Short answer: For a pre-encoded loop sent continuously from a European server, Hetzner Cloud may offer more included outbound traffic for the price—but check the current allowance for your exact plan and region. DigitalOcean is easier to estimate when its team-wide transfer pool and published overage rate fit your stream. Neither provider’s entry price alone tells you which will cost less: calculate egress first, then add compute, any required IP, taxes, and encoding needs.
This comparison uses provider-published prices and traffic figures, not performance tests. It does not establish that a particular Droplet or Hetzner server can encode a particular video or meet a specific YouTube configuration.
What matters most for a continuous YouTube loop
A 24/7 stream sends data every hour it is live. The outgoing data can dominate the cost comparison, so estimate monthly egress from the actual stream bitrate and schedule before choosing a VM. Then compare the server plan’s included transfer, overage terms, region, compute resources, public IP costs, and applicable taxes.
A server forwarding a file that is already encoded for streaming has a different workload from one that must encode video in real time. The provider pricing pages cited here do not specify a suitable server size or YouTube encoder configuration; do not assume an entry-level plan will handle encoding without checking the requirements of your software and workload.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Estimate monthly data from your bitrate
For a constant bitrate, a useful starting estimate is:
Monthly egress in bytes ≈ bitrate in bits per second × streamed seconds ÷ 8.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a full month, use the hours you expect to stream, convert seconds to bytes and then to the units the provider bills in, and allow for protocol overhead and the actual streaming workflow. This is an estimate, not a provider quote. Your audience size does not by itself determine the server’s outbound use in this model; the stream’s actual delivery path and workload do. The cited provider documents establish allowances and billing, not a bitrate recommendation or audience-based cost forecast.
DigitalOcean and Hetzner Cloud compared
| Cost or feature | DigitalOcean | Hetzner Cloud | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example entry pricing | Basic Droplets start at $4 per month for a 512 MiB plan; a listed 1 GiB Basic plan is $6 per month. | The EU CX23 is listed at €5.49/month or $6.49/month, excluding IPv4 and VAT, following Hetzner’s June 15, 2026 adjustment. | These are examples, not equivalent performance configurations. Compare the specific plan and region you need. DigitalOcean Droplet pricing; Hetzner’s June 2026 price adjustment. |
| Included outbound traffic | The published starting allowance is 500 GiB per month. A listed 1 GiB Basic plan includes 1,000 GiB. Transfer allowances are pooled across Droplets in a team. | Hetzner’s traffic table lists 20 TB for EU CX, CPX, and CAX Cloud Servers. US and Singapore allowances vary by plan. | Confirm the allowance for the exact current plan and location. Hetzner’s traffic table was last changed in May 2024, so verify it in the console. DigitalOcean Droplet pricing details; Hetzner traffic limits. |
| Outbound overage | $0.01 per GiB above the team’s included outbound transfer; inbound transfer is free. | The billing FAQ says overage is rounded up in 100 MB blocks; check the current applicable rate before estimating a bill. | Do not treat included transfer as unlimited. DigitalOcean bandwidth billing; Hetzner Cloud billing FAQ. |
| Public IP | Public networking is included in the listed Droplet model; confirm current invoice details for the selected plan. | A server needs a separately assigned Primary IP for public access. Hetzner lists Primary IPv4 at $0.60/month excluding VAT; IPv6 is free. | Add any required IPv4 charge and VAT to the Hetzner total. Hetzner Primary IP documentation. |
| Regions and billing | DigitalOcean says bandwidth pricing does not vary by region. Bundled plans have a monthly price cap; newer v5 resource-based plans are not capped at 672 hours. Transfer allowance is pooled across a team, and unused allowance does not roll over. | Prices vary by network zone, with Europe, the US, and Singapore available. Traffic between network zones is billed like ordinary internet traffic. Hourly and monthly prices have a cap, but existing instances continue to bill while powered off. | Choose the region deliberately and distinguish shutting down from deleting. DigitalOcean pricing details; DigitalOcean bandwidth billing; Hetzner locations; Hetzner Cloud billing FAQ. |
Which provider is a better fit?
Hetzner Cloud: consider it when European egress is the deciding factor
Hetzner’s published allowance of 20 TB for EU CX, CPX, and CAX families makes it worth considering for a high-egress loop hosted in Europe. The allowance is not universal: US and Singapore limits vary by plan, and traffic between network zones can be billed as ordinary internet traffic. The traffic table’s May 2024 update date is a reason to confirm the current allowance in the console before committing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Include the separately priced IPv4 address and VAT if you need IPv4. The cited EU CX23 price excludes both IPv4 and VAT, and is not a like-for-like performance comparison with a DigitalOcean plan.
DigitalOcean: consider it when the team-wide pool and overage rate suit your usage
DigitalOcean publishes plan-specific transfer allowances, pools those allowances across a team’s Droplets, and documents an outbound overage rate. That can make the bill easier to model if you already operate Droplets in the same team, but you must account for their combined transfer use. Unused transfer does not roll over, and inbound transfer is free.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Check whether the selected plan is a bundled plan or a newer v5 resource-based plan: the billing model differs. DigitalOcean states that bundled plans have a monthly price cap, while v5 resource-based plans do not have the 672-hour monthly cap.
Choose only after checking your workload
- Write down the actual outgoing bitrate and expected hours streamed, then estimate monthly egress.
- Identify the server region and verify that plan’s current included traffic and overage terms.
- Decide whether the VM only forwards pre-encoded video or must encode it in real time. Size CPU and memory for the actual encoding software if encoding is required; the cited price pages do not establish a recommended configuration.
- Add the public IP, tax, and any cross-zone traffic charges that apply.
- For DigitalOcean, include traffic consumed by other Droplets in the team pool. For Hetzner, verify current regional limits and billing details in the console.
How to avoid a surprise bill
DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean’s transfer allowance is pooled at the team level, is cumulative across Droplets, and does not roll over. Outbound data above the included allowance is billed at $0.01 per GiB; inbound transfer is free. Use the team’s combined outbound use—not just the loop server’s estimate—when checking whether the allowance is sufficient. See DigitalOcean’s bandwidth documentation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Hetzner Cloud
Hetzner’s billing FAQ describes usage notifications at 75% and 100%; these notifications do not cap or stop traffic. Its FAQ says overage is rounded up in 100 MB blocks, but check the current applicable rate before putting an overage amount in your budget. Traffic limits depend on plan family and region, and crossing network zones can be billed like ordinary internet traffic. See Hetzner’s Cloud billing FAQ, traffic documentation, and location documentation.
Stopping a server is not the same as deleting it
Both providers continue billing existing resources while they are powered off. If a loop is no longer needed and you want compute billing to end, check the provider’s deletion process rather than relying on shutdown. Hetzner also bills hourly and monthly with a price cap, while DigitalOcean’s cap depends on whether the plan is bundled or v5 resource-based. Check the current invoice details for associated resources such as IPs.
Or let it run in the cloud
If managing a VM, its egress allowance, and the streaming process is more work than you want, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video or playlist looping as a YouTube live stream from the cloud. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live; your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- One flat price per slot for any quality up to 4K 60fps as uploaded, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day per account.
- Monthly billing: $9.99 per month. Other billing lengths are available, and plans include 10 GB storage per slot, pooled across active slots.
StreamNeo plays uploaded videos and streams to YouTube; it does not go live from a camera. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
