Linux vs Windows VPS — which stack is best for your workload?
Both run on KVM with AMD EPYC/Ryzen and Gen4 NVMe. Choose the platform that matches your frameworks, panel, and budget. This page breaks down performance, features, licensing, and total cost.
Quick recommender
Pick Linux if you need…
- PHP/FPM, Node.js, Python, Go
- Nginx/Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, Redis
- WordPress, WooCommerce, Laravel
- Lower RAM footprint & license-free OS
- Docker/K8s & CLI-first workflows (SSH)
Pick Windows if you need…
- ASP.NET / .NET 6/8 on IIS
- Classic .NET Framework apps
- MSSQL Server (Web/Std) & Windows auth
- RDP/GUI admin & PowerShell/WinRM
- Plesk for Windows & AD roles support
Linux VPS — performance & flexibility
Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux. SSH root, Nginx/Apache, PHP-FPM, MariaDB/MySQL, Redis. Ideal for WordPress, Laravel, Node, APIs.
Windows VPS — .NET & IIS ready
Windows Server 2022/2019, IIS, RDP out-of-the-box, PowerShell/WinRM. Optional MSSQL & Plesk for Windows.
Deep technical comparison
| Area | Linux VPS | Windows VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel & OS | Linux kernel (LTS), Ubuntu/Debian/Alma • license-free | Windows Server 2022/2019 • licensed images (add-on) |
| Admin Access | SSH (root), CLI-first, systemd, package managers (apt/dnf) | RDP/GUI, PowerShell/WinRM, Server Manager |
| Web Stack | Nginx/Apache, PHP-FPM 8.x, Node.js, Python, Go | IIS, ASP.NET/.NET 6/8, classic .NET Framework |
| Databases | MariaDB/MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, SQLite | MSSQL (Web/Std), MySQL for Windows, Redis (port) |
| Control Panels | cPanel/WHM, Plesk, CyberPanel | Plesk for Windows |
| Containers | Docker/K8s widely adopted | Docker Desktop/Server for Windows (support varies by workload) |
| Performance Overhead | Lower baseline RAM/CPU overhead; lean services | Higher baseline RAM due to GUI & services; plan +1–2 GB vs Linux |
| Licensing | No OS license cost | Windows Server license (add-on); MSSQL/Plesk extra |
| Use-case Fit | WordPress, Woo, PHP apps, APIs, microservices, CI/CD | ASP.NET sites, legacy .NET apps, Windows-only stacks, RDP tools |
| Security | SSH keys, fail2ban, iptables/nftables, SELinux/AppArmor | Windows Defender, firewall rules, GPO, RDP policies |
| Media/FFmpeg | FFmpeg native, HLS/DASH toolchains widely available | FFmpeg builds available; IIS media extensions optional |
| Automation | bash/zsh, Ansible, Terraform, cloud-init | PowerShell, DSC, Terraform (Win), cloud-init (supported images) |
| Networking | IPv4 included; IPv6 optional; rDNS/PTR; private nets | IPv4 included; IPv6 optional; rDNS/PTR; private nets |
| TCO Considerations | Lower cost per vCPU/RAM • no OS license | OS + possible MSSQL/Plesk licenses; size up RAM for comfort |
Licensing notes — Linux
- OS license cost: €0
- cPanel/Plesk/CyberPanel available (paid/free depending on panel)
- Open-source packages via apt/dnf
Licensing notes — Windows
- Windows Server license: add-on per VPS
- MSSQL editions (Web/Std) optional add-on
- Plesk for Windows optional add-on
Stacks & tooling
Web & runtime
- Nginx/Apache + PHP-FPM 8.x
- Node.js (LTS) & PM2
- Python 3.x (uWSGI/Gunicorn)
- HTTP/2/3, Brotli, TLS 1.3
Data & caching
- MariaDB/MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Redis/Memcached
- Backup snapshots & schedules
- rDNS/PTR, private nets
Web & runtime
- IIS + ASP.NET / .NET 6/8
- Classic .NET Framework apps
- RDP out-of-the-box
- TLS 1.3, HTTP/2 (IIS)
Data & tooling
- MSSQL Server (Web/Std)
- PowerShell / WinRM
- Snapshots & backups
- rDNS/PTR, private nets
FAQ — Linux vs Windows
Which is faster?
For most web stacks (PHP/Node/Python), Linux is typically faster due to lower baseline RAM/CPU overhead and mature tooling. Windows is optimal for IIS/.NET workloads—plan an extra 1-2 GB RAM vs an equivalent Linux build.
Do I need a license?
Linux OS is license-free. Windows requires a Server license (add-on). If you add MSSQL or Plesk for Windows, those are additional licenses.
Can I migrate later?
Yes, but cross-platform migrations (Linux ⇄ Windows) may require stack changes (web server, runtime, database drivers). We provide free advisory and human migrations.
Which control panel is best?
Linux: cPanel/WHM (hosting), Plesk, or free CyberPanel. Windows: Plesk for Windows integrates IIS, mail, and MSSQL tools.
Still not sure? Tell us your stack—we’ll recommend the best fit.
WordPress/Laravel/Node → Linux • ASP.NET/MSSQL/IIS → Windows