Hetzner vs Linode: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hetzner and Linode 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:
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Best for you if:
- • Hetzner is a European cloud and hosting provider known for excellent price-performance
- • It offers dedicated servers, cloud instances, and colocation at competitive prices
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
Best for you if:
- • Linode is a cloud computing provider offering virtual private servers
- • It provides simple, affordable compute, storage, and Kubernetes hosting
| At a Glance |  Hetzner |  Linode |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.044/moBlock Storage | $5/moShared CPU |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Hetzner or Linode?
Choose Hetzner if
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
- Extremely affordable pricing
- Good performance
- European data centers
Choose Linode if
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
- Affordable VPS hosting
- Simple pricing
- Good performance
| Feature | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 12 reviews | ★4.6/5 428 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Strengths
- +Extremely affordable pricing
- +Good performance
- +European data centers
- +Dedicated servers available
- +Good for cost-conscious
Weaknesses
- -Limited regions (Europe focused)
- -Support can be slow
- -Less managed services
- -Some interface quirks
- -Not for enterprise compliance
Key features
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
Strengths
- +Affordable VPS hosting
- +Simple pricing
- +Good performance
- +Akamai backing now
- +Good support
Weaknesses
- -Limited managed services
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Fewer features than competitors
- -Some features still catching up
- -Less enterprise adoption
Key features
Pricing: Hetzner vs Linode
| Plan | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $3.49 Cost-Optimized | $5 Shared CPU |
| Tier 2 | $4.99 Regular Performance | $30 Dedicated CPU |
| Tier 3 | $12.49 Dedicated | $60 High Memory |
| Tier 4 | $0.044/GB Block Storage | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hetzner pricing and Linode pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hetzner
Want the highest-rated option?
Hetzner: 4.4/5 (12 reviews). Linode: 4.6/5 (428 reviews).
Go with: Linode
Value user reviews?
Hetzner: 12 reviews (4.4/5). Linode: 428 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Linode
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?
Linode is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Hetzner
- Our pick for this comparison
Linode
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (428 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Hetzner is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hetzner or Linode better?
Hetzner is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Hetzner and Linode used for?
Hetzner: Affordable cloud and dedicated servers. Linode: Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing.
What does Hetzner cost vs Linode?
Hetzner is a paid tool. Linode is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.