Best 7 Alternatives to DigitalOcean for Cloud Hosting in 2025

DigitalOcean isn’t the easiest hosting provider to use. If you run into issues, free support is very limited. There’s no live chat, phone, or email support—only a ticketing system. This can be frustrating for beginners and even slow down experienced developers.

Many alternatives offer cloud hosting like DigitalOcean, but not all provide a better experience. You don’t want to go through the hassle of switching providers only to face the same problems.

I tested multiple cloud hosts to find ones with better support and ease of use—without sacrificing performance. After narrowing it down, I found the seven best options. Kamatera stood out as the top choice.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best DigitalOcean Alternatives in 2025:

  • Kamatera – Fully customizable cloud VPS with excellent uptime.
  • ScalaHosting – Beginner-friendly managed VPS with easy setup.
  • Liquid Web – Managed hosting with 100% uptime and fast speeds.
  • Cloudways – Allows beginners to benefit from the top-tier performance of cloud hosting.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Automatic configuration of your server’s network and security.
  • Microsoft Azure – Offers a wide range of free security features, including server monitoring, a web application firewall, and the Azure Security Center.
  • Render – Fully managed PostgreSQL databases with automated daily backups for less money than DigitalOcean’s similar service.

What I Looked for in the Best DigitalOcean Alternatives

While searching for better options, I focused on these key factors:

  • Reliable uptime – DigitalOcean has occasional downtime. I chose hosts with a more stable and dependable uptime.
  • Better support – DigitalOcean offers limited support, mainly ticket-based, unless you pay for Premier Support. The hosts I selected provide faster and more accessible customer service.
  • Ease of use – DigitalOcean requires advanced setup, even for basic tasks like creating a WordPress site. Some alternatives offer a more user-friendly experience.
  • Managed hosting – Managed services save time, especially for developers. I included hosts that offer partial or fully managed solutions.

1. Kamatera – Fully Customizable and Reliable Cloud VPS

Kamatera 30-Day Free Trial
Kamatera offers a 30-day free trial, giving you the chance to test their services before committing.

Kamatera provides powerful cloud hosting, including fully scalable and customizable Cloud VPS hosting. Unlike other providers like DigitalOcean, which offer fixed plans, Kamatera lets you choose exactly what resources you need for your VPS.

For example, you can buy a server package with 1vCPU, 20 GB SSD storage, 5 TB of traffic, and 1GB RAM for less than the cost of a fancy coffee. This is more than enough for a small business or personal site.

Kamatera is not for beginners, as it requires some technical know-how. However, for those who are comfortable with tech, it’s a great choice due to its low price and high performance.

During my tests, Kamatera’s performance was impressive, with an average page loading speed of just over one second, matching DigitalOcean’s performance. The only downside is that technical support is limited unless you pay for managed services. Still, Kamatera offers more customization and reliability than DigitalOcean.

Kamatera VPS Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
Express 1 vCPU – Linux CentOS 830GB5TB1vCPU1GB$4.00
Express 1 vCPU – Windows Server 201930GB5TB1vCPU1GB$23.00
Express 2 vCPU – Linux CentOS 830GB5TB2vCPU2GB$12.00
Express 2 vCPU – Windows Server 201930GB5TB2vCPU2GB$29.00
Express 4 vCPU – Linux CentOS 850GB5TB4vCPU4GB$28.00
Express 4 vCPU – Windows Server 201950GB5TB4vCPU4GB$45.00
Express Fully Managed 1 vCPU20GB5TB1vCPU1GB$54.00
Express Fully Managed 2 vCPU50GB5TB2vCPU2GB$64.00
Express Fully Managed 4 vCPU100GB5TB4vCPU4GB$82.00
Express Fully Managed 8 vCPU250GB5TB8vCPU8GB$133

Key Features

  • Preinstalled cPanel: If you want to set up your site quickly, you can pay a monthly fee for a cPanel license, which comes preinstalled on your server. Use the Softaculous app installer to install any CMS or web script.
  • Automatic Daily Backups: You can pay a small fee to back up your server’s data daily to external storage. You can restore previous versions when needed.
  • Premium Firewall Service: Kamatera offers an optional firewall service for a low monthly fee. It can be fully customized to meet your needs.

30-Day Free Trial
Kamatera’s free trial includes one fully customizable Cloud VPS. As long as your server costs stay under $100 for the month, the trial is free. You’ll even get a designated account manager during the trial.

