I was looking at VPS providers for batch video encoding runs. These numbers are in no way a comprehensive test, I was just surprised by some of them so I thought I’d share.
My source file is a 04:17 1080p mp4 and I ran it through HandbrakeCLI to create an optimised 720p version – I used the exact same commands on all the servers I span up. This is how long it took to encode:
LINODE
 $80 6 cores    2:21
 $160 8 cores    1:53
 $120 8 dedicated cores    2:53 (slower than 6 non-dedicated cores which is half the price)
DIGITAL OCEAN
 $160 8 cores    2:35
 $160 8 optimised cores    1:30
VULTR
 $160 8 cores    1:47
I was looking to compare the $160/8 core price point, the Linode $80 test is only included to show that it is faster that the 8 dedicated cores option.
 
	 
			 
			 
			
I’m surprised any of them took that long to finish. Do you think it would be any better now, 2+ years later?