Linux vs. Windows Hosting: Which Should You Buy?

Linux hosting runs on the open source Linux operating system and is the natural home for WordPress, WooCommerce, and most web languages like PHP and Python. Windows hosting is built for Microsoft technologies such as ASP.NET and MSSQL. For the vast majority of websites out there, the short answer is: Linux hosting.

What is Linux hosting?

Linux hosting runs on the free, open source Linux operating system and is typically managed through cPanel or DirectAdmin. Because the OS itself is free and highly stable, providers pay less to run it, which is exactly why Linux hosting tends to be cheaper than Windows hosting.

What is Windows hosting?

Windows hosting runs on Windows Server and is only really needed for sites built with ASP.NET, C#, or an MSSQL database. If your site runs on WordPress or any other open source CMS, you don't need Windows hosting at all, and you might even see worse compatibility if you use it.

Comparison table

Which is better for SEO?

The hosting operating system doesn't directly affect your Google ranking; what matters is speed and uptime. But since most SEO plugins and WordPress optimization tools, like LiteSpeed Cache, are built for Linux hosting, in practice Linux hosting usually delivers better speed for WordPress sites.

When do you actually need Windows hosting?

Only reach for Windows hosting if you have custom software built specifically on Microsoft technologies, say, an internal ERP built on ASP.NET. For a blog, company site, online store, or any WordPress/WooCommerce site, Windows hosting simply isn't on the table.

Bottom line

Not sure which one your site needs? You almost certainly need Linux. Lower pricing, full WordPress compatibility, and broad support for open source tools make it the default choice for most professionals. To see plans and buy Linux hosting with NVMe storage and free SSL, check out RGB's hosting plans.