DigitalOcean vs Vultr — Compare developer-friendly cloud hosts for speed, pricing, and WordPress performance in 2025.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Picking between DigitalOcean and Vultr is hard. Both have low-cost cloud servers, fast storage, and data centers around the world. But which one is better for speed, help, and cost in 2025?
This guide looks at speed, price, features, and how they work with WordPress. It will help you choose the best cloud host for you. Want a broader view of the best cloud hosts in 2025? Our Top 10 guide has performance, pricing, and support breakdowns.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
DigitalOcean vs Vultr – Key differences between two popular cloud hosting providers
Feature |
DigitalOcean |
Vultr |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | $5/month | $2.50/month (basic) |
SSD/NVMe Storage | SSD (Premium plans use NVMe) | NVMe on most plans |
Data Centers | 13 global locations | 32+ locations worldwide |
Control Panel | DO dashboard or via Cloudways | Vultr dashboard or via Cloudways |
Performance | Excellent with Premium droplets | Fast with High Frequency plans |
Support | Ticket-based; community docs | Ticket-based; community docs |
WordPress Setup | Manual or via Cloudways | Manual or via Cloudways |
Backups | Optional paid backups | Optional paid backups |
CDN | Add-on via Cloudflare or BunnyCDN | Same |
Ideal For | Developers, agencies, SMBs | Developers, budget-conscious users |
1. Price and Plans
- DigitalOcean:
- Basic server: $5 a month (1GB RAM, 1 CPU, 25GB storage)
- Faster server: $6 a month
- Managed plans on Cloudways: start at $11 a month
- Vultr:
- Basic plan: $2.50 a month (less power)
- Fast plan: $6 a month
- Managed plans on Cloudways: start at $13 a month
The Bottom Line: Vultr is cheaper to start. DigitalOcean gives you more power for your money.
2. Speed and Performance
- DigitalOcean:
- Faster servers use quick storage and fast CPUs
- Great uptime and quick response in main areas
- Works very well with WordPress when using caching
- Vultr:
- Fast plans use quick storage and speedy 3GHz+ CPUs
- More server locations worldwide means less delay
- A bit faster for small websites
The Bottom Line: Vultr is a bit faster for small sites. DigitalOcean is better for growth and steady performance.
3. Tools for Developers
Both give you:
- Full control over your server
- Access to their API
- Ability to upload your own operating system
- One-click installs for apps like WordPress and Docker
- Easy SSH key setup
- Firewall and backup snapshot tools
The Bottom Line: It’s a tie. Both are great for developers with strong tools.
4. Working with WordPress
- DigitalOcean:
- Install WordPress yourself or use Cloudways
- Works with caching plugins like Breeze, Redis, and Varnish
- Good for WooCommerce stores and multi-site networks
- Vultr:
- Install WordPress yourself or use Cloudways
- Supports caching and CDNs
- A little better for cheap WordPress sites
The Bottom Line: Both work well with WordPress. Using Cloudways makes setup simple on either one.
5. Help and Guides
- DigitalOcean:
- Lots of helpful community tutorials
- Support via help tickets
- Paid support plans are available
- Vultr:
- Basic guides and documentation
- Support via help tickets
- No live chat or phone help
The Bottom Line: DigitalOcean is better for learning and getting help from others.
6. Global Server Locations
- DigitalOcean:
- 13 data centers (like New York, San Francisco, London, Singapore)
- Good coverage in North America and Europe
- Vultr:
- Over 32 data centers (including Seoul, Mumbai, Tel Aviv, Warsaw)
- Better reach in Asia and other growing areas
The Bottom Line: Vultr has more server locations around the world.
Who Should Pick Which?
- Pick DigitalOcean if:
- You want steady performance and good help
- You are growing a WordPress site or online store
- You like using Cloudways to manage your server
- Pick Vultr if:
- You need a low-cost host with fast storage
- You want more choices for server locations
- You are making small sites or test environments
This comparison focuses on developer-friendly options, but our full Top 10 cloud hosting providers list covers managed and beginner-friendly hosts too.
FAQs
Can I use Cloudways with both?
Yes. Cloudways works with both DigitalOcean and Vultr for managed WordPress hosting.
Which one is faster for WordPress?
Vultr is a bit faster for small sites. DigitalOcean is better for bigger, growing sites.
Do they include free backups or a CDN?
No. Backups and CDN cost extra. You can use Cloudflare or BunnyCDN for a CDN.
Also Read: Estimate cloud hosting cost
Conclusion
In the DigitalOcean vs Vultr match, both are great, easy-to-use cloud hosts. Vultr wins on price and global spots. DigitalOcean wins on support and growth. For WordPress users, using Cloudways with either one is a smart choice.
To see how these hosts compare to others, check out our Top 10 cloud hosting guide.