Postgres hosting: 5 deployment options and how to choose

What Is PostgreSQL hosting?

PostgreSQL hosting involves deploying a PostgreSQL database on a server managed by a hosting service provider. It enables access, management, and scalability of databases without setup tasks.

The hosting provider takes care of infrastructure, maintenance, and technical support. This service suits organizations needing a database solution without the hassle of directly managing hardware, especially for companies with variable demands or those lacking in-house IT resources.

PostgreSQL hosting simplifies database management and frees up developers to focus on application development. The hosting service offers reliability, as they maintain servers, ensure uptime, and manage backups. Instead of worrying about server setup, users leverage a maintained environment, promoting efficiency and security.

Benefits of PostgreSQL hosting

Using PostgreSQL hosting provides several advantages that improve database performance, security, and scalability:

• Managed infrastructure: Hosting providers handle server maintenance, updates, and security patches, reducing administrative overhead.
• High availability: Many services offer automated failover, load balancing, and redundancy to ensure minimal downtime.
• Scalability: Resources can be adjusted dynamically to accommodate growing data needs without requiring manual hardware upgrades.
• Security and compliance: Providers implement encryption, access controls, and compliance measures to protect sensitive data.
• Automated backups: Regular backups and point-in-time recovery options help prevent data loss and simplify disaster recovery.
• Performance optimization: Hosting services often include caching, connection pooling, and query optimization for faster database operations.
• Cost efficiency: Eliminates the need for on-premise hardware and reduces operational costs by outsourcing database management.
  Developer-friendly features: Many providers offer built-in monitoring, logging, and integration with CI/CD pipelines for development.

Related content: Read our guide to Postgres performance

5 options for deploying PostgreSQL: From self-managed to fully hosted

1. Installing on a local development computer

This is the simplest way to run PostgreSQL—installing it directly on a personal or work computer. It is commonly used for software development, testing, and proof-of-concept projects.

How it works:

• PostgreSQL is installed directly on a developer’s machine using system package managers (e.g., apt, yum, brew) or installers.
• The database runs locally without requiring network setup, making development and testing faster.
• It is usually used for single-user access, with limited performance and scalability.

Pros:

✅ Free to use, with no additional hardware or hosting costs.
✅ Simple setup without requiring network configuration.
✅ Useful for offline development when an internet connection is unavailable.

Cons:

❌ No scalability, as the database relies on the developer’s machine.
❌ Not suitable for production use due to performance and availability limitations.
❌ Limited security, as there are no built-in access control mechanisms for external connections.

2. Installing on a self-managed server

This approach involves running PostgreSQL on a dedicated machine, either on-premises or via a virtual private server (VPS). It offers more power and flexibility compared to a local installation.

How it works:

• PostgreSQL is installed on a dedicated server or VPS.
• It can be configured for multi-user access and optimized for performance.
• Security settings, networking, and database tuning are managed manually.

Pros:

✅ More powerful than local installations, offering higher performance.
✅ Supports multiple users and remote access.
✅ Provides full control over security, configurations, and optimizations.

Cons:

❌ Requires purchasing or renting a dedicated machine, increasing costs.
❌ High management complexity, requiring expertise in security, networking, and database administration.
❌ Maintenance tasks (updates, backups, and performance tuning) must be handled manually.

3. Running PostgreSQL with Docker

Docker allows PostgreSQL to run inside an isolated container, making deployment and management easier across different environments.

How it works:

• PostgreSQL runs in a Docker container, isolating it from the host system.
• The database can be configured using Docker Compose or Kubernetes for multi-container orchestration.
• Developers can create identical database environments across multiple systems.

Pros:

✅ Easy to set up and deploy, reducing dependency issues.
✅ Ensures consistency across development, testing, and production environments.
✅ Allows fine-grained resource allocation for CPU, memory, and storage.

Cons:

❌ Requires knowledge of Docker and containerization.
❌ Network configuration and security settings can be complex.
❌ For production use, requires additional tools like Kubernetes for scaling and management.

4. Cloud provider-managed databases

Major cloud platforms, such as AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, and Microsoft Azure Database, offer PostgreSQL as a managed service.

How it works:

• Users provision a PostgreSQL instance through the cloud provider’s dashboard.
• The provider handles maintenance, security patches, and backups.
• Scaling is automated, allowing the database to adjust resources based on demand.

Pros:

✅ Fully managed, reducing administrative burden.
✅ High availability with built-in failover and automated backups.
✅ Easily integrates with cloud-based applications and services.

Cons:

❌ Costs can be unpredictable based on usage.
❌ Limited control over database configuration compared to self-hosted solutions.
❌ Potential vendor lock-in, making migration to another provider difficult.

5. Third-party managed databases

Independent providers such as NetApp Instaclustr, ElephantSQL, Aiven, and ScaleGrid offer managed PostgreSQL hosting across multiple cloud platforms, providing flexibility outside of major cloud vendors.

How it works:

• A third-party provider sets up and manages PostgreSQL on cloud infrastructure.
• Users get access to monitoring tools, automatic backups, and performance tuning features.
• Some providers allow customers to choose their preferred cloud provider.

Pros:

✅ More flexibility in choosing cloud platforms, reducing vendor lock-in.
✅ Scalability and clustering typically managed by the service provider.
✅ Some providers offer deeper customization and tuning options.
✅ Some providers offer compliance with standards and regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS.
✅ Lower management complexity compared to self-hosting.

