When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

While those terms look similar, each model has distinct characteristics that cater to different website needs.

Plus, the promise of “unlimited” or unmetered can be alluring, but does it truly deliver?

Web design

However, this is almost always subject to fair use policies.

Hosting providers typically have restrictions to prevent abuse and ensure fair resource allocation.

For example, when a web host advertises unlimited storage, this will depend on their terms.

An example is GreenGeeks unlimited websites, which they offer on their shared hosting.

They have adedicated pageexplaining what unlimited means so customers can still be informed about it.

The same applies to unlimited websites.

This does not necessarily mean you might host unlimited websites server resources will still be a limiting factor.

Unmetered

Unmetered resources are primarily about bandwidth.

It’s a flat rate for the chosen speed.

An example is Bluehost, which offers unmetered bandwidth on its VPS and dedicated hosting.

They will also email you if you exceed normal usage.

This can cater to various needs, as users can choose based on their expected resource usage.

Hosting unlimited websites there is possible, but each would be really slow.

It also depends on how resource-intensive your website is.

One major drawback is the vulnerability to abuse.

This abuse can lead to server instability and security risks, affecting all websites on the server.

The key is to read the fine print.

Just keep in mind to pay attention to the possible drawbacks.

This transparency is particularly valuable for websites with predictable traffic patterns and resource requirements.

But if your traffic is steady, metered hosting is likely better.

What resources does your website need?If your website uses a lot of resources (e.g.

video streaming, large databases), metered hosting allows you to allocate specific resources and avoid potential throttling..

If your website is simple, “unlimited” might be enough, but always check the policies.

What’s your budget?Metered hosting gives you a predictable cost.

“Unlimited” can have hidden problems if you use too much.

How good is the hosting providers reputation?Check reviews and see if they’re clear about their rules.

Prioritise providers with clear fair use policies, robust abuse prevention measures, and transparent resource allocation.

Unlimited might seem easier if you want a more hands-off approach, but remember to read the fine print.