WooCommerce Hosting vs. VPS Hosting: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Key highlights  

• Compare WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting to find the right web hosting solution for your eCommerce store. 

• Learn why WooCommerce hosting is beginner-friendly, affordable and ideal for small to medium-sized online shops. 

• Understand how a Virtual Private Server (VPS hosting) gives you more control and dedicated resources. 

• Discover the pros and cons of each hosting type to match your budget, technical skills and long-term business goals. 

• Explore how Bluehost’s hosting plans can support your website’s growth and performance goals. 

Launching an online store is exciting, but the real challenge often starts with choosing the right hosting solution. With numerous web hosting options available, it’s easy to become confused when comparing WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting. They may sound similar, but they’re designed for very different needs. 

WooCommerce hosting is designed for simplicity. It comes preconfigured with WordPress-optimized server resources and built-in eCommerce functionality. On the other hand, VPS hosting is built for higher performance and better control. 

So, which is right for you? In this blog, we’ll break down both WooCommerce and VPS hosting so you can confidently choose the right hosting service for your eCommerce site. 

TL;DR – WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting in 2025 

• WooCommerce hosting: Best for beginners and small online stores. Affordable, preconfigured with WordPress + WooCommerce and includes built-in eCommerce functionality. 

• VPS hosting: Ideal for growing eCommerce platforms and advanced users. Higher cost but provides dedicated resources, full control and a customizable server environment. 

• Bluehost plans: WooCommerce hosting plans start at beginner-friendly rates $6.95/mo, while VPS hosting plans offer scalable options starting at $46.99/mo. 

Verdict: Start with WooCommerce hosting if you’re launching your first WordPress website or small eCommerce site. Upgrade to a VPS plan when your store grows and requires more power and scalability. 

Quick comparison table: WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting 

When deciding on the best eCommerce hosting provider, understanding how VPS hosting vs WooCommerce hosting differs can save you time. 

WooCommerce hosting focuses on simplicity and speed for small to medium online stores. VPS hosting emphasizes performance and scalability for advanced users and larger eCommerce platforms. 

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of VPS hosting vs WooCommerce hosting to help you quickly understand: 

Feature	WooCommerce hosting	VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server)
Resource allocation	Each plan provides optimized CPU, RAM and storage ensuring fast performance for up to 100 websites and handling up to 400K visits per month.	Each VPS comes with dedicated hosting resources (CPU, RAM, storage) in a virtualized environment
Performance	Optimized server environment for WooCommerce functionality; may dip with high traffic	Consistently high performance with isolated resources, great for larger eCommerce sites
Security	Built-in security features with free SSL certificates and managed updates	Robust security measures, root access and custom firewalls
Customization	Limited control; managed setup with preinstalled WordPress plugins and updates	Full customization, install your own operating system, configure server settings
Scalability	Upgrade to higher WooCommerce hosting plans as your website grows	Easily scale by increasing resources in your VPS plan
Cost	Lower cost, budget-friendly web hosting package	Higher cost than WooCommerce hosting, but more flexible than dedicated hosting
Best for	Beginners, small to medium WooCommerce stores, non-technical users	Developers, web hosting companies and growing eCommerce platforms with high traffic

This table highlights the core differences between WooCommerce hosting and VPS hosting. Now let’s take a closer look at what WooCommerce hosting actually is and how it works for an eCommerce website. 

What is WooCommerce hosting?  

WooCommerce hosting is a hosting solution designed to run WordPress and WooCommerce seamlessly. It comes with managed WordPress hosting, including server resources, pre-installed WordPress plugins and built-in eCommerce functionality. 

This makes it a beginner-friendly option for eCommerce websites looking to get started quickly without worrying about technical expertise.  

Also read: How to Choose WooCommerce Hosting: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Below are the pros and cons of WooCommerce hosting. 

The advantages of WooCommerce hosting  

WooCommerce hosting is a great choice for beginners, startups and small business owners who want a hassle-free way to run their WooCommerce store. Here’s how it helps: 

• Fast setup: WordPress and WooCommerce come pre-installed so that you can launch your eCommerce site in just a few clicks. 

• Optimized performance: The server environment is fine-tuned for WooCommerce, enabling your store to load faster and handle product pages more smoothly. 

• Built-in security: Most WooCommerce hosting providers include free SSL certificates and essential security features to protect customer data. 

• Beginner-friendly: No advanced technical knowledge is required; the WooCommerce hosting provider handles updates, patches and server configuration. 

• Scalable plans: You can upgrade to higher WooCommerce hosting plans as your store grows. 

In short, WooCommerce hosting providers offer a comprehensive hosting environment designed to get your eCommerce store up and running quickly. With Bluehost WooCommerce hosting, you get optimized resources, built-in eCommerce tools and top-tier security for a seamless, hassle-free experience. 

