RDP vs VPN: Understanding the Key Differences

VPN vs RDP Use Cases

As control of the machine is the key differentiator between VPNs and remote desktops, the use cases differ greatly as well. While an RDP can be used as a VPN, it doesn’t work the other way around.

Remote desktops are popular among system administrators, support personnel, and many other tech roles. As they give access to a remote machine, administrators and support personnel can solve existing issues on that particular computer.

Additionally, remote workers may sometimes use RDP if their job involves highly sensitive information. There’s no need to upload data to the cloud or otherwise move it away from the machine as remote desktops can be accessed from anywhere with the proper credentials.

VPNs, on the other hand, can be used by nearly anyone. Their primary goal is to create a secure connection between two machines. Traffic encryption is a second common feature and, as such, VPNs are popular whenever privacy and security are involved.

They are also widely used in businesses that have local restrictions for access to software or data. An internal company VPN can be used as a way to restrict access by IP address. Since a user with a VPN connection gets the IP address of that VPN server, it’s relatively easy to create security restrictions.

Additionally, VPNs are also widely used by non-business consumers. One of the most popular use cases for a VPN is for streaming services. Since a VPN connection changes your IP address, it also changes your perceived location. Streaming services will begin showing content that’s intended for that location.

Finally, VPNs nowadays come with a whole host of other features, so much that it’s impossible to list them all. Most of those features are intended to improve security and privacy of users, making them a good choice for anyone that’s interested in maintaining anonymity and a secure online presence.

It should be noted that remote desktops can also be used as VPNs. After all, it follows a similar process – you connect to a remote server. Most remote desktop protocol machines will also have some security features included as well. Since you control a remote server, the IP address will change as well.

Remote desktop protocol, however, isn’t as efficient if all you need is a secure connection and an IP change. You’ll have to make use of that particular machine for all purposes and the security features are usually not as good as on a virtual private network.

With a RDP enabled machine, you’ll likely experience more lag and delays than with a VPN. So, it’s a great solution for remote working and works like a VPN in a pinch. But VPNs are better at providing security, privacy, and IP changing.

VPN vs RDP: Pros and Cons

VPN vs RDP: Key Decision Factors

Both technologies provide secure remote access and various network security features. Whether you should choose a VPN or an RDP depends on if you need access to a remote computer.

If all you need is an IP address change and to access secure networks, a VPN is more than enough. You can then use your machine to do whatever tasks you wanted before.

However, if your needs include secure remote access to a machine with control privileges, a VPN will not cut it. Only an RDP can provide you with remote access and control privileges to a machine.

For most people that work outside of the tech industry, VPNs will be the perfect choice. RDPs are usually reserved for more professional use that can find value in remote access.