Performance Overview

  • Hosting Types: Cloud, VPS
  • Data Center Locations: 5 in the US, 1 in Canada, 1 in Hong Kong, 1 in Israel, and 6 in Europe
  • Uptime Guarantee: 99.95%
  • Starting Price: $4.00

Try Kamatera for Free >>

2. ScalaHosting: Managed VPS Hosting at an Affordable Price

VPS hosting may not be for beginners, but if a host can make server management easier, it’s worth considering. ScalaHosting offers managed VPS plans at lower prices than its self-managed options. This makes it a great choice for website owners who have outgrown shared hosting but are new to VPS hosting.

ScalaHosting’s SPanel simplifies server management. Its easy-to-use design helps you manage your server and site effortlessly. It even includes Softaculous with over 400 apps, giving you the flexibility to create your sites as you like.

Their managed VPS hosting comes with extra features, including free site migration. This makes it easy to upgrade from shared hosting without any issues. ScalaHosting also includes SShield, a security system that blocks 99.97% of attacks and sends real-time notifications about security breaches.

One of ScalaHosting’s major advantages is its affordability. While it’s not the cheapest VPS provider, it offers excellent value with its low prices and feature-packed plans. The entry-level Build 1 plan includes 2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, and 50 GB NVMe storage for a very reasonable price.

Key Features

  • Unlimited Bandwidth: All plans come with unlimited bandwidth, unlike other hosts that restrict traffic or only offer it on higher-tier plans.
  • Free SSL Certificates: ScalaHosting provides a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for every domain hosted on its VPS server.
  • Remote Daily Backups: Your site’s data is backed up daily to a different server in a different data center, ensuring your files, emails, and databases are safe.
  • Cloudflare and Caching: Boost your site’s speed with free Cloudflare integration and caching options via SPanel. You can also choose OpenLiteSpeed for better performance.

ScalaHosting VPS Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
Build #150 GB NVMe SSDUnmetered2 cores4 GB$29.95
Build #2100 GB NVMe SSDUnmetered4 cores8 GB$44.95
Build #3150 GB NVMe SSDUnmetered8 cores16 GB$69.95
Build #4200 GB NVMe SSDUnmetered12 cores24 GB$94.95
Self-Managed Custom BuildCustomCustomCustomCustom$29.95

Some plans also include a free domain name.

See ScalaHosting’s Latest Deals >>

3. Liquid Web – Managed Hosting with Great Performance and Support, Guaranteed

If you’re looking for more streamlined, user-friendly hosting than DigitalOcean, Liquid Web might be the perfect option for you.

Each of Liquid Web’s Cloud VPS plans is fully managed, meaning they take care of core software installations, OS updates and patches, security enhancements, and more. A managed VPS gives you added security and full control panel support.

Liquid Web guarantees 100% uptime, ensuring your site stays up and running without issues. They also offer fast response times for support requests, which is a huge plus compared to DigitalOcean’s limited support options. While prices can be higher, Liquid Web’s commitment to easy and reliable hosting makes it well worth the investment.

Key Features

  • Managed WordPress Plans: If you prefer a hassle-free experience with WordPress, Liquid Web offers managed WordPress hosting through its subsidiary, Nexcess.
  • Great Control Panel Options: Choose from Plesk, InterWorx, or cPanel to manage your server.
  • Impressive Global Performance: Liquid Web delivers fast loading speeds and nearly flawless uptime, making it a great option for performance.
  • Robust Security: Every server includes Server Secure, a security solution that automatically hardens your server and optimizes security settings.

Liquid Web VPS Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
Cloud VPS General 1 GB30 GB SSD1 TB1 CPU1 GB$5.00
Cloud VPS General 4 GB80 GB SSD3 TB2 vCPU4 GB$15.00
Cloud VPS General 8 GB240 GB SSD5 TB4 vCPU8 GB$40.00
Cloud VPS General 16 GB440 GB SSD7 TB6 vCPU16 GB$37.00
Cloud VPS General 32 GB640 GB SSD10 TB8 vCPU32 GB$160
2GB Managed General VPS (Linux)40 GB SSD10 TB2 vCPU2 GB$20.00
4GB Managed General VPS (Linux)100 GB SSD10 TB4 vCPU4 GB$30.00
8GB Managed General VPS (Linux)150 GB SSD10 TB8 vCPU8 GB$40.00
12GB Managed General VPS (Linux)200 GB SSD10 TB8 vCPU12 GB$50.00
4GB RAM Windows100 GB SSD10 TB4 vCPU4 GB$65.00
8GB RAM Windows150 GB SSD10 TB8 vCPU8 GB$85.00
8GB RAM Windows200 GB SSD10 TB8 vCPU16 GB$145

Don’t Miss Liquid Web’s Best Deals >>

4. Cloudways – All the Benefits of Cloud Hosting with None of the Hassle

Cloudways is not your traditional web host. Instead, it’s a third-party hosting management service that simplifies cloud hosting for users, even complete beginners. Cloudways partners with top cloud platforms like DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, and AWS (Amazon Web Services) to provide high-performance hosting, while it handles all the technical work for you.

