DigitalOcean vs Hetzner
DigitalOcean is cloud infrastructure provider with droplets, managed databases, and Kubernetes at accessible pricing, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. Hetzner comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. DigitalOcean is built for developers and small businesses wanting simple cloud, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
| Feature | DigitalOcean | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| App Platform | ✓ | — |
| Block Storage | — | ✓ |
| Cloud VMs | — | ✓ |
| Dedicated Servers | — | ✓ |
| Droplets | ✓ | — |
| Kubernetes | ✓ | — |
| Load Balancers | — | ✓ |
| Managed DBs | ✓ | — |
Pricing: DigitalOcean starts at $4/mo. Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. Hetzner is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: DigitalOcean offers App Platform, Droplets and Kubernetes that Hetzner lacks. Hetzner brings Block Storage, Cloud VMs and Dedicated Servers that DigitalOcean does not have.
Team fit: DigitalOcean is geared toward small teams teams, while Hetzner is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Where each tool shines: DigitalOcean's biggest strengths are: includes droplets as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes managed dbs as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. Hetzner's biggest strengths are: includes dedicated servers as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes cloud vms as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
Watch out for: With DigitalOcean, users commonly note that no free plan — you need to pay $4/mo from day one to use it. With Hetzner, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay €3.29/mo from day one to use it.
choose DigitalOcean if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers and small businesses wanting simple cloud
- You specifically need App Platform and Droplets
- You care about includes managed dbs as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile DigitalOcean is designed for
choose Hetzner if
- You need a tool built for european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers
- You want to save on per-user costs — Hetzner is $0.71/user/mo cheaper
- You specifically need Block Storage and Cloud VMs
- You care about includes cloud vms as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- Your team size fits the any size profile Hetzner is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between DigitalOcean and Hetzner?
DigitalOcean is cloud infrastructure provider with droplets, managed databases, and Kubernetes at accessible pricing, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. Hetzner comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. DigitalOcean is built for developers and small businesses wanting simple cloud, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
Should I use DigitalOcean or Hetzner?
DigitalOcean is built for developers and small businesses wanting simple cloud. Hetzner is built for european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose DigitalOcean over Hetzner?
Choose DigitalOcean if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers and small businesses wanting simple cloud; You specifically need App Platform and Droplets; You care about includes managed dbs as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile DigitalOcean is designed for.
When should I choose Hetzner over DigitalOcean?
Choose Hetzner if You need a tool built for european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers; You want to save on per-user costs — Hetzner is $0.71/user/mo cheaper; You specifically need Block Storage and Cloud VMs; You care about includes cloud vms as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; Your team size fits the any size profile Hetzner is designed for.
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