Want to Host Your MEAN Stack on a VPS Hosting? Read This!

Highlights

• The right VPS choice is crucial; it directly impacts your MEAN app’s speed, security, and scalability.

• Server location matters, so choose a VPS close to your main users to reduce delays.

• Avoid shared hosting; MEAN apps need dedicated resources that only VPS can provide.

Introduction

If you’ve built a MEAN stack application, the next big question is, which VPS is best for MEAN stack development? You want speed, security, scalability, and of course, an affordable price tag.

But with so many VPS options out there, it’s easy to get lost. Should you go for premium performance or stick with affordable VPS hosting for MEAN stack apps?

Is there a recommended VPS for MEAN stack applications that strikes the right balance between cost and capabilities?

And when you finally choose the best VPS for MEAN stack, how do you host MEAN stack on VPS and make sure it’s fully optimized to handle MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js without hiccups?

If you are looking for answers and are wondering which VPS is best for MEAN stack development, this blog is exactly what you need. Let’s break it down step by step so you can make a choice that your app and your budget will thank you for.

Why the Best VPS for MEAN Stack Application is a Huge Deal?

A poor hosting decision can lead to slow load times, frequent downtime, and security risks, while the right one can give your app a strong foundation to thrive. Let’s Understand how?

Let’s Understand How?

➔ Faster performance from day one: A recommended VPS for MEAN stack applications gives you dedicated resources and SSD storage so your app feels snappy and responsive.

➔ Room to grow: The best VPS for MEAN stack lets you add more CPU, RAM, or storage whenever you need—no messy migrations.

➔ Doesn’t have to break the bank: You can still get solid speed and reliability with affordable VPS hosting for MEAN stack apps if you choose wisely.

➔ Peace of mind on security: Good VPS providers provide firewalls, DDoS protection, and backups so you’re not constantly firefighting.

➔ Developer-friendly setup: Easy Node.js management, CI/CD support, and control over configurations to make deployment updates a breeze.

➔ Smooth database handling: MongoDB queries run faster when your VPS has its dedicated resources.

➔ Full control: Root access means you can set up the environment exactly how your MEAN stack app needs it to run.

Also Read: Difference Between a Website and a Web Application

What Are the Hosting Requirements of a MEAN Stack Application?

Whether you’re chasing the best VPS for MEAN stack or hunting for affordable VPS hosting for MEAN stack apps, knowing the exact requirements will help you choose a server that supports your app today and as it grows.

➢ Node.js Support

Imagine building your app on the latest Node.js features but being stuck with an outdated version because your hosting provider doesn’t support updates. It’s frustrating and risky.

Since your backend runs on Node.js, your VPS absolutely has to support it, and not just the basic install. You should be able to pick the version you want, upgrade when needed, and configure it to suit your app.

Also Read: 29 Best Websites to Learn Java Programming Easily

➢ MongoDB Compatibility

MongoDB is the beating heart of your MEAN stack application; it’s where every piece of data lives. Your VPS needs to make installing MongoDB straightforward, without going through endless workarounds or manual dependency fixes.

But it’s not just about getting it installed; it also has to run smoothly under load. So, make sure to choose the best VPS with I/O speed to prevent slow queries, delayed updates, and frustrated users.

Also, choose SSD storage over traditional HDDs to handle data retrieval and writing at lightning speed, to make sure your app stays responsive even during traffic spikes. Pair that with enough RAM to cache frequently accessed data, and your database performance will feel effortless, no matter how big your app gets.

Also Read: Difference Between Web Application and Desktop Application

➢ Backend and Frontend Performance Balance

Your MEAN stack app is running two important races at the same time: backend processing with Node.js and Express, and frontend delivery through Angular. Both need to be quick on their feet.

So, make sure to choose the right VPS with enough CPU power and RAM to keep everything in sync without delays. Because if your backend responds fast but the frontend lags, the user still feels the slowdown. Balanced resources mean users get instant responses, regardless.

Also Read: What is the Difference Between Frontend and Backend Development?

➢ Real-time App Handling (If applicable)

If your app includes live chats, notifications, or any kind of instant update, your server needs to handle real-time connections like WebSockets or similar connections without timing out or dropping users.

If your server isn’t built for this kind of traffic, the end users will experience lags, missed updates, or “connection lost” messages, which they probably hate. A VPS with strong network throughput and low latency ensures these live features actually feel live.

