DigitalOcean vs Hetzner
Choose DigitalOcean if you want managed databases or need an Oceania deployment. Choose Hetzner if its locations suit your users, you can handle database operations yourself, and reducing the matched plan’s ongoing cost matters more.
| Criterion | DigitalOcean | Hetzner |
|---|---|---|
| True 3-year price, like-for-like plan | $864 (Basic Regular 4 GiB) | $806 (CPX22) ✓ |
| Regions | 12 ✓ | 6 |
| Uptime SLA | 99.99% ✓ | 99.9% |
| Developer features | 8 of 8 ✓ | 7 of 8 |
| Managed databases | Yes ✓ | No |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Support channels | 2 | 3 ✓ |
Providers change prices often, and we regularly verify prices against their own pricing pages, though small differences from current prices are possible. Prices checked 10 Oct 2026. Three-year prices in US dollars at a fixed exchange rate.
Choose DigitalOcean if
- Managed databases can reduce your team’s database administration.
- Deployment locations include Oceania.
- A higher uptime SLA matters to your requirements.
Choose Hetzner if
- The matched plan costs less over the comparison period.
- You want API, CLI and Terraform access and can manage your own database.
- Phone support is a useful contact option for your team.
Our take
The practical difference is how much you want the provider to operate. DigitalOcean offers managed databases; Hetzner does not. If database administration competes with shipping your product, that makes DigitalOcean easier to justify. For apps, sites and agents you operate yourself, the deployment essentials overlap: root access, SSH, an API, a CLI, Terraform and Docker support. Hetzner therefore fits teams comfortable owning the database alongside the application. DigitalOcean’s managed option can reduce that workload, but you still need to configure access and plan for application failures.
The matched comparison puts DigitalOcean’s Basic Regular 4 GiB at $864 and Hetzner’s CPX22 at $806 over the comparison period, expressed in USD. Hetzner is cheaper here, but the gap is modest enough that operational needs should decide the purchase. Treat these totals as the plan comparison, rather than a complete application budget: backups, snapshots and any managed database need separate consideration. Hetzner’s listed plan prices apply to Europe, while its Asia offering has different pricing and transfer allowances. Check the intended location before carrying the saving into your budget.
Location and support can settle the choice before price does. DigitalOcean covers Oceania as well as North America, Europe and Asia; Hetzner covers Europe, North America and Asia. Choose a suitable location for your users and dependencies, then test your application there. DigitalOcean’s uptime SLA is 99.99%, compared with Hetzner’s 99.9%, but a contractual target does not establish how your application will perform. Support channels also differ: DigitalOcean lists ticket and chat, while Hetzner lists ticket, email and phone. Pick the channels your team can use without assuming they establish response speed.
FAQ
Is Hetzner cheaper than DigitalOcean?
Yes, for the matched plans: Hetzner costs $806 against DigitalOcean’s $864 over the comparison period in USD. That conclusion applies to this match; check your deployment location and the services you intend to add before choosing on cost.
Should I choose DigitalOcean or Hetzner for an app with a database?
Choose DigitalOcean if you want a managed database from your hosting provider. Hetzner suits you if you can operate the database yourself or arrange database hosting separately. Include that operational work when weighing the plan saving.
Is DigitalOcean or Hetzner better for Docker apps and agents?
Either can run Docker workloads on its VPS plans, with SSH and automation tools available for deployment. Hetzner is a reasonable choice for workloads you operate yourself when its locations fit; DigitalOcean makes more sense when managed databases or an Oceania location are part of the requirement.
Does DigitalOcean or Hetzner have a free tier?
Neither offers a free tier. For an ongoing app, site or agent, budget for paid usage and include the backup or database services your deployment needs.