Both Linux and Windows run well on a VPS. The right choice depends mostly on the software you need.
Choose Linux when…
- You run websites, WordPress, PHP, Node.js, Python or Docker
- You want the lowest cost – Linux distributions are free to use
- You are comfortable with SSH and the command line, or use a control panel such as Plesk or cPanel
Popular choices are Ubuntu LTS for broad community support, Debian for stability, and AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux for RHEL compatibility.
Choose Windows when…
- Your application needs .NET Framework, MSSQL, IIS or other Microsoft software
- You run desktop software remotely – accounting packages, MetaTrader and other trading platforms
- Your team prefers a graphical desktop over Remote Desktop
Windows Server needs a licence. Factor that into the monthly cost, and allow a little more RAM – the desktop environment uses memory even when idle.
Management compared
- Access: SSH on Linux; Remote Desktop on Windows
- Updates:
apt/dnfand unattended upgrades on Linux; Windows Update on Windows - Security basics: harden SSH on Linux; strong passwords, restricted RDP and Defender on Windows
Still unsure?
If your software runs on both, Linux is usually cheaper and lighter. Compare Linux VPS and Windows VPS plans, or ask our engineers.
