Migrating from Versio to Theory7: faster and cheaper
Are you considering migrating from Versio to another hosting provider? Versio is a well-known name in the Netherlands and offers solid hosting, but more and more website administrators discover that they get more value for money with other providers. In this article we honestly compare the current plans of Versio with Theory7, look at what you gain by switching and explain how the migrating from Versio process works step by step.
Why customers consider leaving Versio
Versio, part of the Realhosting group, is an established name on the Dutch hosting market with a long track record. They offer reliable hosting with daily backups and free SSL certificates. Yet customers sometimes look for alternatives for the following reasons:
- Value for money: for comparable or lower prices, some providers offer considerably more storage space, modern web server technology and extra features.
- Web server technology: Versio uses standard Apache or Nginx. Modern LiteSpeed technology, which can offer significantly faster load times, is not available.
- Storage space per euro: when comparing what you get per euro spent, newer providers often score better on storage capacity.
- Control panel: Versio uses DirectAdmin, which is functional but can be less intuitive than more modern interfaces.
- Advanced caching: Redis or Memcached object caching is not available as standard with all plans, which affects the performance of dynamic websites.
If you are looking for more performance for your investment, it pays to compare the options. Also read our extensive guide on migrating a website to other hosting for general tips about the migration process.
An honest comparison: Versio versus Theory7
Let's put the current plans of Versio and Theory7 side by side. Versio offers their Start plan for €10.49 per month with 100 GB SSD storage. Theory7's Basic plan costs €4.99 per month. Here is an objective comparison:
| Feature | Versio Start (€10.49/mo) | Theory7 Basic (€4.99/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month | €10.49 | €4.99 |
| SSD storage | 100 GB | 250 GB |
| Number of websites | Unlimited | 25 websites |
| Databases | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Web server | Apache/Nginx | LiteSpeed Enterprise |
| Redis caching | Not mentioned | Included as standard |
| Free SSL | Yes (Let's Encrypt) | Yes (Let's Encrypt) |
| Email accounts | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Daily backups | Yes | Yes (kept 14 days) |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| DDoS protection | Basic | Advanced |
| Control panel | DirectAdmin | User-friendly panel |
| Dutch support | Yes | Yes (personal team) |
Both providers offer solid hosting with unlimited databases and email. The most important difference is in the value for money: Theory7 offers 150% more storage space for less than half the price, plus modern LiteSpeed technology and Redis caching that make your website faster.
Where Theory7 makes the difference
When considering migrating from Versio to Theory7, these are the most important advantages you will notice immediately:
LiteSpeed Enterprise and Redis for superior speed
Theory7 runs on LiteSpeed Enterprise web servers, the fastest commercially available web server technology. In combination with Redis object caching, websites load up to 40-60% faster than on traditional Apache servers. This difference is measurable in tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights and has a direct impact on both user experience and your position in search engines. Speed is, after all, an important ranking factor. Want to know more about improving website speed? Read our extensive article.
More storage for less money
For €4.99 per month you get 250 GB SSD storage at Theory7, 2.5 times more than Versio's 100 GB plan that costs €10.49. This means more room for media files, extensive WordPress installations and growing online stores, while at the same time you save €5.50 per month (€66 per year).
A modern hosting platform with personal support
Theory7 offers a contemporary control panel that is intuitive for beginners but powerful enough for professionals. The Dutch support team is technically skilled and offers personal help when you need it, no ticket systems with standard answers, but real expertise.
Email without limits
Both providers offer unlimited email accounts, but Theory7 specifies a daily sending limit of 3,000 emails, more than enough for business use and newsletters, while you always know where you stand.
How does migrating from Versio to Theory7 work?
The migration process is simpler than you might think. Theory7 offers a professional migration service (SiteSwitch, normally €59.95, free with Basic+ and higher) in which the technical team moves your complete website without downtime. The process consists of four clear steps:
Step 1: order your Theory7 plan
Go to the Theory7 Versio migration page and choose the plan that suits you. For most websites the Basic plan (€4.99/mo) is more than enough. Your account is activated immediately after ordering.
Step 2: share your Versio access
After your order you receive instructions by email. You securely share your Versio DirectAdmin login or FTP details and database access with the migration team. These details are used exclusively for the migration and deleted after completion.
Step 3: Theory7 migrates your website
The technical team copies all your files, databases, email accounts and configuration to your new Theory7 environment. This happens while your website simply stays online at Versio, there is no downtime. Everything is checked before you get the green light for the next step.
Step 4: change DNS and go live
When the migration is complete and you have checked everything, you adjust the DNS settings of your domain so that they point to Theory7. Within a few hours your website runs on the new faster servers. For an extensive explanation of this process, read our guide to transferring a domain name.
