Migration guide
Switching from HOSTKEY to Google Cloud Compute Engine
Monthly price at the same RAM
| Cheapest plan with at least | HOSTKEY | Google Cloud Compute Engine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1+ GB RAM | $3.60 | $6.11 | +$2.51 |
| 2+ GB RAM | $3.60 | $12.23 | +$8.63 |
| 4+ GB RAM | $3.60 | $24.46 | +$20.86 |
| 8+ GB RAM | $7.20 | $48.92 | +$41.72 |
The lowest-priced plan meeting each RAM floor, list price in USD.
Locations
Both: Netherlands, Germany, Finland, France, United Kingdom, United States.
Only Google Cloud Compute Engine: Canada, Brazil, Chile, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Australia, South Africa.
Only HOSTKEY: Turkey.
Features
Google Cloud Compute Engine adds snapshots, private networking.
You would give up DDoS filtering, custom ISO boot.
A three-step cutover
- Create the Google Cloud Compute Engine server in Netherlands first so the new IP is ready before DNS changes.
- Move data with rsync or a restic backup — snapshots help you roll back at the destination.
- Lower the DNS TTL to 300 seconds a day ahead, cut over, then keep HOSTKEY running for a week as a fallback.
Profiles
- HOSTKEY$3.60 · 7 cities
- Google Cloud Compute Engine$6.11 · 41 cities
Questions people ask
Is Google Cloud Compute Engine cheaper than HOSTKEY?
At 0 of 4 RAM tiers we can compare (1, 2, 4 and 8 GB) Google Cloud Compute Engine has the lower monthly price. Entry price is $6.11 against $3.60.
Will I lose any locations leaving HOSTKEY?
HOSTKEY covers 1 country that Google Cloud Compute Engine does not: Turkey.