Shared, cloud and VPS are three ways to rent the computer your website uses. The labels overlap in sales copy. The practical difference is how much isolation you get and how much you have to manage.
If you still need the definition of hosting, read what web hosting is. If you need a decision for a company site, use how to choose hosting. This page is the comparison table.
Start on shared hosting for a small WordPress or brochure site. Move to a cloud-style plan when traffic or reliability outgrows the cheap tier. Use VPS when you or a developer need server control. Use Shopify instead of any of these when the product is a shop.
| Type | Best for | Technical level |
|---|---|---|
| Shared | Small business sites, many WordPress installs | Beginner |
| Cloud (as hosts sell it) | Growing sites that outgrew cheap shared | Intermediate |
| VPS | Custom apps, specific server needs | Advanced |
| Shopify (not a hosting type) | Ecommerce storefront and checkout | Merchant admin |
Shared
You share CPU, memory and a machine with other customers. The host handles the heavy server work. You get a control panel. Limits on CPU or inodes can show up if the site is heavy or if the plan is extremely cheap. For a five-page site with compressed images, this is usually enough.
Cloud
Hosts use “cloud” for plans that are easier to scale and sometimes more isolated than shared. You still do not manage the operating system the way you do on a VPS. Read the disk, backup and traffic limits. Do not assume “cloud” means the same thing at every company.
VPS
You get a virtual machine. Someone must update it, secure it and watch it. That someone is you or a developer. A VPS is the right tool for a custom application. It is the wrong badge for a brochure site that a developer will not touch after launch.
A host’s plan comparison showing shared vs cloud vs VPS (capture from Hostinger or another host on publish day). ALT: Hosting plan comparison table for shared, cloud and VPS.
Hostinger and Shopify, again
NP SoftTech is an official Hostinger partner. Hostinger’s shared and cloud-style plans are what we mean when we say “consider Hostinger for a business site”. Shopify remains a different product. Comparison: Hostinger vs Shopify.
Current prices live on Hostinger.com and on our partner link. We will not freeze a dollar or rupee number here.
Business website development plus hosting when it fits. Shops stay on Shopify. Tell us which you are building.
