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PaaS vs VPS: Which Should Developers Choose?
Compare PaaS (deployment platforms) and VPS hosting: who manages the OS, TLS, isolation, and redeploys — and when Runex’s easy deployment platform is the better fit.
· Updated · 2 min read
Direct answer
A VPS gives you a virtual machine you operate. A PaaS / deployment platform productizes build, run, HTTPS, and redeploy workflows so you ship applications with less host administration.
Runex is an easy cloud deployment platform for developers — not a general-purpose VPS provider. See also Runex vs VPS.
Side-by-side
| Concern | VPS | PaaS / deployment platform | | --- | --- | --- | | Host OS & packages | You | Platform | | TLS / HTTPS | Often manual | Usually productized | | Git push redeploy | DIY (scripts/CI) | Often built-in | | Isolation design | You design it | Productized (e.g. containers) | | Flexibility | Very high | Constrained to supported workflows |
When a VPS is reasonable
- You need unusual system packages or kernel features
- Compliance or networking requires full host control
- You already have strong ops practices and automation
When a deployment platform is reasonable
- You want GitHub → production without reinventing deploy scripts
- HTTPS and custom domains should be product features
- You prefer container isolation without operating Kubernetes yourself
How Runex compares to a VPS
With Runex you typically:
- Install the GitHub App
- Deploy a branch
- Open
https://<deployment-slug>.runex.cloud - Attach a custom domain via
cname.runex.cloudwhen ready
You still own application correctness, environment variables, and external databases. You do not get a raw SSH VM as the primary product surface.
