The quick answer is YES. They are definitely different. Essentially, raised garden beds allow you to create the right type of soil mixture that is balanced and prepare a garden bed with great drainage....two very important steps for gardening. Ultimately, raised bed vs in-ground garden comes down to what is best for you. The choice between the two options definitely varies case by case, mostly depending on the soil in your area. Here's a super informative resource about the advantages of both raised garden beds & in-ground gardens.