Scaleway vs Alibaba Cloud: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Scaleway and Alibaba Cloud 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:
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
Alibaba Cloud
Leading cloud provider with global infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud storage features specifically
- • Alibaba Cloud is the leading cloud provider in Asia, offering a full suite of cloud services
- • It provides compute, storage, databases, and AI services with strong presence in Asian markets
| At a Glance |  Alibaba Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Cloud Storage |
Rating | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Scaleway | Alibaba Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCloud Storage | Cloud StorageCDN |
Understanding the Differences
Both Scaleway and Alibaba Cloud solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Scaleway positions itself as "european cloud infrastructure provider" while Alibaba Cloudfocuses on "leading cloud provider with global infrastructure". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Scaleway
Scaleway makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Cloud 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: Alibaba Cloud
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Alibaba Cloud is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Alibaba Cloud
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Scaleway is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Scaleway
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Scaleway—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 Scaleway higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Alibaba Cloud more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Scaleway Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Alibaba Cloud 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 Scaleway (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Scaleway scores higher in our analysis, but Alibaba Cloud 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 Scaleway or Alibaba Cloud better?
Based on our analysis, Scaleway scores higher with 80/100. Scaleway ispaid while Alibaba Cloud 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 Scaleway to Alibaba Cloud 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 Scaleway and Alibaba Cloud offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Scaleway is paid with potential trial.Alibaba Cloud is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.