Linode vs Hetzner: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Linode and Hetzner 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: Hetzner wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is WordPress.com. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman. Pick Linode 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:
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
Best for you if:
- • You want affordable VPS hosting
- • You want simple pricing
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Best for you if:
- • You want extremely affordable pricing
- • You want good performance
| At a Glance | Linode | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/moShared CPU | $0.044/moBlock Storage |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.7/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Linode or Hetzner?
Choose Linode if
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
- You want affordable VPS hosting
- You want simple pricing
Choose Hetzner if
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
- You want extremely affordable pricing
- You want good performance
| Feature | Linode | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 336 reviews | ★3.7/5 380 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
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
- +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
Hetzner
Affordable cloud and dedicated servers
Hetzner's pricing is exceptionally fair and generous, particularly for their 'Cost-Optimized' tier at $3.49/month for 2 vCPU and 4GB RAM, and the 'Regular Performance' at $4.99/month.
Watch out
Data transfer over 20TB
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
Pricing: Linode vs Hetzner
| Plan | Linode | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 Shared CPU | $3.49 Cost-Optimized |
| Tier 2 | $30 Dedicated CPU | $4.99 Regular Performance |
| Tier 3 | $60 High Memory | $12.49 Dedicated |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $0.044/GB Block Storage |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Linode pricing and Hetzner pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hetzner
Want the highest-rated option?
Linode: 4.6/5 (336 reviews). Hetzner: 3.7/5 (380 reviews).
Go with: Linode
Value user reviews?
Linode: 336 reviews (4.6/5). Hetzner: 380 reviews (3.7/5).
Go with: Hetzner
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 3.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Hetzner
- Larger review base (380 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Linode
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.7/5
The Bottom Line
Hetzner wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is WordPress.com. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linode or Hetzner better?
Hetzner is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Linode and Hetzner used for?
Linode: Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing. Hetzner: Affordable cloud and dedicated servers.
What does Linode cost vs Hetzner?
Linode is a paid tool. Hetzner is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.