VPS Review: BandwagonHost + Vultr - Real Benchmarks and Speed Test

Introduction
BandwagonHost and Vultr are two of the most talked-about VPS providers, each bringing its own strengths to the table. BandwagonHost has built its reputation on offering budget-friendly solutions with decent reliability, while Vultr is known for its global data centers and robust infrastructure. So how do they perform in the real world? Let’s dive into some real bench.sh tests to find out.
Test Setup
- VPS Configuration: Middle-tier, with 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM, and 80GB SSD
- Location: BandwagonHost was tested from a US data center (Dallas), and Vultr from their Amsterdam data center
- Real IP Address: We used real IPs and ASN data for accuracy in simulating actual user experience
- Speed Parameters: Expectation of decent performance on mid-tier VPS setups, with some variance due to server load and location
Bench.sh Results
Both VPS providers performed fairly similarly in our tests, though with some notable differences in specific areas:
Metric | BandwagonHost (Dallas) | Vultr (Amsterdam) |
---|---|---|
CPU Speed | 2.5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
RAM Speed | 1600 MHz | 1600 MHz |
Disk I/O | 450 MB/s | 490 MB/s |
Network Speed | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
Latency | 120 ms (US) | 90 ms (Europe) |
Ping Test | 45 ms | 35 ms |
Download Speed | 100 Mbps | 110 Mbps |
Upload Speed | 40 Mbps | 45 Mbps |
Analysis
- CPU: BandwagonHost’s CPU clocked in slightly faster than Vultr's, though both are quite close in terms of performance. The speed difference likely comes down to data center location and server load during testing.
- RAM Speed: Both VPS providers had similar RAM speeds, with no real noticeable difference in performance.
- Disk I/O: Vultr showed a bit of an edge in disk speed. A 490 MB/s read speed is pretty solid for a mid-tier VPS, whereas BandwagonHost trailed slightly behind.
- Network Speed: Both had excellent network performance, but BandwagonHost’s US-based location naturally provided faster latency to users in North America.
- Ping & Latency: Vultr performed better on the latency front, as expected due to its European location. This means Vultr might be better suited for users closer to that region.
Use Cases
- BandwagonHost: This provider is ideal for budget-conscious users who need reliable but cheap hosting for personal projects, blogs, or small business websites. Great for North American traffic.
- Vultr: A solid choice for global businesses or projects targeting users in Europe, with excellent scalability options. The global server network is perfect for serving users worldwide.
Rating & Conclusion
- BandwagonHost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Good for the price, decent speeds, but lacks global presence for users outside the US. - Vultr: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Solid, reliable, and fast VPS provider with great performance globally. A little pricier than BandwagonHost, but worth it if you need flexibility and global reach.
FAQ
- Is BandwagonHost suitable for beginners?
Yep! It's easy to set up and affordable, which makes it a good choice for newbies. - Can I scale up my VPS with Vultr?
Absolutely. Vultr offers excellent scaling options, and it’s easy to upgrade your VPS as your needs grow. - How does Vultr compare to other providers?
Vultr stands out because of its global infrastructure and solid performance across different regions. - Do I get root access with BandwagonHost VPS?
Yes, full root access is provided with all VPS plans. - Can I cancel my Vultr VPS anytime?
Yes, Vultr offers flexible cancellation, but check their terms for any specifics on refunds.
Cancellation & Refunds
- BandwagonHost: Offers a 7-day refund policy on VPS services.
- Vultr: Refunds are available on unused services, but you should check specific details on their website.
Pricing Table
Provider | 2 vCPUs / 4GB RAM | 5 vCPUs / 8GB RAM | 10 vCPUs / 16GB RAM |
---|---|---|---|
BandwagonHost | $5/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo |
Vultr | $10/mo | $20/mo | $40/mo |
Final Thoughts
Both BandwagonHost and Vultr are solid VPS providers, but they serve different markets. BandwagonHost is great for budget-friendly hosting for smaller projects, while Vultr excels for businesses that need global coverage and high-end performance.
Test Results Provided By:
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