10 Best Windows VPS Hosting Services (Expert Picks 2024)

There are many reasons you might prefer using Windows Server over Linux on your VPS. Maybe you prefer the intuitive GUI, maybe your company or organization already uses ASP.NET, Exchange, or Sharepoint, or maybe you just don’t like the look on that smug Linux penguin’s face.

Whatever your reason, you can’t choose any old host and call it a day. A VPS plan is a big commitment, and you want to go with a service that will provide the best performance, the newest server OS, different managed options, and more.

Not only that, but a VPS isn’t exactly cheap (even if it is a worthwhile investment) so you don’t want to just throw your money around while you’re looking for the best Windows VPS hosting for you. That’s why we decided to test and compare the best options on the market.

Kamatera landed the absolute top spot thanks to its incredible customization and reach, but there might be another host that better suits your needs. You can try Kamatera for free right now, or keep reading to discover why we recommend these hosts above all others.

What We Look For in the Best Windows VPS Hosting Services

Given that, unlike with Linux, Windows Server licenses cost money, I expect a lot more from Windows VPS hosting than I would from Linux VPS hosting. For a host to make this list, it needs to offer the following:

• Performance. Just as with any other kind of hosting, your Windows Server VPS should offer blazing-fast speeds and uncompromising uptime. In other words, your websites should load immediately and always be available.
• Windows licenses. Windows VPS is a curious thing, as it requires specific Microsoft licenses. Some web hosts sell only the server, leaving you to take care of the rest. Not these hosts.
• Scalability. Your Windows VPS has to be able to scale up with the demands of a rapidly growing website and surging online traffic.
• Managed support. You’re here because you want to host a website, not because you want to get a Ph.D. in virtual servers. These hosts offer fully-managed services to help you focus on what’s important.
• Value for money. Even if a VPS is pricier than shared hosting, you shouldn’t spend any more than you have to. These hosts offer quality VPS plans that don’t cost as much as a second mortgage.

1. Kamatera: Full Customization for Windows VPS Servers Across the Globe1

Kamatera offers more server locations across the globe than any other host on this list. Data centers are available in Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US.

Not only does Kamatera offer a truly global cloud, it also offers a truly ridiculous amount of resources. In theory, you could get a VPS with as many as 104 cores, as much as 512 GB of RAM, and 16 TB of SSD storage split into four 4 TB disks, which might be enough to host a basic simulation of the known universe.

Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, Kamatera allows you to launch a server in a matter of minutes. The company also provides the widest choice of Windows Server OS versions, from the classic 2012 to the spanking new 2022.

The only “catch” is that the price of a fully managed service is relatively high. Then again, there’s a 30-day free trial, so Kamatera’s team of professionals has enough time to show you exactly how great it is when someone takes complete care of your server.

Features

• Modular virtual servers. No one-size-fits-all plan here. Choose exactly how many virtual cores, RAM, and SSD storage you want to start with. You’ll always be able to scale up or down.
• All OS versions available. If it’s on the market, Kamatera can install it for you. There are no limitations on OS versions and no differences between their licensing price.
• Several management levels. You can go the unmanaged route, add a management panel (Plesk for Windows), or explain your needs to the Kamatera team and let them take care of it all.
• 99.9% uptime guarantee. Each of the company’s data centers is equipped with various redundancy measures, and you’re promised nearly perfect uptime.

Learn more about Kamatera in our expert review.

2. IONOS: Low-Cost But Versatile Windows VPS Hosting Plans1

IONOS offers some unique Windows Server hosting benefits that make it well worth considering. With Windows OS and ASP.NET options, there’s quite a selection of server configurations ranging from entry-level to memory-optimized powerhouses.

While opting for the Windows operating system incurs a significant monthly fee when compared to its Linux-based counterpart, IONOS’ pricing is competitive and plans include a generous 6-month discount that slashes your costs by 25% (VPS plans) to 50% (ASP.NET plans).

