A Windows VPS plan isn’t exactly cheap, and you don’t want to purchase any old plan, only to suffer from poor performance, downtime, and a lack of reliable support. That’s why I decided to test and compare the best and affordable options on the market. I prioritized hosting providers that allow you to customize CPU, RAM, and storage to suit your needs, while also considering those that offer pre-configured plans that match different use cases.
Kamatera landed the absolute top spot thanks to its incredible customization, Windows OS versions, instant scalability, and generous free trial. You can try Kamatera for free right now, or keep reading to discover why I recommend these hosts above all others.
Short on Time? These Are the Best Windows VPS Hosts in 2025
- Kamatera – Fast VPS host with data centers across the world and complete Windows server customization.
- IONOS – Beginner-friendly Windows VPS hosting with predictable fixed-rate pricing and free Plesk license.
- InterServer – Affordable US-based Windows VPS plans with top-notch security and automatic backups.
What We Look For in the Best Windows VPS Hosting Services
Given that 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. All of these hosts have uptime scores of 99.98% or higher.
- 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 Windows VPS is pricier than Linux VPS hosting, you shouldn’t spend any more than you have to. These hosts offer quality Windows that don’t cost as much as a second mortgage.
Kamatera tops my list for a number of reasons, including the fact that it provides one of the widest choices of Windows Server versions on the market – from the classic 2012 to the spanking new 2025. And thanks to its advanced infrastructure, Kamatera allows you to launch a server in a matter of minutes.
Kamatera offers more server locations across the globe than any other host on this list. There are 24 data center locations, including Japan, Australia, Israel, and Spain.
Not only does Kamatera offer a truly global cloud, but it also offers a truly ridiculous amount of resources. In theory, you could get a VPS with up to 104 cores, 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.
The only “catch” is that the price of a fully managed service is relatively high. Then again, there’s a 30-day free trial that also covers Windows licenses, 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. Note that the VPS price only includes the Windows Server license, but extra Microsoft software like SQL Server, RDS CALs, and Office are billed separately.
- 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.
- 99.95% uptime guarantee. Kamatera’s data center network is equipped with various redundancy measures and enterprise-level equipment, and you’re promised nearly perfect uptime.
Learn more about Kamatera in our expert review.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | Free 30-day trial with $100 in credits (covers Windows Server license) |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | RDP and ASP.NET supported; SQL Server Express included. Full SQL Server, RDS CALs, and Office require additional licensing |
| Starting price | $4.00 |
IONOS offers some unique Windows Server hosting benefits that make it well worth considering. With support for Windows Server versions 2022 and 2025, there’s quite a selection of server configurations, ranging from entry-level to memory-optimized powerhouses. VPS plans include DDoS protection, server snapshots, and an optional paid Plesk Obsidian license. All plans include generous discounts for longer billing periods.
Support agents can help you with backup management, SSL certificate installation, Plesk support, and provide guidance on server provisioning, so even if you’re not overly familiar with Windows VPS hosting, you’ll get the support you need. IONOS also assigns every customer a dedicated support agent. With all your queries going to the same agent, they can become familiar with your server, leading to more effective, targeted support. Despite this additional value, I often found 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. Instant provisioning is available (typically within minutes).
- 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.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2022 and 2025 |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | RDP and ASP.NET supported; SQL Server Express included. Full SQL Server, Exchange, and Office require additional licensing |
| Starting price | $2.00 |
InterServer stands out for its special attention to Windows hosting, as it provides a total of 32 different Windows VPS configurations. It’s best to choose from the 3 Slices plan, as 2 cores are typically recommended for regular- to high-traffic Windows Server applications. You can scale resources up from there, making it possible to host virtually anything, from a low-scale Windows app to a shared SharePoint network.
InterServer operates 9 state-of-the-art data centers – 7 in New Jersey, 1 in Texas, and 1 in California. In our VPS tests, InterServer averaged less than 1.5-second loading speeds. Any US-based website will have great performance from coast to coast. However, keep in mind that performance will be slower outside the US.
InterServer is one of the cheapest Windows VPS hosts on my 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.
Features
- No-commitment monthly billing. Interserver doesn’t lock you into a multiple-year contract to give you the best deal. You can pay month-to-month and scale your VPS as needed.
- 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.
- Hyper-V virtualization for Windows. InterServer’s Windows VPS runs on Microsoft Hyper-V, which gives native Windows virtualization, strong isolation, and solid compatibility with Windows features like IIS, .NET, and RDP.
