DigitalOcean
Developer-focused cloud infrastructure platform with simple pricing and powerful...
Netlify
Modern web development platform for deploying and hosting static sites and serve...
DigitalOcean vs Netlify: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of DigitalOcean and Netlify covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
DigitalOcean
- Best for: Developers, Startups
- Starting price: Free
- Category: hosting
- Founded: 2011
Netlify
- Best for: Static sites, JAMstack developers
- Starting price: Free
- Category: hosting
- Founded: 2014
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between DigitalOcean and Netlify.
| Feature | D DigitalOcean | N Netlify |
|---|---|---|
| Website Builder | ||
| WordPress Hosting | 1-click app | |
| Free SSL | ||
| Free Domain | ||
| SSD Storage | ||
| Email Hosting | ||
| Daily Backups | Paid | |
| 24/7 Support |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Netlify edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Netlify offers better overall user satisfaction. DigitalOcean remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize developers.
Pros & Cons
DigitalOcean Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple pricing
- Developer-friendly
- Great documentation
- Fast provisioning
- Global data centers
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge
- No managed services
- Support can be slow
- Limited Windows options
Netlify Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous free tier
- Instant deploys
- Form handling
- Edge functions
- Split testing
Cons
- Build time limits
- Bandwidth limits
- Functions cold starts
- Limited backend
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
DigitalOcean
usage-based- 512MB RAM
- 10GB SSD
- 500GB transfer
- 1GB RAM
- 25GB SSD
- 1TB transfer
- 2 vCPUs
- 4GB RAM
- 25GB SSD
- 2 vCPUs
- 16GB RAM
- 50GB SSD
Netlify
freemium- 100GB bandwidth
- 300 build minutes
- Instant rollbacks
- 1TB bandwidth
- Unlimited build minutes
- Background functions
- High-availability
- SAML SSO
- Audit logs
- Custom SLA
- Dedicated support
- Priority builds
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose DigitalOcean if you need:
- Developers
- Startups
- Tech companies
- DevOps teams
- Simple pricing
- Developer-friendly
Choose Netlify if you need:
- Static sites
- JAMstack developers
- Frontend teams
- Open source projects
- Generous free tier
- Instant deploys
DigitalOcean vs Netlify FAQ
What are the main differences between DigitalOcean and Netlify?
DigitalOcean focuses on developers with simple pricing, while Netlify excels at static sites with generous free tier. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is DigitalOcean or Netlify better for small businesses?
DigitalOcean offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Netlify's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between DigitalOcean and Netlify?
DigitalOcean starts at $4/month with a free tier available, while Netlify starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can DigitalOcean integrate with Netlify?
While direct integration may vary, both DigitalOcean and Netlify support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. DigitalOcean integrates with Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, while Netlify works with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket.
Which tool is easier to use, DigitalOcean or Netlify?
Based on user reviews, Netlify generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. DigitalOcean is known for developer-friendly.
Does DigitalOcean or Netlify offer better customer support?
Both DigitalOcean and Netlify provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. DigitalOcean offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of DigitalOcean compared to Netlify?
DigitalOcean's main advantages include: Simple pricing, Developer-friendly, Great documentation. Compared to Netlify, it's particularly strong for developers.
What are the cons of DigitalOcean compared to Netlify?
DigitalOcean's potential drawbacks include: Requires technical knowledge, No managed services. Netlify may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from DigitalOcean to Netlify or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for hosting in 2026?
In 2026, Netlify leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. DigitalOcean excels for developers, while Netlify is ideal for static sites.