IONOS assigns every customer a dedicated support agent, who will usually be your single point of contact. With all your queries going to the same agent, they can become familiar with your server and overall goals, leading to more effective, targeted support. Despite this additional value, I often found IONOS’ support quality lacking, as it was difficult to get in touch with my assigned agent.

Features

• Optional advanced support. You can request extra help with server configuration, installation of third-party software, and more. However, these tasks will cost extra – you’ll need to contact support and explain what you require to get a quote.
• Free mobile app. The IONOS mobile app allows you to manage your hosting, invoices, and even contact support, wherever you may be.
• Fast server setup. IONOS aims to make new servers available within 55 seconds.
• Root access. All IONOS servers come with full root access. You can use Windows Remote Desktop Protocol to connect to your server and control it programmatically, which is supported by several of IONOS’ APIs.

Check our in-depth IONOS review for more on speed and performance.

3. InterServer: American Muscle in a Windows VPS1

American powerhouse InterServer offers a variety of hosting services, operating off its six state-of-the-art data centers. With four in New Jersey, one in Los Angeles, and one in New York, any US-based website is promised great performance from coast to coast.

Interserver also stands out for its special attention to Windows hosting, as it provides no less than 16 different Windows VPS configurations. This selection makes it possible to host virtually anything, from a successful blog to a multi-site network.

InterServer is also one of the cheapest Windows VPS hosts on the list, offering plenty of vCPU cores and RAM at lower prices than most. If you’re targeting an American audience and you’re looking to save some cash, InterServer is a safe bet. However, keep in mind that performance will be slower outside the US.

Features

• No-commitment monthly billing. Interserver doesn’t lock you into a multiple-year contract to give you the best deal. There’s no sneaky renewal fees to watch out for either – you just pay the same reasonable price every month.
• 99.9% uptime guarantee. InterServer commits to a binding 99.9% uptime guarantee in its service level agreement. If the guarantee isn’t met during any given month (highly unlikely), up to 50% of your monthly fee will be returned in credits.
• Choose between Windows 10, Server 2016, 2019, or 2022. It isn’t an extensive list, but these are just the versions that can be preinstalled for you. You’re free to manually install whatever version of Windows you prefer.
• Free Windows OS repair. If you choose one of InterServer’s supported Windows operating systems, they will help you resolve any significant issues at no extra cost. You can also request reinstallations whenever you need them.

Read our expert review to learn more about InterServer’s plans.

4. Liquid Web: Premium Windows VPS With Tons of Extra Features1

Liquid Web is one of the most respected and professional web hosts in the business serving a smaller client base, but keeping it mighty happy. It offers three tiers of managed support: unmanaged, core, and fully-managed, which all come with a myriad of perks.

Independent benchmarks place the company’s fast VPS hosting as one of the best options available today, outperforming many big names in terms of page loading times and server responses.

Liquid Web provides three levels of Windows VPS packages with 4, 8, and 16 GB of RAM, respectively. You have the option to pay on a monthly, yearly, or two-year basis, with substantial savings for longer terms. The lack of Windows hosting plans is why it ranks lower on this list, but it’s a high-quality service unlike many others.

Features

• Cloudflare CDN. No longer will physical server locations impact your international visitor’s loading times. Cloudflare CDN is included free of charge, and your website will be promptly delivered to visitors anywhere – from Japan to Argentina.
• Security and DDoS protection. By default, all Liquid plans feature integrated security with DDoS protection. For a fee, you can also add Liquid Web’s security suite to your VPS plan, which will keep your data secure and safe from any unwanted access.
• 50 GB Acronis backups. Liquid Web’s Windows VPS plans include up to 50 GB of Acronis backups for free. Backups let you operate with peace of mind. No matter what disaster befalls you, there will be a copy of your website waiting.
• 100% uptime SLA. Liquid Web is one of the few hosts to offer a 100% uptime guarantee for all its plans, including Windows VPS. If your service level drops below this amount, you are eligible for a credit worth 10 times the downtime, or the equivalent of ten hours for every hour your server is down.

