If you have multiple websites to manage as part of your business or personal projects, you might be wondering how many of them you can safely host in one place. A virtual private server (VPS) is a popular option for multiple site hosting, but if you’re new to VPS hosting, it’s not always obvious how far one server can go.
This is especially true if you handle various aspects of a business with several websites, web design projects or specific services that need splitting out across different domains.
Can you host more than one website on a VPS? If so, how many?
Let’s look at what affects the number of sites you can run on a single VPS, why VPS hosting works well for multiple websites on one server, and how it compares to other server solutions.
How many sites can a VPS host?
Irrespective of the type of VPS you go for, a VPS can host multiple different websites and domains on one server. There’s no fixed software limit on the number of sites a virtual private server can run, so in theory you could keep adding more. In reality, you’ll be guided by the practical limits of your plan’s RAM, CPU, SSD storage and bandwidth.
As a rough guide, an entry-level VPS can comfortably host several modest CMS or WordPress sites, or dozens of very small brochure sites with low traffic. As your sites become more complex or start to attract more visitors, you might prefer to run fewer sites per VPS so that performance stays consistent and security is easier to manage. Agencies and freelancers often spread their client projects across more than one VPS rather than placing every site on the same machine.
The key is to treat those numbers as comfortable ranges, not hard rules. If you notice slow page loads, frequent resource alerts or backups taking much longer than usual, it’s a sign that your current VPS is reaching its multi-site limits. Fortunately, upgrading your VPS (or adding an extra VPS for multiple site hosting) takes just a few clicks, so as your traffic grows, your hardware can step up to accommodate it.
If you need some extra info about virtual private servers, brush up on your knowledge by reading What is a VPS?
What to expect when hosting multiple sites on a VPS
When we compare a virtual private server to other types of servers and hosting, a VPS can definitely handle multiple sites with much more efficiency and ease. That’s because you get dedicated resources for your own projects, plus the flexibility to scale when hosting multiple websites on one server. So, what should you expect from multisite VPS hosting in day-to-day use?
1. Level of resources
When you opt for a VPS, you have the added benefit of knowing exactly what resources are available. Not only will you receive unlimited bandwidth, but you can choose a package with the right amount of RAM, SSD and level of CPU for your websites.
Those resources are what ultimately limit how many sites you can host comfortably. A stable, guaranteed slice of CPU and memory is ideal for multiple site hosting, because you’re not fighting with other users’ traffic as you might on shared hosting.
2. Full root access
With a VPS, you get full control over the software you choose, your updates, and any other executive server decisions. This makes handling multiple websites on one server easier, because you can tune settings for your mix of sites rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all setup.
The trade-off is responsibility. The more sites and domains you run on a single VPS, the more important it is to stay on top of updates, backups and security to keep every project safe.
3. Scalability
If you find yourself needing more RAM, your CPU just isn’t cutting it, or your SSD needs more GB, then it might be time for an upgrade. Signs include slower page loads, frequent resource alerts or backups taking much longer than usual when several sites are busy at once.
Luckily, scaling up your server’s resources is quick and easy, and it takes just a few clicks in our control panel. To host lots of sites, your VPS needs to be up to scratch, so upgrading to a bigger package or adding another VPS is often the best way to keep performance steady.
4. A great price
VPS hosting offers a strong balance between performance and affordability. As a single server can be split into multiple virtual instances, what you pay as the customer is much lower than with dedicated hosting.
When you spread that cost across several sites or client projects, the price per site can be very attractive. Whether you’re a solopreneur running a few domains or an agency managing multiple domains for customers, a VPS keeps costs predictable while still giving you room to grow.
When you’re hosting multiple websites on one server, it’s worth thinking beyond raw numbers. Every extra site draws on the same pool of CPU, RAM and storage, and increases the impact if something goes wrong. If one busy or compromised site hogs resources, the others can slow down or become harder to keep secure, which is why many businesses prefer a comfortable margin instead of filling a VPS to its absolute limit.
Which server is best for multiple site hosting?
Now you know how VPS multiple site hosting works, how do the other servers shape up? When you’re hosting multiple websites on one server, the right choice depends on how heavy your sites are, how much control you need and how much you want to spend.
1. Shared hosting
Multiple site hosting is possible with shared hosting, but as resources are shared by multiple users, this is usually best for a small number of low-traffic sites. Many cheaper shared hosting plans only offer space for one site or a limited number of domains.
Overall, shared hosting is a cost-effective choice, but probably not the best option if you have lots of large or busy sites to run. You’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons when comparing shared hosting vs VPS if you plan to host multiple sites in the long run.
2. Dedicated server
This type of server can also run multiple sites, so if your budget is on the higher end, it might be worth taking a look at a dedicated server. Although the price might put people off, these servers can host multiple high-traffic sites with ease and keep their resources completely separate from other customers.
Dedicated hosting is often the next step once you’ve filled several VPS plans and still need more power for multiple website hosting or mission-critical workloads.
3. Virtual private server
Now, how does the above compare to our trusty VPS? A VPS is a bit of an all-rounder, and due to its private nature, there are guaranteed resources available to host multiple sites without sharing them with other customers. A VPS is also a relatively cheap option compared to a lot of other servers on the market. As we’ve explained in this article, there are ways to upgrade your resources to handle more and more sites as your traffic grows.
When it comes to choosing a server, it’s all about the resources provided and how many sites you expect to run. It doesn’t matter how good a server you have if your package doesn’t provide enough resources to allow reliable multiple site hosting, so consider this carefully before deciding on a server package.
FAQs about hosting multiple sites on a VPS
How many sites can I host on a VPS?
There’s no fixed number. On a small plan you might run several modest CMS or WordPress sites, or dozens of tiny brochure sites. Heavy, high-traffic projects usually need more resources and fewer sites per VPS.
Can one server host multiple websites?
Yes. A single VPS or dedicated server can serve many sites at once. The cap is set by CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth, not by a hard software limit.
Do I need separate IP addresses to host multiple domains on one server?
Usually not. You can point several domains to the same IP with DNS and use your web server or control panel to route each one. Thanks to SNI, you can also run multiple HTTPS sites on a single IP in most modern setups.
Is it safe to host client sites and my own sites on the same VPS?
It can be, if you treat it like shared risk. Keep apps and plugins updated, use strong, unique passwords, separate accounts and databases where you can, and take regular backups. For very sensitive or business-critical projects, it’s often safer to put them on their own VPS.
What happens if one of my sites gets a traffic spike?
All the sites on that VPS share the same pool of resources. If one site suddenly uses a lot of CPU or memory, the others can slow down. Monitoring, caching and scaling up to a larger plan, or splitting sites across multiple VPSs, helps avoid that.
When should I move my sites from shared hosting to a VPS?
You’re likely ready when shared hosting feels cramped: slow pages at busy times, strict limits on how many domains you can add, or not enough control over software and security. Hosting multiple websites on one server with a VPS gives you more room and more say over how everything runs.
So, now you know how many sites you can host on a VPS, what affects that number and how it compares to other server options, why not take a look at our virtual private servers? If you’re wanting to build websites to add to your server, we can help with that, too.
Not sure which plan is right for your mix of sites? Have a chat with our sales team about the best VPS setup for your projects and the other great services and packages we have on offer.
