15 Best DigitalOcean Alternatives to Consider in 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for businesses of all sizes. DigitalOcean has been a popular choice for developers and small to medium enterprises due to its simplicity, performance, and competitive pricing. However, as the industry grows, so do the options. In 2024, numerous DigitalOcean alternatives offer a variety of features, pricing models, and capabilities that might better suit your specific needs.

This blog post will explore 15 of the best DigitalOcean alternatives to consider this year.

Why you should look for DigitalOcean alternatives

While DigitalOcean has carved out a niche for itself with its straightforward approach and developer-friendly tools, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some of the reasons for considering DigitalOcean alternatives include:

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.

Support and reliability: Enhanced support options and higher reliability standards can be essential for mission-critical applications.

15 best DigitalOcean alternatives in 2024

Bluehost

Bluehost, founded in 2003, has become one of the most popular web hosting providers globally, hosting over 2 million websites. This cloud provider is officially recommended by WordPress.org, making it a go-to choice for WordPress users.

Bluehost is also known for its user-friendly interface, excellent customer support, and a wide range of hosting services including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud servers. Being one of the best DigitalOcean alternatives, it also offers specialized WordPress hosting, catering to users who specifically need optimized WordPress performance.

Key features:

• 99.9% uptime with most hosting plans
• 100% uptime with Bluehost Cloud
• Free domain name for the first year
• 24/7 customer support
• One-click WordPress installation
• Free SSL certificate
• Scalable and flexible hosting plans

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses and individuals looking for reliable and user-friendly web hosting solutions.

Web.com

Web.com, established in 1999, offers comprehensive web hosting and website development services aimed at 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, and more 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:

• 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.

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, making 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.

HostGator

HostGator, established in 2002, is another leading web hosting provider known for its reliability and wide range of hosting options. The company hosts millions of websites globally and offers an array of services including shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS) hosting, and dedicated servers.

HostGator is recognized for its robust infrastructure, scalability, and strong customer support, making it a popular choice among businesses of all sizes. The platform also provides a flexible and scalable environment, ideal for businesses looking to expand their online presence.

Key features:

• 24/7 customer support
• Flexible and scalable hosting plans
• Free website migration
• Easy-to-use control panel

Best for: Businesses of all sizes that need dependable hosting with a variety of options to suit their growth.

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 datacenters globally. The services of this DigitalOcean alternative range from basic storage and computing resources to advanced machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

Key features:

• 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.

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, analytics, and more, with a strong focus on integration with Microsoft’s software ecosystem.

Azure provides enterprise-grade features and seamless integration with existing Microsoft products like Office 365 and Windows Server.

Key features:

• 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.

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.

• Key features:
• 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.

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 AI and machine learning tools.

• Key features:
• 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.

VMware Cloud on AWS

VMware Cloud on AWS is a collaborative cloud provider that allows businesses to run their VMware workloads on AWS infrastructure. This DigitalOcean alternative combines the best of both worlds: VMware’s leading virtualization technology and AWS’s robust cloud infrastructure.

Designed to offer a seamless hybrid cloud experience, VMware Cloud on AWS launched in 2017 and enables businesses to extend their on-premises data centers to the cloud servers without re-architecting applications.

Key features:

• Integration with existing VMware environments
• Access to AWS services
• High performance and scalability
• Comprehensive security and compliance
• Disaster recovery solutions

Best for: Enterprises already invested in VMware infrastructure looking to extend to the cloud with minimal disruption.

OVHcloud Public Cloud

OVHcloud, founded in 1999, is a European cloud provider known for its competitive public cloud solutions and strong emphasis on data privacy and security. It offers different cloud services including computing, storage, and networking, catering to businesses of all sizes.

Key features:

• GDPR compliance
• Scalable cloud solutions
• Global network of data centers
• High performance and reliability
• Flexible pricing options

Best for: European businesses and organizations that need robust cloud services with strong data privacy protections.

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:

• 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.

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 compute instances, block storage, and object storage, with an emphasis on providing cost-effective solutions. This DigitalOcean alternative also provides transparent pricing and ease of use.

Key features:

• 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.

Kamatera

Kamatera, with over 20 years of experience in the cloud hosting industry, offers flexible cloud infrastructure with customizable server configurations. Kamatera’s global network of data centers ensures low latency and reliable performance.

The platform provides a wide range of cloud hosting services including computing, cloud storage, and networking, with 24/7 customer support to assist users.

Key features:

• Customizable server configurations
• Global data center presence
• Scalable and flexible pricing
• 24/7 customer support
• High performance and reliability

Best for: Businesses that need customizable and scalable cloud infrastructure with global reach.

Kinsta

Kinsta, founded in 2013, specializes in managed WordPress hosting service, providing high-speed performance and reliable customer support. Built on the Google Cloud Platform, Kinsta offers a robust and scalable infrastructure optimized for WordPress. This DigitalOcean alternative also focuses on performance, security, and support.

Key features:

• Optimized for WordPress site
• High-speed performance
• 24/7 customer support
• Free site migration
• Comprehensive security features

Best for: Businesses and individuals heavily reliant on WordPress for their online presence, needing optimized performance and support.

Linode

Linode, founded in 2003, offers high-performance SSD Linux servers with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It provides a range of cloud hosting services including compute instances, storage, and networking, with a strong emphasis on Linux-based environments.

Key features:

• 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.

How to choose the best DigitalOcean alternatives

Selecting the right DigitalOcean alternative involves evaluating several factors to ensure the chosen platform meets your specific needs. Here’s a detailed look at the key factors:

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.

Scalability

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

Resource scaling: Ensure the provider allows for 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, which can be particularly useful for handling unpredictable traffic patterns.

Cost

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

Pricing models: Compare the pricing models of different DigitalOcean alternatives. 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.

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. Providers that offer premium support packages with dedicated account managers can be particularly valuable for businesses with complex needs.

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.

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.

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: 15 best DigitalOcean alternatives in 2024

The landscape of cloud hosting is extensive and diverse, with many options for DigitalOcean alternatives that cater to various needs and preferences. If you need advanced enterprise features, cost-effective solutions, or specialized hosting for specific applications, Bluehost can meet all your requirements.

Bluehost provides top-notch managed cloud services that are engineered to guarantee lightning-fast page load times and uninterrupted 100% website uptime. Highly skilled WordPress experts meticulously craft and maintain this platform, operating on an exceptionally robust global server infrastructure.

With Bluehost cloud hosting service, rest assured that your website will have the unparalleled power and speed required for growing your online business.

DigitalOcean alternatives: FAQs