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When a hosting provider advertises “Unlimited Bandwidth,” it looks like the perfect solution for streaming, high-traffic apps, or file servers.
But here is the engineering reality: Unlimited bandwidth does not mean unlimited speed.
In the datacenter world, "Unlimited" is often a marketing mask for capped port speeds and aggressive Fair Use Policies (FUP). I have seen dozens of users sign up for "Unlimited" plans only to find their connection throttled to 10Mbps after moving a few terabytes of data.
The "Port Speed" Trap Explained
Your bandwidth is limited by the physical port size. "Unlimited" on a 100Mbps port means you can physically transfer a maximum of ~33TB/month running 24/7. "Unlimited" on a 1Gbps port allows for ~330TB/month.
Always check the port speed before the "Unlimited" label.
To find out who actually delivers sustained throughput without hidden throttling, I analyzed the network policies, upstream carriers, and Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) of the top 9 VPS providers.
ScalaHosting
The only provider with Low-Density Nodes and Enterprise Hardware (AMD EPYC + NVMe). Real 1Gbps unmetered throughput that doesn't drop during peak hours.
Read ReviewContabo
Unbeatable raw specs (RAM/Storage) for the price. Great for labs and dev environments where occasional network jitter is acceptable.
Read ReviewQuick Comparison: Top 9 Unlimited VPS Providers
Most “unlimited bandwidth” VPS plans fall into two categories: unmetered with port-speed caps or unlimited but throttled by Fair-Use Policies (FUP).
Use this table to instantly identify which providers deliver real throughput and which rely on restrictive AUPs.
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison: Best Unlimited VPS Providers
- #1. ScalaHosting (Best Overall & Predictable Throughput)
- #2. Verpex (Best for Beginners)
- #3. InterServer (True Unmetered & VPN Friendly)
- #4. Contabo (Best Specs for Price)
- #5. Kamatera (Enterprise 10Gbps Cloud)
- #6. OVHcloud (High Capacity Network)
- #7. Hetzner (High Performance Compute)
- #8. Vercel (Frontend Edge Platform)
- #9. Hostinger (Budget Entry-Level VPS)
- What “Unlimited Bandwidth” Actually Means
- How Providers Secretly Limit Bandwidth
- How to Optimize Your VPS for Maximum Speed
- FAQs: Unlimited vs Unmetered Explained
- Conclusion: Why ScalaHosting is the Winner
#1. ScalaHosting — Elite Hardware & Predictable Throughput
Why Scala Wins
- True 1Gbps Unmetered Port (Low Density Nodes)
- SPanel Included (Saves ~$15/mo vs cPanel)
- Enterprise NVMe & AMD EPYC CPUs (Top 3% Speed)
- Daily Offsite Backups Included (Free)
- Fully Managed Support (Real Engineers)
Potential Downsides1
- Higher renewal rates than budget unmanaged hosts
- Entry plans have less raw storage than Contabo
Engineering Benchmarks
- Port Speed: 1Gbps (Dedicated Feel)
- Throughput Stability: Very High
- Traffic Limit: True Unmetered
$29.95/mo
Anytime Money Back Guarantee
ScalaHosting sits at the top of this list not just because of its “Unmetered Bandwidth” policy, but because it is one of the few providers giving you the CPU power to actually saturate that bandwidth.
Most “Unlimited” VPS providers stack 100+ containers on a single server, causing network congestion and I/O wait. ScalaHosting limits the number of clients per node (Low Density), delivering consistent, real-world throughput rather than theoretical specs that collapse under load.
The “Low Density” Advantage
Bandwidth is useless if your disk I/O is choked by noisy neighbors. ScalaHosting’s architecture ensures that your 1Gbps port isn't fighting for airtime against hundreds of other users. This makes it the only “Unlimited” option on this list suitable for revenue-generating business sites.
Hardware Deep Dive: The Engineering Reality
While budget providers like Contabo or InterServer offer unlimited traffic on older hardware, ScalaHosting has upgraded its fleet to AMD EPYC 9474F processors.
Why this matters for high-traffic sites:
- Ranked ~31st globally: Out of 1,178 server CPUs, these chips are in the top 3% for raw speed.
- Massive Concurrency: They boast a multithread rating of 102,107,roughly 480% higher than the older Intel Xeons used by competitors like Rocket.net.
- Next-Gen Storage: They use DDR5 RAM (4800Mhz) and PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs (2,457 MB/s read speeds).
This ensures that when your traffic spikes, the bottleneck won't be your disk I/O or RAM speed, a common issue with Hostinger’s lower-tier VPS plans.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Policy
ScalaHosting provides a 1Gbps unmetered port. Unlike budget hosts that use aggressive “Token Bucket” throttling (slowing you down after a short burst), Scala maintains steady throughput for longer durations.
- No Hidden I/O Limits: Unlike SiteGround Cloud, which is notorious for 503 errors due to hidden disk I/O caps, Scala allows your VPS to run at full capacity.
- Fair Use Reality: While FUP exists to prevent abuse (like crypto-mining), legitimate high-traffic business usage is rarely flagged.
Pricing Reality Check: The “Hardware-to-Cost” Ratio
To understand the real value here, you cannot just look at the price tag. You have to look at what you are renting.
Most “Unlimited” VPS providers fall into two traps:
- The Budget Trap (Contabo): Cheap, but uses older hardware (PCIe 3.0) and packs thousands of users per node.
- The Markup Trap (Cloudways): Good infrastructure, but they charge a massive markup for “Management.”
ScalaHosting disrupts this by offering Enterprise-Grade Hardware at a price point much closer to budget VPS.
Comparison: 4 CPU Cores / 8GB RAM / Managed Support
| Provider | CPU Hardware | Storage Speed | Control Panel | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ScalaHosting | AMD EPYC 9474F (Gen 4) | NVMe PCIe 5.0 | SPanel (Free) | ~$32.00 |
| Contabo | AMD EPYC 7282 (Gen 2) | NVMe PCIe 3.0 | cPanel ($16+ extra) | ~$18.00* |
| Hostinger | AMD EPYC (Gen 3/4) | NVMe PCIe 4.0 | hPanel (Free) | ~$22.00 |
| Cloudways | Vultr High Freq | NVMe (Standard) | Custom Panel | $118.00 |
*Contabo price includes the necessary cPanel license and management addon to match Scala's service level. Without these, it is unmanaged.
Software Value: The SPanel Factor
One of the biggest bandwidth killers is a heavy control panel. Scala developed SPanel, a lightweight alternative to cPanel.
The Engineering Impact: SPanel uses ~1 less CPU core and 8x less RAM than cPanel. This frees up significant resources to handle concurrent visitors and data transfer. If you were to run cPanel on a cheap Verpex or Kamatera instance, a chunk of your “unlimited” power would be wasted just keeping the dashboard running.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Elite Hardware: AMD EPYC 9474F + NVMe PCIe 5.0 is vastly superior to the hardware used by budget hosts.
- Granular Scaling: You can add resources individually ($3/core, $1/GB RAM) without forcing a full plan upgrade.
- Entry Cloud Value: The $13.45/mo plan (2 Core / 2GB RAM) is a massive upgrade over traditional shared hosting.
- SShield Security: Built-in real-time protection blocks 99.998% of attacks before they consume your bandwidth.
Weaknesses
- Renewal Hikes: You must budget for higher renewal rates (~200%) after the intro period.
- Generic Documentation: Their knowledge base is less detailed compared to DigitalOcean.
