AWS vs Linode: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for AWS and Linode side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, AWS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
AWS
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
| At a Glance | AWS | Linode |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | From $5/mo, billed monthly Shared CPU plan |
Category | Cloud & Infrastructure Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 17,730 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.6 336 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | Data transfer out: First 100GB/month is free, then $0.09/GB. | Overage fees for exceeding bandwidth limits |
Choose AWS or Linode?
Choose AWS if
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose Linode if
- You need hosting & deployment features specifically.
In-Depth Analysis
AWS
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
AWS dominates cloud infrastructure with 31% market share and the broadest service catalog (200+ services), but that breadth is also its biggest cost trap.
Watch out
Data transfer out: First 100GB/month is free, then $0.09/GB.
Strengths
- Pro: Most comprehensive cloud platform
- Pro: Global infrastructure (200+ services)
- Pro: Industry standard for enterprise
- Pro: Excellent documentation
- Pro: Strong security and compliance
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex pricing model
- Con: Steep learning curve
- Con: Bill surprises common
- Con: UI dated and confusing
- Con: Vendor lock-in risk
Key features
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
Linode's pricing is generally fair and competitive, especially for its entry-level Shared CPU tier at $5/month, which offers solid resources for small projects.
Watch out
Overage fees for exceeding bandwidth limits
Strengths
- Pro: Affordable VPS hosting
- Pro: Simple pricing
- Pro: Good performance
- Pro: Akamai backing now
- Pro: Good support
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited managed services
- Con: Smaller ecosystem
- Con: Fewer features than competitors
- Con: Some features still catching up
- Con: Less enterprise adoption
Key features
Plans and prices: AWS vs Linode
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AWS |
| aws.amazon.com/pricing read Oct 14, 2026 |
| Linode |
| akamai.com/cloud/pricing/cpu read Nov 7, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on AWS pricing and Linode pricing.
Key Takeaways
AWS
- Has a free plan
Linode
- Worth considering for hosting & deployment
What the data shows
On the data below, AWS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 17,730 reviews for AWS, 4.6/5 from 336 reviews for Linode).
- Linode starts at $5/mo, billed monthly; AWS has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only AWS has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do AWS and Linode compare in 2026?
On the data below, AWS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 17,730 reviews for AWS, 4.6/5 from 336 reviews for Linode). Linode starts at $5/mo, billed monthly; AWS has no public paid plan price on file. Only AWS has a free plan.
What are AWS and Linode used for?
AWS: The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet. Linode: Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing.
What does AWS cost vs Linode?
AWS has no public paid-plan price on file. Linode's cheapest paid plan is Shared CPU at $5/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between AWS and Linode?
AWS's main strength: most comprehensive cloud platform. Linode's main strength: affordable VPS hosting.
Spotted an outdated price or a wrong fact? Suggest a correction: we check it against the vendor's own page. Work for one of these vendors? Claim your listing to update it yourself.