VPS vs VDS: Understanding the Differences and Which is Right for You

Hosting Expert 7 min read

Edited by

Rafi Salber Content Editor

August 16, 2023 4:07 PM

As you explore the many hosting options available, two terms you’ll likely come across are VPS (Virtual Private Server) and VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server). Both are popular solutions for various web hosting needs, but how do you know which one is right for you?

Whether you’re running an e-commerce site, a personal blog, or a large-scale application, reliable web hosting is a fundamental requirement. Understanding the differences between VPS vs VDS can help you improve the performance, security, and scalability of your website.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of VPS and VDS hosting, their similarities, differences, and use cases, helping you make an informed decision for your hosting needs.

Key Highlights

VPS has shared resources, while VDS offers dedicated resources for better performance.
VPS suits small sites; VDS handles high-traffic, resource-heavy sites better.
VPS is more affordable with shared resources; VDS is pricier with dedicated resources.
VPS offers limited control; VDS provides full control like a dedicated server.
VPS has good but riskier security; VDS offers enhanced, isolated security.

What is VPS (Virtual Private Server)?

Definition and explanation of VPS

A VPS, or Virtual Private Server, is a hosting solution that involves splitting a physical server into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server has its own operating system, resources, and independent functioning, operating as if it were a separate physical server. This is achieved through virtualization technology, which enables the division of a single physical server into multiple virtual environments.

Want to dive deeper? Explore What Is a VPS? A Beginner’s Guide to Virtual Private Servers

How VPS works

VPS works by using virtualization technology to divide a single physical server into multiple independent virtual servers, each with its own operating system and resources. It looks and functions like a physical server, but it isn’t. It’s a piece of software that simulates dedicated hardware.

The concept behind VPS hosting is akin to living in an apartment building.

Imagine a physical server as an apartment building, with each VPS being an individual apartment. All the apartments share the same building structure but function independently with their own resources like water, electricity, and space.

In the context of VPS hosting, virtualization technology acts as the walls that separate each apartment, providing each VPS with its own resources (CPU, RAM, disk space) and allowing it to run independently from the others.

It uses a hypervisor to separate the hardware into individual virtual servers using virtual layers. Because of this virtual separation, users can access private or dedicated resources inside a shared environment.

Note

A hypervisor is a specialized virtualization technology, or more specifically, a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that creates and runs virtual machines (VM).

Use cases for VPS

Virtual Private Servers are suitable for a wide range of scenarios, from small to medium-sized businesses to high-traffic websites and developers looking for a flexible hosting environment. VPS hosting is ideal for:

Websites experiencing increased traffic that have outgrown the limitations of shared hosting.
Higher level of customization and control over their hosting environment for businesses or developers, such as the ability to install specific software or configure server settings.
Hosting multiple websites, where each site can be hosted on a separate virtual server for better security and performance.
Running applications that require a stable and isolated environment.
Testing and development purposes, where developers need a sandbox environment to test new software, updates, or features without affecting the live environment.

Curious to know more? Read What Is A VPS Used For? Top 10 VPS Use Cases

VPS Hosting Provider Recommendations

We’ve thoroughly researched, tested, and compiled our top picks for the Best VPS Hosting Providers in our comprehensive overview. There, you can find all the details on who to choose, what they offer, and why they stand out. But for a quick glimpse, here are our top 3 choices:

What is VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server)?

Definition and explanation of VDS

A VDS, or Virtual Dedicated Server, is a hosting solution similar to VPS but with a crucial difference: resource allocation.

In VDS hosting, each virtual server is allocated dedicated resources from the physical server, ensuring that no resources are shared among virtual servers. As a result, each VDS functions like a dedicated server, offering greater performance, stability, and control.

What is VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server)?

How VDS differs from VPS in terms of dedicated resources
allocated

The key difference between VDS and VPS lies in the allocation of resources.

In VPS hosting, resources like CPU, RAM, and disk space are often shared among multiple virtual servers, leading to potential performance fluctuations if one virtual server uses up more than its fair share of resources.

In contrast, VDS hosting guarantees dedicated resources to each virtual server, ensuring consistent performance and eliminating resource contention. VDS hosting is akin to owning a detached house, where you have exclusive access to all resources and complete control over your environment.