Cons:

❌ Costs vary depending on service levels and cloud provider fees.

Comparison table: PostgreSQL hosting options

Factors to consider when choosing a PostgreSQL hosting solution

Here are some considerations for evaluating hosting solutions for a PostgreSQL database.

1. Performance and scalability

When choosing a PostgreSQL hosting solution, performance and scalability are critical factors. The database should handle increasing workloads without compromising speed or reliability.

Key considerations include:

• Resource allocation: Ensure the hosting provider offers sufficient CPU, RAM, and storage options that can scale based on demand.
• Connection handling: Look for connection pooling, load balancing, and query optimization features to maintain performance under heavy usage.
• Auto-scaling: Some managed hosting providers offer automatic scaling, adjusting resources dynamically as traffic and data volumes grow.
• Read and write performance: Evaluate replication options (e.g., read replicas, sharding) to distribute database load and prevent bottlenecks.

2. Security measures

Security is a top priority when hosting a database, as it contains sensitive business and customer data.

Important security features to look for:

• Data encryption: Ensure that the provider offers encryption for data at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access.
• Access controls: Role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and IP whitelisting improve security.
• Automatic patching: Regular updates and security patches reduce vulnerabilities. Managed hosting providers often handle this automatically.
• DDoS protection and firewalls: Look for providers with built-in network security measures to prevent malicious attacks.
• Compliance certifications: If handling sensitive data, check for compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2.

3. Backup and recovery options

Reliable backup and recovery solutions ensure data safety and quick restoration in case of failures.

Considerations include:

• Automated backups: Look for daily or frequent backups with options for point-in-time recovery.
• Retention policies: Ensure backups are stored for a sufficient duration to allow for historical recovery if needed.
• Disaster recovery: Some providers offer cross-region replication or failover mechanisms for high availability.
• Manual backup options: Ability to trigger on-demand backups for critical updates or maintenance.

4. Support and community engagement

The level of support provided by a hosting service can significantly impact database management and troubleshooting.

Key factors to evaluate:

• 24/7 customer support: Ensure the provider offers round-the-clock assistance for critical issues.
• Response times and SLAs: Check service level agreements (SLAs) for guaranteed uptime and response times.
• Documentation and tutorials: Comprehensive guides and tutorials can help with troubleshooting and setup.
• Community and forum support: Open -source PostgreSQL has a strong community; some providers offer access to user forums and expert discussions.

5. Cost implications

The cost of PostgreSQL hosting varies depending on factors like hosting type, resource allocation, and additional services.

Cost considerations include:

• Pay-as-you-go vs. fixed pricing: Cloud-based hosting often charges based on usage, while some providers offer fixed pricing plans.
• Infrastructure costs: Self-hosted solutions require investment in hardware and maintenance, whereas managed services bundle costs into a subscription.
• Hidden fees: Check for additional costs related to data transfer, storage expansion, or premium support.
• Long-term cost efficiency: While managed services may have higher upfront costs, they reduce operational overhead compared to self-hosting.

Related content: Read our guide to Postgres management

Take the complexity out of managing PostgreSQL with Instaclustr

Instaclustr provides a fully managed PostgreSQL solution that scales based on business requirements, optimizes performance and ensures high availability, taking the complexity out of database management. Instaclustr supports all major cloud platforms and on-prem, helping organizations avoid vendor lock-in. By leveraging Instaclustr for PostgreSQL, you can focus on what matters most—developing applications and driving business growth.

1. Fully managed service

Instaclustr takes the heavy lifting off teams by delivering a fully managed PostgreSQL solution. From provisioning and maintenance to backups and upgrades, Instaclustr’s expert team ensures that databases operate smoothly and efficiently. This means fewer headaches and more time to focus on core business priorities.

2. High performance and scalability

Instaclustr optimizes PostgreSQL configurations for flexibility and scales database instances seamlessly as business grows. Whether processing high volumes of transactions or running complex queries, Instaclustr’s robust architecture ensures databases keep pace.

3. Enterprise-grade security and reliability

Trust is critical when handling sensitive data, and Instaclustr takes security seriously. With features like end-to-end encryption, advanced access controls, and automated backups, databases are fortified against threats. Combined with high fault tolerance and disaster recovery solutions, Instaclustr provides uninterrupted service and peace of mind.

4. Open sourced and freedom of choice

Instaclustr builds on the power of PostgreSQL’s open-source ecosystem. This ensures that organizations are not locked into proprietary tools or solutions, giving them the freedom to customize and integrate as needed. Plus, by harnessing open source innovation, organizations get access to cutting-edge features without hefty licensing fees.

5. Expert support at every stage

Instaclustr’s customer-centric approach sets it apart. Whether you’re migrating to PostgreSQL, optimizing your current setup, or troubleshooting issues, our expert support team is here to guide you every step of the way. Knowledgeable and approachable, we’re dedicated to helping your business succeed.

Instaclustr for PostgreSQL isn’t just a database solution; it’s your partner in powering innovation and growth with simplicity and confidence. Experience the benefits firsthand and empower your business to thrive with a database that’s built to perform.

For more information:

• Top 10 PostgreSQL® best practices for 2025
• InstaBlinks EP 28: From SQL to AI: How PostgreSQL® revolutionizes data management
• What is Fast Forking for PostgreSQL® on Azure NetApp Files?