Azure vs Scaleway: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Azure 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: Azure wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Cloud & Infrastructure pick. MongoDB is our free Cloud & Infrastructure 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:
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Best for you if:
- • You want best for Microsoft ecosystem
- • You want good hybrid cloud options
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • You want european cloud
- • You want good pricing
| At a Glance | Scaleway | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Azure or Scaleway?
Choose Azure if
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
- You want best for Microsoft ecosystem
- You want good hybrid cloud options
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- You want european cloud
- You want good pricing
| Feature | Azure | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.8/5 2,109 reviews | ★4.3/5 132 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureDeveloper Tools | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
The Pay-as-you-go model offers flexibility, while Reserved Instances provide significant savings of up to 72% for committed usage.
Strengths
- +Best for Microsoft ecosystem
- +Good hybrid cloud options
- +Enterprise relationships strong
- +Good AI services
- +Active Directory integration
Weaknesses
- -Confusing portal UI
- -Pricing hard to predict
- -Some services less polished
- -Documentation can be outdated
- -Region availability varies
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: Azure vs Scaleway
| Plan | Azure | 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 Reserved Instances | $21 month GP1-XS |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Azure pricing and Scaleway pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Azure
Want the highest-rated option?
Azure: 3.8/5 (2,109 reviews). Scaleway: 4.3/5 (132 reviews).
Go with: Scaleway
Value user reviews?
Azure: 2,109 reviews (3.8/5). Scaleway: 132 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Azure
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?
Scaleway is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Azure
- Larger review base (2,109 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5
The Bottom Line
Azure wins this matchup. MongoDB is our overall Cloud & Infrastructure pick. MongoDB is our free Cloud & Infrastructure pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure or Scaleway better?
Azure is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Azure and Scaleway used for?
Azure: Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows. Scaleway: European cloud infrastructure provider.
What does Azure cost vs Scaleway?
Azure is a paid tool. Scaleway is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.