- Support Variability: While generally good, L1 support can sometimes miss nuanced technical details compared to unmanaged providers like Hetzner.
Best For
ScalaHosting is the correct choice if you need managed power. It fits agencies, high-traffic WooCommerce stores, and businesses that cannot afford the “noisy neighbor” performance dips found on Hostinger or Verpex.
Not Ideal For: Users who want the absolute cheapest raw storage (go with Contabo) or developers who want a pure API-driven environment (go with Vercel or Kamatera).
Verdict
ScalaHosting bridges the gap between “Cheap Unlimited” and “Premium Cloud.” You get the unmetered bandwidth of a budget host, but with the Elite AMD hardware and low density required to actually use it.
#2. Verpex Hosting — Beginner-Friendly “Unlimited” VPS (Best for Low-Traffic Sites)
Verpex Pros
- Unlimited Bandwidth on all plans
- 12+ Global Server Locations
- Free Migrations & SSL
- Extremely Beginner Friendly
- cPanel Included (Managed)
Verpex Cons
- Shared Uplink (Speed fluctuates at peak times)
- Strict Fair Use Policy on heavy usage
- Not for high-compute workloads
Network Performance
- Port Speed: 1Gbps (Shared)
- Throughput Consistency: Moderate
- Traffic Limit: Unlimited (FUP)
$12.00/mo
45-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If ScalaHosting represents predictable business-grade infrastructure, Verpex belongs in the category of affordable convenience hosting.
Verpex positions itself as a simple, beginner-friendly provider with “unlimited bandwidth” across most plans. It works exceptionally well for small sites and low-to-medium workloads, but its network architecture is not engineered to handle sustained heavy traffic, high-frequency transfers, or enterprise-grade throughput.
The "Shared Uplink" Reality
Verpex uses a Shared 1Gbps Uplink model. While you technically have access to high speeds, you are sharing that pipe with many other neighbors on the same node. This design favors ease-of-use and low cost over raw, sustained performance.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
Verpex offers Unlimited Bandwidth, but it is enforced through standard Fair Use Policies (FUP). Here is the engineering reality of what that means:
- Burst vs. Sustained: You can burst to high speeds for loading a webpage, but you cannot sustain 500Mbps+ for long file transfers without triggering internal alerts.
- Soft Throughput Controls: Unlike metered hosts that charge you for overages, Verpex simply deprioritizes your traffic if it becomes "abnormal" or "excessive."
Real-World Impact: You can expect smooth performance for blogs, portfolios, and local business sites. However, you should not expect predictable performance for 24/7 bulk data operations, high-speed VPNs, or video streaming.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Performance on Verpex is generally stable as long as workloads stay within “normal website” parameters.
Where it succeeds:
- Single-Tenant Apps: Simple WordPress or Magento sites with moderate concurrency.
- Static Content: Marketing sites and portfolios load quickly due to decent global routing.
Where it struggles:
- High I/O Workloads: Bulk import/export tasks or heavy database operations often hit "I/O Wait" limits because the underlying storage is shared more aggressively than on premium hosts.
- Long-Running Processes: High-frequency cron jobs or API scrapers are often flagged as "abuse" under their FUP.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Low Learning Curve: Extremely beginner-friendly onboarding; great for non-technical users.
- Agency Friendly: Excellent for managing multiple small, lightweight client websites at a low cost.
- Global Locations: Good server spread (12+ locations) helps with local latency.
- Managed Support: You get "Managed" help at a price point where most competitors offer zero support.
Weaknesses
- Shared Uplinks: Your throughput depends heavily on your neighbors' activity.
- Strict FUP: Triggers sooner than premium providers like Scala or Kamatera.
- Not for Heavy Ops: No true 1Gbps dedicated port performance.
- Higher Density: More users per server means occasional performance spikes.
Best For
Verpex is the right choice if you manage simple client websites, WordPress blogs, or local service sites where uptime matters but bandwidth consistency is not mission-critical. It is perfect for users who want a "hands-off" managed experience without the premium price tag.
Not Ideal For: VPN/proxy services, streaming, large-scale ecommerce, or data processing workloads.
Verdict
Verpex is a solid, friendly, low-complexity option. Its “unlimited bandwidth” model works well under everyday website conditions.
However, if you are hosting mission-critical sites where performance predictability is non-negotiable, ScalaHosting (or a similar premium low-density provider) is the more rational long-term choice.
#3. InterServer — True Unmetered VPS (Best for VPNs & Burst Workloads)
Interserver Pros
- True Unmetered Bandwidth (No Caps)
- VPN & Scraping Friendly AUP
- Very Low Cost ($6/mo)
- Month-to-Month Billing
- KVM Virtualization
Interserver Cons
- Variable speeds (Noisy Neighbors)
- Outdated User Interface
- Basic/Slow Support
Performance Specs
- Port Speed: 1Gbps (Shared)
- Throughput Consistency: Variable
- Traffic Limit: Unmetered
$6.00/mo
Price Lock Guarantee
InterServer is widely known for offering actual unmetered bandwidth on budget VPS plans, something rare in the $6–$10/month range. They are transparent about providing a 1 Gbps port and allowing very liberal usage compared to other budget hosts.
However, it is crucial to distinguish throughput tolerance from throughput consistency. InterServer lets you send a lot of data, but the environment is shared, congestible, and prone to performance variability.
The "Freedom vs. Stability" Trade-off
InterServer gives you freedom, not guaranteed performance. This makes it excellent for VPNs, scraping, or burst workloads where raw data transfer matters more than uptime stability. But for mission-critical businesses, the "noisy neighbor" effect here is real.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
InterServer uses 1Gbps ports with no strict TB caps. This puts them ahead of many budget providers who offer “unlimited” but throttle aggressively.
The Reality Check:
- Shared Uplinks: The 1Gbps port is shared among many VPS instances. Sustained transfers above 200–300Mbps often fluctuate.
- Peak Hours: Throughput dips when other users push load (typically evenings in the US).
- Lenient FUP: Unlike Verpex or Hostinger, InterServer rarely suspends users for high bandwidth usage unless it affects the entire node stability.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
InterServer is extremely workload-dependent. It performs well in specific scenarios but struggles in others.
Where it succeeds:
- High-Burst Workloads: Traffic that comes in waves (e.g., backups, scraping) rather than constant streams.
- Distributed Tasks: Multi-node setups for VPNs or proxies where individual node speed matters less than total capacity.
Where it struggles:
- Sustained Outbound: Long, continuous transfers (e.g., 24/7 video streaming) often see speed degradation over time.
- High Concurrency: Database-heavy ecommerce sites often suffer from I/O jitter due to the high density of users per server.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- True Unmetered: Very few budget VPS providers offer real unmetered usage without artificial caps.
- No Egress Fees: Great for users tired of AWS/Google Cloud bandwidth bills.
- VPN Friendly: Their AUP is lenient regarding VPN and proxy usage.
- Flexible Billing: Month-to-month billing allows you to scale up or down easily.
Weaknesses
- High Density: You share hardware with many users who may engage in bandwidth-heavy activities.
- Inconsistent Throughput: Not ideal when speed predictability matters.
- Basic Support: You get a VPS; management and optimization are your responsibility.
- I/O Jitter: Disk performance fluctuates significantly compared to premium NVMe setups.
Best For
InterServer is the right choice if you need cheap unmetered bandwidth for testing, VPN/proxy servers, or experimental applications. It is perfect for side projects that are not revenue-critical but require high data transfer.
