As web usage continues to increase worldwide, the importance of online security and privacy has become more apparent than ever. One of the most effective ways to protect your online activity is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
However, with so many VPN options available, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the differences between shared VPNs and dedicated VPNs. By the end of this comprehensive comparison guide, you'll have a clear understanding of the differences between these two types and be able to make an informed decision on which one is right for your online privacy and security needs.
Shared VPN
Shared VPNs are an affordable and easy-to-use solution for users who simply want to protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content.
Pros
Multiple Users: Shared VPNs allow several client IPs to connect to a VPN server at the same time, unlike a dedicated VPN that is only accessible by a single IP-address. This makes it ideal for families who want to protect their privacy while they are online or employees who need to access their company's network from outside of the office.
Lower Cost: Shared VPNs are more cost-effective than dedicated VPNs, as the cost of maintaining the server is shared among multiple users. For example, if you're paying $5 per month for your dedicated VPN and have three other family members using it as well, then each person would be paying $1.66 per month (or $3 total). If all of those people were using a shared VPN instead, then all four users would only pay $2 total—instead of $13 total for four dedicated services!
Multiple Server Locations: Shared VPNs offer multiple server locations, which allows users to choose the server that provides the best speed and latency for their location. If you live in New York City but need access from London, then having access.
Despite the fact that Shared VPNs are a great way to get started with a VPN, they have some limitations that make them less ideal in the long run.
Cons
Security Risks: When you sign up for a shared VPN, all of your data is sent through one server, which means that all users' internet activity could be slower during peak usage hours. In addition, because multiple users are using the same server, it becomes more vulnerable to security risks—if one user's device is compromised, it can potentially affect the security of all other users on the same server.
Limited Control: Because shared VPNs don't offer as much control as dedicated ones do (users cannot customize the server configuration or settings), they aren't ideal for power users who need to tweak their settings from time to time.
Reduced Speeds: One of the most significant drawbacks of a shared VPN is that it is not as fast as a dedicated VPN. When many users are sharing the same server, the overall speed and performance may be slower than a dedicated VPN, especially during peak usage hours.
Anyway, when considering a Shared VPN, you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully and choose a reputable application that can provide a reliable service. By doing so, you can minimize the potential drawbacks.
Dedicated VPN
Compared with the previous type, Dedicated VPNs are often used by businesses to provide secure remote access to their employees and to protect sensitive data during transmission.
Pros
Better online privacy and security: Dedicated IP connections give users the opportunity to receive a distinct IP address for each VPN account they create. This means that many users can be connected simultaneously on one server, yet each user can easily differentiate between one another.
Unrestricted access: With a Dedicated VPN, you can access content and websites which are available only in certain regions, such as streaming services that are only available in certain countries.
Dedicated customer support: In contrast to Shared VPN services, companies that offer dedicated VPNs usually provide 24/7 customer support, which makes it easier to fix any problems or bugs. For example, Server & Cloud offers the widest range of handy tools for quick and qualified assistance to its customers. We described it in more detail in another article.
Cons
Cost: The quality and security of access must be paid for. Dedicated VPN is suitable for more secure work tasks, compared to a Сloud-based VPNs. It is based on using more expensive hardware to provide access and employing data science specialists.
Additional Fees and Charges: In addition to the higher base cost, Dedicated VPNs may also come with additional fees and charges. For example, some Dedicated VPNs may charge users for additional bandwidth, server resources, or customer support services. These extra costs can quickly add up and make dedicated VPNs an unaffordable option for many users.
Technical expertise required: Unlike Cloud VPN services, which typically have a user-friendly interface and do not require any technical knowledge to use, Dedicated VPN services can be more complex and require some technical know-how to set up and configure. This illustrates once again how important it is to pay attention to the fact that your VPN operator should have professional technical support.
Conclusion
The decision to choose between a Cloud VPN and a Dedicated VPN service ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. While a Cloud service offers the convenience of scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, a Dedicated VPN will provide you with greater control, customization, and security. It is important to carefully consider factors such as aims, budget, bandwidth requirements, level of security needed, and the complexity of the network before making a decision. Ultimately, both VPNs have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on the unique circumstances of each situation.
We would like to add that in terms of 2023, the demand for protection of Internet access will continue to increase exponentially. Regardless of external factors, we recommend being more concerned about security right now and ask our experts for a consultation. All Server & Cloud clients are provided with guaranteed protection of their data using our Dedicated VPN solutions.