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The biggest decision after choosing a VPS provider is whether to go managed or unmanaged. One saves money, the other saves time. Here's how to decide — plus the semi-managed middle ground most guides don't cover.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Unmanaged | Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4-50/mo | £20-200/mo |
| Setup | You do it | Done for you |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic |
| Security | Your responsibility | Included |
| Support | Infrastructure only | Full stack |
Choose Unmanaged If
- ✅ You know Linux and SSH basics
- ✅ Want to save money (3-5x cheaper)
- ✅ Want full root control
- ✅ Willing to learn server management
Recommended: DigitalOcean from £4/mo — best documentation for self-managing.
Choose Managed If
- ✅ Non-technical — don't want to learn server admin
- ✅ Value your time over money
- ✅ Running a business site where downtime = lost revenue
- ✅ Want peace of mind with automatic updates
Recommended: Cloudways, Kinsta, or WP Engine for WordPress sites.
The Semi-Managed Middle Ground
Some providers offer semi-managed plans — basic security updates and monitoring included, but you handle application setup. Linode and Vultr offer optional managed add-ons.
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Laptops, gadgets, AI tools & VPS hosting — compare the best tech deals.
Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated February 2026.