Read our expert Liquid Web review for more information.

5. Hostwinds: Affordable Windows VPS Plans Packed With Features1

Hostwinds offers both managed and unmanaged Windows VPS hosting in many plan configurations. Though reasonably priced, Hostwinds’ managed plans are only a little more expensive than unmanaged options with the same specs, making them great value.

You also get 24/7/365 assistance from Hostwinds’ team regarding the management of your Windows server, but only through live chat and ticket. Via Hostwinds’ in-house Cloud Control Panel, you can manage your Windows server’s firewall, security, backups, storage volumes, and load balancers.

Hostwinds provides your Windows VPS license with every plan. However, one of the main downfalls of Hostwinds is its lack of support for the latest Windows Server 2022 version. Only Windows Server 2019, 2016, and 2012 can come preinstalled, which is why we ranked Hostwinds lower on our list.

Features

• 99.9999% uptime guarantee. Hostwinds ups the level of service with an extra 0.0999% on its uptime guarantee. In our tests, it actually only achieved 99.982% uptime for three months. However, that’s still pretty solid. If you have downtime, you can claim a whole day’s hosting as credit per day affected.
• Redundant network. Putting in place multiple measures, Hostwinds has increased its redundancy to ensure minimal site or server downtime. Being a cloud service, its redundancy is also further improved compared to other types of hosting.
• Nightly backups. Included in your Windows hosting plan, automatic nightly backups ensure your site is prepared for the worst. However, do note that you need to opt in for this service.
• SSD storage. Storage is offered on faster, newer SSDs, improving site and server loading and operating speeds.

For more features, see our expert Hostwinds review.

6. ScalaHosting: Windows Cloud VPS With Generous Resources at Good Prices1

ScalaHosting allows you to custom-build a Windows-based cloud VPS, though it isn’t quite as flexible as Kamatera. Servers start with 2vCPU and 4GB RAM. ScalaHosting also offers nice features that Kamatera lacks – every cloud VPS package includes free snapshot backups and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unfortunately, ScalaHosting only supports Windows on self-managed plans, and even then, only Windows Server 2019 is available as preinstalled server software. It’s not the latest version, but as you’ll have full root access, you’ll have free rein to manually install whatever works for you.

While ScalaHosting’s resource-heavy servers are slightly pricier than similar setups with Kamatera, it offers equally good performance. As long as you don’t mind choosing configuring and managing your own server, ScalaHosting is certainly worth considering.

Features

• Easy server management. ScalaHosting allows you to manage your cloud VPS easily from the client area. You can upgrade and downgrade resources, monitor performance, stop or start your server, and more.
• Highly redundant. Your server data will be replicated across three different servers. If one server experiences a slowdown or a critical failure, traffic will be routed automatically to another with no downtime.
• Plenty of extra options. For additional fees, you can choose to purchase a cPanel licence (which needs a workaround to run with Windows), additional storage and backup space, or add the useful Softaculous app installer. You can also preinstall LiteSpeed Web Server upon deployment.
• Premium support available. While these servers are primarily unmanaged, you can request help from ScalaHosting’s managed support team. You’ll be charged for every 15 minutes of work in response.

Not sure if ScalaHosting is for you? Take a look at our full review for more.

Other Notable Web Hosts for Windows VPS Hosting

7. Microsoft Azure1

As the creators of the Windows OS, it makes sense to choose Microsoft’s Azure platform for Windows VPS hosting. However, Azure is best suited to larger projects and experienced web hosts. If you’re a beginner or just want to host something basic, Azure might be complex and costly for you.

That said, Microsoft Azure is a favorite amongst Fortune 500 companies and well-positioned to handle bigger projects. If you can afford it and either know your stuff or have someone handling that for you or your business, we can’t knock it. Just be sure to compare pricing and features with other hosts beforehand, as you may still be surprised by the better value you can get elsewhere.