➢ Linux OS preference (Debian/Ubuntu)

Most MEAN stack developers swear by Linux servers, especially Debian and Ubuntu, because they’re fast, reliable, and built for development. These OS options come with package managers like apt that make installing and updating software painless.

They’re also well-supported by almost every major hosting provider, meaning you’ll rarely run into “unsupported” issues. And if you ever hit a snag, the online community is huge, so help is just a search away.

Also Read: Top Open-Source Automation Tools for Web Applications

➢ Firewall and SSL capabilities

Security is not something you tack on later; it’s something your VPS should have baked in from the start. So, while choosing the Best VPS for MEAN stack, make sure it lets you set up firewalls to keep unwanted traffic out and install SSL certificates so your data is encrypted.

Your users won’t necessarily see the tech behind it, but they’ll definitely notice the “secure” padlock in their browser.

Also Read: 9 Types of SSL Certificates

➢ Scalability Options

Your app’s traffic won’t stay the same forever, at least, that’s the goal. The recommended VPS for MEAN stack applications will let you scale resources like CPU, RAM, or storage with a few clicks or an upgrade request, without having to rebuild your server from scratch.

So, consider the scaling while choosing, and thank us when you grow. The more easily you can scale, the less downtime and fewer growing pains you’ll have as your user base expands.

Also Read: How Much Storage Do I Need?

➢ Root access for package installations

When you’re running a MEAN stack app, you’ll often need to install npm packages, tweak configurations, or add custom software that’s specific to your app. Root access gives you full control to do exactly that, on your schedule. Need a specific npm package? Want to tweak some server settings for performance? You can do all of that without waiting for support tickets.

Without it, you’re at the mercy of your hosting provider’s allowed software list, and waiting for them to approve or install things can slow down development.

Why Shared Hosting is a no-go?

Shared hosting might sound tempting, with cheap price tags, quick setup, and unlimited resources on paper, but for a MEAN stack application, it is not sufficient. Sure, you’ll move forward, but you’ll constantly be stuck behind limitations.

➔ First, with shared hosting, you’re literally sharing CPU, RAM, and bandwidth with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of other websites. If one of those sites experiences a traffic spike or starts hogging resources, your app’s performance will suffer and leading to slower responses, timeouts, or even temporary downtime.

That’s a nightmare for a MEAN stack, which relies on speed to handle database queries, server logic, and frontend rendering in real time.

➔ Secondly, shared hosting rarely gives you root access or full control over server configurations. That means you can’t freely install or update Node.js versions, configure MongoDB, or fine-tune server settings to suit your app’s needs. You’re stuck with whatever versions and settings your hosting provider offers, which limits both performance and development flexibility.

➔ Security is another big red flag. On shared hosting, all sites use the same server environment. If one site gets compromised, it can potentially open a backdoor to others on the same server—including yours. For an app handling user data, this is a risk you can’t afford to take.

➔ Lastly, scalability is almost nonexistent. If your user base grows, you can’t just “add more power” to your hosting—you’ll need to migrate your entire app to a new server, which takes time, risks downtime, and can be a technical headache.

In short, shared web hosting might be fine for static sites or small blogs, but for a MEAN stack application, it’s simply a no-go. A recommended VPS for MEAN stack applications will give you dedicated resources, root access, and the scalability your app needs, without all the shared hosting headaches.

Which VPS is best for MEAN Stack Development: Discussing the Key Factors!

Picking the right VPS for your MEAN stack application isn’t just about finding something that “works.” It’s about choosing a setup that gives you everything for your MEAN stack. Wondering what? Then keep on reading to know about the key factors to consider when choosing the best VPS for Mean Stack hosting.

➢ Operating System

Your OS sets the foundation for your entire server environment. So, while choosing the VPS hosting for your MEAN stack, opt for Linux-based systems like Ubuntu or Debian. They’re lightweight, stable, and have massive community support.

Linux also plays nicely with Node.js, MongoDB, and other MEAN components, making deployment smoother. Sure, Windows-based VPS options exist, but they often come with extra licensing costs and aren’t as streamlined for this stack.

Also Read: Difference Between Django and Flask: A Face-Off!

➢ RAM & CPU

RAM and CPU are your app’s short-term memory and processing power. Your backend will be running Node.js, your database will be busy with MongoDB queries, and your frontend will still need to load fast.

If your RAM is too low, the server will struggle to keep things in memory, causing delays. Too little CPU power, and your app will slow down under load, especially during peak traffic. As a starting point, 2–4 GB of RAM and at least 2 CPU cores are comfortable for small to medium apps, but for bigger projects or real-time features, you’ll want to scale up.

