Bluehost VPS Hosting: Features, Self-Managed vs Managed
Upgrading to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) provides significantly more control, power, and flexibility compared to Shared Hosting or other Bluehost hosting environments. This guide outlines the differences between Self-Managed VPS and Managed VPS hosting to help you understand what each option offers.
By comparing responsibilities, support levels, and ideal use cases, this article helps you choose the VPS solution that best matches your technical experience, budget, and business needs.
What Is a VPS?
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a hosting environment where a physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. Each VPS has dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) and operates independently with its own operating system and root access.
VPS hosting offers more control and performance than shared hosting, without the cost of a fully dedicated server.
Self-Managed VPS vs Managed VPS
Bluehost VPS hosting offers two flexible options—Managed VPS and Self‑Managed VPS—each designed to meet different user needs while delivering dedicated resources, scalability, and full root access.
| VPS | Self-Managed VPS | Managed VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Description | A Self-Managed VPS gives users full control over the server. The hosting provider supplies the infrastructure and basic server availability, while you are responsible for configuration, security, maintenance, and troubleshooting | A Managed VPS includes ongoing server management provided by the hosting company. The provider handles most technical tasks, allowing you to focus on their website, application, or business operations. |
| Key Responsibilities |
With a self-managed VPS, you typically handle:
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Managed VPS plans commonly cover:
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| Disadvantages |
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| Best For |
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Comparison Overview
| Feature | Self-Managed VPS | Managed VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper, no bundled support | Higher, includes security & tech help |
| Technical Skill Required | Requires technical skills & CLI knowledge | User-friendly, control panel access |
| Server Maintenance | User | Hosting Provider |
| Security Management | User | Hosting Provider |
| Support Scope | No default support included | 24/7 expert help, proactive monitoring |
| Customization | Full | Moderate |
How to Choose the Right VPS
When deciding between self-managed and managed VPS, consider the following:
- Technical Experience – Choose self-managed only if you are comfortable administering servers
- Time Availability – Managed hosting saves time and operational effort
- Business Criticality – Managed VPS reduces risk for mission-critical sites
Summary
Self-Managed VPS offers maximum control and cost savings for advanced users, while Managed VPS provides convenience, reliability, and expert support for businesses and non-technical users. Choosing the right option depends on your technical skills, risk tolerance, and business priorities.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:
- Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
- Phone Support -
- US: 888-401-4678
- International: +1 801-765-9400
You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.