Linode
Developer cloud from Akamai with virtual machines, managed Kubernetes, storage and databases.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web
Is Linode free?
No, it's a paid product
1 alternative with a free optionSwitch from Linode to
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About Linode
Linode is one of the original developer-focused cloud providers and, since Akamai bought it, the core of what Akamai now sells as Akamai Cloud. It offers shared and dedicated-CPU virtual machines, GPU instances, the Linode Kubernetes Engine, block and object storage, managed databases, load balancers (NodeBalancers), firewalls and DNS, all billed by the hour with a monthly cap. Pricing bundles CPU, RAM, storage and a transfer allowance into each plan, which keeps bills predictable compared with hyperscalers. Linode is known for clear documentation, a straightforward web console, an API and a CLI, and a marketplace of one-click apps. It suits developers, startups and small companies that want more than a cheap VPS but less complexity than AWS. New accounts and qualifying businesses can get cloud credits. Branding has shifted toward Akamai, so docs and product pages now live partly on Akamai's site.
Best for: Developers who want simple, predictable cloud servers plus managed Kubernetes and databases.
Linode pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Linode's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | CPU, transfer, storage and RAM bundled | Nov 8, 2026 | linode.com |
| Cloud credits | Up to US$5,000 for qualifying businesses | Nov 8, 2026 | linode.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Bundled pricing that includes transfer with each plan
- Managed Kubernetes, databases and object storage
- Long-standing docs, API and CLI
Why people leave
- Rebranding to Akamai Cloud spreads docs across two sites
- Costs more than budget hosts like Hetzner or Contabo
- Fewer managed services than AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
Linode vs Vultr, Hetzner and OVHcloud
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
Top Linode alternatives
See all 6- 1
Vultr66.5Similar hourly developer cloud with more regions and bare-metal options.
- 2
Hetzner64.8Much cheaper servers if Europe-centred hosting and fewer managed services are fine.
- 3
OVHcloud61.8European cloud with included DDoS protection and bare-metal servers.
- 4
Amazon Lightsail57.5AWS's simple VPS with fixed monthly bundles, a natural pick for teams that may later move onto EC2 and other AWS services.
- 5
DigitalOcean App Platform51.2Push code and let DigitalOcean run it, instead of managing servers.
Why people left Linode
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Linode: common questions
What is Linode?
Linode: Developer cloud from Akamai with virtual machines, managed Kubernetes, storage and databases. Best for developers who want simple, predictable cloud servers plus managed Kubernetes and databases. Available for Web.
Is Linode free?
No, Linode is a paid product.
How much does Linode cost?
Linode is a paid product. Pricing: CPU, transfer, storage and RAM bundled; Cloud credits: Up to US$5,000 for qualifying businesses. Checked on Linode's own site, November 2026.
Is Linode open source?
No, Linode is not open source.
What platforms does Linode run on?
Linode is available for Web.
What are the best alternatives to Linode?
The highest-ranked Linode alternatives right now are Vultr, Hetzner and OVHcloud. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Linode vs Vultr: what's the difference?
Both Linode and Vultr are paid products. Both run on Web.