Not Ideal For: Production ecommerce, SaaS apps, client websites (agencies), or mission-critical business infrastructure.
Verdict
InterServer is the best low-cost unmetered VPS for users who value freedom over structure. If you want to push bandwidth without worrying about TB limits, InterServer is unbeatable at this price point.
However, if your workload demands stability, isolation, and predictable throughput, ScalaHosting is simply a different class of product. InterServer is the “unmetered playground,” while ScalaHosting is the “business infrastructure.”
#4. Contabo — Huge Specs + Unmetered Bandwidth (Best for Labs & Devs)
Contabo Pros
- Unbeatable Specs per Dollar (RAM/Storage)
- 32TB Traffic Included (Virtually Unlimited)
- Massive NVMe Storage
- Full Root Access
Contabo Cons
- High Density (Network congestion is common)
- Slow Support Response
- Setup fees on monthly plans
Traffic & Specs
- Port Speed: 200Mbps - 1Gbps
- Traffic Limit: 32 TB
- Stability: Low (Congested)
$8.49/mo
Lowest Price per GB RAM
Contabo has built its reputation around one promise: “The most CPU / RAM / Storage per dollar.” And for raw specifications, they deliver—no other provider offers as many cores or as much NVMe storage for such a low monthly price.
However, the performance gap between specs on paper and real-world behavior becomes obvious once your workload grows. Contabo’s infrastructure relies on high-density virtualization and shared uplinks, which introduce unpredictability in throughput, CPU scheduling, and I/O stability.
The "High Density" Trade-off
Contabo is the opposite of ScalaHosting. While Scala limits users per server to guarantee stability, Contabo packs servers to the brim to lower costs. This means you get massive resources, but you must tolerate "noisy neighbors" and fluctuating performance.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Policy
Contabo offers Unmetered Bandwidth, but the port speed varies by plan and location:
- Older Plans: Often capped at 200Mbps.
- Newer Plans: 1Gbps shared port (standard).
The Reality Check: A 1Gbps port divided across dozens of VPS instances is not equivalent to a dedicated 1Gbps connection. Bandwidth is available in bursts, but sustained throughput often drops during peak hours. Upload speeds tend to fluctuate more than downloads.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Contabo servers are high-density; the price makes that obvious. Here is how they behave under load:
Where it succeeds:
- Storage-Heavy Tasks: Excellent for backup servers, archive nodes, or large datasets where speed is secondary to capacity.
- Distributed Workloads: Great for running multiple nodes (scrapers, bots, microservices) where individual node performance matters less than total cluster size.
Where it struggles:
- CPU Variability: Even with many cores, CPU scheduling is heavily shared (Steal Time is common).
- Network Volatility: Latency spikes and throughput dips occur frequently due to the cost-efficient network blend.
- Production Databases: I/O inconsistency makes it risky for high-traffic ecommerce or real-time apps.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Unmatched Specs: More RAM and Cores than any competitor at this price point.
- Storage Value: Massive NVMe storage allocations included by default.
- Dev Friendly: Perfect for staging environments, CI/CD runners, and testing.
- Burst Capacity: Short-term speed bursts are impressive for the price.
Weaknesses
- Unpredictable: Sustained performance fluctuates based on neighbor activity.
- Basic Support: Zero hand-holding; you are on your own.
- Noisy Neighbors: High risk of resource contention.
- Not Business-Grade: Uptime and stability are lower than premium managed hosts.
Best For
Contabo is the best budget option for developers, labs, and experimentation where performance fluctuations are tolerable. It is ideal for VPNs (personal use), test environments, and cheap compute clusters.
Not Ideal For: Production ecommerce, client hosting (agencies), high-traffic blogs, or anything requiring strict uptime SLAs.
Verdict
Contabo delivers outstanding value if you seek maximum specs for minimum price. It is the ultimate "sandbox" VPS.
However, if you need predictable performance, professional support, and stability under load, ScalaHosting (or any low-density premium VPS) is the correct choice.
Contabo = Quantity. ScalaHosting = Quality. Both are good for the right user.
#5. Kamatera — Enterprise 10Gbps Cloud (Best for Architects & Scalability)
Kamatera Pros
- True 10Gbps Uplink Options
- Enterprise-Grade Hardware (Ice Lake)
- Minute-by-Minute Billing
- Global Data Centers
Kamatera Cons
- Bandwidth is Metered (Pay per GB) or Expensive Addon
- Complex UI (Not for beginners)
Enterprise Performance
- Port Speed: 10 Gbps
- Throughput Consistency: Very High
- Traffic Limit: Metered
$4.00/mo
30-Day Free Trial
Kamatera operates in a different category from typical VPS providers. This is not “budget hosting,” not “managed VPS,” and not designed for entry-level users. Kamatera is a global cloud infrastructure provider offering configurable CPU, pure NVMe storage, and real 10Gbps networking.
For workloads requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and enterprise-grade stability, Kamatera is arguably the strongest provider in this entire list, but only if you know how to manage the infrastructure yourself.
The "Architect's Tool" Reality
Kamatera is the opposite of ScalaHosting. While Scala gives you managed stability and support, Kamatera gives you raw infrastructure power. You get granular control over every resource, but you are responsible for configuration, security, and optimization.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
Kamatera provides 1Gbps standard ports with options to upgrade to 10Gbps on advanced instances. Their bandwidth model is engineered, not just marketed:
- Metered by Default: You pay per GB, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
- Unmetered Add-ons: Available at a higher cost, granting predictable monthly billing for high-throughput needs.
- Real Throughput: Unlike budget hosts, you are not limited by noisy neighbors or shared NIC oversubscription.
The Reality Check: Kamatera is one of the few providers offering true 10Gbps sustained potential. However, this performance comes with a price tag that reflects its enterprise positioning.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Performance on Kamatera is extremely consistent due to low virtualization density, fast NVMe storage, and enterprise-grade CPUs.
Where it succeeds:
- Sustained Throughput: Transfers at 600–900Mbps on 1Gbps plans are realistic and stable.
- Low Latency: Highly connected datacenters with multi-carrier redundant uplinks ensure consistent global routing.
- Predictable I/O: Disk throughput remains stable even during heavy operations, unlike the jitter found on Contabo.
Where it struggles:
- Misconfiguration Risks: Users with low technical skill can easily bottleneck their own instances.
- Cost Scaling: Bandwidth metering can become expensive for TB-level traffic if not monitored carefully.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Enterprise Networking: True 1Gbps/10Gbps throughput ideal for real-time apps and distributed systems.
- Extreme Customization: Configure CPU type, RAM, storage, and port speed exactly to your needs.
- Global Reach: Strong peering across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Minute-Level Billing: Scale resources up and down instantly without wasted cost.
Weaknesses
- Not Cheap: True enterprise performance has a real cost; unmetered add-ons are pricey.
- Expertise Required: Not beginner-friendly; requires sysadmin capability.
- Zero Hand-Holding: No managed support like ScalaHosting; you are on your own.
- Complex Billing: Metered bandwidth can lead to surprise bills if not monitored.
Best For
Kamatera is perfect for high-bandwidth applications, real-time APIs, AI inference nodes, and scalable SaaS platforms. It is the tool of choice for architects building global, low-latency deployments.
Not Ideal For: Beginners, personal blogs, simple WordPress sites, or anyone expecting "managed support."
Verdict
Kamatera offers the most powerful networking and computing capabilities of any provider in this list, but only for users with technical expertise.
