For your situation, it really depends on how hands-on you want to be. A VPS gives you more control and flexibility, but it also means you’ll need to manage things like server setup, security, updates, and performance optimization yourself (or with support). If you’re comfortable troubleshooting and maintaining a server — or willing to learn — a VPS with good support could work well within your budget.
On the other hand, Managed WordPress hosting is designed specifically for WordPress sites, so it takes care of all the backend stuff for you — security, backups, updates, and optimizations. This can save you time and headaches, especially if you’re running multiple sites.
If you want simplicity and peace of mind, lean toward Managed WordPress. If you prefer control and don’t mind the extra effort, a VPS could be a great fit.