Though the acronym VPS seems to be similar to VPN, don’t get confused, as both are different IT services. In this article, we will be exploring the differences between VPS vs VPN. So let’s start the discussion.
Before discussing the differences between VPS vs VPN, let’s see what both (VPS and VPN) are.
What is VPS (Virtual Private Server)?
VPS is a physical server where the server segregated into smaller virtual private servers that several users can use, taking only the resources that their applications need.
VPS means that the server operates in a virtualized environment, a cloud server instead of a physical server. This distinguishes VPS from dedicated servers, which are physical machines in a data center rack. Virtual servers have similar functionality as a dedicated server, except the fact that multiple virtual servers are present on one physical server.
As computers became more and more powerful and efficient, it was no longer constructive to rent a complete server just to host a single website. In most cases, it wasn’t practical for businesses and individuals to buy the whole server. Even with several business applications and websites installed, most of the resources sit idle and not in use.
To overcome this, virtualization technologies were introduced and VPS( virtual private server) was born.
Now let us understand what is a VPN, later on, we will see the difference between VPS vs VPN.
Additionally, you can also read the below articles:
- VPS Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting
- Benefits of Managed VPS Hosting
- Colocation Server Hosting and Dedicated Hosting
What is a VPN?
Though a VPN sounds similar to a VPS, it’s different. A virtual private network builds a bridge across the internet to connect users to resources in a secure manner. As the VPN utilizes the internet to connect users, it basically keeps the connections private by encrypting them. For instance, any data that is transmitted from one office to another can’t be read by outsiders. This is the advantage of a virtual private network.
A VPN server is a machine on the internet that operates VPN software. A VPN client can connect to that server, and every data that travels between the client and the server is encrypted. If you need to connect to a website and don’t want anyone even your ISP, to track you, you should connect through a VPN. All they can see is that you connected to a VPN server.
Now, let’s see the difference between VPS vs VPN.
Difference between VPS vs VPN (Pros and Cons)
Everything has its pros and cons if its VPS vs VPN or any other type of hosting. Let us move ahead to see the pros and cons of VPS vs VPN.
Pros of VPS Hosting
VPS hosting is ideal for users who need more resources and computing than a shared server but aren’t ready for a dedicated server.
Here are few of the biggest benefits of utilizing VPS hosting:
- It’s cost-efficient: With VPS hosting you typically have access to a dedicated server, without the cost of a physical dedicated server.
- Better server customization: Usually, you’ll pay for what you need and be able to only add those features that are essential to run your site.
- Easy scalability: In VPS hosting, you can eventually extend the number of server resources you need to access and won’t require to pay for unnecessary additional resources.
- High-level server control: With VPS hosting, you get a higher level of access to your server and also the root access, and ability to run specific server scripts.
- Exceptional technical support: With VPS hosting you normally will have access to more enhanced technical support staff as compared to a basic dedicated server.
Pros of VPN
- Easy access to geo-restricted content: A VPN lets you bypass specific content restrictions. For instance, you could use a VPN to watch shows that aren’t available for your country.
- Protects your data: As VPN encrypts your data before sending it over the network, your data will be safe and secure from bad actors.
- Keep you safe online: If you are regularly accessing unsecured wi-fi networks then VPN could be handy and help you stay safe online.
If you are thinking of either of these selections, make sure to check out the comprehensive comparison between VPS Hosting and Dedicated Hosting
As we have discussed the pros of VPS vs VPN, now let’s see the cons of VPS vs VPN.
Cons of VPS Hosting
- Expensive: If you calculate the costs of both VPS and shared hosting, you will figure out that VPS is more expensive than shared hosting. However, the pricing will depend on your overall resource needs.
- Resource allocation issues: In a few cases, you can run into resource allocation issues. Your website’s performance could be compromised if another website on the server is overusing resources. But, these conditions bound to happen only while you use a low-quality VPS host.
Cons of VPN
- Slower Internet connections: As VPN adds in layers of encryptions to your data, your internet connection would gradually slow down. This may make your internet connection unusable.
- Security issues could still arise: VPNs aren’t fully secure. The security levels of VPN depends on the configuration of the VPN and also the VPN provider.
- Experience VPN connection drop: If your VPN connection drops, you would lose existing anonymity. However, some of the VPNs offer a kill switch feature which will disconnect you from the internet if a drop occurs.
What connection between both VPS and VPN?
Though I have emphasized on fact that VPSs and VPNs aren’t similar, but there still lies a connection between both. You could use a VPS to build your own VPN.
In order to build your own Virtual Private Network, you will require a server running software such as OpenVPN. OpenVPN software is compatible with many VPN clients. You need to run OpenVPN on a VPS, this way you could get an inexpensive and quick-to-deploy solution to their privacy concerns.
I hope this article on VPS vs VPN would have helped you understand the differences between VPS vs VPN.
Additionally, you can opt for 10GB hosting’s Managed VPS Hosting plans.