Hetzner VPS Review 2025

Before placing your order, it’s worth taking a moment to explore Hetzner’s range of cloud server options. Depending on your project’s needs — whether it’s cost efficiency, balanced performance, or dedicated resources — Hetzner offers flexible solutions for different workloads.

The Shared Cost-Optimized plans provide an affordable entry point for smaller or less resource-intensive applications (limited availability). The Shared Regular Performance servers strike the best balance between price and performance, making them ideal for most standard use cases. For maximum and unshared performance in production environments, the Dedicated General Purpose servers deliver guaranteed resources and full computing power.

In the most affordable VPS category, four different plans are available, each offering varying levels of performance to suit different needs.

For the Hetzner VPS test, we selected the entry-level plan CX23 (2 vCores, 4 GB RAM, 40 GB SSD).

Hetzner’s VPS plans are billed on an hourly basis, with a fixed monthly price cap. This ensures that costs never exceed the predefined maximum amount. If a server is deleted before the end of the month, only the hours used up to that point are charged.

There is no minimum contract period. Cancellation can be done at any time through the Hetzner Console, with no fixed notice periods.

Hetzner’s VPS offering is built on modern hardware and optimised for a wide range of workloads. The infrastructure utilises current processor architectures such as Ampere Altra (Arm64), 2nd Gen AMD EPYC, and Intel Xeon Gold. This variety allows flexible configuration to match different application scenarios—from energy-efficient development and testing environments to production workloads that demand high computing power.

For data storage, Hetzner uses NVMe SSDs exclusively, configured in a local RAID 10 setup. This combines the high I/O performance of NVMe technology with redundancy and data protection through mirroring and striping. The host systems are connected via redundant 10 Gbit networking, ensuring both high bandwidth and low latency.

All servers are operated in Hetzner’s own data centres in Nuremberg and Falkenstein (Germany), which feature modern cooling and energy systems for reliable operation. Depending on the selected product, international locations in Finland, the USA, and Singapore are also available—ideal for globally distributed applications or specific compliance requirements.

Regarding data transfer, EU-based servers include at least 20 TB of monthly traffic. For the international locations in the USA and Singapore, the base allocation is 1 TB per month. Additional traffic is billed transparently, with low surcharges per extra terabyte in the EU and the USA, while Singapore incurs higher additional costs.

To safeguard its cloud infrastructure, Hetzner provides several features that cover both network protection and data integrity.

Each VPS can be protected with stateful firewalls, available at no extra cost. These allow granular control over inbound and outbound traffic through custom rule sets. To defend against service availability attacks, Hetzner employs dedicated hardware appliances and multi-layered filtering techniques, providing built-in DDoS protection at no additional charge.

Operations are GDPR-compliant within Europe, and customers can freely choose their server’s data-centre location. For legal assurance when handling personal data, a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) under Article 28 GDPR can be signed directly online.

Manual snapshots allow users to save the current state of a server. These images can be used to restore the system to an earlier point, create new instances, or transfer configurations between projects. Billing is usage-based per gigabyte of occupied storage. In addition, Hetzner offers automated daily backups that can keep up to seven versions of a server. This feature can be enabled per server for an extra charge.

Hetzner VPS instances are primarily managed via the Hetzner Cloud Console, a web-based interface that simplifies server administration. Within the console, users can perform key tasks such as creating, deleting, and restarting servers. It also allows managing backups and snapshots, configuring firewalls, handling networks, and integrating additional resources such as volumes, floating IPs, and load balancers.

For direct system access, SSH is available, providing a convenient way to handle everyday administrative tasks. In special cases—such as operating system installation or password resets—the integrated VNC console can be used, simulating local access as if sitting directly at the machine.

Hetzner also supports extensive automation capabilities. In addition to the Cloud Console, both a REST API and a CLI tool are available, enabling full programmatic control over all management functions.

Available operating systems: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, CentOS, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux.

Additionally, preconfigured applications such as Docker, Coolify, or Nextcloud can be installed directly during setup.

Hetzner’s VPS offering provides a versatile and well-balanced feature set. Modern hardware with the latest CPU architectures, NVMe RAID-10 storage, and 10-Gbit connectivity forms a solid foundation for both development and production environments. Flexibility comes from the choice between German and international data-centre locations, combined with a transparent traffic model. Together with robust security features such as firewalls, DDoS protection, GDPR compliance, and optional snapshots and backups—priced very fairly—Hetzner delivers a well-rounded overall package.

