Both give you a server you control. The difference is whether you share the physical hardware — and that affects performance, flexibility and cost.
What is a VPS?
A Virtual Private Server is a virtual machine on a physical host shared with other VPS customers. A hypervisor gives each VPS its own allocation of CPU, memory and storage, and its own operating system with root access.
What is a dedicated server?
A dedicated server is a physical machine reserved for one customer. All of its CPU, memory, disks and network port are yours.
Side by side
| Factor | VPS | Dedicated |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Good; can vary with host load | Consistent and highest |
| Scaling | Resize quickly | Hardware changes take time |
| Cost | Lower entry cost | Higher, more capacity |
| Control | OS-level | Hardware-level, incl. hypervisor |
| Setup time | Usually faster | Depends on stock and build |
Guidance for VoIP workloads
- Small PBX or SBC: a VPS with modest CPU is usually enough; prioritise network quality and location.
- Busy softswitch or dialer: real-time media is sensitive to CPU contention, so larger VPS plans or dedicated servers are safer.
- Call recording at scale: plan storage and I/O carefully; dedicated servers with RAID help.
- Location: host close to your users and voice routes to reduce latency.
Questions to ask
- How many concurrent users, calls or requests do you expect?
- Do you need consistent performance for real-time media or databases?
- Who will manage the operating system and security updates?
- What is your backup and recovery plan?
Still unsure? Describe your workload and we will recommend an option.