When looking for high-performance hosting, you may see bare metal servers and dedicated servers.
They are similar but not the same. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right hosting for your business, app, or website.
This guide will explain:
What is a bare metal server
What is a dedicated server
Key differences
Benefits of each
Pricing and recommendations
A dedicated server is a physical server dedicated to you.
Features:
Full CPU, RAM, storage
Full root access
Often includes DDoS protection and control panels
Managed or unmanaged options
Use Cases:
Large websites
E-commerce stores
Gaming servers
SaaS apps
Note: Dedicated servers can be rented from hosting providers and sometimes come with virtualization options.
A bare metal server is also a physical server, but usually:
No virtualization layer at all
Full direct access to hardware
Often designed for enterprise or high-performance workloads
Key Features:
Full physical hardware
Better CPU performance
Faster storage options (NVMe SSD)
Direct hardware access (no shared hypervisor)
Use Cases:
AI & ML workloads
Big data processing
High-performance gaming
Large databases
Heavy computation apps
| Feature | Bare Metal Server | Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Access | Direct hardware, no virtualization | Often virtualized or with optional hypervisor |
| Performance | Highest possible | High, slightly less than bare metal |
| Scalability | Manual hardware upgrades | Can add virtual resources |
| Cost | High | Medium to High |
| Target Users | Enterprise, AI, Big Data | Business, e-commerce, gaming |
| Customization | Maximum | Good, may be limited by provider |
Maximum Performance – No virtualization, full CPU power
High Security – Enterprise-grade protection
Custom Hardware Options – RAM, CPU, storage tailored to needs
Best for High Workloads – AI, machine learning, data processing
Low Latency – Perfect for gaming or real-time apps
High Performance – Faster than VPS or cloud
Affordable for Businesses – Cheaper than bare metal
Full Control – Install OS and software
Reliable Uptime – Enterprise-grade hardware in data centers
Good for Growing Websites – Scales moderately
You need maximum CPU performance
You run enterprise applications
AI, ML, or big data workloads
Low latency is critical
Budget is flexible
You need reliable hosting for websites or apps
Budget is moderate
Security and speed are important
You want easier management than bare metal
| Server Type | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Dedicated Server | $59 – $450 |
| Bare Metal Server | $150 – $900 |
Bare metal servers are generally more expensive due to higher performance and direct hardware access.
Bare Metal Servers = Enterprise-level, maximum performance, higher cost, best for heavy workloads
Dedicated Servers = Business-level, affordable, high performance, perfect for websites, apps, and gaming
If you want simple, reliable hosting with full control, go with dedicated servers.
If you need top-tier hardware performance for data-intensive applications, go for bare metal servers.
