Google Compute Engine vs Hetzner Cloud
Comparing two industry leaders in cloud hosting. See how pricing, features, and user ratings stack up.
Google Compute Engine
PaidSecure and customizable compute instances that allow you to run large workloads on Google Cloud.
Core Features
Hetzner Cloud
PaidHigh performance European and US cloud servers with unbeatable price-to-performance ratio.
Core Features
Feature Breakdown: Google Compute Engine vs Hetzner Cloud
See which capabilities are supported out of the box by each platform.
| Feature / Capability | Google Compute Engine | Hetzner Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Machine Types | ✓ Included | — |
| Preemptible VMs | ✓ Included | — |
| Live Migration | ✓ Included | — |
| Global Fiber Network | ✓ Included | — |
| NVMe Storage | — | ✓ Included |
| DDoS Protection | — | ✓ Included |
| Floating IPs | — | ✓ Included |
| Snapshots | — | ✓ Included |
| Terabits Network | — | ✓ Included |
Our Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Google Compute Engine if:
You need Custom Machine Types and Preemptible VMs, and prefer a paid model starting at $6/month. With a 4.5 rating, it is ideal for teams focused on speed and simplicity.
Choose Hetzner Cloud if:
You prioritize NVMe Storage and DDoS Protection, and want a solution rated at 4.8/5.0. Its starting tier at $4.5/month makes it a top competitor for scaling workflows.
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Which is better: Google Compute Engine or Hetzner Cloud?
Google Compute Engine is rated 4.5/5.0 (starts at $6/mo), while Hetzner Cloud is rated 4.8/5.0 (starts at $4.5/mo). Choose Google Compute Engine for Custom Machine Types and Preemptible VMs, or Hetzner Cloud for NVMe Storage and DDoS Protection.
Is Google Compute Engine cheaper than Hetzner Cloud?
No, Hetzner Cloud is more affordable starting at $4.5/month compared to Google Compute Engine ($6/month).
Do Google Compute Engine or Hetzner Cloud offer free plans?
Google Compute Engine offers a paid plan, whereas Hetzner Cloud operates on a paid tier. Review the side-by-side feature matrix above to see exact tier inclusions.