With Cloudways, you won’t need to directly contact your cloud provider. Cloudways will manage your hosting, provide security patches, handle server updates, offer 24/7 server monitoring, and automatically back up your site.

Cloudways also features a simple control panel for easy management and 24/7 support with guaranteed response times. You can even combine DigitalOcean’s infrastructure with Cloudways’ management and support for an optimized hosting experience.

Key Features

  • Staging Environments: Every plan includes free access to staging environments that can be set up with a single click. Test changes without impacting your live site.
  • Unlimited Website Migration: Cloudways offers free migrations for your first site, plus an unlimited number of WordPress sites with the free WordPress migrator plugin.
  • Guaranteed Support Response Times: Cloudways offers a guarantee of a 12-hour response for normal priority issues, and 3-hour response for high priority issues. If this isn’t met, you may be eligible for service credits.
  • Free 3-Day Trial: Cloudways allows you to test its service for 3 days risk-free to decide if it meets your needs.

Cloudways Cloud Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
DO1GB25 GB1 TB1 CORE1 GB$11.00
DO2GB50 GB2 TB1 CORE2 GB$24.00
DO4GB80 GB4 TB2 CORES4 GB$46.00
DO8GB160 GB5 TB4 CORES8 GB$88.00
Linode1GB25 GB1 TB1 CORE1 GB$14.00
Linode2GB50 GB2 TB1 CORE2 GB$28.00
Linode4GB80 GB4 TB2 CORES4 GB$59.00
Linode8GB160 GB5 TB4 CORES8 GB$105
VULTR1GB25 GB1 TB1 CORE1 GB$14.00
VULTR2GB40 GB2 TB1 CORE2 GB$28.00
VULTR4GB60 GB3 TB2 CORES4 GB$54.00
VULTR8GB100 GB4 TB4 CORES8 GB$99.00
AWS Small20 GB2 GB2 CORES2 GB$38.56
AWS Medium20 GB2 GB2 CORE4 GB$91.84
AWS Large20 GB2 GB2 CORES8 GB$183
GCE Small20 GB2 GB1 CORE1.75 GB$37.45
GCE Medium20 GB2 GB1 CORE3.75 GB$84.12
GCE Large20 GB2 GB2 CORES7.5 GB$152

Get Started with Cloudways >>

5. Amazon Web Services – Great Performance and Reliable Uptime

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the largest and most powerful cloud platforms available today. Known for serving major companies like Netflix, AWS provides top-tier performance and reliable uptime. Even though it’s typically associated with large-scale enterprises, AWS offers affordable cloud VPS plans that are great for hosting sites and apps of any size.

For those looking for budget-friendly options, Amazon Lightsail provides scalable cloud VPS hosting at affordable prices, with some handy benefits. It automatically configures your server’s network and security and offers pre-configured development stacks such as LAMP, NGINX, and Node.

However, this service might not be ideal for beginners. While AWS has extensive documentation, support through free ticketing can be slow, and advanced technical help may come at a premium price.

AWS VPS Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
Linux 120 GB SSD1 TB2 vCPUs0.5 GB$5.00
Linux 240 GB SSD2 TB2 vCPUs1 GB$7.00
Linux 360 GB SSD3 TB2 vCPUs2 GB$12.00
Linux 480 GB SSD4 TB2 vCPUs4 GB$24.00
Linux 5160 GB SSD5 TB2 vCPUs8 GB$44.00
Linux 6320 GB SSD6 TB4 vCPUs16 GB$84.00
Linux 7640 GB SSD7 TB8 vCPUs32 GB$164
Linux 81280 GB SSD8 TB16 vCPUs64 GB$384
Windows 130 GB SSD1 TB2 vCPUs0.5 GB$9.50
Windows 240 GB SSD2 TB2 vCPUs1 GB$14.00
Windows 360 GB SSD3 TB2 vCPUs2 GB$22.00
Windows 480 GB SSD4 TB2 vCPUs4 GB$44.00
Windows 5160 GB SSD5 TB2 vCPUs8 GB$74.00
Windows 6320 GB SSD6 TB4 vCPUs16 GB$124
Windows 7640 GB SSD7 TB8 vCPUs32 GB$244
Windows 81280 GB SSD8 TB16 vCPUs64 GB$574

Key Features

  • Static IP and DNS Management: All Lightsail plans include free static IP and DNS management.
  • AWS Trusted Advisor: Get access to the Trusted Advisor tool, which checks your server for security and performance flaws and offers solutions.
  • One-Click Installations: Lightsail plans support one-click installations of various OS, CMS, and development stacks, all preconfigured and ready for use.
  • Extensive Free Trial: AWS gives you a 3-month trial of Lightsail with up to 750 hours of runtime per month. Plus, you get 12 months of access to AWS’s free tier for exploring its cloud solutions.

