VDIs vs. VPNs: A Detailed Comparison

Whether you’re working from home, changing devices, or looking into ways to boost your cybersecurity, it’s a good idea to be aware of both VDIs and VPNs. Both serve as great digital tools that help you work remotely, but they have distinct differences in the ways they operate. 

Understanding the similarities and differences between VDI vs. VPN will help you learn how to use each one and assess which tools will best benefit your needs. 

What Is VDI? 

VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and refers to software that allows you to access a desktop from any device in any location. VDI will create a desktop on a central server. From there, anyone approved can access the desktop remotely via any device with an internet connection. 

This means that many people can use the same desktop setup and applications from a number of devices across many locations. This facilitates remote work access and allows you to grow your business without having to build more physical infrastructure. 

How It Works

We won’t get too deep into the nitty gritty tech science of how VDI works, but essentially, VDI has a software layer that bypasses any existing desktop functions and operating systems. This means you can have a Mac computer, but access a Microsoft Windows desktop while using VDI on your Mac. Your physical computer becomes a vessel for the VDI to run through. 

Other components include the virtual machine, which is a foundational element of any virtual desktop system. It connects with the host server (which would be run by the company you work for if this is a workplace situation), divides it up into smaller virtual servers, and connects those with remote users. 

A second component is the connection broker, which enables the connection between authorized users and the main server. The connection broker gives you access to the virtual desktop. 

What Is a VDI Used For?

VDI has a variety of uses, mostly for businesses and remote workers. The goal with VDI is to help everyone have the same access and abilities as in person workers and to help companies cut costs. 

Remote Work

VDI allows people who prefer or are assigned to work from home to access the same desktops and applications that in-person workers would, ensuring everyone has equal access and is on the same page. In a post-Covid world, where remote work is still extremely popular, this is a huge benefit. 

The same goes for third-party workers who may need to remotely access information from a company. Rather than provide expensive hardware to each new third-party person or company, they can use VDI to cut costs and provide an easy access point into their system. 

Digital Security

VDI, like almost all technology, is not 100% secure, but working on the same desktop is certainly more secure than having remote employees work on their individual desktops. That way, the company has some control over what programs are installed and what protections are in place. 

The same goes for companies that handle sensitive information or confidential data. VDI helps secure that data and give approved people a way to securely access what they need. 

Cutting Costs

With the use of VDI, companies don’t have to spend as much money on replacing physical computers, desktops, and other hardware to ensure employees have equal access. It’s also easier to add more employees without having to spend money to expand the office or to supply physical computers. 

What Is a VPN? 

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. VPNs are great for businesses, but also have more of a civilian use than VDI does. 

VPNs create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. They route your online traffic through a remote server rather than a nearby one, masking your IP address and location while also protecting your online activity from prying eyes. 

VPNs are designed with privacy and accessibility at the forefront. Their goal is to allow you to view whatever content you desire without location-based restrictions and to peruse the internet without being watched. This is why they are much more practical for everyday, consumer use. 

How It Works

As you use the internet, your activity travels back and forth between your device and a server via a virtual tunnel. While using a VPN, this tunnel is encrypted, meaning no one can access the information inside it until it reaches either end, those being the VPN server and your device. 

Your device and the server exchange encryption keys in a process known as a “handshake,” which allows both ends to decrypt the information sent by the other. 

Here’s how the process works after the handshake establishes a connection: 

1. Your data is encrypted and sent through the secure tunnel. 
2. The VPN server decrypts your data and sends it to the website you’re using.
3. The website sends data back to the VPN server.
4. The website data is encrypted and sent back through the tunnel to your device.
5. Your device decrypts the website data for you to view.

Anybody trying to spy on you while you use a VPN will see only a string of nonsense, not what you’re actually doing online. 

What Is a VPN Used For?

The two main reasons VPNs are used is for privacy and to bypass regional restrictions (geoblocking). Some VPNs also facilitate remote work like VDI does. 

Online Security 

VPNs offer a great level of privacy and security while online. It’s very difficult for anyone to track your location or activity, meaning for both business and personal use, your work is more secure when using a VPN than when not. 

This benefit is especially helpful when dealing with sensitive information. In the same way, you can also avoid third-party tracking and unwanted surveillance by using a VPN. 

Work From Home

VPNs, and specifically remote access VPNs, allow you to connect with the company network and access materials from anywhere so you can work remotely. Add in the benefits of a secure, private connection and it’s no wonder VPNs are so beloved.

What Are Remote Access VPNs?

Remote access VPNs are the closest VPN equivalent to VDI. These VPNs are designed to specifically connect your device with your company’s network from any location. 

You will be able to access company files without having to be in office and can view data without risking company security due to the private connection of a VPN. You can also use a remote access VPN for personal use, making it one of the most commonly used types of VPNs. 

Burner VPN

The best VPN you can use is Burner VPN. Burner VPN is fast, secure, and prioritizes online privacy and security for the everyday user. It uses trusted protocols like Wireguard and IKEv2, ensuring fast speeds and strong security. Burner has 7000+ servers across 70 countries, providing you with a variety of location options and flexibility. 

With a strict no-logging policy, Burner ensures your online activity is untrackable and private. As with all VPNs, your online traffic will be encrypted and routed through Burner’s secure VPN servers, hiding your IP address and online activity from hackers. Try Burner today to experience the best VPN and second phone number app out there. 

VDIs vs. VPNs: Which One’s Better? 

Both VDI and VPNs help keep your remote connection to a corporate network secure and private while allowing you to access company material. They have similar intentions, but operate in different ways. Neither one is necessarily considered better than the other, but rather which one is better depends on your company needs. 

VDI provides a full virtual desktop experience, giving you access to applications and data and allowing all employees to view the exact same desktop. VPNs on the other hand are all about creating a secure connection between device and network. 

You will still have access to your original desktop with a VPN. You will be able to access network specific material though, due to the connection between your device and the corporate network. 

Some VDI allows you to backup files and store data, while others reset each time you log off. VPNs don’t offer this option and require users to store their own data. VPNs require administrators to set up server configurations, network settings, and occasionally troubleshoot. VDI administrators only have to set up what the desktop looks like, what’s on it, and who has access. 

VDI is considered more secure in general because, with VPNs, individuals can download files onto their own devices without oversight. Overall, VDI is best for when you’re working with highly confidential material and VPNs are best when you need to give someone access to files or resources within a private network. 

There really is no consumer use for VDI. It’s meant to give remote workers the look and feel of a corporate desktop without requiring them to be in office. VPNs offer more than a desktop copy — they allow you to privately browse the internet and bypass location-specific content restrictions, making them more appealing to the everyday user as well as the remote worker. 

You’re also free to use VDI and VPNs in tandem. Essentially, both VDI and VPNs are helpful tools to use (particularly for remote workers); it’s up to you to decide how and when you see fit to use them. 

Sources: 

What is VDI? - Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Explained | AWS

What is a VPN? Why Should I Use a VPN? | Microsoft Azure

Everything You Need to Know About VPNs and How They Work | CNET

VDI vs VPN - Difference Between Virtual Technologies | AWS