What is a VPS?

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine that behaves like a full server in its own right: you get your own operating system, reserved resources and complete administrator access. Understanding what a VPS is comes down to one simple principle: a powerful physical server is split into several isolated environments, and you rent one of them.

A plain definition

On a physical server, virtualisation software creates several independent virtual machines. Each one receives a dedicated share of CPU, memory and disk. Yours is walled off: the other tenants cannot see your data and do not consume your resources. You get root (Linux) or administrator access, as if you were renting an entire computer — at a fraction of the price.

Shared, VPS, dedicated

Three main formulas coexist:

• Shared hosting: you share a server and its configuration with many other sites. Cheap and maintenance-free, but you control neither the system nor the installed software.
• VPS: reserved resources, isolation and administrator access. You install whatever you want. It is the most versatile middle ground.
• Dedicated: an entire physical server just for you. Maximum power, higher cost, management on you.

The VPS therefore sits at the centre: more freedom than shared hosting, less financial commitment than a dedicated server.

What it is for

A VPS suits a wide range of uses:

• hosting one or several websites and their databases;
• running an application, an API or a bot around the clock;
• installing a self-hosted service (VPN, storage, internal tool);
• having a stable test or development environment.

Our VPS are hosted in the European Union (Germany and Finland, Hetzner infrastructure). Provisioning is automated: the machine is ready in under 60 seconds after payment confirmation.

How to get started

The process fits in a few steps: pick an appropriately sized plan (start small, you can adjust later), order with no commitment, then connect over SSH. An SSH key rather than a password is strongly recommended from day one. After that, update the system and install your services.

To pick a configuration and get going, see our VPS plans and the guide getting started with a VPS.