Hetzner vs Scaleway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hetzner 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.
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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need vps & servers features specifically
- • Hetzner is a European cloud and hosting provider known for excellent price-performance
- • It offers dedicated servers, cloud instances, and colocation at competitive prices
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Scaleway is a European cloud provider with competitive pricing
- • It offers compute, storage, and Kubernetes with data sovereignty
| At a Glance |  Hetzner | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | VPS & Servers | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Hetzner | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | VPS & ServersCloud Storage | Hosting & DeploymentCloud Storage |
Understanding the Differences
Both Hetzner and Scaleway solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Hetzner positions itself as "affordable cloud and dedicated servers" while Scalewayfocuses on "european cloud infrastructure provider". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Hetzner
Hetzner makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Scaleway
Scaleway is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
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: Scaleway
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hetzner handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Hetzner
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Hetzner is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Hetzner
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 Scaleway 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 Scaleway 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 Scaleway 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 Hetzner or Scaleway better?
Based on our analysis, Hetzner scores higher with 84/100. Hetzner ispaid while Scaleway 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 Hetzner to Scaleway 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 Hetzner and Scaleway offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Hetzner is paid with potential trial.Scaleway is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.