Compare · Self-managed server
Runex vs a VPS.
A VPS is a virtual machine you administer; Runex is a platform that runs your app for you. On a VPS you handle the OS, TLS, deploys, and backups. On Runex you push to GitHub.
- No OS to patch
- HTTPS handled
- Deploy by git push
- runex
- platform runs your app
- vps
- you run the server
- deploys
- runex git push · vps scripts / ssh
- https
- runex automatic · vps you renew
- root
- runex no · vps yes
Difference
What is the difference between Runex and a VPS?
Who does the server work. On a VPS, you do. On Runex, the platform does.
A VPS (virtual private server) is a slice of a physical machine with its own operating system. You get root access and full control, and full responsibility for updates, firewalls, TLS, and deploys.
Runex is a platform as a service (PaaS). You never see the host: each app runs in an isolated container, HTTPS is issued automatically, and a push to GitHub triggers a new deploy.
A VPS wins on control and raw price per CPU. Runex wins on the time you don't spend running servers.
Feature by feature
How do Runex and a VPS compare feature by feature?
Control on one side, time saved on the other.
| Deployment platformRunex | Virtual serverVPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Server administration | Handled by Runex | You patch and secure it |
| Deploys | Push to GitHub | Scripts, SSH, or CI you maintain |
| HTTPS | Automatic, renewed for you | You install and renew certificates |
| Databases | Managed, with backups | Install, tune, and back up yourself |
| Scaling | Autoscaling replicas | Resize or add servers by hand |
| Rollback | One click | Whatever you build |
| Root access | No | Yes |
| Cost model | Free Hobby plan; paid plans | Fixed monthly per server |
Competitor details are based on each vendor's public documentation as of September 2026. Check their docs before you decide.
Decide
Should you choose Runex or a VPS?
Choose by how much server work you want.
Choose Runex if…
- You want to ship apps, not maintain servers
- You deploy from GitHub and want previews and rollbacks
- You'd rather not manage TLS, backups, and scaling
Choose a VPS if…
- You need root access or custom kernel settings
- You deploy over SSH or run unusual system software
- You want the lowest price per CPU and have time to run it
Migrate
How do you move an app from a VPS to Runex?
Move the app, then the data, then DNS.
-
You
Push to GitHub
Add a Dockerfile if the app needs system packages.
-
You
Copy your .env
Recreate each value as a Runex env variable.
-
You
Move the database
Dump from the VPS, restore into managed PostgreSQL or MySQL.
-
You
Switch DNS
CNAME to cname.runex.cloud, then retire the VPS.
More
How does Runex compare with other platforms?
Four more side-by-side comparisons. Or see every platform in one table.
FAQ
Runex vs a VPS: questions
What developers ask when they compare.
Is a VPS cheaper than Runex?
Per CPU and gigabyte of memory, usually yes. But on a VPS you also spend time on updates, TLS, deploy scripts, and backups, which Runex handles for every app.
Can I SSH into my server on Runex?
No. Runex doesn't provide SSH deployment or a host to log into. You deploy through GitHub and inspect your app with live logs and metrics.
Do I need Docker to move from a VPS to Runex?
No. Runex builds Next.js, Node.js, Python, and Go apps from GitHub. Add a Dockerfile only if your app needs system packages or a custom runtime.
What replaces crontab when I leave my VPS?
Runex cron jobs. Define a schedule in cron syntax and Runex runs the command in its own container at that time, with logs for every run.
Next step
Try Runex side by side.
Deploy the same app on Runex and compare it with a VPS yourself. It's free to start.