Besides the service model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), cloud is also described by where it runs and who owns it. This guide compares public vs private vs hybrid cloud, plus multi-cloud, so you can match the model to your budget, compliance needs and skills.
Before you start
- Read IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS for the service models.
Public cloud
Resources run on a provider's shared infrastructure and are rented on demand.
- Pros: no hardware to buy, scale up or down quickly, global locations.
- Cons: costs can grow with usage and data transfer, less control over the underlying hardware.
- Good for: websites, startups, variable workloads.
Private cloud
Cloud-style self-service and automation on infrastructure dedicated to one organisation, in its own data centre or on dedicated servers.
- Built with: Proxmox VE, OpenStack, VMware, or a KVM cluster with a panel. See Proxmox cluster setup.
- Pros: full control, predictable cost at steady load, data stays where you decide.
- Cons: you need staff and capacity planning; scaling means buying hardware.
Hybrid cloud
A mix of private and public cloud connected by networking and shared tooling.
- Keep sensitive databases private and burst web front ends to public cloud at peak times.
- Use public cloud for backups and disaster recovery of private systems.
- Requires consistent identity, networking (VPN or private links) and monitoring across both.
Multi-cloud
Using two or more public providers, for redundancy, regional reach or best-of-breed services. It reduces dependence on one vendor but adds complexity.
Comparison
| Public | Private | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware ownership | Provider | You or dedicated to you | Both |
| Upfront cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Scaling | Fast | Limited by capacity | Flexible |
| Control and compliance | Shared responsibility | Highest | High for private part |
| Complexity | Low | Medium–high | High |
Frequently asked questions
Is a VPS public cloud?
Broadly yes: it runs on a provider's shared virtualized infrastructure.
Is private cloud more secure?
Not automatically. It gives more control, but security depends on how well you run it.
What is the cheapest option?
For small or variable workloads, public cloud or VPS hosting. For large steady workloads, private infrastructure can cost less over time.