DigitalOcean vs. Linode: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to cloud hosting, developers and businesses often find themselves choosing between DigitalOcean and Linode (now part of Akamai). Both platforms are well-known for offering reliable and scalable cloud services, but their features, pricing, and specializations cater to different needs. In this post, we’ll compare their offerings to help you make an informed decision.
DigitalOcean vs. Linode Comparison Table
| Category | Linode | DigitalOcean |
|---|---|---|
| Shared CPU Plans | Starts at $5/month: 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU, 25 GB storage, 1 TB transfer. | Starts at $4/month: 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM, 10 GB SSD, 500 GB transfer. |
| High-end: $1,152/month: 192 GB RAM, 32 vCPUs, 3840 GB storage, 20 TB transfer. | High-end: $1,200/month: 32 vCPUs, 256 GB RAM, 4,690 GB SSD, 10 TB transfer. | |
| Dedicated CPU Plans | Starts at $120/month: 96 GB RAM, 48 CPUs, 1920 GB storage, 9 TB transfer. | Starts at $12/month for dedicated droplets, customizable for Kubernetes workloads. |
| Storage Options | Block Storage: $1 per 10 GB/month. Object Storage: $20/month for 1 TB. | Block Storage: $10/month for 100 GB. Spaces Object Storage: $5/month for 250 GB. |
| Specialized Plans | GPU Instances: $1.50/hour (NVIDIA RTX6000). High Memory Plans: $5/month for 24 GB RAM. | Kubernetes (DOKS): $12/month per node. Serverless: 90,000 free GiB-seconds/month. |
| Network Transfer | 1–20 TB monthly allowance. Additional: $0.005/GB. | 500 GB–10 TB included, depending on plan. |
| Databases | Managed PostgreSQL: $65/month (2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, 80 GB storage). | Managed Databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL): Starts at $15/month. |
| Additional Services | Load Balancer: $10/month. Pricing calculator with export options. | Load Balancer: $12/month. CDN and modern app development tools. |
| Starting Credit | No specific offers mentioned. | $200 credit for new customers. |
Frequently Asked Questions About DigitalOcean & Linode
1. Which platform is better for small projects?
DigitalOcean is often preferred for small projects due to its affordable starting prices and beginner-friendly tools. With its $200 credit for new customers, it’s a great choice for startups and solo developers.
2. Who should choose Linode over DigitalOcean?
Linode is better suited for businesses with memory-intensive workloads, GPU requirements, or users who prefer detailed cost estimation tools. Its high-memory and GPU plans make it ideal for advanced use cases like machine learning.
3. How do storage options compare between the two?
DigitalOcean offers more affordable entry-level object storage ($5/month for 250 GB) compared to Linode ($20/month for 1 TB). However, Linode’s block storage is priced more flexibly at $1 per 10 GB.
4. Which platform has better bandwidth options?
Both platforms offer competitive bandwidth. Linode provides allowances up to 20 TB depending on the plan, while DigitalOcean simplifies its pricing with a fixed range from 500 GB to 10 TB based on the selected plan.
5. Is customer support better on Linode or DigitalOcean?
Linode is known for its strong customer support, especially for businesses with complex workloads. DigitalOcean, on the other hand, provides extensive documentation and tutorials, catering to developers who prefer self-service.
6. Are there any unique features that stand out?
- Linode: GPU instances and high-memory plans are standout offerings.
- DigitalOcean: Kubernetes, serverless functions, and its app platform are appealing for modern app development.
Conclusion
Choosing between Linode and DigitalOcean ultimately depends on your specific needs:
- Linode: Better for memory-intensive workloads, GPU requirements, and users who need detailed pricing tools.
- DigitalOcean: Ideal for developers seeking affordable, flexible plans with modern features like Kubernetes and serverless functions.
Evaluate your workload, budget, and scalability requirements to make the best choice. Both platforms offer excellent performance and reliability, ensuring you can’t go wrong with either option.