Hetzner and Linode are both popular choices for developers who want more value than AWS or GCP offers. Hetzner wins on compute-per-dollar in European regions; Linode wins on network quality through Akamai and port 25 open availability for email server use cases.
Provider A
Hetzner Cloud
4 wins
Provider B
Akamai Cloud (Linode)
3 wins
Across 10 head-to-head categories, Hetzner comes out ahead, winning 4 versus 3 (with 3 tied). Hetzner leads on compute value (eu), server limit accounts, aged accounts. Linode leads on entry price, port 25 open, network backbone. The best choice depends on your workload — read the full breakdown below.
Head to Head
$45 (5 servers)
$25 ($100 credit)
WinnerBest in Europe (2–3x better)
WinnerStandard competitive pricing
Not offered
Yes ($130)
WinnerOwn EU-strong network
Akamai CDN backbone
WinnerEU + US-East + Singapore
Tie11 regions globally
TieYes (5/10/25/100)
WinnerCredit-based
Yes ($180)
WinnerNo
30min–12 Hours
Tie30min–12 Hours
Tie7 Days
Tie7 Days
Tie100 servers ($999)
Winner$130 port 25 account
Strengths & Trade-offs
Where it wins
Where it falls behind
Where it wins
Where it falls behind
In Depth
Linode takes this category with $25 ($100 credit), compared to $45 (5 servers) on Hetzner. If entry price is a priority for your workload, Linode is the stronger pick.
Hetzner takes this category with Best in Europe (2–3x better), compared to Standard competitive pricing on Linode. If compute value (eu) is a priority for your workload, Hetzner is the stronger pick.
Linode takes this category with Yes ($130), compared to Not offered on Hetzner. If port 25 open is a priority for your workload, Linode is the stronger pick.
Linode takes this category with Akamai CDN backbone, compared to Own EU-strong network on Hetzner. If network backbone is a priority for your workload, Linode is the stronger pick.
Hetzner takes this category with Yes (5/10/25/100), compared to Credit-based on Linode. If server limit accounts is a priority for your workload, Hetzner is the stronger pick.
Hetzner takes this category with Yes ($180), compared to No on Linode. If aged accounts is a priority for your workload, Hetzner is the stronger pick.
Hetzner takes this category with 100 servers ($999), compared to $130 port 25 account on Linode. If max account tier is a priority for your workload, Hetzner is the stronger pick.
Background
Hetzner Cloud is a leading cloud platform. Our verified Hetzner accounts come pre-activated with credits applied and limits raised, so you can deploy production workloads within hours instead of waiting on signup approvals and quota requests.
Akamai Cloud (Linode) is a leading cloud platform. Our verified Linode accounts come pre-activated with credits applied and limits raised, so you can deploy production workloads within hours instead of waiting on signup approvals and quota requests.
Decision Guide
Final Verdict
Hetzner wins on compute value in EU regions, server limit account flexibility, and capacity for large deployments. Linode wins on port 25 open availability, Akamai network quality, and lower entry price. These providers serve complementary use cases rather than directly competing.
Choose Hetzner for European compute-intensive deployments, large server fleets at the lowest possible cost, and infrastructure where GDPR German-datacenter location matters. Choose Linode for port 25 open email infrastructure, Akamai CDN-backed performance, or if your workload only needs a few strategically placed servers.
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