Alibaba Cloud vs Hetzner: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Alibaba Cloud and Hetzner comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Alibaba Cloud
Leading cloud provider with global infrastructure
Best for you if:
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 80/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Alibaba Cloud | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both Alibaba Cloud and Hetzner solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Alibaba Cloud positions itself as "leading cloud provider with global infrastructure" while Hetznerfocuses on "affordable cloud and dedicated servers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Hetzner
Hetzner is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Hetzner
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hetzner is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Hetzner
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Alibaba Cloud is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Alibaba Cloud
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Hetzner—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Hetzner higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Hetzner more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Hetzner Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Alibaba Cloud If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Hetzner (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Hetzner scores higher in our analysis, but Alibaba Cloud might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alibaba Cloud or Hetzner better?
Based on our analysis, Hetzner scores higher with 84/100. Alibaba Cloud ispaid while Hetzner is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Alibaba Cloud to Hetzner easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Alibaba Cloud and Hetzner offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Alibaba Cloud is paid with potential trial.Hetzner is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.