If you want control, power, and enterprise networking, Kamatera is unmatched. However, if you want managed reliability, predictable performance, and human support, ScalaHosting is the safer and smarter choice.
Kamatera is the Formula 1 car. ScalaHosting is the luxury, stable, long-distance machine. Choose based on your skill level.
#6. OVHcloud — High-Capacity Network (Best for Sysadmins & Automation)
Ovhcloud Pros
- Massive Network Capacity (30Tbps+)
- Best Anti-DDoS Protection
- Unmetered Bandwidth
- Very Cheap for High Traffic
Ovhcloud Cons
- Zero Support (You are on your own)
- Strict Automated Throttling on 'Abuse'
Network Performance
- Port Speed: 1 Gbps
- Throughput Consistency: High
- Traffic Limit: Unmetered (Strict AUP)
$13.00/mo
No Setup Fees
OVHcloud operates one of the largest privately-owned global network backbones in the world (over 30Tbps capacity). This allows them to offer unmetered bandwidth and high uplink capacity at prices most competitors cannot match.
However, OVHcloud is not a “friendly” hosting environment. Their infrastructure is built for sysadmins, developers, and automation engineers who need raw power and cost-efficient scaling. It is not built for beginners, business owners, or users needing guided managed support.
The "Strict Enforcement" Reality
If ScalaHosting is the “supportive, reliable, business-safe VPS,” OVHcloud is the “raw infrastructure giant that expects you to know exactly what you’re doing.” Their automated systems aggressively police traffic patterns. If your usage looks like abuse (even if it isn't), you may face automatic throttling with little recourse from support.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
OVHcloud typically provides 500Mbps to 1Gbps ports on VPS plans with Unmetered Traffic (no per-TB billing). However, the reality of "unmetered" here is nuanced:
- The "Abuse" Trigger: You can push large volumes of traffic as long as your usage doesn’t resemble abuse. Patterns like VPNs, proxies, scraping, or sustained 24/7 transfers are often flagged.
- Realistic Throughput: Expect 300–800Mbps bursts, settling into 150–400Mbps sustained depending on the region and time of day.
This is far more capacity than most budget VPS providers, but it is strictly subject to OVHcloud’s internal network rules.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
OVHcloud’s performance is a story of extreme capability combined with strict policing.
Where it succeeds:
- Network Backbone: Their datacenters are highly interconnected with enterprise-grade engineering. Latency between EU regions is excellent.
- DDoS Protection: Their in-built mitigation is industry-leading and included for free.
- Stable Resources: I/O and CPU performance are generally stable due to moderate virtualization density.
Where it struggles:
- Aggressive AUP: Suspicious traffic patterns (like high outbound UDP) trigger automatic shaping.
- Support Rigidity: Support rarely reverses automated decisions or clarifies specific limits.
- VPN Restrictions: Using their network for commercial VPN/proxy services often violates their Terms of Service.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Cost-per-Bandwidth: Phenomenal value for raw outbound traffic, especially in the EU.
- Enterprise Backbone: Network quality rivals major cloud providers like AWS and Azure.
- DDoS Mitigation: Robust protection included by default.
- Automation Friendly: Great API and tools for developers building distributed systems.
Weaknesses
- Minimal Support: Ticket replies can be slow and generic; no "managed" help available.
- Vague Limits: AUP triggers for "abuse" are not explicitly defined.
- Automated Throttling: Legitimate high-load usage can be classified as abuse.
- Not for Beginners: You handle all OS patches, security, and optimization yourself.
Best For
OVHcloud shines for distributed microservices, high-bandwidth automation tools, data ingestion pipelines, and internal engineering tools. It is a powerful playground for those who understand bandwidth shaping and network policy.
Not Ideal For: Ecommerce, mission-critical WordPress sites, client hosting, or anyone who cannot self-manage Linux security.
Verdict
OVHcloud offers arguably the strongest network among budget-to-midrange VPS providers, but its strict AUP and minimal support make it unsuitable for most business users.
It is powerful if you treat hosting as infrastructure and understand bandwidth economics. However, if you value uptime, human support, and predictable performance for revenue-generating sites, ScalaHosting solves these exact weaknesses.
OVHcloud = Raw Bandwidth + Technical Freedom. ScalaHosting = Predictable Performance + Real Support.
#7. Hetzner — High-Performance Cloud (Best for Compute, Not Bandwidth)
Hetzner Pros
- Incredible CPU Performance (AMD EPYC)
- Very Low Price
- 20TB Traffic Included
- Great API & CLI tools
Hetzner Cons
- Strict 20TB Hard Cap (Throttled to 10Mbps)
- Strict Identity Verification
- Not Unmetered
Performance Specs
- Port Speed: 1 Gbps
- Traffic Limit: 20 TB (Hard Cap)
- Stability: Very High
$5.49/mo
Pay-as-you-go
Hetzner is one of the best-performing budget cloud providers in the world if you stay inside their usage boundaries. Their hardware is fast, virtualization density is moderate (far better than Contabo), and their network backbone is extremely strong within Europe.
However, Hetzner is not unlimited, not unmetered, and absolutely not tolerant of bandwidth-heavy workloads. Their Fair Use and post-cap throttling make them unsuitable for users who believe “unlimited bandwidth” means “continuous high throughput.”
The "20TB Hard Cap" Reality
Hetzner is a compute powerhouse held back by bandwidth policy—by design. Unlike ScalaHosting’s unmetered environment, Hetzner imposes a strict 20TB monthly limit. Once you cross this line, your connection is instantly throttled to 10Mbps, effectively rendering the server unusable for modern web traffic.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
Hetzner provides a 1Gbps port on all cloud instances. The speed is real, and the latency within the EU is exceptional. However, the model is strictly metered:
- The Quota: You get 20TB of traffic per month included.
- The Penalty: Exceeding 20TB triggers an automatic throttle to 10Mbps (unless you pay extra per TB).
- The Impact: This cripples streaming, file downloads, APIs, image-heavy sites, and SaaS platforms requiring consistent throughput.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Hetzner excels at raw compute power but fails at sustained data transfer.
Where it succeeds:
- NVMe Storage: Blazing-fast I/O speeds that rival premium providers.
- CPU Performance: Often outperforms DigitalOcean and Linode in raw benchmarks due to newer hardware.
- Virtualization Stability: Good isolation means your neighbors rarely impact your CPU cycles.
Where it struggles:
- Bandwidth Constraints: The 20TB limit is a hard ceiling for high-traffic sites.
- Global Reach: US region performance varies significantly compared to their EU excellence.
- Outbound Policing: Heavy outbound workloads (like VPNs or scraping) get flagged quickly.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Price-to-Performance: Unbeatable CPU/RAM/NVMe value for the price.
- Developer Friendly: Excellent API, CLI tools, and cloud infrastructure for automation.
- Low Density: More stable than Contabo or other low-end VPS providers.
- Microservices: Perfect for compute-heavy, bandwidth-light tasks.
Weaknesses
- Not Unlimited: Strict 20TB cap with harsh penalties.
- 10Mbps Throttle: Effectively kills your service post-cap.
- Minimal Support: Unmanaged environment; you are on your own.
- Not for Media: Terrible choice for video, backups, or file distribution.
Best For
Hetzner is a top choice for developers, sysadmins, CI/CD pipelines, and internal business tools. It is perfect for workloads where you need AWS-like compute performance for pennies but don't move massive amounts of data.
