Fly.io vs Hetzner
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. The biggest difference up front: Fly.io is free, while Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
| Feature | Fly.io | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Block Storage | — | ✓ |
| Cloud VMs | — | ✓ |
| Dedicated Servers | — | ✓ |
| Edge Computing | ✓ | — |
| GPU Support | ✓ | — |
| Global Deploy | ✓ | — |
| Load Balancers | — | ✓ |
| Machines API | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Fly.io is completely free (Generous free tier), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Fly.io offers Edge Computing, GPU Support and Global Deploy that Hetzner lacks. Hetzner brings Block Storage, Cloud VMs and Dedicated Servers that Fly.io does not have.
Team fit: Fly.io 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: Fly.io's biggest strengths are: includes edge computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes global deploy 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 Fly.io, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Hetzner, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay €3.29/mo from day one to use it.
choose Fly.io if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally
- Budget is a hard constraint — Fly.io is free, Hetzner is not
- You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support
- You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Fly.io is designed for
choose Hetzner if
- You need a tool built for european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers
- 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 Fly.io and Hetzner?
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. The biggest difference up front: Fly.io is free, while Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
Should I use Fly.io or Hetzner?
Fly.io is the free option; Hetzner charges €3.29/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Fly.io over Hetzner?
Choose Fly.io if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally; Budget is a hard constraint — Fly.io is free, Hetzner is not; You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support; You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Fly.io is designed for.
When should I choose Hetzner over Fly.io?
Choose Hetzner if You need a tool built for european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers; 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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