• Modern hardware featuring up-to-date CPU architectures, NVMe RAID-10, and 10-Gbit networking

• Flexible choice of German and international data-centre locations with transparent traffic model

• Comprehensive security and management features, including firewalls, DDoS protection, and affordable snapshots and backups

   

   

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In the next section, we take a closer look at the ordering process and management of the Hetzner VPS.

The ordering process at Hetzner differs from that of many other hosting providers. Instead of selecting a plan directly on the website and completing the checkout, you first create a Hetzner Cloud Console account. Here, you’ll need to register with your email address, contact information, and payment details. In some cases, identity verification may also be required. Only after setting up your account within the management interface can you select your preferred plan and proceed with the VPS deployment.

During the ordering process in the Hetzner Cloud Console, the VPS can be fully customised to meet individual requirements. In addition to selecting the data-centre location and the desired operating system or preinstalled applications, you also choose the appropriate plan. Optional features such as additional storage, automated backups, or custom configurations can be added as needed. Once the order is completed, the VPS is typically ready for use immediately.

 

The Hetzner Cloud Console provides a convenient and centralised way to manage your VPS. Core functions include shutting down, restarting, and resetting the server. The interface also offers clear access to essential information such as assigned hardware resources, IP addresses, login credentials, and graphical performance metrics.

In addition, users can create backups and snapshots (available at extra cost), configure network and firewall settings, and integrate additional services such as volumes or floating IPs.

For emergencies, a rescue system is available, as well as the option to reinstall the server using the integrated console or ISO images. The management interface impresses with its user-friendly graphical design and comprehensive functionality, making it a powerful tool for effective server administration.

Through the Hetzner Account Management interface, users can centrally manage their customer account. Here, address and contact details can be maintained, and payment information can be added or updated. The section also provides access to invoices, allowing users to view and settle them directly. In addition, several security options are available, enabling users to customise and strengthen the protection of their account.

 

The user experience of Hetzner’s VPS platform stands out with its clean, well-structured interface. The Cloud Console provides all essential management functions within a clear and intuitive dashboard, allowing both beginners and experienced users to navigate quickly. Core tasks such as creating, managing, and configuring servers are straightforward and logically implemented. For advanced users, the API and CLI tools offer additional flexibility and enable the automation of more complex workflows. Overall, Hetzner’s management interface proves exemplary in terms of usability and design.

• Clear and well-organised Cloud Console with an intuitive dashboard

• Simple execution of core tasks such as server creation, management, and configuration

• Additional tools for advanced users: API and CLI enable automation and flexible workflows

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To assess the performance of the Hetzner VPS, we conducted a series of benchmarks measuring both CPU power and disk performance using the well-known tool YABS (Yet-Another-Bench-Script).

Hetzner VPS Benchmark: CPU Performance

CPU performance was tested using Geekbench 5, evaluating both single-core and multi-core results.

Results:

Single-Core CPU Value: 745

Multi-Core CPU Value: 1283

These scores were then compared to other VPS providers included in our benchmark:

Hetzner VPS Benchmark: Disk Performance

Disk performance was evaluated using the fio I/O testing software, focusing on sequential read/write speeds and input/output operations per second (IOPS).

Results:

Disk read/write speed (64k block size): 2077.4 MB/s

Input/Output Operations (64k block size): 32.459k IOPS

These scores were then compared to other VPS providers included in our benchmark:

With a Single-Core CPU score of 745, the Hetzner VPS performs poorly, earning 1 point.
With a Multi-Core CPU score of 1283, the VPS again performs poorly, receiving 1 point.
With a read/write speed of 2077.4 MB/s, the Hetzner VPS performs well, earning 3 points.
With 32.459k IOPS, the VPS also performs well, receiving 3 points.

In total, the Hetzner VPS achieves 8 out of 12 possible points, corresponding to a 3-star performance rating.

In the performance test, the VPS delivers mixed results. CPU performance is relatively weak in both single-core and multi-core tests. However, the storage performance stands out positively: both read/write speeds and IOPS values reach solid levels. Overall, this results in an average performance rating for the system.

• Strong disk performance

• Weak CPU performance

Hetzner provides a comprehensive support offering divided into two main areas: direct customer support and the Hetzner Docs knowledge base.

During business hours, customers can contact Hetzner’s support team directly to receive personal assistance from a service representative. In addition, the Hetzner Docs section on the company’s website offers an extensive self-service knowledge base, allowing users to independently find answers and solutions to technical questions.

For general inquiries, Hetzner offers phone support from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (CET). Alternatively, customers can contact the support team via email or the ticket system. During business hours, inquiries are typically handled promptly. A 24/7 emergency phone hotline located directly at the data centre is available only to customers with dedicated servers.

