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enum vs. Hetzner

enum vs Hetzner.

A managed Kubernetes platform, not just VMs and hosts you operate yourself.

TL;DR

enum is a German PaaS: Managed Kubernetes with an HA control plane included per cluster, compute, S3-compatible storage, and self-service via API and Terraform. You get private-by-default clusters, zero-downtime upgrades, and a small predictable set of line items. enum fits teams who want a managed platform with sovereignty under EU law, without operating the control plane themselves.

Product comparison

What you operate yourself versus what the platform operates for you.

enum Kubernetes EngineHetzner
Kubernetes
Managed Kubernetes, HA control plane included per cluster
VMs and dedicated hosts; you install and operate Kubernetes yourself
Control Plane
Operated by enum, 3+ nodes across failure domains, automatic failover
You run it on VMs or dedicated hosts; availability is your responsibility
Upgrades
Zero-downtime rolling upgrades, operated by enum
You plan and execute upgrades yourself
Private Networking
Private clusters by default with host-based NAT
You configure networks, firewalls, and routing yourself
Load Balancer
Flat monthly price, includes IPv4
Hetzner Cloud Load Balancer available, billed per hour
Object Storage
S3-compatible object storage, no per-request fees
Hetzner Cloud Storage (S3-compatible) or external storage

enum Kubernetes Engine is a PaaS: the highly available control plane is operated by enum and included per cluster at no per-cluster-hour charge, clusters are private by default, and upgrades are zero-downtime. You provision clusters through enumctl, the REST API, or Terraform. Hetzner is IaaS: VMs and dedicated hosts where you install and operate Kubernetes yourself. The differentiator is who runs the control plane.

Sovereignty

PaaS, not IaaS

enum operates the Kubernetes control plane, upgrades, HA, and private networking for you. That is the difference: a managed platform vs. raw infrastructure where you run everything yourself.

Own network at enum

enum operates AS215998 with own IP ranges and EU peering. Hetzner operates its own network (AS24940) as well. Both are providers, not resellers.

NIS2 and DORA ready

enum is a German GmbH in Frankfurt with no US subprocessors. Structurally aligned with NIS2 and DORA for regulated workloads.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hetzner offer Managed Kubernetes?
enum is a Managed Kubernetes platform: the HA control plane is operated by enum and included per cluster at no extra charge. Clusters are private by default, upgrades are zero-downtime, and you provision through CLI, API, or Terraform. Hetzner gives you VMs and hosts where you run Kubernetes yourself.
Is Hetzner GDPR-compliant?
enum is a German GmbH in Frankfurt under German and EU law with no US subprocessors. Both enum and Hetzner are GDPR-native. The difference is product model, not jurisdiction: enum is a managed platform, Hetzner is raw IaaS.
How does enum pricing compare to Hetzner?
enum bills compute per hour with optional commitment discounts, includes the HA control plane per cluster at no extra charge, and charges a flat monthly fee for load balancing. No per-request fees, no NAT surcharges. On price-per-VM, Hetzner is cheaper. On total cost of ownership for a production Kubernetes platform, enum includes the operational work Hetzner leaves to you.
What is the best Managed Kubernetes alternative to running Kubernetes on Hetzner?
enum offers upstream Kubernetes with an HA control plane included, private clusters by default, zero-downtime upgrades, and self-service via CLI, API, and Terraform. Operated in Frankfurt by a German GmbH. You stop operating the control plane and ship a managed platform instead.
Can I migrate from Hetzner to enum?
Yes. enum runs upstream Kubernetes, so manifests, Helm charts, and GitOps workflows port directly. Object storage is S3-compatible, so existing tools work as-is. Migration support is available if you need help with the cutover.
Do I lose control running Managed Kubernetes instead of my own cluster?
No. You keep full control over workloads, RBAC, Helm, and GitOps. enum operates the control plane, node OS, and upgrades for you, with HA and zero-downtime rolling upgrades included. Node shapes and scaling stay in your hands.
European Cloud Platform

Start building on enum.

Self-service cloud infrastructure with a developer experience that gets out of your way. Built and operated in Europe.

CNCF & Linux Foundation member
Digital sovereignty from Germany
No US dependencies, no CLOUD Act
enum vs Hetzner: Managed Kubernetes vs self-managed clusters