The disadvantages of WooCommerce hosting  

While WooCommerce hosting is a great starting point for many eCommerce websites, it does come with some limitations to be aware of: 

• Limited control: You won’t have root access or the ability to install your own operating system. 

• Shared resources: Many plans run on the same server as other websites, which can impact performance during peak traffic. 

• Resource limits: Disk space and server resources are limited, making it less suitable for large or resource-heavy eCommerce platforms. 

• Less flexibility: Because it’s a managed WordPress hosting service, you can’t fully customize the server environment. 

• Scaling challenges: Though WooCommerce hosting plans allow upgrades, very large eCommerce stores may eventually need VPS hosting, cloud hosting or even dedicated hosting. 

WooCommerce hosting is ideal for getting started, but as your WooCommerce website expands, you may require a more powerful hosting option. 

What is VPS hosting?  

VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server hosting) is a type of hosting solution that separates a physical server into multiple virtual servers using a virtualized environment. Unlike most shared hosting plans, where multiple websites compete for the same server resources, VPS hosting provides dedicated hosting resources, including CPU, RAM and disk space. 

This setup offers improved performance, making it a popular choice for growing eCommerce websites that require more control over their server environment.  

Also read: Bluehost VPS Hosting Review (2025): Performance, Pricing & Features Tested 

Below are the pros and cons of VPS hosting. 

The advantages of VPS hosting 

VPS hosting is an excellent step up for businesses that have outgrown most shared hosting plans or need more powerful hosting options. Here’s why: 

• Dedicated resources: You get guaranteed CPU, RAM and storage that aren’t shared with other websites. 

• Full control: With root access, you can customize the server configuration, install advanced software and even run your own operating system. 

• Better performance: A VPS provides faster load times and improved reliability compared to most hosting companies’ shared hosting plans. 

• Robust security: Isolation within the virtualized hosting environment protects your WordPress website or eCommerce platform from vulnerabilities that affect other users. 

• Scalable hosting: You can easily upgrade your VPS plan as your traffic increases, without needing to migrate to a different hosting provider. 

• Flexibility for developers: Perfect for a web developer or advanced user managing multiple websites or resource-heavy WooCommerce stores. 

VPS hosting offers a perfect balance for businesses that have outgrown shared hosting plans but don’t yet require a fully dedicated server. With Bluehost VPS hosting, you get scalable resources, root access and enhanced security for growing websites. 

The disadvantages of VPS hosting 

While VPS hosting is powerful, it may not always be the right fit for every business. Here are the potential downsides: 

• Requires technical expertise: Managing a virtual private server often demands advanced technical knowledge or the help of a web developer. 

• Higher cost: A VPS plan costs more than WooCommerce hosting plans or beginner-friendly shared hosting providers. 

• More management: Unless you choose a managed VPS, you’re responsible for updates, security and ongoing maintenance of your hosting environment. 

• Complex setup: Configuring your own server can be overwhelming for beginners, especially when handling server space or custom security features. 

• Overkill for small sites: A simple WooCommerce website or personal WordPress site doesn’t need the power of a VPS. 

VPS hosting delivers power, but it comes with added cost and complexity that might be unnecessary for smaller eCommerce sites. 

WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting: Key differences 

Choosing the right hosting often comes down to the finer details. WooCommerce hosting provides a ready-to-go platform specifically tailored for eCommerce stores. VPS hosting, on the other hand, is designed for businesses that need more power. 

The table below highlights how these two hosting types differ, so you can see which one aligns better with your eCommerce site. 

Feature / capability	WooCommerce hosting	VPS hosting
Root access	No, you can’t access root or manage server-level settings	Yes, complete root access to manage the server hosting environment
Custom software installation	Not supported; limited to default WordPress + WooCommerce plugins	Fully supported; install advanced tools, frameworks or your own operating system
Server control	Minimal; the WooCommerce hosting provider manages updates and server configuration	Full control over CPU, RAM, disk space and network settings
Performance consistency	Optimized for WooCommerce, but performance may be impacted by other websites on the same server	Consistent and powerful with isolated allocated resources
Testing environments	Limited flexibility for staging or development setups	Excellent; supports staging, sandboxing and advanced eCommerce functionality
Operating system choice	No, the OS is fixed and managed by the provider	Yes, freedom to install and configure your own operating system

To make the decision easier, here are the core differences you should consider: 

1. Performance  

With WooCommerce hosting solutions, your store runs in a server hosting environment that’s optimized for WordPress and WooCommerce. While performance is generally strong for small to medium online stores, traffic spikes can sometimes slow down your WooCommerce site. 

VPS hosting, on the other hand, guarantees consistent performance because your virtual private server has its own dedicated resources.  

