10 Best DigitalOcean Alternatives in 2026: Compare Hosting Solutions

Key highlights

• Know which top DigitalOcean alternatives offer better scalability, affordability and reliability to match your unique hosting needs.
• Learn how to evaluate key factors like uptime, data center locations and performance benchmarks before choosing a hosting provider.
• Explore trusted DigitalOcean competitors such as Bluehost, AWS and Google Cloud that deliver managed hosting and high-performance dedicated servers.
• Understand how pricing models, resource scalability and support quality impact your total cost of ownership and long-term success.
• Uncover the best cloud hosting options for businesses, developers and WordPress sites that ensure solid performance, robust infrastructure and affordable pricing.

Cloud hosting is the backbone of modern websites and applications, providing speed, scalability and flexibility. DigitalOcean is a well-known player in this space, trusted by developers and businesses alike. However, depending on your specific needs, whether it’s managed services, a broader global infrastructure or different pricing models, you may be exploring other hosting providers. Major alternatives to DigitalOcean include AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Vultr, Linode and Kamatera.

Switching hosts is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Not all alternatives provide a better experience, the last thing you want is to migrate your site, only to face the same load balancer issues again 

If you’re looking for better pricing, enhanced support or advanced features, this guide explores 10 of the best DigitalOcean alternatives in 2026, helping you make an informed decision based on your unique needs. 

Why should you look for DigitalOcean alternatives? 

DigitalOcean has built a strong reputation with its developer-friendly approach and straightforward cloud solutions, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your needs, an alternative might offer better flexibility, features or support. DigitalOcean offers limited customer support options including only email support without live chat or ticketing system. Here’s why you might want to explore other options:

• Scalability needs: As your business grows, you may need more powerful solutions that can scale seamlessly. 
• Advanced features: Some alternatives offer more advanced features such as enhanced security, compliance certifications and AI/ML capabilities. 
• Pricing flexibility: Depending on your usage, other DigitalOcean alternatives might offer more cost-effective solutions. 
• Global reach: A wider geographic presence can be crucial for businesses that need low-latency solutions across multiple regions. 
• Reliable support & uptime: When running mission-critical applications, 24/7 live support and higher reliability standards can make all the difference. 

Top 10 DigitalOcean alternatives for hosting in 2026 

Looking for the best DigitalOcean alternatives or competitors? If you need reliable hosting, affordable pricing and solid performance with fully customizable cloud VPS and robust infrastructure, you’re in the right place.

Here’s a quick list of the top 10 DigitalOcean competitors that deliver managed hosting, virtual machines and multiple hosting options to match every business need.

Provider	Hosting types	Key features	Best for
Bluehost	VPS and Dedicated	99.9% uptime, Free domain (1st year), 24/7 expert support, One-click WordPress setup, Free SSL certificate, Easy scalability	Small to medium businesses, WordPress users seeking multisite and agency hosting
Web.com	Shared, Advanced Solutions	Website builder, 24/7 support, domain management, SEO/marketing tools, eCommerce	Small to medium businesses needing all-in-one website building and hosting solutions
Domain.com	Shared, VPS, Dedicated	User-friendly control panel, free domain, 24/7 support, unlimited storage, security	Individuals and businesses seeking reliable domain registration and hosting
Amazon Web Services (AWS)	Cloud (Comprehensive)	Scalable, 200+ services (AI, ML, big data), global data centers, strong security	Enterprises and developers needing advanced, scalable cloud solutions
Microsoft Azure	Cloud (Comprehensive)	Microsoft integration, AI/analytics, global network, enterprise-grade security	Enterprises using Microsoft products, needing robust cloud solutions
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)	Cloud (Comprehensive)	Data analytics, AI/ML, global network, Google integration, strong security	Businesses needing advanced analytics, ML and high-performance computing
IBM Cloud	Cloud (Hybrid, Enterprise)	AI/ML tools, hybrid cloud, enterprise-grade security, global presence	Enterprises needing secure, hybrid cloud solutions with AI capabilities
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)	Cloud (Enterprise)	High-performance computing, managed databases, security, scalable infrastructure	Enterprises needing powerful database and high-performance cloud solutions
Vultr	Cloud (SSD Servers)	High-performance SSD, transparent pricing, multiple locations, easy control panel	Developers and small businesses seeking cost-effective, high-performance cloud hosting
Linode	Cloud (SSD Linux Servers)	High-performance SSD, predictable pricing, scalable, strong developer community	Developers and tech-savvy users needing affordable, Linux-focused cloud hosting

Let’s discuss these DigitalOcean alternatives in detail below.

