Best dedicated server hosting: what to look for
The best dedicated server hosting delivers reliable hardware, fast network connectivity, flexible configuration options, and responsive support when hardware or software issues arise. Choosing a dedicated server provider involves evaluating the hardware specifications offered, data center locations, managed versus unmanaged options, and pricing transparency.
Disclosure: What's Hosting operates a GoDaddy reseller storefront. Competitor guides are editorial research, not products we sell.
Hetzner is one of the most recommended dedicated server providers for value. Its auction platform (Server Auction) offers refurbished enterprise hardware at very low prices. Its new-server lineup offers modern NVMe-based servers at competitive rates. Hetzner operates data centers in Germany and Finland, which suits European deployments.
OVH (OVHcloud) offers a large catalog of dedicated servers at competitive prices across data centers in France, Canada, the UK, and beyond. OVH builds its own hardware, which helps control costs. Its entry-level dedicated range starts affordably for modest specifications.
Liquid Web focuses on the managed dedicated server market. Its hardware may not be the cheapest, but its managed service, proactive monitoring, and expert support are among the best available. For businesses that need high availability and expert support without in-house server administrators, Liquid Web is a premium option worth the extra cost.
For US-based deployments, ServerMania, SoftLayer (IBM Cloud), and Rackspace offer managed and unmanaged dedicated options with US data center locations. Cloud providers like AWS (Dedicated Instances and Bare Metal), Google Cloud, and Azure also offer dedicated hardware, which suits teams already in those ecosystems.
Common questions
What is the cheapest dedicated server hosting?
Hetzner and OVH offer the most competitive dedicated server pricing, particularly for European data centers. Entry-level dedicated servers from these providers start around $40 to $70 per month for modest configurations.
Should I get managed or unmanaged dedicated server hosting?
Choose managed if you do not have server administration expertise or time. Choose unmanaged if you have a system administrator and want full control at lower cost.
How much RAM does my dedicated server need?
For most web applications, 16GB to 64GB is sufficient. Database servers and memory-intensive applications may need 128GB or more. Start with the minimum your application comfortably runs on and upgrade as needed.