AWS Lambda vs Linode

Serverless computing that makes you feel like a wizard—until you get hit with cold starts and vendor lock-in meets the cloud provider that doesn't make you feel like you're navigating a corporate maze just to spin up a server. Here's our take.

AWS Lambda

Nice Pick

Serverless computing that makes you feel like a wizard—until you get hit with cold starts and vendor lock-in.

Pros

• No server management—just upload code and it runs automatically
• Auto-scales from zero to thousands of concurrent executions
• Pay-per-use pricing model (you only pay for compute time)
• Integrates seamlessly with other AWS services like S3 and API Gateway

Cons

• Cold starts can cause unpredictable latency spikes
• Vendor lock-in with AWS ecosystem makes migration painful
• Limited execution time and memory constraints (up to 15 minutes)

Linode

The cloud provider that doesn't make you feel like you're navigating a corporate maze just to spin up a server.

Pros

• Transparent, predictable pricing with no hidden fees
• Simple, intuitive web interface that actually makes sense
• Excellent documentation and responsive support
• High-performance SSD-based VPS with global data centers

Cons

• Fewer advanced enterprise features compared to AWS or Azure
• Managed services can be limited for complex workloads

The Verdict

Use AWS Lambda if: You want no server management—just upload code and it runs automatically and can live with cold starts can cause unpredictable latency spikes.

Use Linode if: You prioritize transparent, predictable pricing with no hidden fees over what AWS Lambda offers.

The Bottom Line

AWS Lambda wins

Serverless computing that makes you feel like a wizard—until you get hit with cold starts and vendor lock-in.