DigitalOcean vs Kamatera: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: DigitalOcean and Kamatera both sell unmanaged cloud servers from $4 a month. Choose DigitalOcean if you want managed databases, Kubernetes and app hosting in the same account. Choose Kamatera if you want to size a server exactly, run Windows, or test first with its 30-day trial worth up to US$100.
DigitalOcean vs Kamatera at a glance
| DigitalOcean | Kamatera | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $4/month (Basic Droplet) | US$4/month (Basic) |
| Entry server | 512 MiB RAM, 1 vCPU, 10 GiB SSD, 500 GiB transfer | 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU, 20 GB NVMe SSD, 5 TB traffic |
| Free trial / credit | $5 credit for new accounts | 30-day trial with up to US$100 of services on one server |
| Billing | Usage-based, per second, invoiced monthly | Hourly billing by the minute, or prepaid monthly |
| Server sizing | Fixed Droplet types: Basic, General Purpose, CPU-Optimized, GPU | Custom servers up to 104 vCPUs; choose CPU, RAM, storage, OS and location |
| Managed services | Managed databases, Kubernetes, App Platform, Spaces object storage | Optional managed service as a paid add-on |
| Backups | Extra: 20% (weekly) or 30% (daily) of the Droplet cost | Daily backups as a paid add-on |
| Best for | Developers and small teams who manage their own servers | Developers and businesses that want custom cloud servers |
From each official site, checked November 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- Both start at $4 a month, but Kamatera's entry server has 1 GB RAM and 20 GB NVMe, while DigitalOcean's $4 Droplet has 512 MiB RAM and 10 GiB SSD.
- Kamatera lets you configure CPU, RAM, storage, operating system and location yourself, up to 104 vCPUs, while DigitalOcean sells fixed Droplet sizes in several types.
- DigitalOcean has more managed products in one account, including managed databases from $15 a month, managed Kubernetes from $12 a month and App Platform.
- Kamatera offers a 30-day free trial worth up to US$100 on one server, while DigitalOcean lists a $5 credit for new accounts.
- Kamatera lists Linux, BSD and Windows operating systems and 24/7 support that includes phone, though Windows licences and managed service cost extra.
In one line each
DigitalOcean
Developer-focused cloud with simple virtual servers, managed databases and app hosting from $4/month. Starting price: $4/month (Basic Droplet). Best for: Developers and small teams who manage their own servers.
Read the full DigitalOcean summary →Kamatera
Configurable cloud servers billed hourly or monthly, with a 30-day free trial and 21 data centers. Starting price: US$4/mo (1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB NVMe). Free plan / trial: 30-day trial with up to US$100 of services on one server. Best for: Developers and businesses that want custom cloud servers.
Read the full Kamatera summary →Frequently asked questions
Is Kamatera cheaper than DigitalOcean?
Both start at $4 a month. Kamatera's $4 server includes 1 GB RAM, 20 GB NVMe and 5 TB of traffic, while DigitalOcean's $4 Droplet includes 512 MiB RAM, 10 GiB SSD and 500 GiB of transfer. DigitalOcean's 1 GiB Droplet costs $6 a month.
Does DigitalOcean or Kamatera have a free trial?
Kamatera has a 30-day trial with up to US$100 of services on one server. DigitalOcean lists a $5 credit for new accounts, and its App Platform has a free tier for up to three static sites.
Can I run Windows on DigitalOcean or Kamatera?
Kamatera lists Linux, BSD and Windows operating systems, and Windows licences cost extra. Check DigitalOcean's official site for its current operating system options.
Are DigitalOcean and Kamatera managed?
No, both are unmanaged by default, so you need server admin skills. Kamatera sells an optional managed service as an add-on. DigitalOcean offers managed databases and managed Kubernetes, but Droplets themselves are unmanaged.
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We summarise each product from its official website, pricing page and documentation. We don't run hands-on tests or give star ratings. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.