Choose between web hosting, WordPress hosting and a cloud server

You want to put a website online but are unsure which option to choose? This guide explains, without jargon, what sets web hosting, WordPress hosting and a cloud server apart at Upkyo, and helps you decide based on your project, your technical skills and your budget.

What exactly is hosting?

A website is a set of files (pages, images, scripts) and often a database. For visitors to see it, these must be stored on a server that is always on and connected to the internet: that is hosting. Your domain name is the address that leads to that server.

The big difference between the options comes down to one question: who looks after the server? With web or WordPress hosting, Upkyo manages the machine, security and backups, and you focus on your website. With a cloud server, you control the whole system.

WordPress hosting: for WordPress sites

WordPress powers a large share of the world's websites: business sites, blogs, shops with WooCommerce. Upkyo's WordPress hosting is tuned specifically for it.

• Duplicated servers in high availability and hourly backups.
• Automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins and themes.
• Free SSL, DDoS and malware protection, free CDN.
• Three plans (Basic, Advanced, Pro), from €9.90 excl. tax per month, which differ mainly in disk space and the number of sites, databases and email addresses.

It is the right choice if you want a WordPress site that just works without spending your evenings on it. For installation, see Install WordPress on your hosting.

Web hosting: for PHP and custom sites

Web hosting suits any PHP site: a hand-built business site, a blog, an application with a database, a tool built by your developer.

• Duplicated servers in high availability and hourly backups of your files and databases.
• Free SSL, DDoS and malware protection.
• Professional email addresses on your domain name.
• WordPress installation in a few clicks if you change your mind.

The difference from WordPress hosting: you get the same solid foundation, without the settings and tools dedicated to WordPress, such as automatic updates.

Cloud server: to stay in control of everything

A cloud server is a virtual machine assigned to you, with full root access: you install the system and software you want.

• Ready a few minutes after ordering, with the system already installed: Ubuntu, Debian, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Fedora, or a ready-made image such as Docker or WordPress.
• Hosted in Europe, with a dedicated IPv4 address included.
• Choose your vCPUs, RAM and disk, and scale them up later without reinstalling.
• Automatic backups and snapshots, monthly billing.

This is the option for Node.js or Python applications, Docker containers, test servers or projects that need a specific configuration. In return, system administration (updates, firewall, security of the software you install) is up to you.

How to choose in three questions

1. Does your site use WordPress? If so, choose WordPress hosting.
2. Is your site a standard PHP site, with no need to install software on the server? Choose web hosting.
3. Do you need root access, specific software or reserved resources, and do you know how to administer a Linux server? Choose a cloud server.

If you cannot answer the third question, web or WordPress hosting is almost always the best place to start.

What all three options have in common

• A single client area for your sites, domains, email and invoices, see Discover your client area.
• Human support 24/7, by ticket or at support@upkyo.com.
• A 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Prices shown excluding tax, see Prices excluding tax and VAT.

Is your site already online somewhere else? Migration of your website and email is free: our technicians take care of it. Once you have decided, ordering is explained in Order a service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between web hosting and WordPress hosting?

Web hosting suits any PHP site. WordPress hosting adds settings and tools dedicated to WordPress, such as automatic updates for core, plugins and themes.

Can I install WordPress on standard web hosting?

Yes, WordPress installs in a few clicks on web hosting. If your site relies entirely on WordPress, though, WordPress hosting will save you time day to day.

Do I need a cloud server for a business website?

No. A business website runs perfectly well on web or WordPress hosting, without you having to administer a server. A cloud server makes sense when you need to install your own software.

Can I change option later?

You can move to a higher or lower plan from your client area, see Change plan. To move from hosting to a cloud server, open a ticket: support will advise you on how to proceed.

Is my website backed up?

Yes. Web and WordPress hosting are backed up every hour, and cloud servers come with automatic backups and snapshots.