Uptime Guarantee: 99.99%
Starting Price: $5.00

Compare the Best AWS Plans >>

6. Microsoft Azure – A Secure Cloud Hosting Solution with Impressive Free Support

Microsoft Azure is another major player in cloud hosting, offering a wide range of virtual machine configurations for both Linux and Windows users. While it may not be as large as AWS, it has several unique features that make it a solid alternative to DigitalOcean.

Despite offering great flexibility, Azure’s performance tends to be a bit slower compared to DigitalOcean in my tests. It also might not be the easiest platform for beginners, as navigating its backend can be tricky.

However, where Microsoft Azure truly shines is in security. It provides a variety of free security features, such as server monitoring, a web application firewall, and access to the Azure Security Center, which helps with detecting and responding to threats. If security is your top priority, Azure could be the right choice for you.

Microsoft Azure Cloud Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageBandwidthCPURAMPrice
Free1GBPAYGShared1GB$0
Basic B110GBPAYG11.75GB$14.00
Basic B210GBPAYG23.5GB$26.00
Basic B310GBPAYG47GB$52.00
Standard S150GBPAYG11.75GB$70.00
Standard S250GBPAYG23.5GB$140
Standard S350GBPAYG47GB$280

Key Features

  • Great Knowledge Base: While Azure might be a bit tricky to use, its knowledge base provides extensive guides to help you get up to speed.
  • Responsive Support: During my tests, free ticketing support was quick to respond, and there’s also a presales chatbot. Azure offers premium support for even faster responses and more coverage.
  • Managed Databases and Storage: Azure offers premium managed SSD storage for virtual machines and managed SQL databases with automated backups and patches.
  • Extensive Free Trial: Microsoft Azure gives you 30 days with a $200 credit to explore its services. After that, many services remain free for 12 months, including a virtual machine with 750 hours of runtime each month.

Uptime Guarantee: 99.99%
Starting Price: $0

See Microsoft Azure’s Latest Deals >>

7. Render – Developer-Oriented Hosting to Optimize Your Productivity

Render is an excellent cloud hosting option for developers looking for an integrated platform to build and run websites and apps. One of its standout features is its Git integration, allowing you to easily deploy changes directly through GitHub or GitLab, streamlining your development workflow. Render also supports popular frameworks, Dockerfiles, APIs, background workers, Cron Jobs, and private networks, making it a versatile platform for developers.

One of Render’s strengths is its fully managed PostgreSQL databases with automated daily backups, which come at a more affordable price than similar services from DigitalOcean.

However, Render’s support system can be slow. My experience with email support involved long waits, and sometimes I received no response. There is a community forum, but it also has wait times. Paid plans include chat support, and Enterprise customers get access to a private Slack channel, which is a nice touch for faster communication.

Overall, Render provides a developer-friendly environment that’s easier to navigate than DigitalOcean, but you might want to consider its support response times when choosing your plan.

Render Cloud Hosting Plans

Plan NameStorageCPURAMPrice
Starter$0.25 / GB per monthShared256 MB$7.00
Starter Plus$0.25 / GB per month11 GB$15.00
Standard$0.25 / GB per month11 GB$25.00
Standard Plus$0.25 / GB per month12 GB$50.00
Pro$0.25 / GB per month24 GB$85.00
Pro Plus$0.25 / GB per month48 GB$175

Key Features

  • Persistent Block Storage: Render provides persistent data storage across deploys and restarts, making it ideal for databases or CMSs.
  • Private Services: You can create private services like databases or caches that are not publicly accessible, enhancing data security.
  • Unlimited Static Sites: Unlike DigitalOcean, Render allows you to create unlimited static sites. You also get a fully managed TLS certificate for each site. However, the Individual plan has a 100GB monthly bandwidth limit.
  • Free Plan: Render offers a free plan (Individual) where you can sign up and try its services with no credit card required. However, Cron jobs are a paid add-on on the free plan.

