You intend to grow your website, but you’re intimidated by the technical jargon of VPS virtualization. You’re not alone, though. When deciding between OpenVZ vs KVM VPS as their virtualization environment, many individuals struggle with this decision. Choosing the best VPS service may prove difficult due to the abundance of technical details. Moreover, if you’re unfamiliar with virtualization technology in general, the choice may seem particularly overwhelming. However, don’t worry, we’re here to assist you in sorting through the confusion and deciding between the two most popular alternatives available: KVM VPS vs OpenVZ.
Keep reading and exploring to learn the KVM virtualization vs OpenVZ comprehensive comparison in 2025. We will also let you know how to turn off virtualization based security.
Table of Contents
What is Virtualization?
Before getting into the KVM VPS vs OpenVZ comparison, it’s better to understand the virtualization technology first. This will help you better understand which one to choose in 2025.
One physical hardware server may house many virtual computers thanks to a technique called virtualization. Imagine breaking up a single, powerful computer into several smaller ones. Every virtual computer has its own resources and runs on its own.
Creating fully separated virtual machines (or VMs) is possible with hardware-based data virtualization. The host (the actual hardware resource), the guests (the virtual machines), and the hypervisor (a virtual machine monitor built into the host’s firmware, software, or hardware) are the key elements of this configuration.
Because hardware-based virtualization enables the guest computers to function entirely independently of the host, it is also known as full virtualization. For instance, you may run a Linux virtual machine (VM) on a Windows computer and vice versa. Therefore, knowing about virtualization is necessary while comparing OpenVZ vs KVM performance.
Containers use the host’s kernel in addition to the hardware resources that are allotted to them, but they also have their own file systems and processes. As a result, users are unable to run an operating system other than the one on the actual server.
Such virtualization methods have countless applications. For instance, to track and examine the activity of malware samples, security experts frequently require a separate environment. Software engineers and developers, on the other hand, may test how their apps function on many platforms by using virtualization solutions.
KVM vs OpenVZ: Understanding Key Concepts
Before we get into the KVM vs OpenVZ VPS comparison, let’s now discuss the key concepts of both virtualization technologies.
What is KVM VPS?
Kernel-based virtual machines are referred to as KVM. The Linux kernel comes with a complete virtualization solution. Virtual machines that are fully separated and run their own operating systems are produced using KVM.
Every KVM virtual machine is totally independent and has its own resources. Any of the suitable operating systems may be installed, and system settings can be changed at any time. KVM VPS is popular for serious applications because of its versatility. Therefore, you must know about KVM before getting into the main OpenVZ vs KVM comparison.
Despite being free since it is part of the Linux kernel, KVM has a few useful features, such as:
- Support for CPU hotplugs
- Migration of a live server
- Management of dynamic memory
- Support for VM images
- Support from nested guests
What is OpenVZ?
OpenVZ is a Linux virtualization platform that uses containers. On a shared kernel, it establishes separate user environments known as containers. The operating system kernel is shared by several containers.
This method is less resource-intensive than complete virtualization. OpenVZ containers use less RAM and start up more quickly. Nevertheless, the same family of operating systems must be used by all containers.
Despite using the host’s kernel, they are now known as containers and function as separate computers with their own files, processes, IP addresses, libraries, and other components.
Similar to KVM, OpenVZ is totally free to use. Some of its main characteristics are as follows:
- Minimal hardware resource overhead
- comparatively simple to set up
- Effective management of resources
- Firewalling and traffic isolation for certain containers
- System for monitoring health
While comparing KVM vs OpenVZ, one of OpenVZ’s benefits and drawbacks is that it allows for full resource sharing.
OpenVZ vs KVM: Key Differences
Now is the time to discuss the main KVM virtualization vs OpenVZ comparison. This will surely help you understand which one to choose in 2025. So, here are the key differences you must know in 2025:
OS Compatibility
OpenVZ only supports Linux operating systems. The Linux kernel of the host is shared by all containers. Windows and other operating systems cannot be installed, but you can select from a variety of Linux variants.
Virtual machines based on kernels are compatible with almost any operating system. You may run compatible systems, including Windows, BSD, and several Linux variants. Every virtual machine is completely independent of its operating System and has its own kernel.
Because of its adaptability, KVM is perfect for a range of hosting requirements. When you simply require Linux environments, OpenVZ performs at its best.
Also Read: Containerization vs Virtualization: Key Differences Explained
Hardware Specifications
OpenVZ vs KVM vary from one another because they provide two different kinds of virtualization.