This isolation means your eCommerce website isn’t affected by other users, making VPS the stronger choice for high-traffic stores or complex eCommerce platforms. 

Also read: Key Benefits of WooCommerce Everyone Should Know About 

2. Scalability  

With WooCommerce hosting, you can upgrade within the tiered WooCommerce hosting solutions as your online store grows. This works well for small to medium-sized eCommerce websites. However, there’s a limit to how much traffic and data it can handle before performance starts to lag. 

VPS hosting, on the other hand, is built for growth. A virtual private server allows you to scale by adding more bandwidth to your VPS plan whenever you need it. This flexibility makes VPS hosting ideal for expanding eCommerce platforms and resource-heavy WooCommerce sites. 

3. Control & flexibility  

When you choose WooCommerce hosting, most of the technical heavy lifting is handled for you. The server configuration comes pre-set and your store is ready to go with essential WordPress plugins installed.  

With VPS hosting, you get the opposite experience. A virtual private server gives you full control, from installing enterprise-grade applications to customizing security rules. Developers and advanced users can tailor their VPS to match specific eCommerce functionality needs. 

Also read: VPS Hosting for Developers: Build, Test and Scale Apps Faster with Full Control 

4. Security  

WooCommerce hosting provides a solid security foundation for small eCommerce websites. With built-in security features and managed updates, your WooCommerce store is protected from common threats. 

In contrast, VPS hosting offers a higher level of security. Since each virtual private server is isolated, your eCommerce platform is shielded from risks. Plus, you have full control to install custom firewalls, configure additional security layers and implement your own encryption protocols. 

5. Pricing  

WooCommerce hosting is typically more affordable due to its shared server model. The costs for WooCommerce hosting solutions typically range from $3 to $10 per month, depending on the provider and the features included. It’s a great budget-friendly option for small to medium-sized eCommerce stores that are just getting started. 

VPS hosting is more expensive because it offers dedicated resources and greater control over the server environment. Prices for VPS hosting typically start around $20 to $60 per month and can increase significantly for larger plans with more CPU, RAM and disk space. This is ideal for businesses that expect higher traffic or need more customization and performance. 

Plan type	Starting price	Best for
WooCommerce hosting	$3 – $10/month	Small to medium-sized eCommerce stores are looking for a beginner-friendly, affordable solution.
VPS hosting	$20 – $60/month	Growing eCommerce platforms or businesses need flexibility, customization and performance.

Which is right for you: WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting? 

Choosing between VPS hosting vs WooCommerce hosting comes down to your store’s size, budget and how comfortable you are with technology. Here are the questions to ask before choosing web hosting plan for your site: 

1. How many resources do you need?  

2. What’s your budget?  

3. How much performance do you expect?  

4. Which features are important to you?  

5. How much technical skill do you have?  

Let’s look at these questions in more detail: 

1. How many resources do you need?  

If you’re running a small store or a niche website with a limited number of products and modest traffic, WooCommerce hosting generally provides sufficient resources. For example, a small clothing shop or a boutique selling handmade crafts would likely fall under this category. 

However, if you are a large business owner, such as a fashion retailer with hundreds of SKUs, you may need optimized performance during flash sales. VPS hosting is the ideal hosting plan for you.  

Also read: VPS Hosting for eCommerce: Handle High Traffic with Ease 

2. What’s your budget?  

If you’re just getting started, WooCommerce hosting is an affordable way to get your store up and running for as little as $3 to $10 per month. It’s perfect for small businesses or side hustlers who don’t have a large budget for hosting.  

However, if you’re a larger business seeking scalability, performance and control, VPS hosting comes at a higher price but delivers long-term value. With VPS, you’re investing in better performance and more flexibility, with costs ranging between $20 to $60 per month on average. 

3. How much performance do you expect?  

For small to medium online stores, WooCommerce hosting will deliver the performance you need, especially if you’re not yet dealing with a lot of traffic. This will provide you with the optimized environment you need to get started, with fast loading times and secure checkout. 

However, if you’re running a larger eCommerce site with complex functionality that experiences heavy traffic during sales, VPS hosting is the way to go.  

4. Which features are important to you?  

If ease of use and affordability are key for you, WooCommerce hosting is a great choice. It’s managed hosting integrates eCommerce functionality and manages updates without requiring server-level configurations. 

For larger businesses, however, VPS hosting provides more flexibility and customization options. You can install custom software, optimize the server environment and scale your resources as needed. 

5. How much technical skill do you have? 

For those with limited technical knowledge, WooCommerce hosting is an ideal solution. It’s beginner-friendly and requires no experience in server configurations.  

If you have a tech-savvy team or access to a web developer, go for VPS hosting. You will gain the flexibility to handle complex needs and manage everything at a more in-depth level. 