Not Ideal For: Streaming, VPN/proxy, scraping, ecommerce, high-traffic WordPress, or any workload requiring 24/7 throughput.
Verdict
Hetzner delivers exceptional hardware value at a disruptive price point, but ONLY if your workloads fit within their bandwidth model. For compute-heavy, bandwidth-light tasks, it’s arguably the best option under $10/month.
But for any workload requiring sustained throughput, unmetered bandwidth, or stable performance beyond 20TB/month, Hetzner becomes unusable due to the crippling 10Mbps throttle.
Hetzner = Elite Compute with Strict Limits. ScalaHosting = Business-Grade, Stable, Unmetered Throughput.
#8. Vercel — Excellent for Frontend, Dangerous for "Unlimited" Bandwidth
Vercel Pros
- Fastest Global Edge Network
- Zero Config for Next.js
- Instant Git Deployments
Vercel Cons
- NOT a VPS (Serverless)
- Expensive Bandwidth ($40/100GB)
- Risk of Bill Shock
Performance Specs
- Port Speed: Edge Network
- Throughput Consistency: High (Static)
- Traffic Limit: 1TB (Then $40/100GB)
$20.00/mo
Free Hobby Tier
Vercel is fundamentally different from every other provider on this list. It is not a VPS. It is a Serverless PaaS (Platform as a Service) built specifically for Next.js and frontend frameworks.
I am including it here only because many developers ask if they can use Vercel for "unlimited" hosting. The answer is a hard NO. While their "Hobby" tier is free, their bandwidth pricing for Pro users is one of the most expensive in the entire industry.
The "Bill Shock" Reality
Unlike ScalaHosting or Contabo where you pay a fixed monthly fee for a fixed pipe, Vercel charges for usage metrics you cannot easily control:
- Bandwidth: $40 per 100GB (vs. $0.01/GB on AWS or free on unmetered VPS).
- Function Execution: Charged by GB-hours.
- ISR Writes: A hidden metric that recently caused 5x bill spikes for many Pro users.
If you get DDoS'd on Vercel, you often pay the bill unless you are on an Enterprise plan.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
Vercel does not use "Ports." They use an Edge Network (built on top of AWS/Cloudflare). You get incredible global speed, but you pay a premium for every byte.
- The "Missing Middle" Pricing: You pay $20/seat for Pro. If you need advanced security or SLA, the next step is Enterprise, which sales reps often quote at $20,000–$25,000/year. There is almost no middle ground.
- Bandwidth Limits: The Pro plan includes 1TB. Exceeding this costs an eye-watering $400 per TB. Compare this to Hetzner (20TB for ~$5) or ScalaHosting (Unmetered for ~$30).
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Technically, Vercel is brilliant for static assets. Their Edge Network delivers some of the lowest TTFB (Time to First Byte) in the industry because they cache your site physically close to the user.
Where it succeeds:
- Static Assets: Images and HTML files load instantly globally.
- Developer Workflow: "Git Push to Deploy" is seamless and unmatched.
Where it fails (The "Vendor Lock-in"):
- Cold Starts: Serverless functions can take 1-3 seconds to wake up, killing dynamic app performance.
- Websockets: Not natively supported. You cannot build a real-time chat app easily without external services (like Pusher).
- Long-Running Tasks: Functions time out after 10–60 seconds. You cannot run a background job (like video processing) on Vercel.
Community Criticism (Real User Feedback)
Analyzing recent discussions on r/webdev and Hacker News (2024–2025) reveals a shifting sentiment regarding Vercel's business practices:
- Support is "Abysmal": Pro users ($20/mo) report waiting 3–4 weeks for replies to critical tickets. Accounts get "insta-locked" for using custom domains without warning.
- DDoS Vulnerability: Users report being billed for "legitimate traffic" during attacks because Vercel's automated mitigation didn't classify the flood as malicious.
- ISR Billing Spikes: A recent pricing change on "Incremental Static Regeneration" caused bills to jump from $20 to hundreds of dollars overnight for many users.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Zero Config: No Linux, no Nginx, no firewall setup required.
- Global Edge: Instant loading for static content worldwide.
- Next.js Integration: The creators of Next.js built the platform; it works perfectly.
- Preview URLs: Every pull request gets a live staging URL automatically.
Weaknesses
- Cost Risk: Uncapped usage billing is a financial landmine.
- No Fixed Pricing: You cannot predict your bill if you go viral.
- Terrible Support: Unless you pay $20k/year, you are essentially on your own.
- Vendor Lock-in: Moving a Vercel-optimized Next.js app to a VPS is painful.
Best For
Vercel is the right choice for frontend developers, marketing sites, and e-commerce storefronts (headless) where development speed is worth the premium price.
Not Ideal For: High-traffic apps with low margins, video streaming, backend-heavy apps, or anyone who wants to sleep soundly without worrying about a $5,000 overnight bill.
Verdict
Vercel is a fantastic development platform, but it is not an "Unlimited VPS." It is a luxury service with luxury pricing.
If you want the ease of use but with predictable billing, a Managed VPS like ScalaHosting or Verpex is infinitely safer. You get the server power without the meter running on every single request.
#9. Hostinger VPS — Affordable & Beginner-Friendly (Best for Simple Sites)
Hostinger Pros
- Cheapest Entry Price
- Modern hPanel (Easy to use)
- LiteSpeed Web Server
- Global Data Centers
Hostinger Cons
- Shared Uplink (Speed fluctuates)
- Strict Fair Use Policy
- Semi-Managed Support
Hostinger Performance
- Port Speed: 1Gbps (Shared)
- Throughput Consistency: Moderate
- Traffic Limit: Unmetered (FUP)
$5.99/mo
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Hostinger is extremely popular for one reason: it lowers the barrier to entry. It offers simple onboarding, a polished UI (hPanel), and performance that beats most entry-level shared hosting. However, Hostinger VPS is not designed for heavy sustained bandwidth, high concurrency, or enterprise use cases.
It is crucial to understand that their "Unlimited Bandwidth" marketing applies primarily to their Shared Hosting plans. Their VPS plans have shared uplinks, soft fair-use limits, and performance ceilings engineered for beginners, not professional network engineers.
The "Shared Uplink" Reality
Hostinger is “Affordable Convenience Hosting,” not “Premium Performance Hosting.” Unlike ScalaHosting which guarantees low-density nodes for stability, Hostinger relies on high-density servers where network resources are shared aggressively. This makes it great for learning and low-cost projects, but risky for high-bandwidth operations.
Port Speed & Bandwidth Model
Hostinger is often vague about specific port speeds in their marketing material, which is a red flag for users seeking guaranteed throughput.
- The Reality: VPS ports are typically 100Mbps–1Gbps shared. Bandwidth is technically unmetered on higher plans but subject to strict Fair Use Policies (FUP).
- Throughput Consistency: Expect 20–150Mbps sustained, depending on the node and region. Strong burst speeds are possible (especially in EU datacenters), but consistency varies wildly during peak hours.
- Protocol Restrictions: Heavy outbound protocols like VPNs, proxies, or mass mailers are often discouraged or prohibited under their AUP.
Performance Profile (Engineering Evaluation)
Hostinger’s performance strengths come from their software stack: LiteSpeed Web Server, LSCache integration, and NVMe storage. This combination is excellent for WordPress and small-to-medium websites.
Where it succeeds:
- Small Sites: Blogs, personal branding sites, and local business pages load quickly due to aggressive caching.