1. Bluehost

Founded in 2003, Bluehost is one of the most widely recognized web hosting providers. As an officially recommended host by WordPress.org, Bluehost is a trusted choice for WordPress users looking for performance, reliability and expert support.

At Bluehost, we’re best known for our shared, VPS and dedicated hosting solutions, all built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). This approach combines the flexibility and scalability of cloud technology with the stability of managed hosting, making Bluehost a strong alternative for businesses compared to providers like DigitalOcean. With a user-friendly control panel, expert support and scalable resources, we help businesses grow without the complexity of managing cloud infrastructure on their own. Our team handles the technical side, so you can stay focused on building and scaling your business.

Key features:

• 99.9% uptime reliability
• Free domain name for the first year
• 24/7 customer support via live chat and phone
• One-click WordPress installation
• Free SSL certificate with DDoS protection
• Scalable resources with flexible pricing

Best for:
Small to medium-sized businesses, agencies and individuals who want cloud-level scalability and performance without the operational overhead. Bluehost delivers managed, WordPress-optimized hosting that’s reliable, flexible and easy to grow with. 

2. Web.com 

Web.com, established in 1999, offers comprehensive web hosting and website development services. It focuses on helping small to medium businesses build and enhance their online presence. The company provides a variety of hosting packages, including shared hosting, which is ideal for beginners. It also provides advanced solutions for businesses looking to scale. 

Web.com also offers additional services such as website design, SEO and online marketing tools, making it a one-stop shop for businesses looking to grow online. 

Key features of Web.com:

• Website builder with customizable templates 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Domain registration and management 
• SEO and marketing tools 
• eCommerce solutions 

Best for: Small to medium businesses that need an all-in-one solution for building and maintaining their website. 

3. Domain.com 

Domain.com, founded in 2000, is a versatile provider of domain registration and web hosting services. It offers a range of hosting solutions, including shared, dedicated and VPS hosting. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of users from individual bloggers to large enterprises. 

Known for its simplicity and reliability, Domain.com focuses on providing robust and easy-to-use services that cater to both beginners and experienced webmasters. 

Key features:

• User-friendly control panel 
• Free domain registration with hosting purchase 
• 24/7 customer support 
• Unlimited disk space and bandwidth 
• Enhanced security features 

Best for: Individuals and businesses looking for reliable domain registration combined with robust hosting solutions. 

4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the market leader in the cloud computing industry, providing a comprehensive and highly scalable cloud platform. Launched in 2006, AWS offers over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally. This DigitalOcean alternative offers everything from basic storage and computing to advanced AI, machine learning, data analytic and IoT solutions. AWS provides more networking, storage and computing services than DigitalOcean. AWS does have some affordable cloud VPS plans that are perfect for hosting sites or apps, despite it being primarily suited for larger enterprises.

Key features of Amazon Web Services:

• Highly scalable and flexible 
• Wide range of services including AI, ML and big data 
• Global data centers for low-latency access 
• Strong security and compliance 
• Pay-as-you-go pricing model 

Best for: Enterprises and developers who need advanced cloud computing solutions with robust scalability and a wide range of services. 

5. Microsoft Azure 

Microsoft Azure, launched in 2010, is a comprehensive cloud provider that offers a wide array of services designed to meet the needs of enterprises. Azure offers solutions for computing, storage, databases and analytics. It emphasizes strong integration with Microsoft’s software ecosystem. Azure provides enterprise-grade features and seamless integration with existing Microsoft products like Office 365 and Windows Server. Microsoft Azure offers hybrid cloud capabilities, making it a strong option for businesses needing enterprise-level features.

