Linode vs UpCloud: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Linode and UpCloud 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:
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
UpCloud
EU cloud infrastructure with data sovereignty and solid performance
Best for you if:
- • UpCloud is a European cloud provider with high-performance servers
- • It offers cloud servers, private cloud, and managed databases
| At a Glance |  Linode |  UpCloud |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/moShared CPU | $5/monthDeveloper |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Linode or UpCloud?
Choose Linode if
Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing
- Affordable VPS hosting
- Simple pricing
- Good performance
Choose UpCloud if
EU cloud infrastructure with data sovereignty and solid performance
- Good cloud hosting
- European option
- Fair pricing
| Feature | Linode | UpCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 428 reviews | ★4.1/5 64 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
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
UpCloud
EU cloud infrastructure with data sovereignty and solid performance
Strengths
- +Good cloud hosting
- +European option
- +Fair pricing
- +Good performance
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Smaller provider
- -Less features than AWS
- -Documentation gaps
- -Support varies
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Linode vs UpCloud
| Plan | Linode | UpCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 Shared CPU | $5 month Developer |
| Tier 2 | $30 Dedicated CPU | $10 month General Purpose |
| Tier 3 | $60 High Memory | $20 month High Memory |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Linode pricing and UpCloud 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 (428 reviews). UpCloud: 4.1/5 (64 reviews).
Go with: Linode
Value user reviews?
Linode: 428 reviews (4.6/5). UpCloud: 64 reviews (4.1/5).
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 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Linode
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (428 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
UpCloud
- Choose if you want eU cloud infrastructure with data sovereignty and solid performance
The Bottom Line
Linode is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linode or UpCloud better?
Linode is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Linode and UpCloud used for?
Linode: Cloud computing with simple and predictable pricing. UpCloud: EU cloud infrastructure with data sovereignty and solid performance.
What does Linode cost vs UpCloud?
Linode is a paid tool. UpCloud is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.