OnionVPS vs Hostwinds
OnionVPS vs Hostwinds: which VPS host should you choose?
OnionVPS is privacy-first and crypto-only; Hostwinds is a mainstream US host offering both managed and unmanaged VPS with strong support.
OnionVPS and Hostwinds both offer KVM VPS, but Hostwinds is a US-based provider with managed and unmanaged tiers, 24/7 support, and card, PayPal, or crypto billing tied to an account. OnionVPS collects no identity data, accepts cryptocurrency only including Monero, spans 138 locations across 116 countries, and includes up to 12 Tbps DDoS scrubbing on every plan.
Last updated 2026-08-13 · Competitor facts are approximate and may change — verify on hostwinds.com.
| Dimension | OnionVPS | Hostwinds |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | None — email address only | Account + card/PayPal; may verify |
| Payment methods | Cryptocurrency only (20+ coins) | Cards, PayPal, crypto |
| Accepts Monero | Yes | Some crypto, no Monero |
| Virtualisation | KVM, full root | KVM |
| Entry price | $4/month | ~$5/mo (unmanaged) |
| Primary jurisdiction | Seychelles + 138 locations (offshore options) | USA (5 Eyes) |
| IPv6 | /64 routed, included | On request |
| DDoS mitigation | Up to 12 Tbps, included | Basic included |
| Connection logs | None generated (0-day retention) | Standard retention |
Where OnionVPS wins
- No identity verification; only a customer-controlled email, versus Hostwinds' required account and billing profile.
- Crypto-only via OxaPay with Monero and 20+ coins; Hostwinds' crypto is processor-based and card-first with no Monero.
- 138 locations across 116 countries including offshore jurisdictions; Hostwinds runs three regions (Seattle, Dallas, Amsterdam).
- Up to 12 Tbps DDoS scrubbing and a routed IPv6 /64 included on every tier.
- Offshore Seychelles jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14-Eyes alliances; Hostwinds is US-based (5 Eyes).
Where Hostwinds wins
- Both managed and unmanaged tiers with well-reviewed 24/7 support.
- Windows and Linux VPS with nightly backup options.
- Long track record (since 2010) and instant provisioning with familiar billing.
Which should you choose?
Hostwinds is the better pick if you want managed support, Windows VPS, or hand-holding with card billing. OnionVPS is the better pick if you want no-KYC signup, crypto-only payment including Monero, offshore jurisdiction options, and DDoS scrubbing included on every tier.
Choose Hostwinds if: Users who want managed support, Windows VPS options, or hands-on 24/7 help with familiar card and PayPal billing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hostwinds managed or unmanaged?
Hostwinds offers both managed and unmanaged VPS with 24/7 support. OnionVPS is self-managed KVM with full root, custom kernels, and out-of-band VNC, and has no managed tier.
Can I pay Hostwinds with Monero?
Hostwinds accepts some cryptocurrency through a processor but is card and PayPal-first and does not support Monero. OnionVPS is crypto-only via OxaPay and accepts Monero plus 20+ coins.
Which has more locations?
Hostwinds runs three regions: Seattle, Dallas, and Amsterdam. OnionVPS offers 138 locations across 116 countries, including offshore privacy-tier jurisdictions.