It’s important to understand how VPS vs VPN vary from one another in 2025, despite their similar names. Although the term “virtual” appears in both of their names, they are not very similar. VPS is an offline, dedicated operating system. As a service, it is provided. In addition, a VPN is a system of specialized servers that makes it easier to access the Internet. A VPN is a service, while a VPS is a machine.
At first glance, there is only one letter that separates VPS server VPN, and it is usual to confuse the two. You cannot substitute one service for the other, though, because they are so different.
Keep reading and exploring to learn VPN vs VPS detailed comparison, Pros & Cons, and which is better for you in 2025.
Table of Contents
VPN vs VPS: Understanding the Servers
Before we get into the VPN vs VPS comparison, let’s understand the services first.
What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
VPN serves to improve security, safeguard user privacy online, and get around regional content access limitations. Many people, companies, and organizations utilize this technology to protect their internet activity and preserve secrecy.
Establishing a safe tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN server is the main purpose of a VPN. This tunnel, formed using sophisticated encryption algorithms, shields the information in transit between the device and the server. Any information transmitted via this tunnel is therefore shielded from potential internet dangers like hacking and eavesdropping. That is why having VPS vs VPN comparison is necessary.
A new IP address is assigned to the user’s device by the VPN server when they join, masking their real IP address. Usually, this new IP address is linked to the VPN server’s physical location, which may be in a different nation or area. This efficiently conceals the user’s actual location and identity by making their online activity seem to come from the VPN server.
What is VPS (Virtual Private Server)
A VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. It is a web hosting platform that divides a costly, large dedicated server into smaller parts. Similar to a tiny dedicated server, a virtual private server (VPS) offers all the features of a dedicated server without the cost. It is helpful to offer consumers VPS plans that offer the same advantages as dedicated web hosting. VPS hosting packages only take up a small portion of a server. Depending on the setup, there are several types of server hosting. It consists of:
- Shared Server Hosting
- Dedicated server hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Cloud VPS Hosting
A hypervisor, a software layer that enables several virtual machines (VMs) to operate concurrently on a single physical server, is the foundation of the virtualization technology used in VPS hosting. Based on preset specifications, the hypervisor allots resources to each virtual machine (VM), including CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth. By ensuring that every virtual machine has its own resources, this keeps one VM from impairing the performance of another.
Therefore, in contrast to VPS vs VPN shared hosting, VPS hosting offers a more dependable and stable hosting environment.
Users may install and configure any program that is compatible with the selected operating system since they have complete root access to their virtual server in a VPS hosting environment. This degree of control is less expensive than having a dedicated server.
VPS vs VPN: Pros & Cons
Let’s now discuss the pros & cons of a dedicated server for VPN vs VPS, before we get into a straight comparison.
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
Here are the pros and cons of a VPS hosting environment:
Pros of VPS include:
- It’s the most effective approach for startups and expanding companies to manage their websites.
- Unlike social media or hosted blogs, which block some content on their platforms, there are no restrictions.
- Dedicated resources will make your website operate more quickly.
- You may establish a private network and configure a VPN on your VPS.
- As your company expands, you may increase your resources.
- For smaller enterprises, it offers the same quality at a lower cost than special dedicated servers.
Cons of VPS include:
- It costs a little more than shared servers.
- Those without technological expertise may find it challenging to set up and operate a VPS.
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
Let’s now discuss the VPS pros and cons, before getting into the VPS vs VPN comparison.
Pros of VPN include:
- Improves privacy and security when using the Internet.
- Circumvents geographical limitations, network blocks, and Internet censorship.
- It’s simple to use.
- VPN applications are straightforward to use globally and are cross-platform.
- With a VPN, you may access the Internet from any nation or location.
Cons of VPN include:
- Your data use will increase as a result, leading to surprisingly expensive prices for plans with restricted data.
- The speed of the Internet can be considerably reduced by using free VPN services.
- VPN service providers may put your data at risk by making minor changes to the system. They increase privacy, but they might potentially compromise the security of your connection.
