What is a VPS? Virtual private servers explained
By Leonardo Araújo, CEO of Leaven Marketing · Code verified at checkout on
A VPS, or virtual private server, is a virtual machine with its own CPU, memory and storage, carved out of a physical server, and you get full control over it. It sits between shared hosting and a dedicated server. On Hostinger, the coupon code JX9LEOSPEPWF takes 20% off VPS plans for new customers, even on monthly terms.
Hostinger coupon code
JX9LEOSPEPWFPaste it in the coupon field at checkout. The “O” is a letter, not a zero.
Affiliate disclosure: the Hostinger links on this page are affiliate links. Leaven Marketing may earn a commission if you buy through them or with our referral code, at no extra cost to you.
Opens Hostinger with the code applied. Check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary.
VPS in one minute
A powerful physical server is split into several virtual machines with software called a hypervisor. Each virtual machine is a VPS: it has its own operating system, its own share of CPU, RAM and storage, and its own root access. Your neighbors on the same physical machine can’t touch your files or use your resources.
You get most of the control of a dedicated server, for a fraction of the cost.
VPS vs shared vs dedicated hosting
| Shared hosting | VPS | Dedicated server | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | Shared | Guaranteed slice | The whole machine |
| Root access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Who manages it | The host | You | You |
| Typical use | Websites | Apps, automations, custom stacks | Very heavy workloads |
For a comparison that also includes cloud hosting, read shared vs VPS vs cloud hosting.
What people use a VPS for
- Automations: self-hosted n8n running workflows around the clock.
- Containers: Docker and Docker Compose stacks.
- APIs and back ends for apps and websites.
- AI agents and bots that need to be always on.
- Game servers, VPNs and dev environments.
- Websites with custom server needs.
What you take on with a VPS
A VPS is usually self-managed. You choose the operating system, install the software, apply security updates, configure the firewall and keep backups. Hosts help: Hostinger, for example, includes weekly backups, snapshots, a firewall manager, an AI assistant and one-click templates for apps like n8n and Docker. But the server is yours to run.
If that sounds like too much, cloud hosting gives you dedicated resources with a managed panel.
How to choose a VPS plan, with code JX9LEOSPEPWF
Start with what your software needs in RAM, then add room to grow:
- KVM 1 (1 vCPU, 4 GB RAM): tests, learning Linux, a light n8n instance.
- KVM 2 (2 vCPU, 8 GB RAM): the balanced choice for most business projects.
- KVM 4 and KVM 8: several apps, larger databases, heavier workloads.
On Hostinger, the coupon JX9LEOSPEPWF works on VPS plans from a 1-month term, so you can test your setup cheaply before committing. Check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary. Full details are in the Hostinger VPS coupon guide and the n8n guide.
Sources
Read next
FAQ
What is a VPS in simple terms?
It's your own private computer in a data center, running as a virtual machine. You get guaranteed resources and full control over the software.
What is a VPS used for?
Running apps and services that regular hosting can't: n8n automations, Docker containers, APIs, databases, game servers, VPNs or websites that need custom configuration.
Is a VPS hard to manage?
It needs basic Linux and security knowledge, because you handle updates and configuration. One-click templates, like the ones Hostinger offers for n8n and Docker, make the start much easier.
Is a VPS better than shared hosting for a website?
Only if you need the control. For a normal website, shared or cloud hosting is easier because the host manages the server.
Opens Hostinger with the code applied. Check for REFERRALDISCOUNT -20% in the order summary.