Use cases for VDS

VDS hosting is suitable for scenarios where maximum control, performance, and reliability are required, such as:

Large websites or applications with high traffic volumes that demand consistent performance and stability.
Businesses handling sensitive data, like payment processing or confidential information, requiring enhanced security and resource isolation.
Organizations requiring full control over their hosting environment to install custom software, configure server settings, or implement specific security measures.
Resellers or web hosting providers looking to offer dedicated hosting solutions to their clients.
Developers or businesses running resource-intensive applications that need dedicated resources for optimal performance.

VDS Hosting Provider Recommendations

Verpex

Comparing VPS and VDS

As we’ve explored the concepts of VPS and VDS hosting and their respective use cases, it becomes evident that the choice between these two hosting solutions depends on factors like budget, performance requirements, and the level of control needed for your specific web hosting needs.

Resource Allocation

In VPS hosting, multiple virtual private servers share the same physical resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. This shared resource model can lead to resource contention, where one virtual server’s excessive resource usage affects the performance of others.

On the other hand, VDS hosting guarantees dedicated resources to each virtual server, ensuring consistent performance and eliminating resource contention. With virtual dedicated servers, each one functions like a dedicated server with its own set of resources, offering greater performance and reliability.

Performance

VPS hosting typically offers sufficient performance for small to medium-sized websites and applications. However, a virtual private server may struggle under high traffic loads or resource-intensive applications due to shared resources.

VDS hosting, with its dedicated resources, offers better performance and is better suited for high-traffic websites or resource-intensive applications. With VDS, you’re assured of consistent performance regardless of other virtual servers’ resource usage.

Cost

VPS hosting is generally more affordable than VDS hosting due to the shared resource model. With VPS hosting, multiple virtual servers share the same physical resources, reducing the overall cost per virtual server.

VDS hosting, on the other hand, is typically more expensive because each server gets dedicated resources, increasing the cost per virtual server.

Flexibility and Control

VPS hosting offers some level of control over the server environment, allowing you to install custom software and configure server settings. This can include root access for full control over the operating system and server configuration. However, the shared resource model may limit your flexibility and control over the environment.

With VDS hosting, you have full control over your virtual server environment, similar to a dedicated server. You can install custom software, configure server settings, and implement specific security measures without any limitations.

Security

VPS hosting provides good security, but the shared environment may pose potential risks. In a VPS hosting setup, multiple virtual servers share the same physical resources, which could lead to security vulnerabilities if one is compromised.

VDS hosting, with its dedicated resources and resource isolation, offers enhanced security. Each virtual server operates independently, ensuring that any security issues on one does not affect the others.

Criteria	VPS	VDS
Resource Allocation	Shared resources, potential for contention.	Dedicated resources, consistent performance.
Performance	Good for small to medium sites, can struggle with high traffic.	Better performance, suitable for high traffic or intensive sites.
Cost	More affordable due to shared resources.	Typically more expensive due to dedicated resources.
Flexibility and Control	Limited control and customization.	Full control and customization.
Security	Good security, potential risks in shared environment.	Enhanced security with resource isolation.

Choosing Between VPS and VDS

When deciding between VPS and VDS hosting, consider the following factors:

Budget: VPS hosting is generally more affordable, while VDS hosting typically costs more due to dedicated resources.

Performance requirements: If you need consistent performance for high-traffic or resource-intensive sites, VDS hosting may be a better choice.

Security concerns: VDS hosting offers enhanced security due to resource isolation, making it a better option for businesses handling sensitive data.

Level of control needed: If you need full control over your hosting environment, VDS hosting provides more flexibility and control than VPS hosting.

Conclusion

VPS and VDS hosting are both popular options for web hosting, each with its own set of advantages and trade-offs.

VPS hosting is a cost-effective solution suitable for small to medium-sized websites and applications, while VDS hosting offers better performance, security, and control, making it a better choice for high-traffic or resource-intensive sites.

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on factors like budget, performance requirements, security concerns, and the level of control needed for your specific hosting needs.

Of course, there are many types of VPS hosting and dedicated server hosting to choose from. You can find a full selection of hosting categories here.

More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does creating & maintaining a VPS server require any technical knowledge?

You usually have two options: unmanaged VPS service and managed VPS service. For unmanaged VPS service, you will need to have decent technical knowledge, including the initial server setup, application deployment, and system monitoring. It is ideal for tech-savvy users. But for managed VPS, the technical aspect is handled by the hosting provider. So, you don’t need to have much technical knowledge to use it.

