Smelt Cloud vs Microsoft Azure
Matched at equal memory: Azure's E64s v6 gives 32 physical cores and 512 GB; Smelt's Compute node gives 64 physical cores at the same 512 GB, with NVMe and free egress included. The price below is Azure's public pay-as-you-go list rate, compute only.
Microsoft Azure figures verified Apr 5, 2026
| Dimension | Azure E64s v6 | Smelt Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Memory (matched) | 512 GB | 512 GB ECC |
| Physical cores | 32 (64 vCPU, shared SMT) | 64 (whole dedicated server) |
| Monthly price | $3,091 pay-as-you-go, compute only | Compute tier — pricing Coming Soon (NVMe + egress included) |
| Storage | Managed Disks billed separately | NVMe included with the node |
| Egress | Metered per GB | Free on the included transfer allowance |
Comparisons match the closest Microsoft Azure configuration by cores and memory (compute) or by cost per terabyte (storage), and normalize for included storage and egress. Specs for both sides are shown so you can judge the fit.
Smelt Cloud as a Microsoft Azure alternative
Teams pick Smelt Cloud as an Azure alternative for steady-state, memory-optimized compute. At equal RAM, Smelt's Compute node gives twice the physical cores of an E64s v6, plus included NVMe and free egress, where Azure bills Managed Disks and egress separately. For always-on databases and analytics, dedicated hardware is the lower-cost path.
Whole physical cores
Azure's 64-vCPU E64s v6 is 32 physical cores on shared silicon. Smelt gives you whole physical cores you do not share.
Storage and egress included
Azure bills Managed Disks and metered egress separately. Smelt includes NVMe and a free transfer allowance with the node.
A high-bandwidth step-up
The E-series is memory-optimized. For memory-bandwidth-bound work, Smelt's Compute Ultra tier adds dual-socket Xeon AMX bandwidth — a distinct step up from the core-matched Compute node above.
Where Microsoft Azure is the better fit
Azure autoscales, spans many regions, integrates tightly with the Microsoft enterprise stack and identity, and carries broad compliance certifications. For elastic workloads, Microsoft-ecosystem integration, or specific compliance needs, Azure fits. Smelt wins on cost for steady-state, memory-bound compute.
Questions, answered.
Does Smelt cost less than Azure memory-optimized VMs?
For steady-state workloads, yes. An Azure E64s v6 lists at roughly $3,091 per month pay-as-you-go before disks and egress; Smelt's dedicated equivalent is priced below that with NVMe and free egress included.
Why do the core counts differ?
Azure counts vCPUs, where two vCPUs equal one physical core via shared multithreading. Smelt quotes dedicated physical cores.
When should I stay on Azure?
For elastic workloads, deep Microsoft-ecosystem integration, or specific compliance certifications Smelt has not yet completed.
- Microsoft Azure VM pricing — verified Apr 5, 2026
Microsoft Azure and other names are trademarks of their respective owners. Smelt Cloud is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Azure. Figures shown are the competitor's public list prices as of the dates above and may change; Smelt figures are effective rates described in our documentation. This comparison is provided for informational purposes.
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