DigitalOcean vs Vast.ai
Compare GPU pricing, features, and specifications between DigitalOcean and Vast.ai cloud providers. Find the best deals for AI training, inference, and ML workloads.
DigitalOcean
Provider 1
Vast.ai
Provider 2
Comparison Overview
Average Price Difference: $1.38/hour between comparable GPUs
GPU Pricing Comparison
| GPU Model ↑ | DigitalOcean Price | Vast.ai Price | Price Diff ↕ | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A10 24GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A10 24GB VRAM • | ||||
A100 PCIE 40GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A100 PCIE 40GB VRAM • | ||||
A100 SXM 80GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A100 SXM 80GB VRAM • | ||||
A2 16GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A2 16GB VRAM • | ||||
A40 48GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A40 48GB VRAM • | ||||
B200 192GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
B200 192GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 80GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
H100 80GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 NVL 94GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
H100 NVL 94GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 SXM 80GB VRAM • DigitalOcean | 8x GPU | Not Available | — | |
H100 SXM 80GB VRAM • $2.99/hour 8x GPU configuration Updated: 3/27/2026 ★Best Price Not Available | ||||
H200 141GB VRAM • DigitalOceanVast.ai | ↑+$1.47(+74.6%) | |||
H200 141GB VRAM • $3.44/hour Updated: 3/27/2026 $1.97/hour Updated: 2/13/2026 ★Best Price Price Difference:↑+$1.47(+74.6%) | ||||
L40 40GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
L40 40GB VRAM • | ||||
L40S 48GB VRAM • DigitalOceanVast.ai | ↑+$1.26(+408.1%) | |||
L40S 48GB VRAM • $1.57/hour Updated: 3/27/2026 $0.31/hour Updated: 2/27/2026 ★Best Price Price Difference:↑+$1.26(+408.1%) | ||||
MI300X 192GB VRAM • DigitalOcean | Not Available | — | ||
MI300X 192GB VRAM • | ||||
RTX 3070 8GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
RTX 3070 8GB VRAM • | ||||
RTX 3070 Ti 8GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
RTX 3070 Ti 8GB VRAM • | ||||
A10 24GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A10 24GB VRAM • | ||||
A100 PCIE 40GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A100 PCIE 40GB VRAM • | ||||
A100 SXM 80GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A100 SXM 80GB VRAM • | ||||
A2 16GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A2 16GB VRAM • | ||||
A40 48GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
A40 48GB VRAM • | ||||
B200 192GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
B200 192GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 80GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
H100 80GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 NVL 94GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
H100 NVL 94GB VRAM • | ||||
H100 SXM 80GB VRAM • DigitalOcean | 8x GPU | Not Available | — | |
H100 SXM 80GB VRAM • $2.99/hour 8x GPU configuration Updated: 3/27/2026 ★Best Price Not Available | ||||
H200 141GB VRAM • DigitalOceanVast.ai | ↑+$1.47(+74.6%) | |||
H200 141GB VRAM • $3.44/hour Updated: 3/27/2026 $1.97/hour Updated: 2/13/2026 ★Best Price Price Difference:↑+$1.47(+74.6%) | ||||
L40 40GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
L40 40GB VRAM • | ||||
L40S 48GB VRAM • DigitalOceanVast.ai | ↑+$1.26(+408.1%) | |||
L40S 48GB VRAM • $1.57/hour Updated: 3/27/2026 $0.31/hour Updated: 2/27/2026 ★Best Price Price Difference:↑+$1.26(+408.1%) | ||||
MI300X 192GB VRAM • DigitalOcean | Not Available | — | ||
MI300X 192GB VRAM • | ||||
RTX 3070 8GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
RTX 3070 8GB VRAM • | ||||
RTX 3070 Ti 8GB VRAM • Vast.ai | Not Available | — | ||
RTX 3070 Ti 8GB VRAM • | ||||
Features Comparison
DigitalOcean
- GPU Droplets
On-demand NVIDIA and AMD GPU instances with per-hour billing and no long-term contracts.
- One-Click ML Frameworks
Pre-configured images with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and CUDA for immediate productivity.
- Integrated Platform
GPU Droplets work seamlessly with DigitalOcean's networking, storage, and managed databases.
- Simple Pricing
Transparent per-hour pricing with no hidden fees or complex instance families.
Vast.ai
Pros & Cons
DigitalOcean
Advantages
- Simple, transparent pricing with no surprises
- Wide GPU selection including H100, H200, L40s, and AMD MI300X
- No long-term commitments required
- Well-known developer platform with strong community
Considerations
- Newer to GPU cloud compared to specialized providers
- Some high-end SKUs (MI325X, B300) require sales contact
- Limited GPU data center regions
Vast.ai
Advantages
- Cost-effective (5-6X cheaper than traditional cloud services)
- Flexible pricing with on-demand and interruptible options
- Real-time bidding system for cost optimization
- Docker ecosystem for quick software deployment
Considerations
- Primarily focused on Linux-based Docker instances
- No Windows support
- Limited GUI options (SSH, Jupyter, or command-only)
Compute Services
DigitalOcean
Vast.ai
Marketplace Instances
On‑demand GPU rentals with live bidding and filters.
Pricing Options
DigitalOcean
Vast.ai
Getting Started
DigitalOcean
- 1
Create an Account
Sign up at digitalocean.com and verify your account.
- 2
Create a GPU Droplet
Select GPU Droplets from the Create menu, choose your GPU type and configuration.
- 3
Choose an Image
Select a pre-configured AI/ML image or a base OS image.
- 4
Launch and Connect
Launch your GPU Droplet and connect via SSH to start working.
Vast.ai
Support & Global Availability
DigitalOcean
Global Regions
GPU Droplets are available in select US data centers with expansion planned.
Support
24/7 support via ticket system, extensive documentation, and active community forums.
Vast.ai
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