Vultr vs Linode (Akamai)
Vultr is cloud infrastructure with compute, storage, and Kubernetes across 30+ global locations, while Linode (Akamai) is cloud hosting provider with virtual machines, Kubernetes, and managed databases. Vultr comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Vultr is built for developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations, whereas Linode (Akamai) targets developers wanting straightforward linux cloud hosting.
| Feature | Vultr | Linode (Akamai) |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Bare Metal | ✓ | — |
| Cloud Compute | ✓ | — |
| Global | ✓ | — |
| Kubernetes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux VMs | — | ✓ |
| Managed DBs | — | ✓ |
| Object Storage | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Vultr starts at $2.50/mo. Linode (Akamai) starts at $5/mo. Vultr is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Vultr offers Bare Metal, Cloud Compute and Global that Linode (Akamai) lacks. Linode (Akamai) brings Linux VMs, Managed DBs and Object Storage that Vultr does not have. Both share Kubernetes.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Vultr's biggest strengths are: includes cloud compute as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. Linode (Akamai)'s biggest strengths are: includes linux vms as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
Watch out for: With Vultr, users commonly note that no free plan — you need to pay $2.50/mo from day one to use it. With Linode (Akamai), the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $5/mo from day one to use it.
choose Vultr if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations
- You want to save on per-user costs — Vultr is $2.50/user/mo cheaper
- You specifically need Bare Metal and Cloud Compute
- You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
choose Linode (Akamai) if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting straightforward linux cloud hosting
- You specifically need Linux VMs and Managed DBs
- You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
frequently asked
What is the difference between Vultr and Linode (Akamai)?
Vultr is cloud infrastructure with compute, storage, and Kubernetes across 30+ global locations, while Linode (Akamai) is cloud hosting provider with virtual machines, Kubernetes, and managed databases. Vultr comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Vultr is built for developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations, whereas Linode (Akamai) targets developers wanting straightforward linux cloud hosting.
Should I use Vultr or Linode (Akamai)?
Vultr is built for developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations. Linode (Akamai) is built for developers wanting straightforward linux cloud hosting. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Vultr over Linode (Akamai)?
Choose Vultr if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations; You want to save on per-user costs — Vultr is $2.50/user/mo cheaper; You specifically need Bare Metal and Cloud Compute; You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
When should I choose Linode (Akamai) over Vultr?
Choose Linode (Akamai) if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting straightforward linux cloud hosting; You specifically need Linux VMs and Managed DBs; You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
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