{"id":4320,"date":"2026-06-01T17:15:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T17:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tryrdp.com\/blog\/?p=4320"},"modified":"2026-06-03T07:22:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T07:22:15","slug":"linux-vps-vs-windows-rdp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tryrdp.com\/blog\/linux-vps-vs-windows-rdp\/","title":{"rendered":"Linux VPS vs Windows RDP: Performance, Cost & Use Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Deciding whether to use a Linux VPS or a Windows RDP is not that difficult. You can have a personal server running 24×7 to host a website, run software, or automatically perform tasks from your own computer. The difference is in how you use the server & the hosting price. E.g., you can use the keyboard to control the server by typing in the command with a Linux VPS server, while with Windows RDP, you actually have your own virtual Windows desktop in the cloud. You can view the screen & perform tasks as you would on your physical PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the article below, we will walk you through a detailed comparison between Linus VPS & Windows RDP, so you can make an informed decision without requiring any technical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding The Terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Linux VPS<\/strong> refers to a virtual private server that runs on a physical server, sharing resources with other virtual servers. You access the server through a Command-Line Interface(CLI) on your local computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"linux<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windows Remote Desktop Protocol <\/strong>is a Windows-based server hosted in the cloud over the internet. The server you connect to has all the features of a regular PC, except it’s hosted on the internet rather than locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Linux VPS pricing plan ranges between $5 & $12<\/strong>. Companies such as Digital Ocean, Hetzner, & Vultr provide LINUX VPS plans in the specified range. In contrast, Windows RDP offers the same-sized server plans between $20 & $35.<\/strong> The only difference in the pricing is the extra cost of the Windows license fee. The user ultimately bears the cost of each Windows server, as charged by Microsoft. If Windows RDP suits your budget, you can also check out our guide on “Shared RDP Vs Dedicated RDP<\/a>.”<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"windows<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

E.g., A businessman located in Pune was using a Windows RDP hosting plan at $28 per month to run a forex trading bot. After researching, he found out that he could run the same bot using a free software called Wine, which was available at $9 per month pricing. Although the results were the same from both, he could achieve a saving of $228 yearly with this new software.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means, if you are hosting multiple servers, your savings would add up quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"windows<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How To Connect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steps to connect to Linux VPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. To locate the IP address of your server, go to your hosting provider’s dashboard. The format looks like 123.45.67.89.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open the “Start” <\/strong>menu & type either “ Command Prompt”<\/strong> or “Windows Terminal<\/strong>” into the search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Once the Windows open, type the command “ssh root@123.45.67.89<\/strong>, ” and hit the “Enter” button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Once you are connected, you will be asked to confirm. Type in “Yes” & hit “Enter.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Enter your password when prompted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Steps to connect to Windows RDP:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Press the “Windows”<\/strong> key & “R<\/strong>” simultaneously. This will open a small dialog box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Type in “mstsc<\/strong>“. Hit “Enter.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Type in your server’s IP address <\/strong>within the newly opened box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Click “Connect.” <\/strong>You will be asked to enter your username & password.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Speed Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When it comes to the speed factor, Linux is considered faster than Windows. A Linux server booting with no installed applications will only utilize 300MB of memory. On the other hand, a Windows server will use anywhere between 1.2 & 2GB of memory to run itself before installing any other applications.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Memory here refers to the amount of space you have on your desk. The higher the memory usage to run a server, the less space will be left for you to do the actual work. So, if you purchase a 2GB server,<\/p>\n\n\n\n