Linode (Akamai)
Plans from ~$5 per mo
Vultr
Instances from ~$2.50 per mo
Linode (now Akamai) offers straightforward, performant cloud compute backed by Akamai's network. Vultr offers affordable compute with broad global regions and low entry prices. Linode wins on performance and network backing; Vultr wins on price and region coverage.
Pick Linode if you want simple, performant compute backed by Akamai's large global network.
Pick Vultr if you want the cheapest entry compute with the broadest global region coverage.
Linode and Vultr are two long-standing developer clouds known for simple, affordable VPS hosting, and they are close competitors. Linode, now part of Akamai, offers straightforward, performant compute backed by Akamai's large global network. Vultr emphasizes very low entry prices and an especially broad set of global regions, appealing to developers who want cheap compute close to users.
On price, Linode plans start around $5 a month and Vultr instances around $2.50. The choice is mostly performance and network backing (Linode) versus low price and broad regions (Vultr).
We compare pricing, regions, performance, network, and value.
| Quick facts | Linode (Akamai) | Vultr |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From ~$5/mo | From ~$2.50/mo |
| Global regions | Strong (Akamai) | Best-in-class |
| Raw performance | Best-in-class | Strong |
| Network backing | Best-in-class (Akamai) | Strong |
| Best for | Performance + network | Price + regions |
Each row reflects the feature on each product's current public release.
| Feature | L Linode (Akamai) | V Vultr |
|---|---|---|
| Simple VPS / compute | Best-in-class | Best-in-class |
| Broad global regions | Strong | Best-in-class |
| Strong performance | Best-in-class | Strong |
| Managed services | Strong | Strong |
| Lowest entry price | Strong | Best-in-class |
| Global network backbone | Best-in-class (Akamai) | Strong |
| Predictable pricing | Best-in-class | Best-in-class |
| Object storage | Yes | Yes |
Pricing and features change often. Always verify the current details on each product's official site. Last reviewed 2026-06-26.
Things neither product's marketing page leads with.
Linode offers strong performance and Akamai backing, but its very cheapest compute is pricier than Vultr.
Vultr is cheaper with more regions, but Linode's network backbone and performance reputation are strong.
For performance and network Linode wins; for price and regions Vultr wins.
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