Linode vs Scaleway: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Linode 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: Linode 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:
Linode
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
Best for you if:
- • You want affordable VPS hosting
- • You want simple pricing
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • You want european cloud
- • You want good pricing
| At a Glance | Linode | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/moShared CPU | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Linode or Scaleway?
Choose Linode if
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
- You want affordable VPS hosting
- You want simple pricing
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- You want european cloud
- You want good pricing
- Budget matters ($1.83/month vs $5/mo)
| Feature | Linode | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 336 reviews | ★4.3/5 132 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
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: Linode vs Scaleway
| Plan | Linode | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 Shared CPU | $1.83 month STARDUST1 |
| Tier 2 | $30 Dedicated CPU | $7.99 month DEV1-S |
| Tier 3 | $60 High Memory | $21 month GP1-XS |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Linode pricing and Scaleway pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Linode
Want the highest-rated option?
Linode: 4.6/5 (336 reviews). Scaleway: 4.3/5 (132 reviews).
Go with: Linode
Value user reviews?
Linode: 336 reviews (4.6/5). Scaleway: 132 reviews (4.3/5).
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 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Linode
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (336 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Choose if you want european cloud infrastructure provider
The Bottom Line
Linode wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linode or Scaleway better?
Linode is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Linode and Scaleway used for?
Linode: Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing. Scaleway: European cloud infrastructure provider.
What does Linode cost vs Scaleway?
Linode is a paid tool. Scaleway is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.