DigitalOcean vs Hetzner
Compare DigitalOcean and Hetzner on deployment, pricing and source model before you shortlist.
Scroll horizontally to compare every column →
| Attribute |  DigitalOceanOther license |  HetznerOther license |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cloud Providers & Hosting | Cloud Providers & Hosting |
| Primary focus | Cloud infrastructure for application teams | Cloud servers, dedicated hardware, and storage |
| Deployment | Web | Web |
| Source model | Other license | Other license |
| Pricing model | paid | paid |
| API available | Yes | Yes |
| Vendor website | Visit vendor ↗ | Visit vendor ↗ |
| ITHub profile | View full profile → | View full profile → |
ⓘ Confirm technical details and prices with each vendor before making a decision. Want a third tool in the mix? Open the interactive comparison →
Start with the architecture and workload
Compare cloud providers from the workload outward: region, compute shape, storage, networking, managed services, API coverage and support. Headline instance price is only one part of the operating cost.
Check region availability, failure domains, managed services, support, network charges and recovery requirements against the actual workload.
Compare these first
- Regions and failure domains
- Compute, storage and managed-service coverage
- API, CLI and infrastructure-as-code workflow
- Traffic, backups, support and total cost
Shortlist DigitalOcean when
Shortlist DigitalOcean when its developer workflow and managed-service catalogue reduce the amount of infrastructure your team must operate.
Shortlist Hetzner when
Shortlist Hetzner when its available regions, server options and cost structure fit a team prepared to own more of the platform stack.
Run this proof of concept
Provision the same application, database and backup design with infrastructure as code. Measure deployment time, network performance, restore workflow and monthly cost including outbound traffic and support.
Migration and rollback
Inventory data, identities, integrations and configuration. Test export, import and rollback with production-like data.
Security and operations
Compare access controls, audit evidence, upgrade ownership, observability and recovery procedures.
Total cost
Model licensing, infrastructure, support, data transfer and operator time at the expected scale.
Frequently asked questions
Is DigitalOcean or Hetzner open source?
DigitalOcean is not open source (proprietary or source-available). Hetzner is not open source (proprietary or source-available).
What is the pricing model for DigitalOcean vs Hetzner?
DigitalOcean uses a paid pricing model. Hetzner uses a paid pricing model. Confirm current rates with each vendor before deciding.
Can DigitalOcean and Hetzner be self-hosted?
DigitalOcean is not offered as a self-hosted option. Hetzner is not offered as a self-hosted option.