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.
Bottom line: Azure wins this matchup. Our overall Cloud & Infrastructure pick is MongoDB. Our free Cloud & Infrastructure pick is MongoDB. 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:
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • You want european cloud
- • You want good pricing
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Best for you if:
- • You want best for Microsoft ecosystem
- • You want good hybrid cloud options
| At a Glance | Scaleway | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 | Custom |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Scaleway or Azure?
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- You want european cloud
- You want good pricing
Choose Azure if
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
- You want best for Microsoft ecosystem
- You want good hybrid cloud options
| Feature | Scaleway | Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 132 reviews | ★3.8/5 2,109 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Azure
Microsoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Azure's pricing is quite generous, especially with the $200 credit and 12 months of free services in the Free Tier, making it highly accessible for new users.
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 (132 reviews). Azure: 3.8/5 (2,109 reviews).
Go with: Scaleway
Value user reviews?
Scaleway: 132 reviews (4.3/5). Azure: 2,109 reviews (3.8/5).
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?
Scaleway is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Azure
- Larger review base (2,109 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5
The Bottom Line
Azure wins this matchup. Our overall Cloud & Infrastructure pick is MongoDB. Our free Cloud & Infrastructure pick is MongoDB.
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.