Contabo vs Namecheap VPS: My Real Experience, Setup Time & The Best Cheap VPS Hosting in 2025

Choosing the right VPS provider in 2025 isn't just about speed and cost—it's about the entire user experience, from purchase to deployment. This article compares two popular VPS hosts—Contabo and Namecheap—based on real-world usage, performance, and overall value. Plus, we’ll highlight the best cheap VPS providers this year.

My Honest Experience: Namecheap Qasar vs Contabo VPS

I recently made a switch from Namecheap's Qasar VPS to Contabo VPS (6 vCPU, 12GB RAM, 100GB NVMe SSD). I was honestly blown away by the performance difference:

• Namecheap initial server response time: 320ms
• Contabo initial server response time: 120ms
• Extra Perks: More RAM, faster NVMe SSD, stronger CPU at Contabo

Despite seeing many negative comments online about Contabo, I took the risk—and it paid off. The server felt powerful, snappy, and capable of handling traffic better than my previous setup.

Account Setup & KYC: A Big Difference

Namecheap made the onboarding process smooth. No KYC (Know Your Customer) verification was required. As soon as I paid for the VPS, my server was set up instantly—no delays.

With Contabo, the story was a bit different. After placing the order, they requested a KYC verification. I submitted a photo of my driving license, and about 24 hours later, I received an email saying, "Your account has been approved." Within minutes after that, my VPS was deployed, and I was up and running.

This delay might frustrate users who need a server right away. However, considering the performance boost and pricing, the wait was worth it in my case.

Contabo VPS Plans (2025)

Contabo offers some of the most powerful VPS options at very low prices. Here are their current standard plans:

• VPS S: 4 vCPU Cores, 8 GB RAM, 50 GB NVMe SSD – €4.99/month
• VPS M: 6 vCPU Cores, 12 GB RAM, 100 GB NVMe SSD – €6.99/month
• VPS L: 8 vCPU Cores, 16 GB RAM, 200 GB NVMe SSD – €11.99/month
• Check All Plans Here

Namecheap Qasar VPS Overview

Namecheap's Qasar VPS plans are priced higher for fewer resources, but they provide rock-solid reliability. During my 1-year use, I had:

• Zero downtime across 12 months
• Stable performance for light to medium workloads
• Instant setup without any KYC verification

While the performance was not as impressive as Contabo, Namecheap delivers a smooth and safe experience—perfect for users who value simplicity and don’t need ultra-high specs.

Top 5 Cheapest and Reliable VPS Hosting Providers in 2025

1. Contabo (🏆 Editor’s Choice)

Best for: Power users, developers, hosting resellers.

• Price: From €4.99/month
• Highlights: Huge RAM, fast NVMe SSDs, scalable, very cost-effective
• Visit Contabo

2. Namecheap

Best for: Users who prioritize support and instant server setup.

• Price: From $6.88/month
• Highlights: No KYC, instant setup, reliable support
• Visit Namecheap

3. HostHatch

Best for: Fast storage and flexible deployment.

• Price: From $5/month
• Highlights: NVMe storage, worldwide data centers
• Visit HostHatch

4. RackNerd

Best for: Budget-conscious developers and hobbyists.

• Price: From $2.49/month during promos
• Highlights: Dirt cheap plans, decent uptime
• Visit RackNerd

5. InterServer

Best for: No surprises in billing, fixed pricing.

• Price: $6/month
• Highlights: Transparent pricing, stable servers
• Visit InterServer

Final Verdict

Between Contabo and Namecheap, Contabo is the better choice if you're looking for high specs at the lowest price—even if it means waiting 24 hours for KYC approval. On the other hand, if you value instant setup and have a little more budget, Namecheap is still a solid and stress-free VPS provider.

In 2025, you no longer need to spend big for serious server power. With options like Contabo, RackNerd, and InterServer, affordable VPS hosting is accessible to anyone—from developers to bloggers to small business owners.

Tip: Whichever provider you choose, always read their setup policies carefully. Instant setup and delayed KYC can make a big difference depending on your needs.