What is the difference between KVM VPS, OpenVZ VPS and VDS?
We have three services that provide virtualized servers, but there is a difference between them, the policy we apply to them and the used technology. In this article, we will do a short review of these services and describe the differences.
KVM VPS
Our KVM VPS service is based on KVM Virtualization. The KVM virtualization is "true" virtualization, and your VPS operates as an own server. This gives you the ability to install a custom kernel, to install Windows/BSD, to use docker, etc. The resources are shared between you and the other clients on this node. This means you can not use 100% of the CPU 100% of the time. But you can use 100% of the RAM and 100% of the disk you own.
Virtual Dedicated Instances
For this service, we also use KVM virtualization. Again, here you have the freedom to install anything you want, but your resources are NOT shared with other clients. This means if you order a VDS with 2 CPU cores, you receive 2 CPU cores which you can use 100% of the time, they are reserved for your server. The RAM and the disk are also guaranteed.
OpenVZ VPS
OpenVZ is container-based virtualization, but it has advantages being faster and more effective in system resources usage, and this means a better price-performance ratio. The disadvantage of this virtualization is that you can not use a custom kernel and can not install Windows/BSD on it.
Comparison table
Check the table below to see the differences between the products.
OpenVZ VPS | KVM VPS | Dedicated Instance | |
Custom Kernel | No | Yes | Yes |
High performance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Windows/BSD | No | Yes | Yes |
Apps like docker, etc. | Yes, with OpenVZ 7 | Yes | Yes |
Plan upgrade requires a reboot | No | Yes | Yes |
Linux distro upgrade without reinstall | No | Yes | Yes |