8. Vultr1

Vultr excels with its pay-as-you-go cloud plans and custom scalable and instantly deployable servers. I can’t mention this host without pointing out its impressive performance benchmarks, with extensive server locations ideal for performance-focused users. Plus, Vultr’s Windows VPS plans come with a free $250 credit.

However, you need to deposit funds to set up a server – and there are no refunds on deposited amounts, no matter how much you deposit. Minimum deposits also apply, and high-resource plans are very expensive. Because of this, Vultr may not be the most affordable solution for larger projects.

9. Ultahost1

Ultahost offers a user-friendly setup and competitive pricing, making it appealing to beginners and small businesses. Strong customer support is a notable advantage, with all plans being managed by default. I also appreciate that all Windows VPS plans come with unlimited bandwidth.

However, there’s a 3% transaction fee when you purchase a plan, which adds to the overall cost. While the pricing is competitive, these additional fees could be a drawback if you’re on a limited budget.

10. HostStage1

HostStage impresses with high-performance hardware and a wide selection of global data centers, making it a good fit if you’re looking for a performance-focused host. On top of that, its Windows VPS plans feature the ultra-user-friendly Max Control Panel and a 100% SLA. The relatively low prices don’t hurt either.

However, HostStage doesn’t offer managed Windows VPS services, which is surprising given it provides managed Linux VPS, cPanel VPS, and dedicated hosting. Additionally, customer support lacks the quality I expected, which might be a concern if you require consistent assistance.

Find the Best Windows VPS Host for Your Specific Needs

While a Linux alternative could be more popular and cost-effective than Windows, opting for a Windows VPS offers numerous compelling reasons. You have a variety of excellent choices among the hosts mentioned above. However, the most suitable selection for you will depend on your specific needs.

If you’re struggling to decide, here are my top recommendations.

For the best global performance, I’d go with Kamatera1. With 21 data centers around the world, you’ll be able to serve your chosen audience with fast page loading speed wherever they are. It also features the widest range of Windows Server versions available for preinstallation. You also have the option to add managed support.

Looking for a budge Windows VPS plan? I’d recommend IONOS1. The dedicated personal consultant can help you get set up. A wide range of server options also means you’ll have plenty of room to scale.

If you’d prefer to choose from a wide variety of competitively-priced Windows hosting plans, check out InterServer1. Being a US-based host with many local data centers, its performance in North America is another standout feature – but this may be a con if your website caters to international audiences.

Take a look at the table below for a comparison of some of the most popular hosting providers.

FAQ

What is the best Windows VPS host?

This will vary a lot depending on what you’re looking for, as different hosts will offer different levels of customization, server locations, and server OSs. That said, Kamatera is my favorite option, as it gives you every tool you need to customize your Windows VPS exactly how you want it. The range of Windows server versions on offer is also a plus.

Can I get free Windows VPS hosting?

The short answer to this question is no. You might stumble across one or two services that claim to offer free VPS hosting, but I can promise you that there’s always a real, hidden price – unreliability. That said, there are plenty of Windows VPS hosts that offer a free trial. For example, you can try out Kamatera’s Windows VPS features with a 30-day free trial.

What’s the difference between Windows VPS and Linux VPS?

Linux is the standard for web hosting. Windows, on the other hand, is most often used for projects where Microsoft applications like Exchange or Sharepoint are in use and require Microsoft-accredited technical staff. Windows also tends to be more user-friendly, but it’s also usually more expensive. If you prefer the familiarity of a Windows Server but without breaking the bank, I recommend you check out IONOS.

Is Windows VPS hosting better than Windows shared hosting?

A virtual private server (VPS) offers better performance and more control. It lets you configure a server specifically for your needs, which is something that shared hosting can’t offer. If you’re a beginner or you don’t plan on growing your ASP.NET site too quickly, then shared hosting is fine. However, if you’re ready to take the leap into VPS hosting, then a Windows VPS plan might be ideal for you.