➢ SSD Storage

Storage type has a massive impact on performance, especially for a database-driven app like MEAN. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are far faster than traditional HDDs, which means quicker read/write speeds for MongoDB and faster load times for your users.

With SSD storage, your server can handle more requests without slowing down, even when traffic spikes. It also helps with backups and deployments, making your entire development workflow smoother.

➢ Bandwidth & Data Transfer

When you’re hosting a MEAN stack application, you don’t just want the site to be live; you want it to run smoothly, no matter how many people visit. That’s where bandwidth and data transfer come in. If you expect your app to grow or handle heavy traffic, you’ll need enough bandwidth to support it without slowing things down.

Likewise, keep an eye on the data transfer limits; some providers might offer quite affordable VPS hosting for MEAN stack apps, but they cap how much data you can move each month. Once you hit that limit, you either pay extra or face throttled speeds, which is never a good experience for your users. So, it’s always better to choose a plan that gives you breathing room now and scalability for later.

Also Read: What is Bandwidth in Web Hosting?

➢ Control Panel (Optional)

Not everyone needs a control panel, but it can be a handy add-on, especially if you don’t want to manage everything through the command line. It provides you with a user-friendly dashboard to handle tasks like creating databases, managing files, setting up domains, and monitoring usage without diving into complex server commands.

If you’re comfortable with coding and prefer full control, you can skip it and save on costs. But if you want to save time, simplify server management, or share responsibilities with team members who aren’t tech-savvy, a control panel can be a real productivity booster.

Also Read: Best Web Hosting Control Panels (Paid+Free)

➢ Server Location

Now, here’s something a lot of people overlook: server location. It’s not just about where your VPS provider’s office is; it’s about where the actual servers are physically located. For example, if you have chosen a VPS service provider company in India for your US company, make sure they have a server in the US as well.

The closer the server is to your target audience, the faster your website will load for them. For example, if your users are mostly in the US but your server is in India, there will be a slight delay in data transfer, and in the world of web apps, even milliseconds count. It not only helps you boost speed but also improves search engine rankings, user experience, and conversions.

Also Read: How does server location have an impact on your SEO?

➢ Root Access & SSH

If you’re hosting a MEAN stack application, having root access and SSH capabilities is like having the master key to your server. Root access gives you complete control to install, configure, and optimize your environment exactly the way you want.

SSH, on the other hand, ensures you can securely connect to your server from anywhere and make changes without compromising security. Together, they give you the flexibility and control you need to fine-tune performance, troubleshoot quickly, and maintain a secure VPS hosting setup.

➢ Managed vs Unmanaged VPS

Here’s where a lot of MEAN stack developers make a big decision: do you want to be the server boss, or do you want someone else to handle the heavy lifting? With a managed VPS, your hosting provider takes care of updates, security patches, and troubleshooting, so you can focus on coding instead of babysitting your server.

On the flip side, an unmanaged VPS gives you full control and flexibility, but it also means you’re on your own for setup, maintenance, and fixing issues. If you’re running a business website, don’t have the time (or the tech skills) to handle server updates, security patches, and troubleshooting, a Managed VPS is your best bet. It’s like having an IT team on call without hiring one.

But if you know your way around servers and want complete control to configure everything your way, go for Unmanaged VPS.

➢ Backup & Disaster Recovery

Even the most reliable VPS can face unexpected issues, from accidental file deletions to cyberattacks or hardware failures. That’s where automated backups and disaster recovery plans come in.

Look for a VPS host that offers regular backups (daily or weekly) and an easy way to restore your data if something goes wrong. If you’re running a business website, having this safety net can save you from hours (or even days) of downtime and prevent loss of valuable data.

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Business Owners Need Backup

Hosting Recommendation From Us!

When you are looking for VPS hosting for your MEAN Stack application, keep in mind that you can’t just throw it onto any random server and hope for the best. And let’s be honest, getting all that without paying a fortune is like finding a unicorn in the wild.

That’s where Host IT Smart steps in, offering the best yet affordable VPS hosting for MEAN stack apps. We are not just another VPS provider, but your app’s performance powerhouse.

Here’s what we offer to our clients: 

➔ Risk-Free Hosting with 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee – Host IT Smart lets you try our hosting with full confidence. If you’re not happy within the first month, you get every penny back, no questions asked.