Hetzner’s website features an extensive FAQ section, divided into multiple categories such as General Information, Billing, Servers, Apps, and more. Each category provides practical answers to frequently asked questions, allowing users to resolve many issues quickly and independently. Additionally, the documentation includes step-by-step guides for common administrative tasks—for example, setting up a load balancer or configuring floating IPs.

Our Experience with Hetzner Support

As part of our Hetzner VPS test (September 2025), we tested the customer support ourselves. During business hours, a representative was immediately available by phone, and written inquiries via the ticket system were answered quickly and in detail.

Hetzner’s customer support performs well in the test, offering good accessibility and fast response times during business hours. Phone calls were answered immediately, and support tickets were handled quickly and competently. The Hetzner Docs knowledge base provides an excellent self-service resource, offering practical guides and clear instructions for common use cases. The only limitation is that 24/7 emergency phone support is available exclusively for dedicated server customers. Overall, Hetzner’s support is reliable, practical, and well complemented by strong documentation and self-service options.

• Quick phone support available on weekdays

• Fast handling of written inquiries during business hours

• Extensive knowledge base with practical FAQs and tutorials

• 24/7 emergency phone support available only for dedicated server customers

In the final section of our VPS review, we take a closer look at pricing. Hetzner offers a wide range of plans that can be individually configured, ensuring a suitable server solution for nearly every budget. Monthly costs depend directly on the chosen resources—additional CPU cores, more RAM, greater storage capacity, and extra features all increase the total price accordingly. This flexible structure allows both beginners with modest requirements and users running resource-intensive projects to find the right package.

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Conclusion on Costs

The cost structure of Hetzner’s VPS plans is transparent and flexible. Thanks to the ability to tailor configurations precisely to project needs, users pay only for the resources they actually use—without being tied to long-term contracts. Particularly noteworthy are the attractive pricing options and fair rates for additional services such as backups and snapshots.

• Transparent billing with hourly rates and a fixed monthly price cap

• High flexibility through custom configuration and no long-term commitments

• Attractive add-ons like snapshots and backups at fair prices

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The Hetzner VPS delivers a well-rounded overall package, standing out with its strong feature set, user-friendly management interface, and transparent, cost-effective pricing model.

Modern hardware provides a reliable technical foundation, complemented by flexible data-centre location options. While snapshots and backups incur additional costs, they are offered at fair and reasonable rates. The Cloud Console impresses with a clean, intuitive interface that allows both beginners and experienced users to navigate easily. Advanced users also benefit from automation options via API and CLI.

In the performance test, the VPS showed mixed results — CPU scores were on the lower side, but disk performance proved solid, supported by NVMe RAID-10 storage and strong I/O throughput. When it comes to customer support, Hetzner excels with good availability, quick response times during business hours, and a comprehensive knowledge base for self-service. The pricing structure is both transparent and flexible, allowing for resource configurations tailored precisely to individual needs — making Hetzner’s VPS offerings particularly attractive.

• Good range of features with up-to-date hardware, flexible data-centre locations, and custom configuration options
• High user-friendliness thanks to a clear Cloud Console and automation capabilities via API/CLI
• Fair pricing structure with transparent billing, no fixed contract terms, and affordable backup and snapshot options
• Reliable support with fast response times and an extensive knowledge base
• Strong disk performance thanks to NVMe RAID-10 setup and high I/O values

• Weak CPU performance in both single- and multi-core tests
• 24/7 emergency phone support available only for dedicated server customers

This is how the Hetzner VPS performs compared to the other VPS providers in our test:

The best providers from our vServer test

Rank ↕	Provider ↕	Test Score ↕
1.		4,8/5 VERY GOOD	netcup Test	To provider
2.		4,6/5 VERY GOOD	Hetzner Online GmbH Test	To provider
3.		4,6/5 VERY GOOD	IP-Projects GmbH & Co. KG Test	To provider
4.		4,2/5 GOOD	Infomaniak Test	To provider

Here you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Hetzner’s VPS plans:

No, automatic backups are not included by default. They can be enabled via the Hetzner Cloud Console for an additional fee.

The VPS offering is operated by Hetzner Online GmbH, a German web hosting and data centre provider headquartered in Gunzenhausen, Bavaria. Founded in 1997, Hetzner is now one of Europe’s largest and most recognised hosting providers, operating several state-of-the-art data centres in Germany as well as international locations in Finland, the USA, and Singapore.

There are several alternatives on the market. Among the major German providers are STRATO and IONOS. Smaller hosting companies such as active-servers or ST-Hosting also offer comparable services.