- Moderate Traffic: Handles 10k–50k monthly visitors well if the content is mostly static.
Where it struggles:
- Heavy Media: Large media hosting or sustained file downloads trigger throttling.
- High I/O: Database-heavy applications often hit I/O limits due to neighbor contention.
- Streaming/VPN: Not suitable for continuous high-bandwidth usage due to the shared uplink architecture.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Best UI: hPanel is extremely beginner-friendly and cleaner than cPanel.
- WordPress Speed: LiteSpeed + LSCache delivers excellent TTFB for small sites.
- Price: Often the cheapest recognized brand name in the VPS category.
- Global Locations: Good server spread for distributed small sites.
Weaknesses
- Shared Throughput: Sustained heavy bandwidth is not supported.
- Aggressive FUP: Heavy outbound workloads quickly trigger warnings.
- High Density: You share hardware with many neighbors, leading to variance.
- Basic Support: VPS support is semi-unmanaged; don't expect deep technical help.
Best For
Hostinger is the correct choice for small WordPress websites, learners exploring VPS, personal blogs, and non-critical landing pages.
Not Ideal For: VPN/proxy servers, image/video-heavy websites, high-traffic ecommerce, or applications requiring consistent 200–500Mbps throughput.
Verdict
Hostinger is perfect for beginners and content creators who want a visually simple, affordable VPS to run relatively lightweight websites. It removes the complexity of server management.
However, it is not a serious contender in the “Unlimited Bandwidth” category for power users. Here is how it stacks up against the alternatives:
- Vs. ScalaHosting: If you need business-grade stability and predictable throughput, ScalaHosting is the superior choice due to low-density nodes.
- Vs. Contabo: If you need raw specs (RAM/Storage) for the lowest price and don't care about UI, Contabo offers much more hardware for the money.
- Vs. Verpex: Hostinger is generally faster for WordPress due to the LiteSpeed stack, while Verpex offers slightly better managed support.
Choose Hostinger if you want the easiest, cheapest path to a VPS. Choose elsewhere if you need raw power or guaranteed bandwidth.
Best 1Gbps & 10Gbps Unmetered VPS in 2026
When users search for “1Gbps VPS” or “10Gbps unlimited bandwidth VPS,” they usually want one thing: Real, sustained high throughput, not burst speeds or shared port marketing.
The problem is that 1Gbps and 10Gbps labels are heavily misused in hosting. A cheap provider may technically connect a node to a 1Gbps uplink, but:
- That uplink is shared across dozens of VPS containers.
- Bandwidth is shaped using a "token-bucket" algorithm (fast burst, slow sustained).
- Sustained outbound traffic triggers automatic throttling.
- Network congestion prevents actual throughput above ~200–300Mbps.
The Engineering Reality
To understand real high-bandwidth VPS, you need to distinguish between Theoretical Capacity (what the cable can handle) and Practical Throughput (what you actually get).
Why 1Gbps vs 10Gbps Matters (Engineering Breakdown)
1Gbps VPS
- Max Theoretical: ~330TB/month.
- Realistic on Shared VPS: 80–300Mbps sustained.
- Good For: Medium workloads, multiple websites, light media operations.
10Gbps VPS
- Max Theoretical: ~3.3PB/month.
- Realistic on Enterprise Cloud: 1–6Gbps sustained.
- Good For: Heavy file distribution, high-frequency API workloads, massive concurrency, AI model hosting, and CDN offloading nodes.
The Catch: Cheap VPS providers cannot deliver sustained 1 Gbps, let alone 10 Gbps. premium low-density providers can—but charge accordingly.
Providers Offering Real 1Gbps Unmetered VPS
Let’s classify them realistically based on performance expectations.
1. ScalaHosting (Stable, Business-Grade Throughput)
- Port Quality: Unmetered bandwidth on realistic 1Gbps ports.
- Stability: Low-density servers ensure consistent throughput without "noisy neighbor" dips.
- Policy: No harsh throttling under normal business workloads.
- Verdict: Best choice for predictable performance across global traffic.
2. InterServer (True Unmetered, but Shared + Variable)
- Port Quality: Offers real unmetered plans with good burst speeds.
- Stability: Sustained throughput varies based on neighbor activity.
- Policy: Ideal for non-critical high-transfer tasks (VPN, scraping, bulk transfers).
- Verdict: Great for freedom, but not business-rigid like ScalaHosting.
3. Contabo (1Gbps Shared, Unmetered, Inconsistent)
- Port Quality: Technically offers 1Gbps, but heavily contended.
- Stability: Real throughput fluctuates significantly due to high-density nodes.
- Verdict: Best for budget high-spec experiments, not production.
4. OVHcloud (1Gbps with Strict Enforcement)
- Port Quality: Strong backbone with massive capacity.
- Policy: Sustained heavy use triggers automatic shaping.
- Verdict: Great for technical workloads, risky for "set and forget" business traffic.
5. Hetzner (1Gbps, but NOT Unmetered)
- Policy: Strict 20TB cap followed by a crippling 10Mbps throttle.
- Verdict: Should not be considered "1Gbps unlimited." Only suitable for compute-heavy, bandwidth-light workloads.
Providers Offering 10Gbps Unmetered or High-Capacity Ports
This is a niche segment, but very important for high-intent buyers.
1. Kamatera — True 10Gbps Options
- Port Quality: Enterprise-grade 10Gbps networking with real sustained performance.
- Use Case: Ideal for streaming, large-scale APIs, and distributed services.
- Pricing: Depends on usage (metered or fixed unmetered addon).
- Verdict: The only provider on this list offering realistic 10 Gbps throughput, not a marketing promise but true physical allocation.
2. Dedicated Server Providers (Not VPS)
Some providers offer 10Gbps unmetered on dedicated servers (e.g., Psychz, FDCServers, GTHost). These are not VPS, but they exist because many workloads needing 10Gbps require bare-metal hardware to handle the packet load.
Expected Performance Benchmarks (Realistic, Not Marketing)
Here is what users can actually expect in real-world scenarios:
| VPS Type | Stable Speed | Burst Speed | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Gbps Shared | 80–300Mbps | 600–900Mbps | Drops heavily under load |
| 1Gbps Premium (Scala) | 400–800Mbps | 900Mbps+ | Predictable latency |
| 10Gbps Enterprise | 1–4Gbps | 10Gbps | Consistent high throughput |
Most users who claim they “need 10Gbps” actually don’t. They need consistency, not theoretical peak bandwidth. Which is exactly why businesses prefer premium low-density VPS like ScalaHosting.
Which Should You Choose? (Short Buyer Guide)
- Choose 1Gbps Premium (ScalaHosting) if: You run ecommerce, manage client websites, or need predictable performance where uptime affects revenue.
- Choose 1Gbps Budget (InterServer/Contabo) if: You need cheap bandwidth for VPNs, scrapers, or testing, and performance inconsistency is acceptable.
- Choose 10Gbps (Kamatera) if: You run media servers, deliver large files, or manage distributed API traffic at scale.
Final Judgment
“1Gbps” and “10Gbps” are meaningless numbers unless the port is dedicated, the node is low-density, and the AUP allows sustained use.
Real sustained throughput = infrastructure quality, not marketing claims.
What “Unlimited Bandwidth” Actually Means
Most VPS users misunderstand bandwidth because the hosting industry intentionally uses vague terminology. “Unlimited” implies infinite data transfer at full speed. In real networking environments, nothing is unlimited, not throughput, not I/O, and certainly not network capacity.