Can I install custom software on my VPS?

Yes, you can. It’s one of the essential advantages of using a VPS server. VPS offers you complete administrative/root control. So, you can install almost any software you want. However, you will need to consider the resource limitation of your web hosting plan, including disk space, RAM, and CPU.

What is the best control panel for VPS?

The control panel helps you simplify complex VPS tasks, automate routine procedures, and call your attention when necessary. There are plenty of options to choose from, including Plesk, DirectAdmin, and Virtualmin. However, the most popular control panel for VPS is cPanel. It provides a simplified dashboard, enabling you to perform the website management tasks easily and quickly.

However, many users worldwide are very frustrated with the massive cPanel price hike. If you want to save money, you can consider using SPanel, which is built by ScalaHosting. It offers almost the same features as cPanel. But it doesn’t charge you a dime. It is available for free with ScalaHosting’s VPS solutions.

What is the best Linux-based OS for VPS?

While choosing Linux VPS hosting, you will find a wide range of Linux server ‘distros’ or distributions, including Debora, Red Hat, and Fedora, which are great for tech-savvy users and experienced PHP/Python developers. However, if you are a first-time user, Ubuntu and CentOS are the right choices for you. They are very easy to use.

If you are upgrading from shared hosting, our advice for you is to get a managed Linux plan with CentOS and cPanel support. You will enjoy the same ease of use in web server settings & domain name administration.

Should I upgrade from shared hosting to VPS hosting?

You should upgrade to VPS service if the shared hosting solution no longer provides enough resources for your website. It will allow you to accommodate the growing desires of your site, like outgrowing resources, increasing traffic inflow, better security, more control, and enhanced performance.

Do I need to learn server administration for using VPS?

If you choose an unmanaged VPS service, you must be familiar with server administration, troubleshooting, and managing software and services. However, if you select the managed VPS service, you don’t need to learn server administration. With the pre-installed control panel, you can control most settings yourself easily.

Can I configure my VPS as a VPN?

Yes, you can use your VPS as a VPN. However, setting it up is a little tricky. It would be best if you were technically savvy to complete the configuration process successfully. Using the VPN service with your VPS account can make your website more secure through encryption.

Please also be aware that it’s not a good solution for privacy as your IP will be static, unlike a trustworthy VPN that can have a dynamic IP.

Can hosting on VPS protect my site against traffic spikes?

Yes, it can. However, you will need to look into your hosting plan’s details carefully. When traffic spikes occur, some VPS providers increase resources to protect websites. However, they will charge you for the overage.

Can VPS hosting improve my website's SEO?

Yes, it can. From an SEO perspective, a website experiencing frequent downtime will see a fall in the SERP rankings. VPS hosting ensures a higher uptime than the other hosting types. Also, it offers improved website speed, which can positively impact search rankings.

Saying that – you will want to have a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQpRU8aqSZk

Should I use CDN with my VPS?

Yes, it’s a great idea to use CDN with VPS. It will improve website speed. Also, it will reduce disk space and bandwidth usage. Moreover, using CDN with VPS will ensure that the content is distributed quickly to your website visitors worldwide regardless of their location to your website host.

Should I get the cheapest VPS hosting solution?

If you want to keep the budget low as you are still trying to grow your business, a cheap VPS hosting solution can be an excellent choice for you. With the most affordable VPS servers, you will not get the features and tools that the pricier plans provide. But with the right hosting provider, you can get all the essential features to make it work perfectly for your website.

Most of the time, you will be looking to upgrade it to a “CPU optimized,” aka “Dedicated CPU,” as your application may require that.

We would suggest you pick a hosting that is either managed, and then they’re able to tell you if you’ll need an upgrade or one that lets you identify the resource usage (unfortunately, some require additional payment, but there are free ones out there).

Edited By:
Rafi Salber

Content Editor

Rafi is the editor of HostAdvice.com, an online publication that covers the latest developments in the web hosting industry. With a background in content development and a passion for all things tech-related, Rafi has a keen eye for spotting trends and a talent for researching and explaining complex ideas in a way that is accessible to readers.

VPS vs VDS: Understanding the Differences and Which is Right for You

Key Highlights