Virtual Machine vs Container Performance: Which Is Faster Under Heavy Load?

Let's discuss a topic great for tech enthusiasts — evaluation. Today, we’ll be looking at Virtual Machines (VMs) vs. Containers. When your machine is under heavy usage, which will run the best? Let's take it step by step.

What's the difference between a VM and a Container?​

A VM is like a full house — it has its own foundation, walls, and roof. A Container, on the other hand, is like an apartment in an apartment unit in an apartment building — they share the same structure, but you have your own walls.

In simple terms, a VM has its own operating system (OS) and a Container shares the host OS. Because of this, containers tend to consume less resources and start up faster when compared to VMs.

Because those two options vary so significantly, what happens when there is a lot going on?

Who is able to handle the batch of requests better, VMs or containers?​

If your website went viral after a sudden influx of traffic, which approach would have run better? VMs, or containers?

Generally, the following occurs:

• Containers are launched very quickly; you can get a contained launched within seconds.
• Containers use less memory and CPU. They don't require a new OS every time!
• VMs provide better isolation on the kernel level; for example, the failure of one VM won't affect another VM.
• When there is heavy and long machine-load, containers generally perform much better as they can scale faster and usually consume less inefficient excessive resources.

But VMs also have their own benefits​

These points do not mean that VMs are not useful. In fact, their benefits are quite significant.

You should choose to use VMs when:

• You want to execute multiple OS types on the same physical server.
• You want a high level of complete security and isolation.
• You need workloads that are long-term and stable.

In conclusion, VMs tend to be safer and more stable than containers which tend be faster and less overhead.

So, Which one wins?​

In terms of speed and performance with heavy use, under ordinary circumstances, containers win. However, if you value security or stability more, the VMs are the better option. Both have their place — it just depends what you are doing with them.

Final Thoughts​

I personally like containers because of their speed and adaptivity, but when I feel like I want full control and security, I choose a VM.

So, if somebody asks you, "Which is better — a VM or a container?" just tell them: "It depends on what you are doing."