- If you do not want a VPN to slow down your Internet connection, you will need to pay monthly or annual membership fees.
Also Read: VPN vs Proxy: Which One Should You Use?
VPS vs VPN: Key Differences
Let’s now discuss the VPS vs VPN for Gaming and many more differences so that you can better understand both.
Security
You have control over your VPS security, just like you do with home security. You decide who receives the keys to the front door (access controls), the security system (antivirus), and the locks (firewalls). Because of this control, you may make your server as safe as you want it to be, but you also have to keep it that way.
Hiring a security provider is more similar to VPN security. Your VPN service takes care of the technical aspects, automatically encrypting your data and safeguarding your privacy. You may log in and use a web browser safely without configuring security settings.
Performance And Speed
The resources you select will affect the VPS’s performance. Your programs will run more smoothly if you have more CPU power, RAM, and storage. You may update your plan to include extra resources when your tasks require more strength.
In actuality, a VPN somewhat slows down your current internet connection. Things may go a little more slowly due to the encryption process and the distance to VPN servers. However, with a good VPN service, this difference is seldom perceptible for the majority of users.
VPS vs VPN For Gaming
VPS vs VPN for gaming is the major difference between them. If you want to create your own game server for a more seamless experience with dedicated resources, you would usually go with a gaming virtual private server (VPS). By passing your traffic through a separate server, a gaming VPN server allows you to connect to games with shorter ping times and more security. While a VPS offers a virtual server to run apps or host games, a VPN secures your IP address and encrypts your connection.
Technical Differences
You may make better selections regarding your internet demands if you are aware of these distinctions. A VPS provides you with total control but necessitates additional technical expertise. You will install software, maintain operating systems, and deal with security updates. Modern control panels make these duties surprisingly simple, despite their intimidating tone.
VPNs, on the other hand of VPS vs VPN, function immediately. You’re safe after you click connect. No program installation, server administration, or security setups are required. Because of their ease of use, VPNs may be used by both novice internet users and IT specialists.
Cost Considerations
The pricing schemes are very different. Your usage of computing power determines the cost of your VPS; the more power you use, the higher the cost. However, you’re receiving storage space, real computer power, and the capacity to host several projects. Numerous consumers discover that a single VPS may take the place of multiple services they now pay for individually.
The cost of a VPN is typically less complicated and consists of a fixed monthly or annual charge. Faster servers or more features may cost more, but the core service is always the same. Long-term privacy protection is more inexpensive with certain providers’ discounts on longer subscriptions.
Also Read: Ultimate VPN Guide Gives You Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Private Networks
VPN vs VPS: Which Is the Best Choice for You?
The best option is a VPN if:
- You wish to show up somewhere else.
- Make sure your connection is encrypted.
- Keep your data safe.
- It can increase the speed of your connections.
A VPS is the best option. If you:
- Are you trying to find a strong web hosting option for your company?
- Have outgrown shared hosting
- Lacking the funds to purchase a dedicated server
VPS vs VPN: Both offer great value for the money. But, as you now know, they have rather distinct functions. Thankfully, combining technologies can yield the best results.
Conclusion
For different tasks, a VPN and a VPS are rather distinct instruments. Moreover, both VPS vs VPN are available; one is for hosting, while the other is for safely connecting. However, if you want to have it both ways, a Temok VPS account with an OpenVPN connectivity is a dependable choice. With any luck, you now have a great understanding of how VPNs and VPS hosting operate as well as the special purposes they fulfill. That’s how VPN and what is VPS used for in 2025.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I Use My VPS As a VPN?
By installing VPN software, like OpenVPN, on your Virtual Private Server (VPS), you may use it as a VPN server to encrypt and redirect your internet traffic.
Can VPS Be Traced?
Indeed, a VPS’s public IP address, server log files, and service provider data may all be used to track it down.
Does VPS Have VPN?
No, a virtual private server (VPS) is not the same as a virtual private network (VPN). However, you may set up a VPN service on a VPS to establish a private VPN connection.
Is VPS Good For Hosting?
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is beneficial for hosting as it provides a well-rounded solution with dedicated resources.