Scaleway vs Azure: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Scaleway and Azure 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:
- • Scaleway is a European cloud provider with competitive pricing
- • It offers compute, storage, and Kubernetes with data sovereignty
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Best for you if:
- • Azure is Microsoft's cloud computing platform competing with AWS and Google Cloud
- • It offers 200+ services for compute, AI, databases, and enterprise integration
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 | Custom |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Scaleway or Azure?
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- European cloud
- Good pricing
- Good bare metal
Choose Azure if
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
- Best for Microsoft ecosystem
- Good hybrid cloud options
- Enterprise relationships strong
| Feature | Scaleway | Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 65 reviews | ★4.4/5 97,447 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
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
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Strengths
- +Best for Microsoft ecosystem
- +Good hybrid cloud options
- +Enterprise relationships strong
- +Good AI services
- +Active Directory integration
Weaknesses
- -Confusing portal UI
- -Pricing hard to predict
- -Some services less polished
- -Documentation can be outdated
- -Region availability varies
Key features
Pricing: Scaleway vs Azure
| Plan | Scaleway | Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $1.83 month STARDUST1 | 0 Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | $7.99 month DEV1-S | Usage-based Pay-as-you-go |
| Tier 3 | $21 month GP1-XS | Up to 72% off Reserved Instances |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Scaleway pricing and Azure pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Azure
Want the highest-rated option?
Scaleway: 4.3/5 (65 reviews). Azure: 4.4/5 (97,447 reviews).
Go with: Azure
Value user reviews?
Scaleway: 65 reviews (4.3/5). Azure: 97,447 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Azure
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?
Azure is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Azure
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (97,447 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Choose if you want european cloud infrastructure provider
The Bottom Line
Azure is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scaleway or Azure better?
Azure is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Scaleway and Azure used for?
Scaleway: European cloud infrastructure provider. Azure: Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows.
What does Scaleway cost vs Azure?
Scaleway is a paid tool. Azure is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.
