When you shop for a VPS you will see "managed" and "unmanaged" plans, and the difference is simply who is responsible for the server. It is one of the most important choices you will make, because it determines how much of your time the server will eat.
Unmanaged VPS
With an unmanaged VPS, the host gives you the server, a clean OS, and full root access — and the rest is up to you. You handle the initial setup, software installation, security hardening, updates, and troubleshooting. The upside is total control and a lower price. The downside is that you need the skills (or the willingness to learn) to run a server. If you are comfortable on the command line — or want to be — unmanaged is empowering and economical. Our tutorials on setting up a LEMP stack and securing a server are exactly the kind of thing you would do yourself.
Managed VPS
With a managed VPS, the provider's team helps with server administration — setup, updates, security, monitoring, and support when something breaks. You focus on your website or application instead of the underlying system. It costs more, because you are paying for expertise and time, but for businesses without a sysadmin it is money well spent.
The middle ground: a control panel
You do not have to choose between "command-line everything" and "pay someone else." A control panel like Plesk gives an unmanaged VPS a friendly web interface for websites, email, databases, and SSL — most of the day-to-day tasks, without the terminal. It is the sweet spot for people who want control and lower cost but not a steep learning curve. Our web hosting plans include Plesk.
How to decide
- Choose unmanaged if you are technical (or eager to learn) and want the lowest price and most control.
- Choose managed if your time is better spent on your business and you want experts handling the server.
- Add a control panel if you want unmanaged pricing with a much gentler learning curve.
Either way, start here
Every Volt Serv VPS comes with full root access and 24/7 support, and our team can help whichever route you choose. New to all this? Start with What Is a VPS? or compare plans on the pricing page.