Introduction

If you’re in the market for a reliable and powerful VPS (Virtual Private Server) provider, you’re likely weighing the options between Linode and Hetzner. But which one is right for you?

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick glance at some key features of both providers:

Feature		Hetzner
Founded	2003	1997
Headquarters	USA	Germany
Services Offered	VPS Hosting	Web, Dedicated, VPS Hosting
Backups	Yes	Yes
Block Storage	Yes	Yes
Object Storage	Yes	No
Load Balancer	Yes	Yes
DDoS Protection	Yes	Yes
Hourly Billing	Yes	Yes
Total Number of Datacenters	24	6
Number of Datacenter Continents	4	3

Detailed Comparison

Ease of Use

Both Linode and Hetzner offer user-friendly interfaces, but they cater to different levels of expertise.

• Linode: Known for its minimal and intuitive interface, Linode is great for beginners and experienced users alike. It also offers one-click installations for various applications, making it easier to get started quickly.

  

• Hetzner: While Hetzner’s interface is also minimal and easy to navigate, it doesn’t offer one-click installations. However, this isn’t a significant drawback for users who are comfortable with manual server configurations.

  

Stability

Stability is crucial for any VPS provider.

• Linode: Linode generally shows consistent performance across various tests. However, the consistency score, which measures the variation in performance between servers of the same type, is not always high. This indicates some variability in server performance.

• Hetzner: Hetzner is known for its stable performance. Users have reported that Hetzner servers are “really snappy” and maintain consistent performance under load. The consistency score for Hetzner is typically higher, indicating more reliable server performance.

Speed

Speed is a key factor when choosing a VPS provider.

• Linode: Linode performs well in various benchmarks, especially in network transfer speeds and CPU tests. However, it sometimes falls behind Hetzner in terms of raw CPU power and disk IO performance.

• Hetzner: Hetzner often outperforms Linode in several benchmarks, including CPU tests, disk IO, and network transfer speeds. It also handles high loads efficiently, making it a great choice for demanding applications.

Security

Both providers take security seriously.

• Linode and Hetzner: Both offer DDoS protection, backups, and other security features. They also support SSH keys setup and provide robust security measures to protect your data.

Pricing and Cost

Pricing can be a deciding factor for many users.

• Linode: Linode’s pricing is competitive, with plans starting at around $5 per month. However, the specs and bandwidth offered are generally lower compared to Hetzner for the same price.

• Hetzner: Hetzner is known for offering more powerful servers at lower prices. For example, Hetzner provides 20 times more bandwidth than Linode and DigitalOcean for similar pricing. This makes Hetzner a great value for money.

Customer Support Service

Good customer support is essential for any hosting service.

• Linode: Linode offers excellent customer support with a responsive team and comprehensive documentation. However, the support experience can vary depending on the user’s needs.

• Hetzner: Hetzner also provides good customer support, although it may not be as extensive as Linode’s. Users have reported satisfaction with the support, especially given the lower pricing.

Client Reviews

User feedback can give you a real-world perspective.

• Linode: Users generally praise Linode for its ease of use and good performance. However, some users note that the pricing can be steep for the specs provided.

• Hetzner: Hetzner is often praised for its incredible value, with users noting that they get much more hardware for their money. The performance and stability of Hetzner servers are also highly praised.

Pros and Cons

Linode

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• One-click installations for various applications
• Good customer support
• Wide range of datacenter locations

Cons:

• Generally more expensive for similar specs
• Lower bandwidth compared to Hetzner
• Some variability in server performance

Hetzner

Pros:

• More powerful servers for lower prices
• High stability and performance under load
• 20 times more bandwidth than Linode and DigitalOcean
• Great value for money

Cons:

• No one-click installations
• Limited datacenter locations (mainly in Europe)
• Slightly higher ping times for users outside Europe

FAQs

1. Which provider offers better performance?

Hetzner generally outperforms Linode in various benchmarks, including CPU tests, disk IO, and network transfer speeds.

2. What are the key differences in pricing?

Hetzner offers more powerful servers at lower prices, including significantly more bandwidth than Linode for similar pricing.

3. Do both providers offer DDoS protection?

Yes, both Linode and Hetzner offer DDoS protection as part of their security features.

4. Which provider has a more user-friendly interface?

Linode is known for its minimal and intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners to get started quickly.

5. Where are the datacenters located for each provider?

Linode has 24 datacenters across 4 continents, while Hetzner has 6 datacenters primarily located in Europe.