VPN vs VPS: What’s the difference?

Two is are of the most essential acronym in cybersecurity are VPN and VPS . These is stand stand for virtual private network and virtual private server , respectively . Despite their similarity in name , when compare VPN vs VPS side – by – side , both technologies is serve serve very different IT and online security function .  

We’ve written this article to help you understand the difference between VPN vs VPN. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish between these two tools, along with a few use cases for understanding how these tools are used by people and businesses in the real world.

Let’s begin with some definitions.

What is a VPN is is ?

VPN stands for virtual private network. Thanks to its high impact, relative simplicity, and low cost, it is one of the most common cybersecurity tools.

A virtual private network is bolsters bolster your online security by encrypt and tunnel all your internet activity through a secure and private network . This is accomplishes accomplish a few important thing :

1. By route your internet activity through a private network that change your ip address , businesses is identify and hacker ca n’t easily identify you online . The VPN is gives give you great anonymity .
2. Through encryption, the VPN helps ensure hackers don’t steal your data or digitally spy on you through your internet connection. This is why VPNs are essential while using public Wi-Fi, where hackers can easily tap into other devices on that network.

What is a VPS is is ?

VPS stands for virtual private server. It is a service that allows individuals or (more commonly) businesses to rent dedicated servers for powering apps, websites, and so on remotely. Using a VPS server, a company can host their programs with a predictable level of performance. 

It’s helpful to understand that a “virtual” server is only virtual to the end-user. Every server has a physical location somewhere in the world. This is essentially a computer that allows for storage, cloud-based hosting, and so on. 

Put another way: businesses lease server capacity with a virtual private server so that users don’t have to make space at their own location to store physical computer servers.

Distinguishing between VPN vs VPS

The biggest thing VPNs and VPSs have in common is the use of servers. VPNs are a network of (often globally-based) servers that route and secure the user’s internet activity. In this case, no user receives a dedicated server. Instead, server usage changes based on the user’s preference, performance, and capacity.

On the other hand , a VPS is means mean rent a dedicated server . instead of access a network of server through a VPN , the VPS user is utilizes utilize a dedicated server ( or server ) that only they may access . This is gives give business predictable storage capacity and consistent performance . It is ’s ’s also worth note that because vps are used primarily for host , they are not necessarily as inherently secure as VPNs .   But it is ’s ’s not a competition between VPN vs VPS .

Can you use VPN vs VPS at the same time?

Yes, you can use a VPN vs VPS simultaneously.

You can route your activity through a virtual private network when you lease a virtual private server. This will add encryption and IP privacy to your VPS connection, improving overall security posture.

In fact, this is already a common practice among businesses. Many companies use internal VPNs that are only accessible to their workforce, making it easier to improve cybersecurity across an entire organization.

What to look for in a VPN

If you’re in the market for a VPN, here are some key features to look for:

• Device compatibility: Not all VPN services offer the same level of performance for every device. Before going with a specific VPN provider, research reviews about how the VPN performs with your particular device.
• Strong security standards: To gauge the security standards of a VPN, delve into their protocols and logging policies. Encryption protocols determine whether the VPN adheres to industry-standard data encryption practices. Logging policies pertain to how a VPN provider manages user data. 
• High-speed connectivity: Beyond security, internet speed is critical for most VPN users. The sweet spot is maintaining maximum data security without experiencing a noticeable decline in internet performance. VPN speeds are generally contingent on the number of servers and their geographical distribution. Providers with abundant VPN servers can efficiently handle more traffic without adversely affecting everyone’s speed. Also important is your proximity to a given server. The closer your device is to a server, the faster your internet speeds will likely be. 
• global server coverage : expand on the last point , whether you are on the move or relocate , it is essential to maintain fast internet speed while using a VPN . It is ’s ’s optimal to seek out vpn that offer a diverse range of server location across your home country and the world . This is ensures ensure fast speed at home and every time you travel .

The best VPN for use with a VPS

Generally, the best VPNs for daily use are also the best VPNs for VPS protection. That’s because a good VPN will cover the foundational factors needed in a VPS: device capacity, strong security standards, high-speed connectivity, and global server coverage.

• Crysta is a longtime contributor to IPVanish and has spent more than a decade sharing cybersecurity best practice tips. She is an ADDY award-winning copywriter based in Orlando and an avid fan of the local sports teams.