People usually confuse the difference between VPS and VPN. These two terms may sound similar, but they are not the same. VPS is short for Virtual Private Server, while VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Although both virtual and private, they serve different purposes. Still, with some tools and a little knowledge of how these two work, you can use them as the same service.
If you are new to the virtual world and want to know more about how it works, we will explain it all in this article. Let’s look at what each word means, how they are different or similar, and how you can benefit from them.
What is VPN?
In order to understand the difference between VPS and VPN, you need to know what each term means and how they work.
To connect to the Internet, your provider will assign a public IP to your router so you can communicate with millions of other people on the same network. Your IP address sets a path to your device so that you can exchange information with websites and other people.
While your public IP address may not say much about you or your exact location, it can reveal a lot of public data. For example, your IP address may reveal your country and region of location, which may prevent you from surfing the Internet freely or privately.
It is like a private tunnel that allows all users to have a private and secure connection to the Internet through a server located in another part of the world. As a result, users will have their location, IP, and activity is hidden while surfing the web.
Furthermore, all data stored on VPN services is encrypted. So, no one can read, track or use it in case of a breach. Even though VPNs use dedicated servers, their free versions are usually unreliable and slow. Because many people connect to it simultaneously and there is no user limit like the paid version.
How does a VPN work?
If you want a private connection, hide your IP, avoid network blocks, and more, you can use a VPN. Each VPN is set to specific software. When you download a VPN and start using its service, the application will add a configuration to your device and encrypt your data. After that, it will use a server tunnel to send internet traffic to your device. As a result, when you use the Internet, destination servers will only receive data and the location of the VPN server, not your own.
Each operating system requires a certain compatible application to use a VPN service. Usually, VPN providers will make their applications compatible with all operating systems, meaning you can run the same application on Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also use VPN services as a Chrome extension from your browser.
What is a VPS?
A VPS or Virtual Private Server is a large computer. It runs an OS, and just like your own PC, you run software on it. Such computers are used to host websites, apps, and other services.
Depending on your needs, you can use the resources of a virtual private server to run applications, store your files, and pay much less than a physical computer. You can pay for a monthly or annual subscription and host your website or run various software without sacrificing your computer’s resources.
How does a VPS work?
We have three main types of servers:
- Dedicated server
- Shared server
- Virtual Private Server
A dedicated server means you have the entire computer and its resources at your disposal. The more assets you have, the more money you’ll pay. In contrast, a shared server is a computer whose resources are shared among hundreds or thousands of people. As a result, your privacy is always at risk and it works slower than other servers, however, shared servers are much cheaper than other options.
On the other hand, a VPS is anything but. It’s a computer; Its assets are divided into several virtual layers. That way, even though you share a computer’s resources with others, the layer is dedicated to you. Costs are much lower than dedicated servers; however, you have RAM and disk space. Unlike shared hosts, you have complete privacy in your virtual container.
Imagine physical server hardware that is shared with hundreds of users. However, neither has access to the other’s data because an impermeable layer separates them. They all use one physical server divided into multiple virtual servers.
Therefore, a VPS allows for a high level of customization like a dedicated server while being cheaper.
Difference between VPS and VPN
In simple terms, a VPS is a server, whereas a VPN is a service. You can also use a VPS as a VPN, but not the other way around.
The main difference between VPS and VPN are their functions. You can only use a VPN to connect to the Internet anonymously and keep your data safe But with a VPS, you can host your website or application, connect to the Internet, avoid being censored by other platforms, and even set up a VPN configuration to protect all your data.
However, it is not recommended to set up a VPN on your VPS server, as your provider can see your location and monitor your activity. VPS hosting providers may limit your access if they suspect that you are engaging in illegal activity with their services.
Advantages of VPS vs VPN
Since VPS and VPN are two different things, each has different benefits based on each individual’s needs.
VPN facility
Many people ask why they need a VPN when “incognito” hides their data and doesn’t save their search history. While it won’t keep your searches, that doesn’t mean it’s private. Your internet service provider can still see your activity logs even if the incognito mode is turned on.
A VPN, on the other hand, can mask your data and location regardless of where or how you use it. Whether connected to public Wi-Fi in a popular restaurant or bank, your location will be the same as the VPN server. Also, when you use a VPN your search logs are encrypted, so it’s not visible to your ISP or anyone else.
Other benefits of a VPN include:
- Enhances security & privacy while browsing the Internet
- Bypasses internet censorship, network blocks, and regional restrictions
- It is easy to use
- VPN apps are cross-platform and convenient to use around the world
- A VPN ( Virtual Private Network ) allows you to connect to the Internet using any country or region location. (VPN providers are global, so you can change your online location to the UK without ever setting foot there.
VPS facility
- This is the best way for new and growing businesses to run their website.
- There are no restrictions unlike social media or hosted blogs that censor some content on their platforms.
- Dedicated resources will make your website run faster.
- You can add a VPN configuration to your VPS and have a private network as well.
- As your business grows, you can increase your wealth.
- It is more affordable than dedicated servers while providing the same quality for small businesses.
- You have complete control over your server and can use it for various purposes.
Disadvantages of VPS vs VPN
In addition to many advantages, using a VPN can have the following disadvantages:
- This will double your data usage, resulting in unexpectedly high costs on limited data plans
- Free VPN services can significantly slow down internet speeds.
- VPN service providers can compromise your data by slightly changing the system. While they bring more privacy, they can also make your connection insecure.
- If you don’t want the VPN to slow down your internet speed, you’ll need to pay a monthly or yearly subscription.
Disadvantages of a virtual private server include the following:
- It is slightly expensive compared to shared servers.
- For people without technical knowledge, configuring and maintaining a VPS can be difficult.
VPS vs VPN; Two similar names with completely different functions. The difference between VPS and VPN is between a server and a service. You cannot tell which one is better than the other. Each of them can be a powerful tool depending on your needs.
You may need both to host your website and secure your connection if you run a business. A virtual private server can protect your files, while a virtual private network will keep your data safe while browsing. Now that you know their differences, you can choose the best one that suits your needs.
