VPS vs VPN

VPS vs VPN

VPS ( Virtual Private Server) provides a virtualized server environment for hosting websites, running applications, and remote desktop access. On the other hand, VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a security technology used to enhance the security of internet connections and privacy and anonymity in public networks.

VPN vs. VPS:  A Comprehensive Comparison

VPN and VPS are different services that cover different goals. Let’s first take a quick look at the key differences between VPN and VPS and then delve into the details:

FeatureVPSVPN
NatureVirtual hosting serviceCybersecurity service
PurposeHosting websites or softwareOnline security and privacy protection
FunctionalityVirtual private server on a physical server with dedicated resourcesEncrypting and routing internet traffic through a remote VPN server
CostMore expensiveless expensive
ControlMore controlLess control
Securitydoes not ensure securitysecure online connection
SpeedFastslow
  • VPS is a hosting service, while VPN is a security technology.
  • VPS is suitable for hosting websites, running programs, software development, and storing massive datasets, while VPN is used for increasing security, protecting privacy, bypassing censorship, and hiding IP addresses.
  • VPS does not provide any security, whereas VPN is designed to enhance security through internet traffic encryption.
  • VPS allows connection as a citizen of another country, while VPN is used for privacy protection and anonymous browsing on the internet.
  • VPS offers more customization and control, whereas VPN has limitations in control.
  • VPS provides high-speed internet access without restrictions, while VPN may reduce internet speed.
  • VPS offers a static IP address instead of a dynamic and variable IP address provided by VPN.

Why is VPS more expensive than a VPN?

By buying a VPS, you will receive a server with an isolated environment, scalable dedicated resources, greater control, and flexibility.

On the other hand, a VPN creates a secure tunnel for your connections, and you incur costs for using VPN services for security, privacy, and anonymous browsing on the internet.

Why use a VPN?

Improve online security and privacy:

VPNs, with end-to-end encryption in a virtual private network over the Internet, ensure the security and privacy of your data against potential online threats and third-party tracking.

Safer public Wi-Fi:

VPN is an essential security tool for secure access to private networks, particularly while using public WiFi at airports or cafes.
A VPN encrypts data on public WiFi to prevent hackers from tracking and stealing data.

Bypass censorship:

VPN helps bypass government censorship restrictions by masking your IP address, allowing you to access restricted web content.

Access to geo-restricted content:

By connecting to a VPN, your online activities become anonymous, and you can bypass geo-restrictions on content, websites, and services that are imposed on your country.

Improved online anonymity:

VPNs redirect your internet traffic to a remote VPN server, masking your actual IP and allowing you to browse the internet with the IP address of the VPN server.

Therefore, monitoring your online activities by ISPs, brokers, and hackers will become challenging, and your private information and browser history will be concealed.

Stream content securely:

Restricted content for specific countries, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, will be accessible without lag and limitations thanks to VPN.

Protect your online banking:

Using a VPN when connecting to your bank’s website is a secure way to protect your private information, especially when using public WiFi. This is because your traffic and data are encrypted and secured by the VPN.

Can I get a free VPN?

Yes, Proton VPN is one of the good free VPNs.

However, always keep in mind that free VPNs have limitations in connection speed, data usage, and usage time.

Most importantly, free VPNs jeopardize your device’s and data’s security and are unreliable.

Why don’t use VPN?

Malware

Some free VPNs are untrustworthy and infected with malware that puts your private information at risk.

Thus, downloading such malicious VPNs may expose your device and data to hacking threats instead of improving security.

Furthermore, even reliable VPNs cannot fully protect you against malware and DNS leaks.

Privacy breach

VPNs are designed to improve privacy on public networks but cannot always guarantee online security, particularly free VPNs.
Unreliable free VPNs rarely invest in optimal infrastructure.so Free VPN options are prone to hacking and data theft; some Free VPNs even collect and sell your data for profit.
Additionally, Google or any hosted service linked to a personal account (such as social media or video streaming platforms) can also monitor your online activities, so your online privacy is not guaranteed 100%.

Risk of VPN blocking

In specific situations, such as financial transactions on a bank’s website or accessing certain services that are legally restricted in your country, using a VPN  may block your account.

Slow Speed

The slowdown in internet speed is one of the challenges of a VPN. This issue arises from the encryption processes and additional security layers of the VPN.

Fee and data caps

Ultimately, the hot topic of cost cannot be ignored; reliable VPNs come with subscription fees. Since using a VPN leads to increased data usage, you may incur significant costs on a limited data plan.

When to use VPS?

  • Consistent performance matters to you.

VPS, due to its stability, is an ideal choice for smaller workloads requiring consistent performance.

  • You need to host multiple websites with varying resources.

VPS optimizes hosting multiple websites with an allocation of dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) on a physical server.

Additionally, VPS is an efficient platform for sharing content without limitations and censorship, making it an essential requirement for any business looking to launch a commercial website.

  • You need secondary storage.

VPS is a secure way to store files and vital business data that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

  • You require more control and customization.

VPS, by granting root access, provides greater freedom in managing and configuring the server environment based on your specific needs and installing custom software.

  • You need a static IP address.

VPS, with the allocation of a static IP address, meets the needs of developers, traders, and freelancers engaged in international trading websites.