- Free Windows OS repair (managed plans). On managed Windows VPS (8+ slices), InterServer’s team handles OS-level troubleshooting, repairs/reinstalls, and access restoration to reduce downtime.
Read our expert review to learn more about InterServer’s plans.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2022 |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | ✘ |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | RDP and IIS/ASP.NET supported; you can install SQL Server yourself (Express is free; higher editions require separate licensing) |
| Starting price | $3.00 |
Liquid Web is one of the most respected and professional web hosts in the business, serving a smaller client base. It offers three tiers of managed support: unmanaged, core, and fully managed, which all come with a myriad of perks. If you can handle updates, patches, and security, a self-managed VPS may be enough. Otherwise, it’s best to choose between core and fully managed options for expert support.
Independent benchmarks place Liquid Web as one of the fastest VPS hosts available today. That’s because it runs on a 10 Gbps network with AMD EPYC hardware and backs its 100% network uptime (which our tests confirmed) with an SLA that credits 10x the downtime.
Liquid Web provides three optimization types of Windows VPS packages with 4 to 32 GB of RAM. You have the option to pay on a monthly, yearly, or two-year basis, with substantial savings for longer terms. Unfortunately, Liquid Web isn’t for beginners and is best-suited for resource-intensive, enterprise-level solutions.
Features
- Free and paid MSSQL databases. You can easily add a SQL Server 2019 or 2022 database to your site. The Express editions are free, while Web, Standard, and Enterprise editions are available for an additional fee.
- Security and DDoS protection. By default, all Liquid plans feature integrated security with DDoS protection. For a fee, you can also add advanced DDoS protection for high-traffic sites and real-time monitoring to keep your data secure and safe from any unwanted access.
- Reliable backup options. Liquid Web’s Windows VPS plans include cloud and Acronis cyber backups as add-ons. Automatic daily cloud backups are charged per GB. With Acronis Cyber Backup, you can choose to store your backups on Acronis Cloud or Liquid Web, with storage options ranging from 100 GB to 20 TB.
- Server location selection. You can choose from data centers in Michigan, Arizona, Amsterdam, and London.
Read our expert Liquid Web review for more information.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2022 and 2025 |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | RDP and IIS/ASP.NET supported; you can install SQL Server (Express is free; paid editions require separate licensing) |
| Starting price | $5.00 |
5. AccuWeb: Specialized Windows VPS Hosting With Root Access
AccuWeb offers Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 – though availability varies by server location. It includes the SolidCP control panel at no extra cost, while Plesk is available as a paid add-on. You can opt to pre-install MSSQL (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022), MySQL, phpMyAdmin, and MailEnable during setup. You might notice that its Windows VPS plans don’t offer as many resources as my top recommendations, so I’d caution you to use AccuWeb for small-scale projects.
By default, AccuWeb’s VPS plans are self-managed. This gives you full control over your server. You can opt for a fully managed service where AccuWeb handles maintenance and support, but that’ll cost extra. This flexibility allows you to select the level of management that best suits your technical expertise and website needs.
AccuWeb offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card necessary. If you opt to stay on, its cheap Windows hosting plans are comparable to many of the other hosting providers on our list. However, AccuWeb has higher-than-average renewal fees, so it’s best to subscribe for a year to get the most out of its intro pricing.
Features
- Strong security measures. AccuWeb applies the necessary patches and updates to keep your server running smoothly, as well as regular server audits. The built-in Windows firewall and optional Clamwin antivirus add to your account’s security.
- Legacy applications. There’s nothing wrong with preferring legacy versions. With AccuWeb, you’ll be able to run older software by selecting Windows Server 2016 during setup, allowing for seamless transfer of older data.
- Backup options. Complimentary weekly backups are included at select data centers but are contingent on availability. For guaranteed recovery and daily restore points, you’ll need to add AccuWeb’s paid Continuous Data Protection (CDP) backup plan.
- RAID storage. Depending on the server location, your Windows VPS will use either RAID 6 or RAID 10, offering data redundancy and performance.
For more pros and cons, read our comprehensive AccuWeb review.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025 (availability varies by location) |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | 30-day free trial or 7-day money-back guarantee |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | MSSQL Server (Express free; higher editions licensed), MySQL, Windows Remote Desktop |
| Starting price | $3.99 |
6. Hostwinds: Affordable Windows VPS Plans Packed With Features
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 2025 version. Only Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, and 2012 can come preinstalled, which is why I ranked Hostwinds lower on my 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. You can create restore points stored off-server, so you can quickly roll back after mistakes, corruption, or attacks. However, the backups are a paid add-on that you’ll need to factor in on top of Windows VPS hosting.
