Unmanaged
You rent a server: the machine, its power and its connection to the internet. Everything on it is yours to install, secure, update, back up, watch and fix.
Managed vs unmanaged hostingWhich one do you need?
With unmanaged hosting, you rent a server and look after it yourself. With managed hosting, someone looks after it for you. Here’s what that means for your time, your money and your nights.
The difference, in plain words
Managed
You rent a server, and someone looks after it for you: setting it up, keeping it secure and up to date, backing it up, watching it and fixing it when it breaks.
Who does what
“Managed” means different things at different hosts, so ask for the list in writing. This is the usual split, and what we do.
| Task | Unmanaged | Managed, usually | HostHerd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting up the server and its software | You | Your host | Included for standard sites |
| Security fixes for the operating system | You | Your host | Included |
| Firewall and malware protection | You | Your host | Included |
| Updating WordPress and plugins | You | Depends on the host | Included |
| Daily backups, kept somewhere else | You | Your host | Included |
| Getting your site’s emails into inboxes | You | Depends on the host | Included |
| Testing that backups restore | You | Depends on the host | Every month |
| Noticing when the site goes down | You | Your host | Day and night |
| Fixing it at 3 a.m. | You | Depends on the host | On call, any hour |
| Small changes and fixes | You | Usually extra | Included every month |
| Monthly price | Lower | Higher | From €35 a month |
What unmanaged really costs
An unmanaged server costs less each month. The difference is paid in other ways.
Your time
Updates, security fixes and checks every week, and getting up when the site breaks at night.
The know-how
Web servers, databases, firewalls and the command line. Without it, you pay someone who has it, by the hour.
The risk
Outdated software is the most common way sites get hacked, and a backup nobody has tested may not restore.
What you give up with managed hosting
A higher price.
Each month you pay for someone else’s time, skills and nights.
Some control.
Your host decides how the server is set up, so unusual software may need a conversation first.
Some independence.
You rely on your host to do the work well, so pick one that tells you exactly what it does.
Which one fits you?
Unmanaged can suit you if…
- You, or someone on your team, is at home on the command line.
- There’s time every week to keep the server up to date.
- Someone can respond when it breaks, at any hour.
- A few hours offline wouldn’t cost you much.
Managed is worth it if…
- Your website brings in sales, bookings or enquiries.
- Nobody on your team looks after servers.
- You’d rather spend your time on your business.
- You want someone to call when something goes wrong.
Questions about managed and unmanaged hosting
What is a managed VPS?
A virtual private server that your host looks after for you: setting it up, security fixes, updates, backups and monitoring. Every HostHerd plan is one: a private server in the EU, with its CPU, memory and storage reserved for you.
Managed WordPress hostingIs managed hosting worth the extra cost?
If your website earns you money and nobody on your team looks after servers, usually yes: the price buys someone else’s time, skills and nights. If you have the skills and the time, unmanaged can be fine.
How much more does managed hosting cost?
It depends on how much the host does, so compare what’s included, not only the price. Our plans start at €35 a month, excluding VAT, with the server, maintenance, backups, security and support included.
PricingIs unmanaged hosting secure?
It can be, if someone keeps it that way: security fixes applied soon after they’re released, a firewall, and backups kept somewhere else and tested. With unmanaged hosting, that someone is you.
Is unmanaged hosting OK for beginners?
It’s a good way to learn, but not for a site you depend on. A missed update or a wrong setting on a live shop can cost you sales.
Do I lose control with managed hosting?
Some: your host sets up the server the way it has tested. If you need something unusual, ask: we set up older or less common software for a one-off fee, quoted first.
Can I switch from unmanaged to managed later?
Yes. A site built with WordPress, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Drupal or similar can move at any time, and we move standard sites for free.
Website migrationMore from HostHerd
WordPress maintenance
What we do for your WordPress every day and every month, and what it costs.
Managed WordPress hosting
A private server for your WordPress, set up for it and looked after by us.
Website migration
How we move your site from your current host for free, keeping your domain and your email.
Or write to us at hello@hostherd.com