KVM and OpenVZ are two virtualization technologies used by VPS providers. KVM provides full virtualization with dedicated resources. OpenVZ uses container-based virtualization with shared resources.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | KVM | OpenVZ |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization type | Full (hardware-level) | Container (OS-level) |
| Dedicated resources | Yes | Shared/burstable |
| Custom kernel | Yes | No (shared host kernel) |
| Docker support | Yes | Limited/none |
| OS options | Any (Linux, Windows, BSD) | Linux only |
| Performance ceiling | Higher | Lower |
| Price | Slightly higher | Usually cheaper |
| Isolation | Full | Partial |
| Swap | Configurable | Usually disabled |
Why KVM Is Better for Game Servers
Dedicated Resources
KVM allocates CPU and RAM exclusively to your VPS. Your Minecraft or FiveM server gets consistent performance regardless of what other users on the host are doing.
OpenVZ shares resources between containers. During peak hours, you may experience performance drops because other users consume shared CPU or RAM.
Docker Support
KVM supports Docker natively. You can run Pterodactyl, containers, and any Linux software. OpenVZ has limited or no Docker support.
Custom Kernel
KVM lets you use your own kernel. This matters for:
- Running specific Java versions optimized for Minecraft
- Using custom TCP settings for game traffic
- Loading kernel modules for WireGuard or other VPN software
When OpenVZ Is Acceptable
- Simple websites and blogs
- Small Discord bots
- Development and testing
- Budget-limited projects where consistent performance is not critical
FAQ
Is KVM or OpenVZ better? KVM is better for virtually all use cases. It provides dedicated resources, Docker support, and full OS access.
Why is OpenVZ cheaper? Providers can pack more OpenVZ containers on one host because resources are shared.
Does Space-Node use KVM? Yes. All Space-Node VPS plans use KVM virtualization with dedicated resources.
Can I run Docker on OpenVZ? Usually not. OpenVZ does not support the kernel features Docker requires.
Related: Best VPS Netherlands, Pterodactyl VPS setup, VPS vs Dedicated