VPS · Head to head
Amazon Lightsail vs Akamai Cloud (Linode): which is better?
Short answer
They cost the same in the first year ($60). Pick Amazon Lightsail for simple fixed-price AWS VPS; pick Akamai Cloud (Linode) for predictable-price developer cloud.
| Fact | Amazon Lightsail | Akamai Cloud (Linode) | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple fixed-price AWS VPS | Predictable-price developer cloud | — |
| Free plan | No | No | Tie |
| Entry plan | Linux 0.5 GB: $5 / mo | Shared CPU: $5 / mo | Tie |
| Mid plan | Linux 1 GB: $7 / mo | Dedicated CPU: $36 / mo | Amazon Lightsail |
| Top plan | Linux 4 GB: $24 / mo | Dedicated CPU: $36 / mo | Amazon Lightsail |
| 1st year | $60 | $60 | Tie |
| Platforms | Web, API, Linux, Windows | Web, API, Linux | Amazon Lightsail |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Amazon Lightsail or Akamai Cloud (Linode)?
They cost the same in the first year ($60).
| 1st year | Amazon Lightsail | Akamai Cloud (Linode) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $60 | $60 |
| Mid | $84 | $432 |
| Top | $288 | $432 |
Which has the better free plan, Amazon Lightsail or Akamai Cloud (Linode)?
Neither stands out: Amazon Lightsail: No; Akamai Cloud (Linode): No.
Should you pick Amazon Lightsail or Akamai Cloud (Linode)?
Pick Amazon Lightsail if
- you want simple fixed-price AWS VPS
- you can pay $5 / mo from day one
Pick Akamai Cloud (Linode) if
- you want predictable-price developer cloud
- you can pay $5 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lightsail pricing | aws.amazon.com/lightsail/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Akamai Cloud (Linode) pricing | linode.com/products/shared/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare