AWS vs Scaleway: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS and Scaleway 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.
Bottom line: AWS wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick. Pick Scaleway if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
Best for you if:
- • You want most comprehensive cloud platform
- • You want global infrastructure (200+ services)
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • You want european cloud
- • You want good pricing
| At a Glance | AWS | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose AWS or Scaleway?
Choose AWS if
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
- You want most comprehensive cloud platform
- You want global infrastructure (200+ services)
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- You want european cloud
- You want good pricing
| Feature | AWS | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 17,730 reviews | ★4.3/5 132 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
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. CloudFront reduces this but adds its own per-request fees. Cross-region transfer is $0.02/GB, multi-region architectures multiply this cost.
Strengths
- +Most comprehensive cloud platform
- +Global infrastructure (200+ services)
- +Industry standard for enterprise
- +Excellent documentation
- +Strong security and compliance
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing model
- -Steep learning curve
- -Bill surprises common
- -UI dated and confusing
- -Vendor lock-in risk
Key features
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Scaleway's pricing, particularly with the STARDUST1 at $1.83/month and DEV1-S at $7.99/month, appears very competitive and generous for basic cloud infrastructure.
Watch out
Managed service add-ons
Strengths
- +European cloud
- +Good pricing
- +Good bare metal
- +GDPR compliant
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Less features than AWS
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Documentation gaps
- -Support varies
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: AWS vs Scaleway
| Plan | AWS | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free Tier | $1.83 month STARDUST1 |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Pay-as-you-go | $7.99 month DEV1-S |
| Tier 3 | Up to 72% off Savings Plans | $21 month GP1-XS |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS pricing and Scaleway pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AWS
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS: 4.4/5 (17,730 reviews). Scaleway: 4.3/5 (132 reviews).
Go with: AWS
Value user reviews?
AWS: 17,730 reviews (4.4/5). Scaleway: 132 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: AWS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are cloud & infrastructure tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AWS is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
AWS
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (17,730 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Choose if you want european cloud infrastructure provider
The Bottom Line
AWS wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS or Scaleway better?
AWS is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are AWS and Scaleway used for?
AWS: The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet. Scaleway: European cloud infrastructure provider.
What does AWS cost vs Scaleway?
AWS is a paid tool. Scaleway is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.