Understanding the distinction between “unlimited,” “unmetered,” and “metered” is the only way to select a VPS that won’t suspend your account during a traffic spike.
The Marketing vs. Reality of Unlimited Bandwidth
When a hosting provider advertises “unlimited bandwidth VPS,” they usually mean:
- They will not charge per GB of traffic.
- But they will limit how fast you can consume that bandwidth.
Providers internally monitor your throughput consumption, burst patterns, outbound workloads, and protocol usage (VPN, P2P, scraping).
If your usage looks like a "high-bandwidth service," you will be throttled or terminated under the Fair Use Policy (FUP)—even if the plan is sold as "unlimited."
1. What “Unmetered Bandwidth” Actually Means
Unmetered bandwidth does not mean infinite data transfer.
It simply means: You are not billed per GB, but your speed is capped by your port.
Example:
- A VPS with 1Gbps unmetered can theoretically push ~330TB/month.
- This assumes the port is dedicated, uncontended, and running at 100% load 24/7.
- Realistically, you will get a fraction of that due to shared infrastructure constraints.
Cheap VPS providers almost always use shared uplinks and token-bucket traffic shaping. The "unmetered" promise is technically correct regarding billing, but practically misleading regarding performance.
2. Metered Bandwidth (The Honest Model)
Metered bandwidth means the provider allocates a fixed amount of TB per month (e.g., 20TB). After this limit, you are either throttled (usually to 10Mbps) or billed per GB.
Providers like Hetzner, OVHcloud, and Kamatera follow this model. While heavy workloads can get expensive, this model is fully transparent regarding performance guarantees.
3. Why Port Speed Matters More Than Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the volume (gallons). Port Speed is the pipe size (flow rate). Most users focus on volume when the pipe size is the actual bottleneck.
| Port Speed | Max Transfer (Theoretical) |
|---|---|
| 100Mbps | ~33 TB/month |
| 1Gbps | ~330 TB/month |
| 10Gbps | ~3.3 PB/month |
Note: These theoretical values assume a dedicated, uncontended port with zero congestion—conditions that never occur on budget VPS providers.
This is why a cheap host selling “unlimited bandwidth” on a shared 100Mbps port will always perform worse than a premium VPS offering a true 1Gbps dedicated port. Premium providers like ScalaHosting utilize low-density nodes, ensuring you actually receive the port speed you pay for.
How Providers Limit “Unlimited” Bandwidth
Unlimited VPS plans are always limited. The difference is how. Providers rarely say “We will throttle you,” but their network architecture and AUP rules strictly enforce limits.
The "Fair Use" Trap
Nearly all unlimited plans include a clause allowing the provider to suspend services for "network abuse." This often includes:
- Continuous outbound traffic (Streaming/VPNs).
- High-frequency API polling (Scraping).
- Bulk download traffic.
If your workload falls into these categories, "Unlimited" is a risk. You need Unmetered Dedicated ports.
1. Port Throttling
This is the most common enforcement method. Systems monitor your sustained outbound traffic. Once usage exceeds "normal" thresholds, your port is silently reduced from 1Gbps → 100Mbps or even lower. This happens automatically and often without warning.
2. Burst vs. Sustained Speed
Many providers allow 1Gbps burst for short durations (e.g., 30 seconds) before settling into a 100–300Mbps sustained speed. While speed tests might show 1Gbps, real workloads like video streaming or large file transfers will suffer once the burst allowance is exhausted.
3. Network Contention (The "Noisy Neighbor" Effect)
Budget VPS plans run on shared uplinks. A single 10Gbps NIC might serve 150+ VPS containers. If a few neighbors push heavy traffic, your performance collapses. Throughput drops, latency spikes, and packet loss increases.
ScalaHosting avoids this by maintaining lower VPS density per node, ensuring consistent throughput even during peak hours.
4. Datacenter Peering Quality
Unlimited bandwidth is meaningless if the network backbone is weak. Budget hosts often use cheaper carriers (like Cogent or HE) which results in poor international routing and high latency. Premium providers invest in Tier-1 transit for consistent global throughput.
When You Actually Need Unlimited or Unmetered VPS
Not every project requires "Unlimited" bandwidth. In fact, for many business applications, a predictable metered plan is safer.
Quick Decision Rules:
- Need predictable revenue-generating performance? Avoid cheap "unlimited" plans.
- Have burst-heavy but short-lived traffic? Unmetered shared ports work well.
- Transferring constant high volumes (VPN/Streaming)? You need a dedicated 1Gbps port or a premium low-density VPS.
Traffic Workload Decision Matrix:
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before committing to an "Unlimited" plan, verify these three technical factors:
- Port Speed Transparency: Does the provider explicitly state 100Mbps, 1Gbps, or 10Gbps? If not, treat it as suspicious.
- AUP Search: Check their Terms for keywords like "throttle," "excessive," or "fair use." Vagueness equals risk.
- Node Density: Ask support if they operate high-density or low-density nodes. High density almost always guarantees bandwidth contention.
Final Note: Smart hosting is not about chasing the highest TB numbers on a marketing page. It is about matching your traffic patterns to infrastructure guarantees.
How to Optimize Your Unlimited VPS for Maximum Speed
Even if your VPS provider advertises “unlimited” or “unmetered” bandwidth, the actual performance you experience depends entirely on how efficiently your server stack is configured.
Most users never optimize their VPS, resulting in lower throughput, higher latency, and wasted CPU cycles. Below are practical, engineering-backed optimizations that significantly improve performance, especially under high concurrency.
The Golden Rule of Bandwidth
The fastest way to transfer data is to not transfer it at all. Optimization isn't just about making the pipe bigger; it's about reducing the amount of data that needs to travel through it via caching, compression, and protocol efficiency.
1. Enable HTTP/3, Compression & Modern Protocols
Modern browsers and CDNs are shifting heavily toward QUIC (HTTP/3), which reduces latency and improves bandwidth efficiency, especially for global visitors on unstable mobile networks.
Recommended Upgrades:
- Enable HTTP/3 (QUIC): Supported natively by LiteSpeed (used by ScalaHosting/Hostinger) and NGINX (with patches). It reduces handshake delays and eliminates head-of-line blocking.
- Brotli Compression: Superior to GZIP for text assets (CSS, JS, HTML). It compresses data more densely, saving bandwidth on every request.
- TLS 1.3 & OCSP Stapling: Reduces SSL handshake overhead, lowering TTFB (Time to First Byte).
2. Implement Caching at Every Layer
Caching is the only method that increases speed while simultaneously decreasing bandwidth usage.
- Server-Level (Object Cache): Tools like Redis or Memcached store database query results in RAM. This prevents your server from wasting CPU cycles and I/O on repetitive queries.
- Application-Level: Plugins like LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) or WP Rocket generate static HTML files, bypassing PHP entirely.
- Edge Cache (CDN): Cloudflare or QUIC.cloud stores your static assets (images, CSS) on servers closer to the user. This offloads 70-90% of bandwidth from your VPS.
3. Network-Level Optimization (BBR Congestion Control)
This is where real engineering happens. Linux network tuning can dramatically improve throughput for file transfers and high-traffic workloads.
The Tweak: Enable Google's BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time) congestion control algorithm. It optimizes how data packets are sent, significantly increasing speed on high-latency connections.
