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Pricing, plan names, free plan availability, and trial details are checked against official provider pages before being used in ProPicked scores. Vendor relationships do not change rankings, scores, or recommendations.
Provider Pricing Facts
Provider pricing facts: Hetzner starts at $3.29/mo; Linode starts at $5/mo.
Source and Freshness Note
Source and freshness note: pricing, free-plan, and feature signals are compared from public provider data and updated comparison records. Last checked May 2026.
Hetzner vs Linode: Honest Comparison (2026)
Hetzner
High-performance cloud hosting and dedicated servers at unbeatable prices
Linode
Simple, affordable, and accessible cloud computing by Akamai
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Quick Verdict:
Hetzner wins with 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. Choose Hetzner for more features. Choose Linode for ease of use.
Hetzner wins this comparison with a score of 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. Hetzner stands out for clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives., while Linode excels at clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.. This is confirmed by our feature analysis where Hetzner also scores higher (7.5/10).
| Feature | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Features | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Starting Price | $3.29/mo | $5/mo |
| Feature Score | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Top Strength | Clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. | Clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. |
| Biggest Weakness | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. |
| Best For | Is Hetzner free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. | Is Linode free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. |
| Winner | Hetzner (8.8/10) | |
What is Hetzner?
High-performance cloud hosting and dedicated servers at unbeatable pricesHetzner is a Hosting tool for teams evaluating vps hosting software in 2026. High-performance cloud hosting and dedicated servers at unbeatable prices ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.8/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what Hetzner offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $3.29/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- •Is Hetzner free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Hetzner?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
What is Linode?
Simple, affordable, and accessible cloud computing by AkamaiLinode is a Hosting tool for teams evaluating vps hosting software in 2026. Simple, affordable, and accessible cloud computing by Akamai ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.4/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what Linode offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $5/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- •Is Linode free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Linode?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
Hetzner vs Linode: Key Differences
Hetzner vs Linode: Quick Verdict
It's close, but Hetzner nudges ahead with 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. The real deciding factor is what you plan to use it for.
Choose Hetzner if:
- Unmatched price-to-performance ratio with cloud VPS starting at just a few euros per month
- Generous 20TB bandwidth included on all plans, eliminating surprise bandwidth overage charges
- Reliable European data centers with excellent uptime and network connectivity
- You want the higher-rated option overall (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- You're watching your budget — Hetzner gets a 9.5/10 for value
Choose Linode if:
- Transparent and predictable pricing with no hidden fees or egress charges surprises
- Excellent documentation and community guides for common server configurations
- Akamai integration brings world-class CDN and edge computing capabilities
- Ease of use matters to you — Linode scores 8.5/10 here
Decision Summary
Who wins in each scenario? A quick look at how Hetzner and Linode compare across different buyer needs.
Scores 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10
Scores 9.5/10 on value vs 8.7/10
Ease of use: 8.5/10 vs 8.0/10
Features + support avg: 8.3/10 vs 8.0/10
Higher value score: 9.5/10
Starts at $3.29/mo vs $5/mo
Choose Hetzner if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $3.29/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- ✓Lower starting price ($3.29/mo vs $5/mo)
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Hetzner against at least two alternatives.
Choose Linode if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $5/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Linode against at least two alternatives.
Our Take: Hetzner vs Linode
Hetzner edges ahead with a 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. The gap is noticeable but not dramatic — both are legitimate options depending on what you prioritize.
Where they differ: Hetzner's biggest strengths are clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $3.29/month.. Linode, on the other hand, shines with clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $5/month.. These reflect fundamentally different product priorities.
Neither tool offers a free plan — make sure to request a demo or use any available trial period before committing to a paid subscription.
Hetzner vs Linode Score Comparison
| Category | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
🏆Overall Score | 8.8▲ | 8.4 |
💫Ease of Use | 8.0 | ▲8.5 |
⚙Features | 8.5▲ | 8.2 |
💰Value for Money | 9.5▲ | 8.7 |
💬Customer Support | 7.5 | ▲8.3 |
Why These Scores? Our Reasoning
- +Clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $3.29/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Hetzner against at least two alternatives.
- +Clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $5/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Linode against at least two alternatives.
Hetzner vs Linode Pros & Cons
+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $3.29/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Hetzner against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. Published entry pricing starts around $5/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights cpu Cores, ram, storage, bandwidth, dedicated Resources as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Linode against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Who Should Use Hetzner vs Linode?
Hetzner is ideal for
- •Is Hetzner free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Hetzner?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
Linode is ideal for
- •Is Linode free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Linode?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
When NOT to Choose Hetzner or Linode
Knowing when a tool is the wrong fit is just as important as knowing its strengths
Skip Hetzner if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Hetzner against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Skip Linode if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Linode against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Hetzner vs Linode Decision Framework
Choose based on what matters most to you
Hetzner vs Linode Pricing
| Pricing Feature | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Starting Price | $3.29/mo | $5/mo |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Number of Plans | 4 | 4 |
| Value Rating | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
Hetzner Plans
- ✓2 vCPU
- ✓4GB RAM
- ✓40GB SSD
- ✓20TB bandwidth
- ✓4 vCPU
- ✓8GB RAM
- ✓80GB SSD
- ✓20TB bandwidth
- ✓8 vCPU
- ✓16GB RAM
- ✓160GB SSD
- ✓20TB bandwidth
- ✓16 vCPU
- ✓32GB RAM
- ✓320GB SSD
- ✓20TB bandwidth
Linode Plans
- ✓1 vCPU
- ✓1 GB RAM
- ✓25 GB SSD
- ✓1 vCPU
- ✓2 GB RAM
- ✓50 GB SSD
- ✓2 vCPU
- ✓4 GB RAM
- ✓80 GB SSD
- ✓2 dedicated vCPUs
- ✓4 GB RAM
- ✓80 GB SSD
What You Get: Plan Feature Comparison
Comparing Hetzner's CX22 ($3.29/mo) vs Linode's Nanode ($5/mo)
| Feature | Hetzner | Linode |
|---|---|---|
| 2 vCPU | ✓ | ✗ |
| 4GB RAM | ✓ | ✗ |
| 40GB SSD | ✓ | ✗ |
| 20TB bandwidth | ✓ | ✗ |
| 1 vCPU | ✗ | ✓ |
| 1 GB RAM | ✗ | ✓ |
| 25 GB SSD | ✗ | ✓ |
Which Should You Choose?
Hetzner
Linode
Quick Buyer's Guide
Based on our analysis, here's who each tool is best suited for
- ✓Is Hetzner free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:Hetzner is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Teams with tighter budgets ($3.29/mo vs $5/mo)
- ✓Is Linode free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:Linode is positioned for buyers comparing vps hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
Hetzner vs Linode: The Bottom Line
Hetzner takes this matchup, though Linode remains a viable alternative.
## Our Verdict It's close, but Hetzner nudges ahead with 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10. The real deciding factor is what you plan to use it for. ### Choose Hetzner if: - Unmatched price-to-performance ratio with cloud VPS starting at just a few euros per month - Generous 20TB bandwidth included on all plans, eliminating surprise bandwidth overage charges - Reliable European data centers with excellent uptime and network connectivity - You want the higher-rated option overall (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10) - You're watching your budget — Hetzner gets a 9.5/10 for value ### Choose Linode if: - Transparent and predictable pricing with no hidden fees or egress charges surprises - Excellent documentation and community guides for common server configurations - Akamai integration brings world-class CDN and edge computing capabilities - Ease of use matters to you — Linode scores 8.5/10 here Linode at 8.4/10 is still competitive and may be the better fit depending on your specific requirements and budget.