Key features of Microsoft Azure:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft products 
• Wide range of cloud services including AI and analytics 
• Strong security and compliance standards 
• Global network of data centers 
• Pay-as-you-go pricing 

Best for: Enterprises and organizations already using Microsoft products and those needing enterprise-grade cloud solutions. 

6. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) 

Google Cloud Platform (GCP), launched in 2008, provides data analytics and machine learning capabilities. The infrastructure of Google Cloud Platform supports high-performance applications, big data projects and advanced computing needs. This DigitalOcean alternative also provides a wide range of cloud services that are integrated with other Google services. GCP excels in AI/ML and data analytics, featuring tools like BigQuery and TensorFlow.

Key features of Google cloud platform:

• Advanced data analytics and AI services 
• Global network for low-latency performance 
• Strong security and compliance measures 
• Flexible pricing options 
• Integration with other Google cloud services 

Best for: Businesses that require advanced data analytics, machine learning capabilities and high-performance computing. 

7. IBM Cloud 

IBM Cloud stands out with its focus on enterprise-grade solutions, hybrid cloud capabilities and AI technologies. Launched in 2011, IBM Cloud offers a secure platform that supports services including computing, storage and networking, as well as advanced Integrated AI and machine learning tools. 

Key features of IBM cloud:

• AI and machine learning tools 
• Support for hybrid cloud deployments 
• Security and compliance 
• Wide range of enterprise-grade cloud services 
• Global data center presence 

Best for: Enterprises that need secure cloud services along with AI and hybrid cloud capabilities. 

8. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) 

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), launched in 2016, is known for its high-performance computing capabilities and enterprise-grade cloud services. OCI offers a comprehensive set of cloud solutions including computing, storage, networking and advanced database management services. 

Key features of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure:

• High-performance computing 
• Advanced managed databases 
• Comprehensive security and compliance 
• Flexible and scalable infrastructure 
• Global data centers 

Best for: Enterprises needing powerful database solutions and high-performance cloud infrastructure. 

9. Vultr

Vultr, founded in 2014, offers high-performance SSD cloud servers with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. This platform provides a range of cloud services including computer instances, block storage and object storage. It focuses on delivering cost-effective solutions. Vultr provides a large number of data centers and flexible billing options, appealing to various use cases. Vultr gives you more compute options such as standard, high-frequency and bare metal instances, making it a versatile choice for developers.

Key features of Vultr:

• High-performance SSD servers 
• Simple and transparent pricing 
• Wide range of server locations 
• Easy-to-use control panel 
• Scalable resources 

Best for: Developers and small businesses looking for cost-effective, high-performance cloud hosting providers. 

10. Linode 

Founded in 2003, Linode offers high-performance SSD Linux servers. It focuses on simplicity, affordability and a developer-friendly environment. It provides a range of cloud hosting services including computer instances, storage and networking, with a strong emphasis on Linux-based environments. Linode offers competitive pricing and a strong developer-focused platform, although it has fewer managed services compared to DigitalOcean. Linode’s 2022 acquisition by Akamai has caused uncertainty among customers regarding future pricing and services.

Key features of Linode:

• High-performance SSD servers 
• Simple and predictable pricing 
• Easy-to-use control panel 
• Scalable infrastructure 
• Strong developer community 

Best for: Developers and tech-savvy individuals looking for powerful and affordable cloud hosting solutions with a strong focus on Linux. 

Also read:DigitalOcean vs Linode VPS vs Bluehost: Which is Best in 2025?

How to choose the best DigitalOcean competitors

The best DigitalOcean alternatives are those that combine reliable hosting, affordable pricing and solid performance while offering flexibility and scalability for your growing needs.