Also read: How to Set Up a VPS and Launch Your Own Server in 2025: Beginner’s Guide 

Verdict: WooCommerce hosting is the best choice for simplicity, affordability and a fast setup. But if you need higher performance, scalability and full control, a virtual private server is the ideal hosting solution for your future growth. 

Why Bluehost stands out for WooCommerce hosting and VPS hosting?  

Bluehost is a prominent web hosting provider known for comprehensive web hosting services. We are a trusted name in WordPress hosting and is officially recommended by WordPress.  

Our services are renowned for delivering high-performance web hosting service without compromising on affordability. For businesses requiring top-tier hosting with reliable speed, security and scalability, we provide an excellent foundation for online growth. 

At Bluehost, we understand that every eCommerce store is unique. That’s why we offer both WooCommerce hosting solutions and VPS hosting plans, giving you the flexibility to choose the right hosting solution for your stage of growth. 

WooCommerce hosting with Bluehost 

With features like built-in security and premium eCommerce tools, Bluehost stands out as a top choice for anyone looking for the best WooCommerce hosting. Our plans cater to both beginners and seasoned online retailers.  

Key features  

• AI online store builder: Quickly build and customize your online store with Bluehost website builder with full customization. 

• Website analytics: Track the performance of your WooCommerce store with external monitoring tools like Pingdom, GTmetrix and UptimeRobot.  

• monitor visitor behavior in real-time, helping you make data-driven decisions. 

• Pre-installed WooCommerce and WordPress: Get your online store up and running with automatic installations and managed WordPress hosting updates, saving you time and effort. 

• eCommerce tools: Access essential eCommerce tools such as secure payment processing, WooCommerce auto-install, product subscriptions, visitor memberships, paid courses and affiliate programs. 

• Advanced eCommerce tools (Premium plan): Expand functionality with advanced reviews, wish lists, product filtering, custom customer accounts, business locator, SMS notifications, shipping labels, bookings & appointments, gift cards, 1-click checkouts, sales & promotions builder, product customization and marketplace inventory management. 

• Security: Keep your store safe with free SSL certificates, malware scanning, malware removal, DDoS protection, web application firewall, domain privacy and daily backups. 

• Performance enhancements: Benefit from 100 GB NVMe storage, Cloudflare CDN integration with Argo Routing, static and object caching, and optimized server resources for faster load times. 

• Marketing tools: Boost your sales with Yoast SEO, Yoast Local SEO, Yoast News SEO, Yoast Video SEO, Pro Email, Creative Mail and pre-designed email templates. 

Bluehost’s WooCommerce hosting plan starts at $6.95/month, making it an affordable choice for new online stores.  

Note: Prices are as of August 2025. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date pricing information. 

Each plan includes 24/7 support, AI site creation tools, a free domain for the first year, free site migration and easy integration with WordPress and WooCommerce. This makes Bluehost the best WooCommerce hosting provider. 

VPS hosting with Bluehost 

Bluehost’s VPS hosting solution is ideal for sites needing extra processing power. All VPS plans include unmetered bandwidth, dedicated IPs, free SSL certificates, backups and a cPanel license, ensuring advanced security for growing websites.  

Key features  

• Dedicated resources: Enjoy guaranteed CPU, RAM and storage to ensure your website performs smoothly, even during traffic spikes. 

• Root access: Full control over your server environment, allowing for custom server configurations, software installation and system management. 

• Advanced security: Built-in DDoS protection, SSL certificates, malware scanning and firewalls to keep your website secure. 

• Scalable resources: Easily upgrade your VPS plan to handle growing traffic, more storage and larger databases without migrating to a different hosting provider. 

• Performance optimizations: Enjoy enhanced website performance with NVMe storage, Cloudflare CDN integration and static caching for faster load times and better site reliability. 

Bluehost’s VPS hosting plan starts at $46.99/month. All VPS plans come with root access, RAID storage, dedicated IPs, firewalls, backups, 24/7 priority support and cPanel. 

With Bluehost, you don’t have to worry about outgrowing your hosting. You can start with a beginner-friendly WooCommerce hosting package and seamlessly upgrade to a virtual private server when your business demands more power. 

Final thoughts  

Choosing between WooCommerce hosting vs VPS hosting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It really comes down to what stage your business is in.  

If you’re just getting started, WooCommerce hosting is a simple, cost-effective way to launch your store with everything you need out of the box. As your business grows, VPS hosting offers the flexibility to scale and handle higher traffic as your store expands. 

At Bluehost, we make it simple to grow at your own pace. You can launch with WooCommerce hosting today and upgrade to a VPS hosting plan whenever your business is ready.  

Ready to take the next step? Start your online business journey with Bluehost today. 

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