Uptime Guarantee: No legal uptime guarantee
Starting Price: $7.00

Explore Render’s Plans >>

Choose the Right DigitalOcean Alternative for You

When selecting a DigitalOcean alternative, the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

  • Kamatera: If you need full customizability and scalable cloud VPS plans, Kamatera is a great option. It offers preconfigured servers through its Express service, allowing you to deploy servers quickly. Performance is on par with DigitalOcean, and the free 30-day trial gives you a risk-free opportunity to test out the service.
  • ScalaHosting: Ideal for beginners who are just starting with VPS hosting. ScalaHosting offers fully managed VPS hosting at affordable prices, with an easy-to-use SPanel. Its managed plans are cheaper than unmanaged ones, making it a budget-friendly choice for novices.
  • Liquid Web: For those who prefer a more hands-off approach to hosting, Liquid Web provides core-managed plans to take care of server maintenance. Their responsive customer support is available 24/7, making it an excellent option for users who need more assistance.
  • Cloudways: Known for fully managed cloud hosting, Cloudways is a great option if you want 24/7 support. You get fully managed services with solid performance, making it ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach to managing their cloud server.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is perfect for businesses seeking fast and reliable hosting with advanced features. It offers free trials (3-month and 12-month) and always free plans for selected services, making it an appealing option for those who want to explore cloud hosting without upfront costs.
  • Microsoft Azure: If security is a top priority for you, Microsoft Azure is an excellent choice. With extensive security features and responsive support, Azure is built for enterprises and users looking for top-tier cloud solutions. They offer 3-month and 12-month free trials and free plans for selected services.
  • Render: If you’re a developer looking for cloud hosting with a focus on productivity, Render’s fully managed PostgreSQL databases and developer-oriented environment are perfect for building and running websites or apps. You can take advantage of its free 7-day trial to test it out.

Side-by-Side Comparison

DigitalOcean CompetitorsStandout FeatureFree TrialManagedStarting PricePlans
KamateraFully customizable and scalable cloud VPS plans30 daysAvailable$4.00See Plans
ScalaHostingFully managed VPS hosting at affordable pricesNoFully managed$29.95See Plans
Liquid WebFast loading speeds and near-perfect uptime14 days (Managed WordPress only)Core & Fully managed$8.40See Plans
CloudwaysFully managed cloud hosting with 24/7 support3 daysFully managed$11.00See Plans
Amazon Web ServicesFast, reliable hosting with free trials3-month & 12-month free trials, Always free plans for selected servicesAvailable$5.00See Plans
Microsoft AzureExtensive security with responsive support3-month & 12-month free trials, Always free plans for selected servicesAvailable$0See Plans
RenderReliable cloud hosting focused on developers7 daysFully managed PostgreSQL databases available$7.00See Plans

Consider the features and trial periods to determine which alternative suits your needs best!

Here’s an FAQ to clarify some common questions about VPS hosting:

Can I host anything on a VPS?

Yes, VPS hosting, such as that offered by ScalaHosting, provides guaranteed resources, better security, and higher performance than shared hosting. You can host almost any type of website or application on a VPS.

What’s the difference between a managed VPS and a core managed VPS?

With a managed VPS, the hosting provider’s tech team handles server-related tasks and configurations. A core managed VPS, like those offered by Liquid Web, means the tech team steps in only if there’s an issue, like a server failure. You’re responsible for more server administration in this setup.

How secure is cloud VPS hosting?

Cloud VPS hosting, like Kamatera’s, offers advanced security features, including firewalls to protect against malware, viruses, DDoS attacks, and other threats. Your data privacy is a top priority.

Are there any disadvantages to VPS hosting?

VPS hosting can be more expensive than shared hosting. Also, unless you opt for a fully managed VPS plan (like with Cloudways), VPS hosting can be technically challenging. However, the enhanced security, resources, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for many businesses.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right DigitalOcean alternative depends on your specific needs. If you want full control and scalability, Kamatera is a solid option. For beginners, ScalaHosting offers managed VPS with an easy-to-use interface. Liquid Web is great for those who prefer a hands-off approach with expert support. If you need fully managed cloud hosting, Cloudways is a strong contender. Meanwhile, AWS and Microsoft Azure provide robust security and enterprise-grade infrastructure. Developers looking for Git integration and optimized workflows may find Render a perfect fit.

Each provider offers unique features, pricing, and support levels, so it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your technical expertise and hosting needs. Whether it’s security, performance, or ease of management, these DigitalOcean alternatives provide competitive options to power your website or application.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article “Best 7 Alternatives to DigitalOcean for Cloud Hosting in 2025”

Leave a Comment