Short answer: A VPS is a rented virtual server that can run any software; a VPN is an encrypted tunnel that routes your traffic through another server. You can host your own VPN (WireGuard or OpenVPN) on a VPS to get a private exit IP in the country you choose.
VPS vs VPN explained
A commercial VPN service shares its servers and IP addresses among thousands of users and handles everything for you. A VPN on your own VPS gives you a dedicated IP that nobody else uses, full control over logs, and the ability to run other services on the same server, but you set it up and maintain it.
For a self-hosted VPN, any small Linux VPS works: WireGuard needs very little CPU or RAM. The provider's traffic allowance, port speed, country list and acceptable-use policy decide whether it is a good fit.
See it in the data
Frequently asked questions
Is a VPS a VPN?
No, but a VPS can run VPN server software such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.