Cheap VPS Hosting Compared: CPU/RAM, Storage, SLA and Price
Comparing cheap VPS plans? Line them up on vCPU, RAM, storage, SLA and full price incl. renewal. A neutral checklist and comparison table.
Short answer: to compare cheap VPS plans fairly, line them up on the same five points: vCPU, RAM, storage (type and size), the written SLA, and the total price for the period you plan to stay, including renewal and add-ons. Then check who manages the server, because an unmanaged VPS is cheaper only if you can run it yourself.
This guide is about comparing VPS plans against each other. If you are still deciding whether you need a VPS at all, read VPS or cloud hosting – which suits your business? first.
Why cheap VPS plans are hard to compare
On a pricing page, most entry-level VPS plans look alike: a few cores, a few gigabytes of memory, some disk space and a low monthly figure. The real differences hide in the details – whether resources are guaranteed, what the SLA actually promises, what happens at renewal, and which extras cost more. A simple comparison sheet makes those differences visible.
The five specs that matter most
1. vCPU
The number of virtual CPU cores sets how much work the server can do at once – handling requests, running background jobs and coping with traffic peaks. Ask whether cores are dedicated to you or shared with other customers on the same host. Guaranteed resources give more predictable performance.
2. RAM
Memory decides how many processes, database connections and simultaneous visitors you can handle before the server slows down. Databases and caching are memory-hungry, so check what your application really needs instead of picking the smallest plan by default.
3. Storage: type and size
Compare both the size and the type of storage. SSD or NVMe storage is much faster than spinning disks, which matters for databases and page loads. Remember that backups, logs and updates use space too.
4. SLA
An SLA (service level agreement) is what the provider commits to in writing. Read what it covers, how availability is measured, and what compensation applies if it is not met. A number on a marketing page is not the same as a contractual commitment.
5. Price – the full price
Compare the total cost for the whole term: the introductory price, the renewal price, the term length, and add-ons such as a control panel licence, backups, security or extra IP addresses. Two plans with the same monthly figure can differ a lot over two or three years.
A comparison table you can copy
| Check | What to write down |
|---|---|
| vCPU | Number of cores; dedicated or shared |
| RAM | GB; guaranteed or burstable |
| Storage | GB and type (SSD/NVMe/HDD) |
| Bandwidth | Monthly cap or overage fees |
| SLA | What is promised in writing and the compensation |
| Management | Managed or unmanaged; who patches the OS |
| Operating system | Which OS choices are available |
| Backups | Included, add-on or your job |
| Upgrades | Can you scale without migrating? |
| Price | Start price, renewal price, term, add-ons |
| Support | Hours, channels and language |
Managed or unmanaged?
With full root access you can install and configure anything – but you are also responsible for updates, firewall rules and fixing problems. If nobody on your team is comfortable running a Linux server, factor that time into the price, or look at a managed option or a simpler product. For a single WordPress site, WordPress hosting is usually easier, and web hosting with cPanel suits most general websites.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Are CPU, RAM and storage guaranteed for my plan?
- What will the plan cost at renewal?
- How do backups work, and who restores them?
- Can I upgrade without moving the server?
- Who do I call when something breaks, and when?
How NordStack VPS hosting fits in
NordStack VPS Hosting gives you dedicated resources – guaranteed CPU, memory and storage – full root access, a choice of operating system and plans that can be upgraded as your project grows. Management options depend on the plan. You can add Website Backup for automatic backups with one-click restore, and Website Security for malware scanning, firewall options and hack repair.
We do not publish specs or prices in blog posts because they change. See current VPS plans, resources and prices in our store →
Not sure which plan you need? Send us a message via the contact page, or call our 24/7 support line on 010 337 05 96 – in Swedish or English.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare between cheap VPS plans?
Compare vCPU, RAM, storage type and size, bandwidth, the written SLA, managed or unmanaged, OS choice, backups and the total price including renewal and add-ons.
Is more vCPU or more RAM more important?
It depends on the workload. Databases and caching usually need more RAM, while compute-heavy applications and traffic peaks benefit from more cores. Check your application’s requirements first.
Is NordStack VPS hosting managed?
Management options depend on the plan. Check the plan details in the store or contact us for advice.
Where can I see NordStack VPS specs and prices?
Current VPS plans, resources and prices are listed in our store at shop.nord-stack.com.
