Hetzner Cloud vs Google Cloud
Considering a switch from Google Cloud to a European alternative? Hetzner Cloud offers full GDPR compliance and EU-only data hosting without the legal uncertainties that come with US-based services. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and data protection.
Quick Overview
Hetzner Cloud
EU- Headquarters
- Gunzenhausen, DE
- Pricing
- From €4.51/mo (usage-based)
- Open Source
- No
Google Cloud
USGoogle Cloud Platform is a suite of cloud computing services by Google offering infrastructure, data analytics, machine learning, and application development tools.
The Case for Hetzner Cloud
- Hetzner Cloud stores all data exclusively in Germany, Finland, under European jurisdiction. Unlike Google Cloud, which is subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, Hetzner Cloud cannot be compelled by foreign governments to hand over your data.
- Hetzner Cloud offers a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) that is fully aligned with GDPR Article 28. There is no legal ambiguity about data transfers or adequacy decisions — your data processor is European, and the law that governs it is European.
Why Switch to Hetzner Cloud?
Concerns with Google Cloud
- US CLOUD Act jurisdiction
- FISA Section 702 surveillance risk
- Data accessible to US authorities regardless of storage region
- Complex compliance setup for EU data residency
Hetzner Cloud Compliance
GDPRISO 27001DPA
- Headquarters
- Gunzenhausen, DE
- Data Centers
- DE, FI
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Hetzner Cloud vs Google Cloud — FAQ
Is Google Cloud GDPR compliant?
Google Cloud may offer GDPR compliance features and EU data residency options, but as a US-headquartered company, it remains subject to the US CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702. These laws can compel US companies to hand over data regardless of where it is stored. The EU-US Data Privacy Framework provides some safeguards, but its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield) were both invalidated by the European Court of Justice. Hetzner Cloud, as a European company, is not subject to these US laws at all.
How does Hetzner Cloud compare to Google Cloud in features?
Hetzner Cloud offers Cloud servers (VPS), Dedicated servers, Managed Kubernetes, Load balancers, and 6 more features. While Google Cloud's ecosystem may be larger due to its market position, Hetzner Cloud covers the core functionality that most teams need. The trade-off is typically between breadth of integrations (Google Cloud) and data sovereignty with regulatory certainty (Hetzner Cloud).
Can I migrate from Google Cloud to Hetzner Cloud?
Yes. Most European software providers, including Hetzner Cloud, offer migration tools or documentation to help you transition from US-based services. Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability — meaning Google Cloud must provide your data in a machine-readable format. The migration process varies in complexity depending on your data volume and integrations, but for most teams it can be completed within a few days to a few weeks.