Netlify vs Hetzner
Netlify is web hosting and automation platform for modern web projects with serverless backend, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. The biggest difference up front: Netlify is free, while Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. Netlify is built for jamstack sites and static/hybrid web projects, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
| Feature | Netlify | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Block Storage | — | ✓ |
| Cloud VMs | — | ✓ |
| Dedicated Servers | — | ✓ |
| Forms | ✓ | — |
| Git Deploy | ✓ | — |
| Identity | ✓ | — |
| Load Balancers | — | ✓ |
| Serverless Functions | ✓ | — |
| Split Testing | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Netlify is completely free, 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: Netlify offers Forms, Git Deploy and Identity that Hetzner lacks. Hetzner brings Block Storage, Cloud VMs and Dedicated Servers that Netlify does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target any size teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Netlify's biggest strengths are: generous free tier. framework-agnostic — works with any static site generator. 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 Netlify, users commonly note that build times can be slow. With Hetzner, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay €3.29/mo from day one to use it.
choose Netlify if
- You need a tool built for jamstack sites and static/hybrid web projects
- Budget is a hard constraint — Netlify is free, Hetzner is not
- You specifically need Forms and Git Deploy
- You care about framework-agnostic — works with any static site generator
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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Netlify and Hetzner?
Netlify is web hosting and automation platform for modern web projects with serverless backend, while Hetzner is german cloud provider with high-performance servers at unbeatable prices. The biggest difference up front: Netlify is free, while Hetzner starts at €3.29/mo. Netlify is built for jamstack sites and static/hybrid web projects, whereas Hetzner targets european developers wanting affordable, powerful servers.
Should I use Netlify or Hetzner?
Netlify is the free option; Hetzner charges €3.29/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Netlify over Hetzner?
Choose Netlify if You need a tool built for jamstack sites and static/hybrid web projects; Budget is a hard constraint — Netlify is free, Hetzner is not; You specifically need Forms and Git Deploy; You care about framework-agnostic — works with any static site generator.
When should I choose Hetzner over Netlify?
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.
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