The server itself serves as the hypervisor required to support KVM’s hardware-level virtualization. Since the hypervisor requires processing power to operate, you are unable to allocate full system resources to the guest computers. A portion of them must be set aside for the hypervisor.
OpenVZ’s OS-level virtualization eliminates the need for a full-fledged hypervisor, and all of its containers may be used with minimal resource overhead on the host. Up to 99% of the hardware of the actual virtual private server is thought to be safely divided across containers.
Versions Of The Kernel
OpenVZ containers use the same kernel version as the host server. The kernel cannot update or change itself. The host provider maintains the kernel that all containers use.
The kernels used by KVM virtual machines are independent. You are in charge of kernel versions and have the ability to update on your own. However, it is an important point in our
OpenVZ vs KVM comparison. This flexibility enables specific optimizations and unique kernel setups.
Moreover, Independent kernel control offers better security. Additionally, it makes it possible to run older apps that need particular kernel versions.
OpenVZ Vs KVM Performance
Because each virtual machine runs separately, KVM provides great isolation and security. Nevertheless, there may be a performance cost with this isolation.
Because of its shared kernel methodology, OpenVZ is quicker for workloads based on Linux due to its reduced overhead and effective resource usage. However, security isolation and OS compatibility may be restricted by the common kernel.
OpenVZ offers little virtualization overhead and outstanding performance. Resource use have ad great decline with container-based design. Applications have very minimal latency and operate nearly at native rates.
With a little more overhead, KVM offers performance that is almost native. Features of hardware-assisted virtualization reduce the influence on performance. Modern CPUs handle KVM virtualization quite well.
For the majority of applications, both technologies provide decent website performance. In terms of raw performance, OpenVZ is somewhat superior to KVM, but KVM offers superior isolation.
Cost
Both KVM VPS vs OpenVZ systems are totally free to use and open-source. Even your home Linux PC may download and activate them.
Due to its more complex setup and greater hardware requirements, KVM is the more costly choice from the standpoint of the hosting provider. OpenVZ is popular among businesses that prioritize cost-effective solutions because of its simpler setup and lower overhead.
How To Turn Off Virtualization Based Security?
Virtualization-based security (VBS) in Windows may be turned off by using the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor, then restarting your machine. You might also need to turn off Windows Security’s memory integrity feature. Here are some methods you can use to turn off VBS security in this last section of our OpenVZ vs KVM blog:
Method 1: Group Policy Editor
- Pressing the Windows Key + R will open the Run dialog box.
- To launch the Group Policy Editor, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.
- Go to System > Device Guard under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates.
- “Turn On Virtualization-Based Security” while double-clicking.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” after selecting “Disabled”.
- To make the modifications take effect, restart your computer.
Method 2: Registry Editor
- Pressing the Windows Key + R will open the Run dialog box.
- To open the Windows Registry Editor, type regedit and hit Enter.
- Go to: “SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.”
- Locate the “EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity” key, or if it doesn’t exist, generate it as a new DWORD (32-bit) value.
- To change the key’s value to zero, double-click on it.
- To make the modifications take effect, restart your computer.
Also Read: The Future of Computing: Exploring the Potential of Virtualization Server
Method 3: Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)
- Look for “Core Isolation” in the Start Menu.
- Open the “Core Isolation” configuration.
- Turn “Memory Integrity” off.
- Give your machine a restart.
Verifying VBS Disability
- Pressing the Windows Key + R will open the Run dialog box.
- To open System, type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
- “Virtualization-based security” is the answer.
- “Not Running” indicates that VBS is not enabled.
Conclusion
It’s no longer necessary to feel overwhelmed while deciding between OpenVZ vs KVM. You now know the main distinctions, benefits, and best practices for every technology. Your own demands and priorities will ultimately determine the choice.
For the majority of users, KVM provides better isolation and flexibility. For Linux-only settings, OpenVZ offers affordable options. Both technologies have demonstrated performance in real-world settings.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is The Difference Between OpenVZ And KVM?
To put it simply, between OpenVZ vs KVM, KVM uses various operating systems to generate distinct virtual machines on the same server, which function similarly to separate PCs on a server. Though they must all utilize the same operating System, OpenVZ’s containers are more lightweight and efficient because they share the server’s OS.
What Is The Difference Between VPS And KVM?
KVM VPS offers superior performance, control, and resource separation, whereas Cloud VPS excels in scalability, flexibility, and high availability.
Which Is Better, QEMU Or KVM?
QEMU can be more appropriate for your virtualization requirements if you want cross-platform compatibility, adaptability, and user-friendliness.
What Is The KVM Disadvantage?
These consist of a more challenging learning curve, more resource needs, and possible incompatibilities with specific operating systems and hardware.