- 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.
| Windows OS versions available | Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Free trial or money-back guarantee | 72-hour refund window (pro-rated) |
| Windows-based applications/frameworks | RDP and IIS/ASP.NET supported; SQL Server licenses are not provided by Hostwinds (you can install SQL yourself if licensed) |
| Starting price | $8.24 |
Other Notable Web Hosts for Windows VPS Hosting
7. ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting allows you to build a custom Windows-based cloud VPS, though it isn’t quite as flexible as Kamatera. Servers start with 2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM. ScalaHosting also offers free snapshot backups and an anytime money-back guarantee.
Unfortunately, ScalaHosting only supports Windows on self-managed plans, and only Windows Server 2019 and 2022 are available as preinstalled server software. They’re not the latest version, but as you’ll have full root access, you’ll have the freedom to manually install Windows Server 2025 and other specific Microsoft products like ASP.NET and IIS.
8. Microsoft Azure
As the creator of the Windows OS, it makes sense to choose Microsoft’s Azure platform for Windows VPS hosting. It supports Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025, and you can run legacy versions like 2008 and 2012 with the Extended Security Updates paid service. However, keep in mind that the service is only a temporary solution – you’ll still need to upgrade to the latest versions.
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 more than you need. Its pricing structure can be confusing, and costs can quickly add up if you need to run your server 24/7, so you should know how to use it efficiently. If you’d like to give it a try, I’d suggest using the free tier plan to see if it’s for you.
9. Vultr
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 large range of Windows Server versions (2016–2025) and 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 pay for your Windows license and deposit funds in order 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.
10. Ultahost
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 and a promise to address critical issues in under 30 minutes.
I also appreciate that all Windows VPS plans come with unlimited bandwidth, scalable RAM, a 99.99% uptime guarantee, and built-in caching. However, its performance and support can sometimes falter under heavy workloads or high-traffic periods, so I wouldn’t recommend Ultahost for large projects.
Find the Best Windows VPS Host for Your Specific Needs
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 Kamatera. With 24 data centers around the world, you’ll be able to serve your audience with fast page loading speed wherever they are. It also features the widest range of Windows Server versions available for preinstallation.
Looking for a flexible and user-friendly Windows VPS plan? I’d recommend IONOS. Tech support is available to help you troubleshoot your free Plesk license and give you advice on provisioning your server. 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 InterServer. Being a US-based host with many local data centers, its performance in North America is another standout feature.
Take a look at the table below for a comparison of some of the most popular hosting providers.
| Standout Feature | Windows OS Options | Data Center Locations | Starting Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamatera | Full Windows server customization with 24 data center locations to choose from | Plesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop | 9 in North America, 6 in Europe, 5 in the Middle East, 3 in Asia, 1 in Australia | $4.00 | |
| IONOS | Beginner-friendly Windows and ASP.NET hosting | Plesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Cloud, IONOS, and KVM consoles | 3 in US, 6 in Europe | $2.00 | |
| InterServer | Inexpensive Windows VPS plans with great performance in the US | Plesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop | 7 in the US | $3.00 | |
| Liquid Web | One of the best performing managed VPS hosts in the industry | Plesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Obsidian (included with fully managed plans) | 5 in North America, 5 in Europe, 1 in India, 1 in South Africa, 3 in Asia, 1 in Australia | $5.00 | |
| AccuWeb Hosting | Large selection of Windows Server versions and Windows firewall security | SolidCP, Plesk (available for an additional fee) | 5 in the US, 3 in Asia, 1 in Australia, 1 in Canada, 4 in Europe, 1 in South America | $3.99 | |
| Hostwinds | Managed Windows hosting | Plesk, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Hostwinds Cloud Control Panel, SolidCP | 4 in US, 2 in Europe, 1 in Australia | $8.24 |
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.
How can I get the best performance from cheap Windows VPS?
You can optimize a budget Windows VPS by removing unused apps, enabling caching software, and compressing large media files. Use tools like Plesk or cPanel to monitor performance and free up resources when needed. Keep Windows Server and all installed applications updated for stability and security. For heavier workloads, connect your VPS with a CDN such as Cloudflare to offload content delivery.
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.
