Operating system boundary
Containers share a host kernel; virtual machines boot a guest OS. A workload that requires a custom kernel or privileged host services may need a VM rather than an application container.
What you manage
A VM often makes you responsible for operating system maintenance. An application-oriented container environment can reduce that work, but supported runtimes and access methods are more constrained.
Match the workload
Choose based on access, persistence, networking, security boundaries, and operational requirements. Neither approach is universally faster, cheaper, or more secure.
Make your next step a clear one.
Read the quickstartExplore the handbook or compare the sample plans.