on the game and the number of players. Many games have specific hardware requirements. As a rule, however, you need a server with sufficient RAM and CPU power to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Pay particular attention to the bandwidth. Some providers also have an upper limit for monthly traffic. Throttling can lead to a negative gaming experience. Try to research the requirements of the game and choose a server that exceeds them. A VPS may be sufficient for smaller games, while larger games often require a root server or dedicated server.

What is a VPS?

A VPS (also vServer or virtual server) is a virtual server that runs on a physical server. It is cheaper and more flexible than a root server. It is ideal for small to medium-sized projects. However, depending on the provider, you may not always have access to the resources you have booked, as you share them with other customers.

What is a root server?

A root server is a separate virtualized server that is available to you alone. It is ideal for large projects.

What is a dedicated server?

A dedicated server is a physical server that is available to you alone. It is ideal for large projects.

What is a Windows server?

A Windows server is a server that runs the Windows operating system. It is ideal for Windows applications.