➔ 24/7 Expert Support Tailored to Your Needs – Our support team offers all-around support on call, chat, WhatsApp, and ticket to help you resolve challenges and ensure optimum uptime.

➔ Lightning-Fast Website Performance – With Host IT Smart’s advanced SSD servers and optimized infrastructure, your site loads in seconds, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates.

➔ 99.9% Uptime You Can Rely On – Your business stays online round the clock thanks to our robust infrastructure and proactive monitoring.

➔ Free SSL for Secure & Trustworthy Websites – Host IT Smart includes SSL certificates at no extra cost, giving your visitors confidence and boosting your Google ranking.

➔ One-Click App Installations – From WordPress to eCommerce platforms, install 400+ apps instantly without technical hassles. (Just get a cPanel access and get access to one-click app installations)

➔ Scalable Hosting Plans That Grow with You – Easily upgrade resources as your website traffic and business expand with no downtime, no complications.

➔ Affordable Pricing Without Cutting Corners – Host IT Smart offers top-tier performance and features at a price that fits small and growing businesses.

➔ Free Website Migration – Switching to Host IT Smart is smooth and stress-free. Our migration experts handle everything for you, ensuring zero downtime.

➔ Easy-to-Use Control Panel – Manage domains, emails, and files effortlessly without needing technical skills.

Hit the Bullseye with Host IT Smart

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Security & Performance Tips for Hosting MEAN on VPS

Hosting a MEAN stack on a VPS can give your app the speed, control, and scalability it deserves, but only if you play your cards right. Security gaps and performance hiccups can turn that dream setup into a nightmare faster than you think.

In this guide, we’ll dig into the essential tweaks and best practices that can keep your MEAN-powered project safe, stable, and lightning-fast on a VPS.

➢ Use NGINX as a Reverse Proxy

Running your MEAN app directly on Node.js is fine for development, but for production, adding NGINX as a reverse proxy improves performance, security, and scalability. NGINX handles client requests first, then forwards them to your Node.js server, which helps with load balancing, caching static files, compressing responses, and protecting your app from direct exposure to the internet.

This setup also makes SSL/TLS management easier for secure HTTPS connections.

➢ Enable Firewall (ufw or CSF)

A firewall is your first line of defense against unwanted access. Tools like UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) or CSF (ConfigServer Security & Firewall) let you control which ports and services are accessible from the outside world. For a MEAN app on VPS, you can restrict access to only necessary ports like 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), and your SSH port while blocking everything else.

This significantly reduces the attack surface and helps prevent unauthorized access.

➢ Regular OS and Package Updates

When you update, it might contain patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. So, keeping your server’s operating system and software packages up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective security measures. It helps you reduce the risk of breaches and keep your server running smoothly with the performance improvements. So, make it a habit to schedule regular updates and use automated tools to simplify the process.

➢ Use PM2 for Node.js Process Management

PM2 is a popular process manager that helps you run and manage Node.js applications efficiently.

It ensures your app stays online with automated restart if it crashes, and it makes scaling across multiple CPU cores easy. PM2 also offers features like log management, monitoring, and startup scripts, leading to improved uptime, stability, and overall performance for your Node.js applications.

➢ SSL via Let’s Encrypt

After you have chosen the recommended VPS for MEAN stack applications, you need to secure it with SSL. It is no longer optional; it’s a must. Let’s Encrypt offers free, automated SSL certificates to encrypt data between your server and users for trust building and SEO.

And, setting up Let’s Encrypt is quite simple and ensures your website shows that “secure” padlock in browsers without the extra cost. Plus, with automatic renewals, you won’t have to worry about the certificate expiring.

➢ Enable MongoDB security (bind IPs, auth)

You know, by default, MongoDB may accept connections from anywhere, which is risky. And, MongoDB is where your app’s data lives, so securing it is critical. You should configure it to bind only to trusted IP addresses, ideally just your VPS’s local IP, so external access is blocked. 

Also, enable authentication by setting up strong usernames and passwords for your databases. This way, even if someone tries to connect, they’ll need valid credentials, keeping your data safe from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Wrapping up your question for which VPS is best for MEAN stack development, it isn’t just about picking any server and hoping for the best. It’s about choosing a hosting partner that truly understands your app’s unique needs, the speed, security, and flexibility that keep your users happy and your business growing.

With the Best VPS for MEAN stack and a few smart tweaks, you’re not just hosting an app, you’re building a reliable foundation for success.

Good Luck in finding the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions