---
title: "Self-Managed VPS vs. Managed VPS: Comparison"
id: "90030"
type: "ht_kb"
slug: "self-managed-vps-vs-managed-vps"
published_at: "2026-10-13T00:40:18+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-10-27T22:33:55+00:00"
url: "https://www.greengeeks.com/support/article/self-managed-vps-vs-managed-vps/"
markdown_url: "https://www.greengeeks.com/support/article/self-managed-vps-vs-managed-vps.md"
excerpt: "This article compares GreenGeeks Self-Managed VPS and Managed VPS plans. Use it to decide which plan fits your project, or to understand why support differs between the two. Table of Contents Key Differences at a Glance Self-Managed VPS Managed VPS..."
taxonomy_ht_kb_category:
  - "Self Managed VPS Hosting"
  - "Server Questions"
---

This article compares GreenGeeks Self-Managed VPS and Managed VPS plans. Use it to decide which plan fits your project, or to understand why support differs between the two.

## Table of Contents

- [Key Differences at a Glance](#key-differences-at-a-glance)
- [Which Plan Is Right for You](#which-plan-is-right-for-you)
- [Support Differences](#support-differences)
- [Dashboard Tools](#dashboard-tools)
- [Moving Between Plan Types](#moving-between-plan-types)

## Key Differences at a Glance

|  | Self-Managed VPS | Managed VPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who manages the server software | You | GreenGeeks, within the scope of cPanel |
| Control panel | None (GreenGeeks dashboard only) | cPanel/WHM included |
| Operating system | Ubuntu, or an app template such as Docker Host | AlmaLinux 9 |
| Root access | Yes, with password or SSH keys | Yes, using SSH keys |
| OS updates and security patching | You | GreenGeeks |
| Antivirus | None included | ImunifyAV |
| One-click apps | Docker Host, plus a Docker app catalog (WordPress, Gitea, Uptime Kuma, and more) | Installed through cPanel |
| Backups | Not provided; you manage your own | Not taken automatically; can be configured in cPanel |
| Firewall | Network firewall managed in the GreenGeeks dashboard | Managed by GreenGeeks |
| Plan upgrades | Not currently available | Available from the GreenGeeks dashboard |
| Outbound email (ports 25, 465, 587) | Blocked | Open |
| Free migrations | Not included | Free cPanel migrations |
| Support channel | Support ticket | Support ticket |
| Best for | Developers and technical users who want full control | Website owners who want cPanel and server management handled for them |

## Which Plan Is Right for You

Choose **Self-Managed VPS** if:

- You are comfortable working on the Linux command line.
- You want to run software that cPanel does not support, such as Docker containers.
- You will handle your own updates, security, and backups.

Choose **Managed VPS** if:

- You want to manage websites, email, and databases through cPanel.
- You want GreenGeeks to handle server updates and security patches.
- You want help troubleshooting server software.

## Support Differences

| Issue | Self-Managed VPS | Managed VPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Server is down because of a hardware or network fault | Covered | Covered |
| Website or application errors | Not covered | Covered within the scope of cPanel |
| Server software configuration (PHP, web server, database) | Not covered | Covered within the scope of cPanel |
| Server stops booting after a change you made | Not covered | Covered, best-effort |
| Security patching and malware | Not covered | Covered |

For the full list, see [Self-Managed VPS Scope of Support](https://www.greengeeks.com/support/article/self-managed-vps-scope-of-support/)
.

## Dashboard Tools

| Tool | Self-Managed VPS | Managed VPS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start, stop, and reboot | Yes | Yes |
| Change root password | Yes | Yes |
| Browser-based Terminal | Yes | No |
| Console (VNC) | Yes | No |
| Network firewall rules | Yes | No |
| SSH key management | Yes | No |
| Rebuild (reinstall OS or app) | Yes | No |
| Resource graphs | Yes | Yes |
| WHM login link | No | Yes |

## Moving Between Plan Types

You cannot convert a Self-Managed VPS to a Managed VPS, or a Managed VPS to a Self-Managed VPS.

To swap between our VPS product lines, order the new plan, move your data, and then cancel the old plan from your GreenGeeks Dashboard.