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VPS → KVM VPS
What is a KVM VPS?
A KVM VPS is a favorite among developers and business owners who want strong performance, full control, and solid isolation—without paying for dedicated hardware. If you’re exploring VPS hosting and keep running into the term “KVM,” here’s exactly what it means and why it matters.
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What is a KVM VPS?
A KVM VPS (kernel-based virtual machine virtual private server) is a type of virtual server that runs on top of a physical server using KVM virtualization technology. KVM turns the host machine into a hypervisor, allowing it to run multiple completely isolated virtual machines with their own operating systems and resources.
What makes KVM stand out is that it uses hardware virtualization. That means each VPS behaves like a full-fledged dedicated server, with access to its own kernel and guaranteed system resources like RAM, CPU, and storage. You can install your preferred OS, tweak system-level configurations, and even run custom kernels.
Benefits
KVM VPS hosting offers a balance of power, flexibility, and value. Here’s why many site owners and devs choose it:
- Full isolation: Your VPS operates independently of others on the server. No noisy neighbors stealing your RAM or CPU cycles.
- Custom kernel support: Install your own OS and make low-level changes, like kernel modules or specialized software stacks.
- Strong performance: Guaranteed access to allocated resources means more consistent speed and reliability.
- Security: Isolated environments reduce risk from other users. Plus, you control your OS-level security settings.
- OS flexibility: Unlike container-based VPS solutions, you can run Linux, Windows, or custom operating systems.
- Better compatibility: Since KVM emulates physical hardware, it supports a wider range of software and tools.
How it works
KVM is built directly into the Linux kernel. It uses the host machine’s CPU virtualization extensions (Intel VT or AMD-V) to create virtual hardware for each VPS. This includes virtual CPUs, network cards, and storage controllers—essentially replicating a dedicated server environment for every virtual machine.
Each KVM VPS runs its own complete operating system with a dedicated kernel. The host OS (usually Linux) manages the physical hardware and handles communication between VMs via the hypervisor layer. This setup gives each VPS strong isolation and better performance, especially for workloads that require kernel-level access or system customization.
KVM vs OpenVZ
KVM and OpenVZ are both popular virtualization types, but they work very differently.
- KVM uses full virtualization, giving each VPS its own kernel and OS. This means better isolation, support for more operating systems, and stronger performance consistency.
- OpenVZ is container-based virtualization. All containers share the host OS kernel, which limits flexibility but makes it more lightweight and efficient for high-density hosting.
In short:
- KVM is better for projects that need OS-level control, guaranteed resources, or custom kernels.
- OpenVZ is better for lightweight applications and users who don’t need deep system access.
How to choose a KVM VPS hosting provider
Not all VPS hosts are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Performance hardware: Look for SSD or NVMe storage, modern CPUs, and ample RAM.
- Root access: You should have full control over your environment.
- Custom OS support: Make sure you can install different Linux distros or even Windows if needed.
- Snapshot backups: The ability to back up and restore your VPS quickly is a must.
- Scalability: You’ll want to upgrade resources as your site or app grows.
- Reliable support: 24/7 human support (not just bots) matters when your site is down or a config breaks.
- Transparent pricing: Watch out for hidden fees on bandwidth, backups, or support.
KVM VPS FAQs
Is a KVM VPS secure?
Yes. Because each VPS runs its own kernel and doesn’t share OS space with others, KVM offers strong isolation and better security compared to container-based VPS options. Just keep your software updated and follow best practices like using SSH keys and a firewall.
Can you run Linux on a KVM VPS?
Absolutely. KVM is built into the Linux kernel and supports all major Linux distributions—Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, AlmaLinux, and more.
Can you run Windows on a KVM VPS?
Yes, KVM supports full virtualization, which means you can install Windows Server just like you would on a physical machine—assuming your host supports it and provides the right licensing.
What’s the difference between a KVM VPS and a dedicated server?
A KVM VPS is a virtual environment on a shared physical server, while a dedicated server gives you the entire machine. VPS hosting is more affordable and scalable, but dedicated servers offer more raw power and are ideal for very high-traffic or resource-intensive workloads.
Getting started with VPS hosting
An Ubuntu VPS is a great middle ground between shared hosting and a full-blown dedicated server. You get the speed, flexibility, and control to build just about anything—without the high overhead.
If you’re ready to try it out, start by choosing a VPS hosting provider that supports Ubuntu and offers scalable plans. From there, you can deploy your server, install your software stack, and start building.
When you’re ready to upgrade your hosting to a high-quality VPS, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been leading the industry for decades, because our VPS servers are fast, cloud-based for easy scalability, and unbeatably reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.
Click below to learn more or start a chat with one of our VPS experts right now to learn more.
Additional resources
VPS: A Beginner’s Guide →
A complete beginner’s guide to virtual private servers
What is an Ubuntu VPS? →
Discover what an Ubuntu VPS is and how it offers flexibility, control, and performance for hosting websites and applications.
First 5 tasks a new Ubuntu server →
Secure and optimize your new Ubuntu server with these five simple steps