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Linode vs Hetzner Cloud

Linode logo

Linode

Software

Affordable cloud hosting and infrastructure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hetzner Cloud logo

Hetzner Cloud

Software

Affordable cloud servers in Europe

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Linode linode.com/pricing returns a 301 redirect to akamai.com/cloud/pricing; the service is now sold as Akamai Cloud; Hetzner Cloud cost-Optimized plans are shown as currently unavailable
  • They diverge on capability: Linode covers Compute instances, Hetzner Cloud covers Cloud servers.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linode and Hetzner Cloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Linode and Hetzner Cloud differ
AttributeLinodeHetzner Cloud
Founded20031997

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (usage-based), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Api, Cli), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Linode

  • Compute instances
  • Managed database
  • Cloud Manager API
  • SSL/TLS

Only in Hetzner Cloud

  • Cloud servers
  • Networks
  • Floating IPs
  • Backups
  • API
  • Cli support

Both cover

  • Object storage
  • Block storage
  • Kubernetes
  • Load balancers
  • Firewalls
  • Private networks
  • Terraform
  • Ansible
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • DDoS protection
  • Firewall
  • Private networks
  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Linode

  • Running Linux virtual machines on hourly billed shared or dedicated CPU plansnot Hetzner Cloud
  • Managed Kubernetes, block storage and object storage on a single cloud accountnot Hetzner Cloud
  • Hosting workloads in a specific one of the listed global regionsnot Hetzner Cloud

Hetzner Cloud

  • Low-cost virtual servers for development and testingnot Linode
  • European hosting with data held in Germany or Finlandnot Linode
  • Workloads with heavy egress, where included traffic mattersnot Linode
  • Self-hosting applications away from the hyperscalersnot Linode

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Linode

  • linode.com/pricing returns a 301 redirect to akamai.com/cloud/pricing; the service is now sold as Akamai Cloud
  • Charges accrue for any service on the account even when it is powered off, because RAM and network capacity stay reserved; only deleting the service stops billing
  • Network transfer beyond the monthly allotment is billed from $0.005 per GB and the rate varies by region
  • The Akamai Cloud pricing landing page shows no rates and directs visitors to regional pricing pages or sales

Hetzner Cloud

  • Cost-Optimized plans are shown as currently unavailable
  • The shared-resource tiers are positioned for variable usage and development rather than sustained production workloads
  • Regions are limited to Germany, Finland, the United States and Singapore, so latency to other markets is a real constraint
  • The uptime guarantee is 99.9 percent, below what the large hyperscalers offer on comparable services
  • Support is 24/7 by email, without a phone channel

Pricing, plan by plan

Linode

Free
  • Nanode 1GB$5/month
    • 1GB RAM
    • 1 vCPU
    • 25GB SSD
  • Linode 4GB$20/month
    • 4GB RAM
    • 2 vCPU
    • 80GB SSD

Hetzner Cloud

Free
  • CX11$3.29/month
    • 1 vCPU
    • 1GB RAM
    • 25GB SSD
  • CX21$6.59/month
    • 2 vCPU
    • 4GB RAM
    • 40GB SSD

Which should you pick?

Choose Linode if

  • You need compute instances.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api, Cli.
  • You also want managed database.
Linode review

Choose Hetzner Cloud if

  • You need cloud servers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api, Cli.
  • You also want networks.
Hetzner Cloud review

Questions people ask

Is Linode or Hetzner Cloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Linode starts at Free and Hetzner Cloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linode or Hetzner Cloud?
Linode starts at Free and Hetzner Cloud at Free.
Does Linode or Hetzner Cloud run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Api, Cli, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Linode for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Linode best used for?
Linode is most often used for running linux virtual machines on hourly billed shared or dedicated cpu plans, managed kubernetes, block storage and object storage on a single cloud account, hosting workloads in a specific one of the listed global regions. Of those, running linux virtual machines on hourly billed shared or dedicated cpu plans and managed kubernetes, block storage and object storage on a single cloud account are not what Hetzner Cloud is typically brought in for.
What can Linode do that Hetzner Cloud cannot?
Linode covers Compute instances, Managed database, Cloud Manager API, SSL/TLS. Hetzner Cloud covers Cloud servers, Networks, Floating IPs, Backups. Both handle Object storage, Block storage, Kubernetes, Load balancers.
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