When building an online store on PrestaShop, one of the key steps is choosing the right hosting. Understanding the differences between shared hosting, VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server), and dedicated servers will help you select the best option based on your site’s load and scale.
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a solution for small stores with a limited number of products and minimal configuration options. On this type of hosting, multiple websites share the same resources (disk space, CPU, memory), making it affordable but limiting performance.
When it's suitable:
- Small online stores with up to 2,000 products (depending on the plan).
- Low to moderate traffic.
- Minimal complex relations (e.g., product combinations or attributes).
Pros:
- Low cost.
- Easy to set up.
Cons:
- Limited resources.
- Potential overload if too many websites are hosted on the server.
- No possibility of fine-tuning for specific store needs.
2. Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS)
VDS (or VPS) is the next step toward more power and flexibility. Unlike shared hosting, you get dedicated resources, which helps avoid the impact of other websites on your store’s performance. VDS gives you more control and configuration options.
When it's suitable:
- Stores with a medium-sized inventory (up to 50,000 products, depending on the plan).
- Medium to high traffic.
- Complex relationships between products, combinations, and numerous attributes.
Pros:
- Dedicated resources.
- Flexible configuration.
- Better performance than shared hosting.
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to shared hosting.
- Requires basic technical skills to manage the server.
3. Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is a solution for large online stores with extensive product catalogs and high traffic. You get an entire machine with maximum resources, allowing you to configure the server for any task.
When it's suitable:
- Large stores with over 50,000 products.
- High traffic.
- Complex and resource-intensive systems with many combinations and attributes.
Pros:
- Maximum power and performance.
- Full control over the server and its configuration.
- No limits on the number of products or users.
Cons:
- High cost.
- Requires professional server administration.
How to Choose the Right Option?
The key advice is to start with the smallest plan and upgrade as your store grows. If you’re launching a store with a small product range and minimal load, shared hosting could be a good starting point. However, if your store has 50,000 products, trying to host it on shared hosting with limited resources will lead to performance issues. It’s crucial to assess the load and resources your store needs.
The Difference Between an Online Store and a Regular Website
An online store on PrestaShop requires significantly more resources compared to an informational website. This is due to the multiple database queries made during each operation, including relations between tables (products, combinations, attributes). The more products and attributes you have, the greater the load on the server, so it’s essential to choose hosting that can handle these operations.
Important Hosting Parameters
- Disk space: Used to store data (products, images, database). The larger your inventory, the more space you’ll need.
- CPU power: The processor handles requests, so the more traffic and operations your store has, the more CPU power you'll need.
- RAM: Memory handles the speed of operations, and the more tasks on the site, the more RAM you'll require.
- Dedicated IPv6: Used for a unique IP address for your site, improving accessibility and security.
Conclusion
Every project is unique, and there is no universal answer to which hosting to choose. It’s important to understand your online store’s specifics, assess the load, and consider the resources.
Write in the comments which hosting you choose, how many products are in your store, and which parameters are most important to you—we’ll provide detailed advice and explanations!