Run these commands on your KVM VPS (Root access required):
echo "net.core.default_qdisc=fq" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
echo "net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control=bbr" >> /etc/sysctl.conf
sysctl -pNote: Premium providers like ScalaHosting often pre-optimize kernels, whereas budget providers like Contabo usually require you to do this manually.
4. Offload Large Files to Object Storage
Serving large files (videos, backups, hi-res images, PDFs) directly from your VPS is the fastest way to hit a "Fair Use" throttle or degrade performance.
The Solution: Offload these assets to Object Storage (S3-compatible) and route downloads via a CDN.
| Traffic Type | Ideal Location | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Static Files (CSS/JS) | CDN Edge | Zero load on VPS |
| Media & Downloads | Object Storage (S3/R2) | Bypasses VPS Bandwidth Cap |
| Dynamic Content | VPS (PHP/Node) | Fast processing via CPU |
This strategy turns even a 1Gbps VPS into a “near unlimited” system because the heavy lifting is done by external storage networks, not your main server port.
5. The "Premium VPS" Optimization Effect
This is where infrastructure quality matters. You can tune a server all day, but you cannot tune your way out of a congested network.
- On ScalaHosting: Optimizations like BBR and Redis are amplified because the underlying hardware (NVMe PCIe 5.0, Low Density) is not bottlenecked.
- On Budget VPS (Contabo/InterServer): You might optimize your stack, but "Noisy Neighbors" and shared port saturation will still cause random slowdowns during peak hours.
Final Optimization Thought
The fastest VPS is the one that avoids unnecessary bandwidth consumption. By using Caching, CDNs, and Object Storage, you protect your "Unlimited" port for the traffic that actually matters: dynamic requests and API calls.
FAQs — Unlimited & Unmetered VPS Explained (Real Technical Answers)
Below are the most important questions users ask about unlimited bandwidth VPS answered with engineering-based clarity, not marketing fluff.
Pro Tip: How to Detect Hidden Throttling
Don't trust the marketing claims. If you suspect your "Unlimited" port is being choked, run these commands:
- iperf3: Run a test against a public server during peak hours (8 PM – 11 PM). If speed drops by >40%, the node is oversold.
- Speedtest CLI: Run a loop every hour for 24 hours. Consistent "evening dips" indicate neighbor congestion.
- CPU Steal: Run the
topcommand. If the "st" (steal) value is > 5%, your neighbors are stealing your CPU cycles, which kills network throughput.
What is the real difference between unlimited and unmetered VPS bandwidth?
-
Unlimited is a marketing term implying infinite capacity, which doesn't exist. Unmetered is a billing term meaning you aren’t charged per GB, but your total transfer is limited by your port speed (e.g., 100Mbps vs 1Gbps).
Example: A 1 Gbps unmetered VPS has a theoretical limit of ~330TB/month. A 100Mbps unmetered VPS caps at ~33TB/month.
Unlimited = feels unlimited until the provider’s AUP triggers. Unmetered = unlimited billing, not unlimited speed.
Does "Unlimited Bandwidth" mean "Unlimited Speed"?
-
Absolutely not. Speed is determined by your Port Capacity and Contention Ratio (how many users share that port). A cheap VPS with "Unlimited Bandwidth" usually runs on a shared 1Gbps uplink split between 50+ users, resulting in slow, inconsistent speeds during peak hours.
Why do cheap providers offer unlimited bandwidth?
-
They rely on High Density and Traffic Shaping. They assume 95% of customers will use very little data. For the 5% who push the limits, they use automated algorithms to throttle speeds or suspend accounts under "Fair Use" clauses.
Is unmetered VPS good for video streaming or file hosting?
-
Generally, no. Most Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) explicitly forbid video streaming and public file distribution because they degrade the network for other users. For these workloads, you need Dedicated Servers or Enterprise Cloud (like Kamatera) with guaranteed 10Gbps ports.
What happens if I exceed the "Fair Usage" limit?
-
One of three things happens:
- Throttling: Your port is silently dropped to 10Mbps (common with Hetzner/Contabo).
- Warning: You receive an email asking to upgrade.
- Suspension: Your server is taken offline for "Network Abuse" (common with OVHcloud).
Can I run a VPN or Proxy on an unlimited VPS?
-
It depends on the provider. InterServer is relatively friendly to VPNs. Hetzner and Vercel strictly forbid it. ScalaHosting allows it as long as it doesn't cause IP blacklisting. VPN usage is the #1 trigger for bandwidth throttling.
Is a 1 Gbps port enough for 100k visitors per day?
-
Yes, easily if you use caching properly. A 1 Gbps port can handle tens of thousands of simultaneous requests if static assets (images/CSS) are offloaded to a CDN like Cloudflare. If you serve everything directly from the VPS without caching, you will bottleneck quickly.
Which is better: Unlimited or Metered VPS?
-
Metered VPS (like Kamatera/Hetzner) is almost always faster and more stable because the provider guarantees the throughput you pay for. Unlimited VPS is better for cost control on bursty workloads, but often suffers from inconsistent performance.
Which VPS provider is best for true unlimited bandwidth?
-
For practical, high-throughput performance: ScalaHosting for predictable business use, InterServer for cheap unmetered tasks, and Kamatera for enterprise raw bandwidth.
Conclusion — Why ScalaHosting is the Only Logical Choice
Most users approach “Unlimited Bandwidth VPS” with the wrong expectation, imagining infinite throughput, constant 1 Gbps speeds, and zero restrictions for $5/month. In reality, unlimited bandwidth is a billing concept, not a performance guarantee.
The factors that actually dictate your real-world speed are Port Capacity, Node Density, and Hardware Power.
Cheap VPS hosts (like Contabo or Hostinger) rely on oversubscription to justify the word “unlimited.” They pack thousands of users onto a single server, meaning your "1Gbps Port" is fighting for airtime against noisy neighbors.
The Clear Winner: ScalaHosting
After testing dozens of providers, ScalaHosting is the only provider that delivers the "Holy Trinity" of high-performance hosting:
- Elite Hardware: They use AMD EPYC 9474F CPUs (Top 3% fastest globally) and PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage. This hardware can actually saturate a 1Gbps port, unlike the older Intel Xeons used by Rocket.net or Cloudways.
- Low Density: They don't oversell their nodes. Your "Unmetered Bandwidth" is usable 24/7 because the network isn't congested.
- Independence: Unlike brands owned by Newfold Digital or World Host Group (who are known for degrading performance to boost profits), Scala remains independent and customer-focused.
I switched my own benchmarks to ScalaHosting because the performance data is undeniable.
The Practical Decision Framework
If you are still on the fence, here is the final breakdown based on your risk tolerance:
- Choose ScalaHosting (The Winner) if you run a business, agency, or high-traffic site. You get managed support, SPanel (which saves you cPanel fees), and the best hardware in the industry. It is infrastructure insurance.
- Choose InterServer only if you need a "sandbox" for VPNs, scraping, or non-critical bulk transfers. It is cheap and tolerant, but inconsistent.
- Choose Kamatera only if you are a Systems Architect who needs raw 10Gbps throughput and understands how to manage enterprise cloud infrastructure.
- Avoid Vercel for bandwidth-heavy apps unless you have an enterprise budget. The bill shock risk is too high.
Final Advice
Don't fall for the "Unlimited" marketing trap on a $5 server. You aren't paying for bandwidth; you are paying for the reliability of the pipe.
If your website generates revenue, ScalaHosting justifies every dollar by ensuring that "Unlimited" actually means "Fast," not just "Free to overuse."