What is the Difference Between VPS and VPN? A Simple Guide
When exploring web hosting, you must’ve commonly heard about acronyms like VPS and VPN.
While both have words virtual and private in their names, they serve completely different purposes. So, don't let the names confuse you!
This blog is your guide to understanding the difference between VPS and VPN. We'll break down their meanings, functions, and benefits so you can choose the right tool for your needs.
What is a VPS?
Imagine a crowded apartment building. Each resident has private space - a fully equipped apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and everything they need. This is like a VPS, short for virtual private network - a virtualized server within one physical server created through virtualization technology.
Unlike a shared apartment where resources are shared, a VPS operates as an independent, isolated environment, giving you dedicated resources like CPU, RAM, and storage. This means no noisy neighbours, no sharing of the Wi-Fi - just your own virtual corner to keep your things and run your projects smoothly.
VPS fills the gap between shared hosting and dedicated servers, providing a cost-effective solution for websites looking for greater control, performance, and customization. It allows users to install and configure software, run applications, and manage security settings effectively.
READ: A Complete Guide to VPS Hosting: Here’s All You Need to Know
What is VPS used for?
You may choose to utilize a virtual private server in the following situations:
- You're using a powerful application that needs a lot of computer power.
- You have a high-traffic website that needs extra resources to perform better.
- You want your e-commerce site to run smoothly without any downtime.
- You want to run software or applications remotely.
- Your business needs scalability as it grows.
What are the benefits of utilizing VPS?
If you are considering VPS for hosting your website, check out its benefits:
- VPS gives you your personal virtual server, which you do not have to share with other websites like in a shared physical server.
- Your hosting is easily scalable and more customizable.
- Managing VPS is simpler than managing a dedicated server.
- Highly customizable to your requirements.
- Cost-effective compared to dedicated servers.
What is a VPN?
Imagine you're at a crowded coffee shop, using the public Wi-Fi to check your online banking, social media, or anything. While being a convenient option, this exposes your data to anyone peeking on the network and could lead to stolen data, financial loss, and more. This is where VPN, short for virtual private network, comes to the rescue.
VPN is a cybersecurity technology typically offered through an app or software. Think of it as a secure tunnel for your online activity. When you connect your device to a VPN, it encrypts your data and routes it through a remote server. This server adds a layer of security between you and the internet, allowing you to browse the web through the VPN server. Therefore, your connection is safe from malicious eyes even while using public Wi-Fi in a busy coffee shop.
When should you use a VPN?
A VPN tool encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server to increase online privacy. You can utilize a virtual private server during the following situations:
1.To protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi
When you're using public Wi-Fi, your internet traffic is unencrypted, meaning anyone on the same network can see what you're doing. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it much more difficult for hackers to peek.
2.To access geo-blocked web content
Some websites and streaming services are only available in specific countries or regions. A VPN can help you avoid these restrictions by making it seem like you're in a different country.
3.To avoid censorship
Some governments censor the internet, blocking access to certain websites and content. A VPN can help you get around censorship and access the information you want.
4.To protect your data from ISPs
Your internet service provider (ISP) can see your internet traffic. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it invisible to your ISP.
5.To get better deals online
Some websites and services charge different prices for flight tickets, hotels, car rentals, and more based on your location. With VPN software, you can switch to a different server and change your virtual location. This helps you compare prices of various websites and get cheaper bookings and better deals.
6.To avoid targeted ads
Targeted ads that follow you around the internet can be annoying. They target you based on the information websites gather about you as you browse. A VPN hides your IP address each time you connect, making it harder to track your data.
What are the benefits of utilizing a VPN?
VPN offers various benefits, and some of them include:
- Protects you on public Wi-Fi
- Conceals your IP address
- Avoids government censorship and helps access restricted websites
- Encrypts your internet traffic to keep your browsing activity private
- Blocks your internet service provider and others from tracking, recording, and selling your online data
- Generally provides a worry-free browsing experience
READ: What is an IP Address? How does it Work?
What is the difference between VPS and VPN?
Here’s a table summarizing the difference between VPS and VPN:
| Features | VPS | VPN |
| Purpose | Hosting websites, applications, or other online services | Offering a private and safe connection to the internet |
| Functionality | Acts as a separate virtual server with dedicated resources | Builds an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet |
| Control | Full control over server configuration and software | Limited control; users only manage VPN settings |
| Resources | Dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage space | Shared resources on a physical server |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than VPNs | Varies depending on data usage and features |
| Technical knowledge | Requires some technical knowledge to manage | Easy to use for most users |
| Applications | Website hosting, database management, application deployment | Secure browsing, accessing geo-restricted content, bypassing censorship |
| Physical Presence | Requires a physical server hardware | Utilizes existing network infrastructure |
| Security | Requires additional security measures for the server | Encrypts your traffic and covers your IP address |
| Scalability | Can be easily scaled up or down to suit needs | Limited scalability unless switching to a different plan. |
So, which one should you choose: VPS vs VPN?
VPS vs. VPN: Which one is better?
When comparing VPS to VPN, it's essential to understand their distinct functionalities and purposes. VPS is primarily a hosting solution, offering users dedicated resources and control over a virtualized server environment. It's ideal for businesses or individuals needing a robust platform for hosting websites, applications, or services.
On the other hand, VPNs are designed for secure data transmission over public networks, encrypting internet traffic and masking users' IP addresses to enhance privacy and security. While VPS provides a reliable infrastructure for hosting purposes, VPNs prioritize data protection and anonymity online.
The choice between VPS and VPN depends on specific requirements: businesses seeking scalable hosting solutions might opt for VPS, whereas individuals or organizations prioritizing online privacy and security may find VPNs more suitable. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether the priority lies in hosting applications and services or safeguarding online activities and data. Both VPS and VPN offer valuable solutions in their respective domains, catering to different needs in the digital landscape.
If you still have any queries or suggestions, feel free to send an email to [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help!
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