# Linode alternative for PHP hosting

Source: https://www.fortrabbit.com/alternatives/linode
Created: 2026-09-11
Reviewed: 2026-09-11


## About Linode

Linode has been one of the most dev-friendly VPS providers in the US since 2003, known for reliable Linux servers. In 2022 it was acquired by Akamai and is now sold as Akamai Cloud. The catalog talks about Kubernetes, GPUs and edge computing. The $5 Nanode survived, but who is the roadmap written for? Probably not the developer with one server and a Laravel side project.

## Why not Linode?

Linode gives you a Linux server, and with it the full responsibility. Setting up and maintaining a web stack takes real time and expertise: Nginx, PHP-FPM, MySQL, certificates, firewalls. Security patches, OS upgrades and monitoring are ongoing tasks that never stop.

## Why fortrabbit

fortrabbit is built for PHP web developers who want to ship, not administrate. It's a [managed PHP hosting platform](/platform/architecture) built around apps, not servers. You push code, Composer runs, and the app comes up with MySQL, SSL and persistent storage. There are no root logins and no web server configs to manage.

fortrabbit is a small, independent company with a [track record](/us/history) since 2012. No acquisition, no enterprise pivot, and direct, personal support, not a ticket queue.

## Linode and fortrabbit

| Feature    | Linode / Akamai Cloud | fortrabbit  |
| ---------- | --------------------- | ----------- |
| Unit       | VPS, root access      | Managed app |
| Web stack  | DIY                   | Managed     |
| Patching   | DIY                   | Managed     |
| MySQL      | DIY or paid service   | Component   |
| Deployment | Own scripts           | git push    |
| Owner      | Akamai                | Independent |

## FAQ

### What changed at Linode since Akamai bought it?

**The audience** — Akamai acquired Linode in 2022 and sells it as Akamai Cloud. Pricing now lives on akamai.com, and the catalog grew toward Kubernetes, GPU compute and edge services. The $5 Nanode is still there.

### Is fortrabbit more expensive than a Linode?

**Per month, sometimes** — A $5 Nanode is cheaper than a fortrabbit app with a database. The fortrabbit price includes the PHP runtime, MySQL, SSL, backups and the patching, and nobody's hours.

### What does a Linode still do that fortrabbit does not?

**Anything outside PHP** — Node processes, system daemons, kernel tuning, GPU workloads and languages other than PHP. On fortrabbit PHP runs the app and nothing else runs next to it.

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