Our Methodology for Identifying the Best Dedicated Servers
Server Resources
This is the most important criterion for choosing between server providers. Though we may be purchasing it for a limited time, a dedicated server is a piece of hardware like any other, and one that has the potential to make or break our website at that.
There are three critical components to a server: First up is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), like in your regular computer. Since most hosts use Intel Xeon processors, your primary focus should be on the number of cores and the computing power they possess. The next crucial feature of the best dedicated hosting providers is ample RAM. It’s simple: You want as much RAM as possible, especially if you’re planning on hosting a multitude of websites or running a game server. Most dedicated game servers pack at least 16 GB of RAM.
Last but not least is the type of storage. SSD storage is vastly superior to old-fashioned hard drives, especially in terms of access speed. We give providers a higher rating if they use SSDs exclusively.
Scalability is another aspect we considered in our dedicated server hosting reviews. The hardware combinations offered, customization options, and configuration flexibility all play a significant role in evaluating any provider. You should be able to choose components from both ends of the pricing spectrum. And if the host lets you change specific hardware at any point in your contract, without tying you down to the initial option you subscribed for, more power to them.
Storage
Online servers always entail a pre-set amount of storage space. You’ll never get the “unlimited storage” offered by shared hosting companies. When you rent dedicated servers, you rent a physical piece of hardware, including a storage drive that can only be expanded so far. Server space is crucial, and picking a plan that’s low on storage will drastically limit what you can do, as well as needing more frequent cache-clearing, etc.
Allotted monthly traffic is important, too. Intended server use determines precisely how much you’ll need, but it’s a good rule of thumb to have at least ten times as much bandwidth as you have storage space. Anything beyond that is a welcome bonus.
Software and Tools
The best dedicated server hosting for websites needs to offer root access, support for PHP, SQL, and many other scripts, and either Linux or Windows as the OS. The latter is usually superior since some apps require Windows installed.
Don’t forget about server management, either. Experienced users might prefer to save some money with an unmanaged server, but if you’re not eager to spend time on setting up everything yourself, better not opt for this. Ideally, a hosting company will cater to people who just want to rent a dedicated server and start using it right away and experts who prefer to customize their scripts.
Price
We take extra care to analyze and compare server prices. Dedicated servers are usually the most expensive hosting option, so it pays to inspect the features thoroughly to find saving opportunities. We also look into the available discounts – if there are any – and try to find the hosting plans that present the best value for our readers.
Customer Service
Great hosting is worth a lot, but even the best dedicated server hosting won’t do you much good without proper customer support when there’s a hiccup. Even the most expensive, high-end computers break, traffic slows down, issues will arise sooner or later, no matter how good a site-manager you are. When that happens, you’ll want to get a hold of someone from the hosting company as soon as possible to resolve things quickly. To help with that, we look for dedicated server providers with 24/7 customer service.
The Best Dedicated Hosting Services
- HostGator
- DreamHost
- A2 Hosting
- Bluehost
- Hostwinds
FAQ
Is a dedicated server worth it?
You and your needs decide the worth of a dedicated server. Dedicated servers usually come with triple-digit monthly costs, but, in most cases, the needs of someone contemplating switching to dedicated hosting already exceed the resources of shared hosting plans. It all boils down to finances: If your website or live service is bringing you more than what you’ll end up spending on a server, then it’s an excellent choice to upgrade to the best hosting possible.
What is better, dedicated server hosting or cloud hosting?
Both options have pros and cons. A cloud-hosting solution would better suit companies that don’t need extensive server customization. Cloud hosting is also easily scalable, so you can quickly switch to a higher plan to accommodate a sudden surge of traffic. On the other hand, purchasing a dedicated server is a must if you plan to run PHP, Python, or Java code, and it’s the only option for hosting a game server. Both kinds of hosting are great – you just have to know what you’re going to do with a server.
Why are dedicated servers so expensive?
Having a dedicated server doesn’t come cheap, primarily because this isn’t a shared service. The rented server and its respective storage and computing power will be yours and yours alone. Therefore, you’re paying for that exclusivity. Most dedicated server hosts will offer you unmanaged solutions, letting users install and modify the software on a dedicated server to their needs. However, you can switch to managed servers too. All this variety requires a veritable treasure trove of hardware options and support staff; it’s also why there’s no such thing as free dedicated server hosting.
What can I do with a dedicated server?
Most people get a dedicated server so they can host their websites securely. A dedicated server is unmatched as a hosting solution in terms of stability, too. If you run a gaming community, you can use a dedicated server to host a game server, so your people have a place to play 24/7. Other standard dedicated server uses include acting as VPN points, messaging solutions, and data syncing.
Where can I host a server?
We highly recommend any company from the selection we reviewed on this best dedicated server hosting list. These providers are the most reputable of the bunch, offer great value and the highest-end hardware you’ll find. Be sure to read our reviews to figure out which of these hosting plans is best suited for you.