What is unmanaged VPS hosting?

Unmanaged VPS hosting gives you your own virtual server with full root access. You choose the operating system, install the software you want, and manage the server yourself, at a lower price than managed hosting.

Should I choose managed or unmanaged VPS hosting?

Choose unmanaged if you're comfortable with Linux and want full control at a lower price. Choose managed VPS if you want cPanel, CloudLinux, Imunify360, and daily backups included and set up for you.

What do I manage, and what do you manage?

We provide and maintain the server hardware, network, and data center, and monitor the infrastructure around the clock. You manage the operating system, software, security, updates, and backups on your server.

Can I see how my server is performing?

Yes. Your dashboard shows real-time CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth usage, and your client area shows clear reports on your usage and spending. Our Monitoring & FinOps Suite is included with every plan, starting with the free Basic tier, and the tier for each plan is shown in its feature list.

Which Linux distributions can I run?

You can choose Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Debian 12, or AlmaLinux 9 when you set up your server. If you plan to use cPanel, choose AlmaLinux 9, since Ubuntu and Debian aren't compatible with cPanel.

Can I add cPanel to my unmanaged VPS?

Yes. cPanel is available as an optional add-on for servers running AlmaLinux 9, with licenses for 1, 5, 30, or 100 accounts, plus $6 per license above 100.

Can I scale my unmanaged VPS?

Yes. You can add extra disk space, CPU cores, and RAM to your server as add-ons, or move up to a bigger plan as your project grows.

Are backups included?

No. Backups are self-managed on unmanaged VPS plans, so you set up and control your own backups. If you want daily backups included, take a look at our Managed VPS plans.

Is there a discount for longer billing terms?

Unmanaged VPS plans are the same low price on every term. Plans start at $24.99 per month whether you pay monthly or for up to 3 years.

Where are your servers located?

Our unmanaged VPS servers are located in Washington, D.C., with more locations coming soon. If you need servers in other regions today, Elastic Compute is available in data centers around the globe.

What kind of support do I get?

You get 24/7 support by email, support tickets, live chat, and phone for anything related to your server's hardware, network, and account. Our team can also point you in the right direction on setup questions. For quick answers anytime, ask Konex, our AI support assistant.

How long does it take to set up my Unmanaged VPS plan?

Setup time can vary but most plans are ready same-day. If the server your plan needs is full, we have to set up new hardware first, which can take up to 1 week from your order. We'll keep you updated, and our 24/7 support team can check on your order any time.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Every unmanaged VPS plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy within the first 30 days, you can request a full refund.

Unmanaged VPS Hosting | Full Root Access

Unmanaged prices are the same on every term, so there's no billing toggle on this page.

What is unmanaged VPS hosting?
Unmanaged VPS hosting gives you your own virtual server with full root access. You choose the operating system, install the software you want, and manage the server yourself, at a lower price than managed hosting.
Should I choose managed or unmanaged VPS hosting?
Choose unmanaged if you're comfortable with Linux and want full control at a lower price. Choose managed VPS if you want cPanel, CloudLinux, Imunify360, and daily backups included and set up for you.
What do I manage, and what do you manage?
We provide and maintain the server hardware, network, and data center, and monitor the infrastructure around the clock. You manage the operating system, software, security, updates, and backups on your server.
Can I see how my server is performing?
Yes. Your dashboard shows real-time CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth usage, and your client area shows clear reports on your usage and spending. Our Monitoring & FinOps Suite is included with every plan, starting with the free Basic tier, and the tier for each plan is shown in its feature list.
Which Linux distributions can I run?
You can choose Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Debian 12, or AlmaLinux 9 when you set up your server. If you plan to use cPanel, choose AlmaLinux 9, since Ubuntu and Debian aren't compatible with cPanel.
Can I add cPanel to my unmanaged VPS?
Yes. cPanel is available as an optional add-on for servers running AlmaLinux 9, with licenses for 1, 5, 30, or 100 accounts, plus $6 per license above 100.
Can I scale my unmanaged VPS?
Yes. You can add extra disk space, CPU cores, and RAM to your server as add-ons, or move up to a bigger plan as your project grows.
Are backups included?
No. Backups are self-managed on unmanaged VPS plans, so you set up and control your own backups. If you want daily backups included, take a look at our Managed VPS plans.
Is there a discount for longer billing terms?
Unmanaged VPS plans are the same low price on every term. Plans start at $24.99 per month whether you pay monthly or for up to 3 years.
Where are your servers located?
Our unmanaged VPS servers are located in Washington, D.C., with more locations coming soon. If you need servers in other regions today, Elastic Compute is available in data centers around the globe.
What kind of support do I get?
You get 24/7 support by email, support tickets, live chat, and phone for anything related to your server's hardware, network, and account. Our team can also point you in the right direction on setup questions. For quick answers anytime, ask Konex, our AI support assistant.
How long does it take to set up my Unmanaged VPS plan?
Setup time can vary but most plans are ready same-day. If the server your plan needs is full, we have to set up new hardware first, which can take up to 1 week from your order. We'll keep you updated, and our 24/7 support team can check on your order any time.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Every unmanaged VPS plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy within the first 30 days, you can request a full refund.

Take Full Control With Unmanaged VPS Hosting

Choose Your Unmanaged VPS

VPS 2

VPS 4

VPS 8

VPS 16

Tools Built for Scaling Up

Full Root Access

Choice of Linux OS

Customizable and Scalable

See Everything, Install Anything

Choose Your Flavor

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Debian 12

AlmaLinux 9

cPanel

Add Only What You Need

Your Server, Built Your Way

Managed vs. Unmanaged VPS

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Managed VPS

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Unmanaged VPS FAQs