ASP.NET is Microsoft's framework for web applications. The key decision up front: do you need classic ASP.NET (.NET Framework) or modern .NET Core / .NET 5+. That determines whether Windows hosting is mandatory or a cheaper Linux box will do.
Classic ASP.NET (.NET Framework) runs ONLY on Windows + IIS. Modern .NET Core / .NET 8 is cross-platform — you can host it on Linux too, often cheaper.
Classic ASP.NET or .NET Core
- .NET Framework (4.x) — Windows + IIS only, for legacy projects
- .NET Core / .NET 5–8 — Windows or Linux, the modern choice
- If the project is new — almost always .NET Core (faster, cheaper to host)
- If migrating an old app — check which runtime it targets
What to look for in hosting
- Supported .NET version (current is .NET 8 LTS)
- IIS availability and version (for classic ASP.NET)
- Full trust instead of medium trust — or some code won't run
- MS SQL Server if the app uses it (a Windows dependency)
- Kestrel/reverse-proxy support for .NET Core on Linux
If your app is on .NET Core and not tied to MS SQL, don't overpay for Windows. A Linux VPS will be cheaper and faster.
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The database
ASP.NET often pairs with MS SQL Server, which runs only on Windows. If you need MS SQL, take Windows hosting or a separate SQL server. For .NET Core you can use PostgreSQL or MySQL and stay on Linux — noticeably cheaper.
Bottom line
First determine the runtime: classic ASP.NET → Windows + IIS + (often) MS SQL; .NET Core → Linux or Windows, your choice. Check the .NET version, IIS and full trust before paying. For the Windows scenario see our Windows VPS category; for cross-platform .NET Core a regular Linux VPS works.