What you gain after migrating from Versio
Customers who have already made the switch mention the following improvements as the most striking:
- Faster load times: LiteSpeed and Redis make websites noticeably faster, which works out positively for both visitors and SEO rankings.
- Cost savings: for many customers the switch means a saving of €5-10 per month with equivalent or better specifications.
- More room to grow: 250 GB SSD storage means you do not quickly run into limits as your website grows.
- Reliable backups: daily automatic backups with 14 days retention give peace of mind.
- Transparent prices: clear prices without hidden costs or surprises at renewal.
Cost of migrating from Versio to Theory7
The switch is financially attractive. Here is an overview:
- Theory7 Basic plan: €4.99 per month for 250 GB SSD, LiteSpeed, Redis, unlimited email and free SSL.
- Migration service: normally €59.95 one-off, free with Basic+ and higher plans. With Basic you can choose self-migration or the paid SiteSwitch service.
- Domain transfer: optional and free (you only pay the regular domain renewal cost).
Compare Theory7's €4.99 with Versio's €10.49 for the Start plan: that is a saving of €66 per year, while you get 150% more storage and faster technology. Curious about a complete overview? Read our article on what web hosting costs.
Tips for a smooth migration
To make migrating from Versio go as smoothly as possible, we advise:
- Make your own backup: although Theory7 migrates your website carefully, it is wise to make a backup yourself through DirectAdmin before you begin.
- Note your email settings: save your current IMAP/SMTP settings and passwords so that you can update your email client after the migration.
- Wait before cancelling: only cancel Versio after you have confirmed that everything works correctly at Theory7. Keep both accounts running in parallel for at least a week.
- Test thoroughly: check all pages, forms, online store functions and email addresses on the new server before you switch over definitively.
- Lower the DNS TTL: a day before the migration, set your DNS TTL to 300 seconds for faster DNS propagation.
Frequently asked questions about migrating from Versio
How long does migrating from Versio to Theory7 take?
The full migration usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Copying files and databases takes a few hours, but DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours. Your website stays reachable throughout this period.
Is there downtime during the migration?
No. Your website stays online at Versio while the copy is made at Theory7. Only when everything has been checked and approved is the DNS switched. The transition is seamless for your visitors.
Are my emails brought along?
Yes, all your email accounts, mailboxes and stored emails are transferred to Theory7. The migration team makes sure your complete email environment is migrated, including folders where possible.
Do I also have to transfer my domain?
No, that is not necessary. You can keep your domain with Versio and only change the DNS servers to Theory7. If you do want to transfer your domain, that is of course possible. Read our domain name transfer guide for an explanation.
Does WordPress work right after the migration?
Yes. The migration team checks whether your WordPress installation functions correctly on the new server. Thanks to the LiteSpeed server you will notice that your WordPress site loads faster than before.
What if I have multiple websites at Versio?
With the Theory7 Basic plan you can host up to 25 websites. So all your Versio websites can be combined on one Theory7 account, which simplifies management and saves costs.
Can I try Theory7 before I cancel Versio?
Certainly. Order your Theory7 plan and have your website migrated while Versio is still active. Test everything extensively and only cancel Versio when you are fully satisfied with the new environment.
Migrating from Versio to Theory7 is a logical step for website administrators who want more value for money. With faster LiteSpeed servers, 250 GB SSD storage, modern technology and a lower monthly price (€4.99 versus €10.49) you get a hosting environment that takes your website to a higher level. The migration is professionally guided and without downtime. Start today through the Theory7 Versio migration page and experience the difference.
Migrating from Versio to Theory7: step-by-step migration plan
Migrating from Versio to Theory7 requires a structured plan. By keeping the right order you minimise downtime and prevent data loss.
Step 1: export data from Versio
Log in to your Versio account and make a full backup. Download all website files through FTP to your local computer. Export your databases through phpMyAdmin, choose the SQL format with structure and data. If you have email accounts, note all addresses and configure IMAP in your mail program so that your messages stay synchronised during the switch.
Step 2: setup at Theory7
Create your hosting account at Theory7 and set up your environment. Create databases with the same names or adjust your configuration files. Upload your website files and import your databases. Create email accounts with the same addresses. Test everything on the temporary Theory7 address. Install an SSL certificate so that your website is reachable over HTTPS right after the domain transfer.
Step 3: transfer the domain
Request the authorisation code (EPP/transfer code) from Versio. This can be done through the Versio customer panel or customer service. Start the domain transfer at Theory7 with this code. Once the transfer is processed, point the nameservers to the Theory7 servers. DNS propagation takes up to 24 hours for .nl domains.
