DigitalOcean vs UpCloud
Comprehensive comparison for 2026: features, pricing, and expert recommendations
By Shyft Research TeamUpdated Feb 24, 2026
TL;DR
- Both tools is our recommended choice for most users
- Compare ratings, features, and pricing below
- See detailed pricing comparison below
- Choose DigitalOcean for straightforward cloud infrastructure with managed services.
DigitalOcean Rating
N/A
UpCloud Rating
N/A
DigitalOcean Price
$5/mo
UpCloud Price
$5/mo
When comparing DigitalOcean and UpCloud, the key differentiator is performance and regional data hosting. DigitalOcean is known for its simplicity and extensive documentation, making it a popular choice for startups and small teams. UpCloud, on the other hand, offers high-performance block storage and is a European company with EU data hosting, making it ideal for businesses that need to comply with EU data regulations.
Quick Verdict
UpCloud is the better choice for EU-based companies needing high-performance block storage. DigitalOcean suits teams prioritizing simplicity and a broad range of managed services.
Choose DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean excels with its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation. It is ideal for startups and small teams needing scalable virtual machines and managed databases.
Choose DigitalOcean for straightforward cloud infrastructure with managed services.
OR
Choose UpCloud
UpCloud offers superior performance with its high-speed block storage. It is best for businesses requiring EU data hosting and high IOPS for databases.
Choose UpCloud for high-performance EU-based cloud infrastructure.
Head-to-Head Comparison
DigitalOcean
UpCloud
Category
Engineering
cloud-infrastructure
Rating
No rating
No rating
Starting Price
$5/mo
$5/mo
Free Tier
What it Does
Build and scale cloud infrastructure with managed services and orchestration tools.
Global cloud infrastructure with high-performance block storage
Frequently Asked Questions
For teams prioritizing ease of use and a broad range of managed services, DigitalOcean is a solid choice. However, if high-performance block storage and EU data hosting are critical, UpCloud is the better option. UpCloud's superior performance and EU-based infrastructure make it the winner for businesses needing to comply with EU data regulations.
Our Expert Verdict
“UpCloud is the better choice for EU-based companies needing high-performance block storage. DigitalOcean suits teams prioritizing simplicity and a broad range of managed services.”
Pros
- • DigitalOcean: AI-ready with MCP
- • UpCloud: Established solution
Recommendation: We recommend upcloud for most use cases.
Verdict: DigitalOcean vs UpCloud
Winner: upcloud
UpCloud is the better choice for EU-based companies needing high-performance block storage. DigitalOcean suits teams prioritizing simplicity and a broad range of managed services.
Common Questions: DigitalOcean vs UpCloud
Both DigitalOcean and UpCloud are strong Engineering tools. DigitalOcean and UpCloud. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific feature requirements. Both offer ways to try before you buy.