An Instant Pot is a type of pressure cooker, however, it is much safer and has more functions. A pressure cooker uses the stove for heat and is prone to explosion. An Instant Pot has many safety features so it will not explode and it has its own heating element. It also has other functions, such as saute, slow cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker. I always recommend an Instant Pot over a stove-top pressure cooker.