Migrating from Versio: common problems and solutions
When migrating from Versio you can run into specific problems. Below you find the most common issues and how to solve them.
Website does not work after the migration
The most common cause is a wrong database configuration. Check the configuration file of your CMS (wp-config.php for WordPress) and verify that the database name, username, password and hostname are correct for the Theory7 server. Also check the file path references, on a new server the absolute paths are often different.
Email does not arrive after the migration
This is usually caused by outdated DNS records. Check whether your MX records point correctly to the Theory7 mail server. Also verify your SPF and DKIM records, these have to be updated for the new server. It can take up to 48 hours before all email is delivered correctly after a DNS change.
Speed problems after the migration
If your website is slower than before, check whether caching is configured correctly. Remove any hardcoded references to the old server. Enable server-side caching through the control panel and install a caching plugin if you use WordPress. Compare the load times with your earlier speed measurements and optimise where needed.
Migrating from Versio: why choose Theory7
There are good reasons to migrate from Versio to Theory7. Theory7 offers NVMe SSD storage for significantly faster load times than traditional SSDs. Our servers are located in Dutch data centres for the lowest latency. Every hosting plan includes free SSL certificates, daily automatic backups, and unlimited email accounts. Theory7 offers personal Dutch customer service, no chatbots, but real experts who help you with technical questions. In addition, we support seamless upgrading from shared hosting to VPS without migration or downtime, so that your hosting grows with your ambitions.
Migrating from Versio: checklist for a worry-free switch
- Inventory: make a list of all websites, databases, email accounts and domains at Versio
- Backup: download all files through FTP and export databases through phpMyAdmin
- Theory7 setup: create your hosting account and set up the environment
- Test the website: upload files and databases, test on the temporary address
- Migrate email: create accounts at Theory7, configure in your email program
- Request the EPP code: request the authorisation code from Versio
- Transfer the domain: start the transfer at Theory7 with the EPP code
- Change nameservers: point to Theory7 servers after a successful transfer
- Verification: test website, email, SSL and all functionality
- Keep the old account: keep Versio active for another 30 days as a fallback
Migrating from Versio: frequently asked questions
We answer the most frequently asked questions about migrating from Versio to Theory7 here. How long does the complete migration take? Plan two weeks for the full migration including domain transfer. Will I lose website data? No, you make a complete backup in advance and move everything to Theory7. Can I keep my email addresses? Yes, you create the same addresses at Theory7. Does my website keep working during the migration? Yes, by first setting everything up at Theory7 and only then changing the nameservers there is no noticeable downtime. Does it cost extra to migrate? No, Theory7 offers free migration assistance with every hosting plan.
Migrating from Versio: conclusion
Migrating from Versio to Theory7 is a structured process that runs smoothly with the right preparation. Take stock of your current setup, make full backups, set everything up at Theory7, test thoroughly, and then transfer your domain. With the faster servers, more extensive features and personal Dutch customer service of Theory7, the switch is an investment in better performance and service for your website and visitors.
Migrating from Versio: email migration
Carefully migrating your email when moving from Versio prevents data loss. Document all email addresses and aliases at Versio. Create the same accounts at Theory7 through the control panel. Use IMAP synchronisation to transfer existing messages: connect both accounts in Thunderbird and drag messages and folders from the Versio account to the Theory7 account. Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC at Theory7 for reliable email delivery. Test sending and receiving with external addresses before you change the MX records definitively. Inform colleagues and customers about the migration and any short interruptions.
Migrating from Versio: website backup and transfer
A complete backup is the basis for a successful migration from Versio to Theory7. Download all website files through FTP with a client such as FileZilla. Export your database through phpMyAdmin at Versio in SQL format. Check whether the backup is complete by comparing the number of files and the database size. Upload the files to Theory7 through FTP or the file manager in the control panel. Import the database through phpMyAdmin at Theory7. Update the configuration file of your CMS with the new database details. Test the website through the temporary URL before you change the nameservers. Check all pages, forms, images and downloads for correct operation.
Migrating from Versio: domain transfer step by step
The domain transfer is the last step when migrating from Versio to Theory7. Log in at Versio and switch off the domain lock. Request the EPP authorisation code through the Versio control panel. Enter this code in the transfer form on the Theory7 website. You receive a confirmation email from the registry that you have to approve. After approval the domain is transferred within a few hours to five working days, depending on the extension. After the transfer you fully manage the domain through the Theory7 dashboard where you can adjust DNS records, create subdomains and configure nameservers.
With this guide you have all the information to successfully migrate from Versio to Theory7. Follow the step-by-step plan, make good backups and feel free to contact our customer service for personal guidance during the migration. We are ready to move your website quickly and safely.
