Hetzner vs Linode: Which is Better in 2026?

An unbiased, data-driven comparison for cloud infra teams

Verified April 26, 2026 Unbiased research Real buyer data Free to read
TL;DR - Choose Hetzner if you prioritize high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. Opt for Linode if you're looking for a more affordable option with a wide range of features and a large community of users.
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Quick Comparison

Feature HetznerTop PickLinode
Pricing €1.49/month$5/month
Free Trial YesYes
Best For High-performance infrastructureAffordable cloud infrastructure
Integrations 100+50+
Support 24/724/7
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Our Top Pick

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Hetzner Top Pick

Hetzner is a German-based cloud infrastructure provider that offers a range of services, including virtual private servers, dedicated servers, and cloud storage. Their platform is known for its high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and user-friendly interface.

Pros

  • High-performance infrastructure
  • Robust security features
  • User-friendly interface
  • 24/7 support

Cons

  • Limited scalability options
  • No free plan

Pricing: Hetzner offers a range of pricing plans, starting at €1.49/month for a basic virtual private server and going up to €99.99/month for a dedicated server. They also offer a free trial for new customers.

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Linode

Linode is a US-based cloud infrastructure provider that offers a range of services, including virtual private servers, dedicated servers, and cloud storage. Their platform is known for its affordability, flexibility, and large community of users.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Flexible scalability options
  • Large community of users
  • 24/7 support

Cons

  • Limited security features
  • Complex interface

Pricing: Linode offers a range of pricing plans, starting at $5/month for a basic virtual private server and going up to $1000/month for a dedicated server. They also offer a free trial for new customers.

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Our Verdict: Based on our evaluation, Hetzner is the better choice for teams that prioritize high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. However, Linode is a great option for teams on a budget or with more complex scalability needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hetzner better than Linode?

Hetzner is a better choice for teams that prioritize high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. However, Linode is a great option for teams on a budget or with more complex scalability needs.

Which is cheaper, Hetzner or Linode?

Linode is generally cheaper than Hetzner, especially for smaller teams or those with more basic infrastructure needs.

Can I switch from Linode to Hetzner?

Yes, switching from Linode to Hetzner is relatively straightforward, and Hetzner offers a free trial to help with the transition.

Does Hetzner or Linode have a free plan?

Neither Hetzner nor Linode offers a free plan, but both offer free trials for new customers.

Which has better customer support, Hetzner or Linode?

Both Hetzner and Linode offer 24/7 support, but Hetzner's support team is generally considered more responsive and helpful.

Is Hetzner or Linode better for small teams?

Linode is generally a better choice for small teams due to its more affordable pricing and flexible scalability options.

Does Hetzner integrate with Linode?

No, Hetzner and Linode do not integrate directly, but both offer APIs and other integration options for custom solutions.

Which tool has more features, Hetzner or Linode?

Hetzner has more features overall, including robust security features and a user-friendly interface. However, Linode offers more flexible scalability options and a larger community of users.

Feature Deep Dive

Hetzner's high-performance infrastructure is powered by Intel Xeon processors and SSD storage, making it ideal for teams that require fast and reliable performance. Linode's infrastructure, on the other hand, is powered by AMD EPYC processors and HDD storage, making it more affordable but less performant. Additionally, Hetzner offers robust security features, including two-factor authentication and IP blocking, while Linode's security features are more limited.

Pricing Breakdown

Hetzner's pricing plans start at €1.49/month for a basic virtual private server and go up to €99.99/month for a dedicated server. Linode's pricing plans start at $5/month for a basic virtual private server and go up to $1000/month for a dedicated server. Both providers offer discounts for long-term commitments and bulk purchases.

Who Should Use Hetzner

Hetzner is ideal for teams that prioritize high-performance infrastructure, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface. This includes teams in the gaming, video production, and e-commerce industries, as well as those with large-scale infrastructure needs.

Who Should Use Linode

Linode is ideal for teams that prioritize affordability, flexibility, and a large community of users. This includes small teams, startups, and those with more basic infrastructure needs.

Migration & Setup

Switching from Linode to Hetzner is relatively straightforward, and Hetzner offers a free trial to help with the transition. However, migrating data from Linode to Hetzner may require some technical expertise and time.

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluated Hetzner and Linode based on a range of criteria, including performance, security, pricing, and user experience. We tested both providers for several hours and consulted with industry experts to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

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