Having a VPS means having a dedicated server in another country, which, by giving the IP address of the country where your server is located, allows you to navigate the Internet as a citizen of that country.

  • You need a fast and unrestricted connection.

You can experience fast and stable connections with minimal latency by renting a VPS.

This feature is valuable for users who prioritize stable and high-speed access for their activities, such as traders, business owners, and even gamers.

  • Security of your essential data is a concern.

Having An isolated virtual environment in hosting your website or storing sensitive information or financial transactions increases data security compared to shared hosting solutions.

  • You need a development or testing environment.

VPS provides a dedicated environment for development and testing, which is exactly what developers need to test applications without affecting live websites.

  • You experience traffic spikes.

If you are using shared hosting and experiencing a rise in traffic affecting your website’s performance, VPS, with scalable resources, ensures the stability of your server’s performance during peak consumption times.

Disadvantages of VPS compared to VPN

VPS vs VPN

  • VPS does not play a role in securing and improving your online privacy, and the responsibility for securing VPS lies with you.
  • VPS is more expensive than VPN.
  • Managing, configuring, and maintaining VPS can be more complex than VPN and requires technical knowledge.

Why do I need a VPS?

VPS is a hosting solution with stable performance and scalable resources for hosting growing websites and online stores.

VPS is a valuable solution if you need to host a high-traffic website, require speed and desired performance for any reason in your online activities, or prefer customization per your goals in a server environment.

What is a VPS used for?

VPS, which stands for Virtual Private Server, is an isolated environment with dedicated resources on a physical server. It is formed by dividing a physical server through virtualization technology. Its most common uses include:

  • Web hosting (website, E-commerce, and development and testing)
  • Hosting game servers
  • Hosting email servers
  • Hosting file servers
  • running Business Applications
  • data analysis
  • Remote desktop
  • Personal cloud storage
  • Learning and testing new software or operating systems
  • VPN hosting
  • Hosting media streaming

Can VPS be traced?

Yes, VPS, like any other server, has an associated IP address linked to the VPS provider and is traceable.

Your online activities may be traced by untrustworthy providers or through law enforcement intervention through the provider.

Furthermore, through leaks like browser fingerprints, metadata, or insecure connections, your activities on VPS and information about the actual user behind the VPS may become apparent.

However, some providers offer security measures and features like internal VPNs or a dedicated IP address to conceal your activities and enhance security.

Can websites detect VPS?

Yes, factors such as data leaks in browsers, shared IP addresses used by multiple users, website techniques (Browser Fingerprinting, IP Blacklist Checks, network traffic analysis, etc.), and user behavior on the website can lead to detect VPS users.

Who should use VPS?

  • Developers need an isolated environment for software testing
  • Owners of slow-performing websites
  • Owners of websites with high-traffic
  • Businesses operating remotely for desktop
  • Users with a limited budget
  • Users concerned about security
  • Gamers
  • e-commerce sites

Is VPS hosting fast?

Yes, unlike VPN, VPS is fast as it provides dedicated resources and bandwidth, giving you significant performance and control benefits.

However, the configuration of the server, the VPS provider, and the allocated resources all affect the speed.

Are VPS legal?

VPS aren’t prohibited in any country, unlike VPNs.

Can I get VPS for free?

Some providers may offer free limited-time usage of VPS (for example, for one hour or one day) for testing purposes, but there are restrictions when using VPS services for free.

Can you trust VPS?

Trust in VPS depends on the provider’s credibility and configuring the VPS based on security guidelines.

Among hosting solutions, VPS is one of the most secure options as it provides a dedicated, separate environment from other users with advanced security.

What happens if I don’t use a VPN?

If you do not use a VPN, your private information and internet traffic are exposed to risks such as hacking, misuse, and collection for sale.

As a result, your privacy is compromised, and the possibility of online monitoring and tracking by ISPs, hackers, and third parties is present.

Therefore, a VPN is a secure method to protect your internet traffic and data when connecting to a public network.

Will a VPN stop hackers?

By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN makes it challenging for hackers to track, intercept, and hack your data and traffic.

Can a VPS be hacked?

Like any other service, VPS is not immune to cyber attacks, but you can secure it against threats by implementing security measures such as configuring a VPN on the VPS and other methods.

Is it suspicious to use a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, preventing tracking and monitoring of your browsing activities.

However, if you use a VPN for illegal activities, such as accessing illegal content, violating website terms of service, or hiding malicious activities, it can raise suspicion, and your activities may be traced through the cooperation of the VPN provider with authorities.

Which is the best choice for you? VPS or VPN?

When it comes to VPS vs VPN, the best choice depends on your goals and needs. VPS is for hosting, while VPN is for security, bypassing restrictions, and enhancing privacy by making you invisible.

Can I use a VPS as a VPN?

Yes, these two services can be integrated. The best choice is to use a VPS running Linux or MikroTik and configure your VPN on a VPS.

This way, you can benefit from the features of VPS and configure a reliable VPN for your needs without limits.

Configuring a VPN on a VPS has numerous advantages, including ensuring data security, protecting your online activity from monitoring by unreliable VPN providers, and saving money.

By investing in a VPS, you can avoid the additional expenses associated with limited data plans offered by VPN providers. Additionally, you won’t face data usage restrictions through this method as VPS provides ample resources.

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