KVM VPS vs. OpenVZ VPS

We offer managed KVM VPS.

KVM offers enterprise-class full virtualization and superior performance. OpenVZ, on the other hand, provides container-based virtualization.

ˆ We do not offer OpenVZ VPS plans. The comparison is used for reference.

Virtualization

KVM offers full virtualization. A KVM VPS is isolated from other virtual machines on the same hardware and runs on its dedicated kernel and file system.

OpenVZ, on the other hand, offers container-based virtualization. It uses the main OpenVZ kernel of the node and distributes resources to the containers. All containers share the same filesystem which is generally mounted at "/vz" on the node.

VPS Isolation

Since a KVM VPS is entirely isolated and runs on its dedicated kernel, it is not affected by an abusive neighbor. For example, if the load of a KVM VPS is high, it would not directly carry over to other virtual machines hosted on the node.

Since an OpenVZ VPS runs on the shared kernel of the node it can be affected by an abusive neighbor. For example, if the load of an OpenVZ is high, it could also slow down other containers on the node.

VPS File System

Since a KVM VPS runs on its dedicated filesystem, we get more flexibility to format the partitions.

An OpenVZ VPS relies on the shared file system which is generally mounted at "/vz" on the parent node.

VPS Uptime

A KVM VPS offers superior uptime since it runs on its dedicated kernel and resources.

Theoretically an OpenVZ VPS should offer similar uptime however the single shared kernel has to process the operations of all containers. Combine it with the fact that an abusive neighbor can affect the uptime of an OpenVZ VPS. For practical purposes, individuals and organizations prefer KVM over OpenVZ for reliability.

VPS Cost

A KVM VPS costs more than an OpenVZ VPS with similar specifications.