Here’s a quick look at what to check before choosing the right platform:

• Performance and uptime reliability
• Scalability and resource flexibility
• Transparent cost and pricing model
• Quality and availability of support
• Features, integrations and security
• Global reach and compliance
• Ease of use and management tools

Let’s discuss each factor in detail below.

1. Performance and reliability 

Performance and reliability are crucial for maintaining a seamless online presence. Here’s what to evaluate: 

• Uptime guarantees: Look for DigitalOcean alternatives that offer a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with a high uptime guarantee (typically 99.9% or higher). This ensures your website or application remains available to users with minimal downtime. 
• Data center performance: Investigate the performance benchmarks of the provider’s data centers, including latency, throughput and redundancy measures. Providers with multiple, geographically dispersed data centers can offer better performance and reliability. 

2. Scalability 

Scalability is essential for growing businesses with fluctuating workloads. Consider the following: 

• Resource scaling: Ensure the provider supports easy scaling of resources such as CPU, RAM and storage. This flexibility enables you to manage traffic spikes and business growth without service interruptions. 
• Auto-scaling capabilities: Some providers offer auto-scaling features that automatically adjust resources based on demand. This can be especially useful for handling unpredictable traffic patterns. 

3. Cost 

Understanding the cost structure is critical to avoiding unexpected expenses. Key points include: 

• Pricing models: Compare the pricing models offered by various DigitalOcean competitors. Common models include pay-as-you-go, reserved instances and flat-rate pricing. Choose the one that aligns with your budget and usage patterns. 
• Total cost of ownership (TCO): Calculate the total cost of ownership, including base costs, additional fees for bandwidth, storage or premium support and potential hidden charges. 

4. Support 

Quality support can make a significant difference, especially during critical issues: 

• Support availability: Check if the provider offers 24/7 customer support and what channels are available (e.g., phone, chat, email). 
• Support quality: Look for reviews and testimonials about the provider’s support team’s responsiveness and expertise. Premium support packages with dedicated account managers can be especially beneficial for businesses with complex infrastructure needs. 

5. Features and integrations 

Advanced features and integrations can enhance functionality and security. Consider: 

• Security measures: Ensure that the DigitalOcean alternatives offer robust security features, such as DDoS protection, firewalls, encryption and regular security audits. 
• Compliance certifications: For businesses that handle sensitive data, it’s important to check if the provider complies with industry standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS). 
• Software integrations: Identify if the provider integrates with other tools and platforms you use, such as CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools and server management systems. Seamless integrations can streamline workflows and improve efficiency. 

6. Global reach 

Global reach is important for ensuring low-latency access and compliance with local regulations. Consider: 

• Data center locations: Ensure the provider has data centers in the regions where your users are located. This minimizes latency and improves user experience. 
• Local compliance: Verify that the DigitalOcean alternatives comply with local regulations and data sovereignty laws in the regions where you operate. This is particularly important for businesses operating in multiple countries with stringent data protection laws. 

7. Ease of use 

A user-friendly platform can significantly reduce the learning curve and improve productivity. Evaluate: 

• User interface: Look for a clean, intuitive user interface that simplifies management tasks. Features like drag-and-drop capabilities, clear navigation and detailed dashboards are beneficial. 
• Management tools: Assess the quality and range of management tools provided. Comprehensive tools for monitoring, logging and managing resources can save time and effort, making it easier to maintain and optimize your infrastructure. 

Final thoughts 

The cloud hosting landscape is broad and competitive, with many DigitalOcean alternatives designed for different business needs. Whether you’re looking for scalable performance, cost efficiency or hosting optimized for WordPress and high-traffic websites, Bluehost offers a reliable solution.

At Bluehost, our VPS and dedicated hosting run on a modern, cloud-supported infrastructure designed for speed, stability and growth. This environment delivers fast page load times, consistent uptime and flexible resource scaling without the complexity of managing cloud servers yourself. Our platform is built and maintained by experienced WordPress professionals and supported by a global server network for dependable performance.

With Bluehost’s cloud-supported hosting, businesses get the power and flexibility needed to scale confidently while we handle the technical details behind the scenes. 

FAQs