Best Storage Options for Image Hosting: S3, Object Storage, VPS & Cloud Solutions

If you operate an image hosting platform, the frequently asked question is where can I host my images? I tried out a number of distinct solutions during my time running an image hosting business.

Some options provided me with perfect solutions, whilst others presented me with numerous problems and hurdles.

Amazon S3 - Reliable but Not Cheap​

Many starting businesses use Amazon S3 for image hosting because it is a fast, reliable way to store images in a centralised location. I have personally used Amazon S3 for numerous long-term/enterprise-type projects and the service has never had any downtime or problems.

The downside of using Amazon S3 to host your site's images is that it costs you by the following means:

• Storage space
• Requests for files
• Transfers of data

Because of Amazon S3's growing popularity, the amount of money you will be required to pay will increase dramatically as your website gains in popularity. Therefore, Amazon S3 is more suitable for users with less concern for monetary expenses.

Alternative Storage Providers: Can Be Less Priced​

You do not have to use Amazon for your image storage needs. You can use some of the other similar options available within the market including Backblaze B2, Wasabi, and Cloudflare's R2.

The following are the common advantages of the alternative storage options:

• Ability to easily scale as you expand.
• Operating at a lower pricing point than Amazon S3.
• They will work seamlessly with CDNs.

Cloudflare R2 has become very prevalent in use because, unlike Amazon S3, it does not charge for outbound data transfer.

Low-cost VPS Solutions for Storage​

I often rely on VPS with dedicated storage to host my small projects. The ease and speed of access provided by dedicated storage are great benefits of this option.

When using VPS with dedicated storage, you receive:

• Fixed monthly payments
• No overage fees
• Complete control of your data

The disadvantage of this type of storage is that it is limited. But when you run out of storage space on your VPS, transferring your data to a different solution can become challenging.

Utilizing Multiple Types of Storage​

Many times I have utilized a combination of different storage types for my projects. I will utilize object storage for storing images and then use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to deliver the images, while I will host the website on the VPS. This model provides a great combination of cost-effectiveness and high performance.

Conclusion​

There is no "best" option for storing your files. S3 is a great solution for very large projects while object storage is a great fit for sites that are in growth mode, and VPS storage is perfect for smaller projects. Select the option that best meets your specific requirements, as well as your budget.