Paperspace Free GPU Notebook: Gradient Limits, Pricing & Alternatives
GPU cloud by DigitalOcean with free Gradient notebooks
What is Paperspace
Paperspace is DigitalOcean's GPU cloud platform with two main products: Gradient (ML notebooks and workflows) and Core (GPU VMs).
The biggest draw is free Gradient notebooks: free GPU access (M4000/P5000) to run Jupyter Notebooks in the browser, perfect for learning and experiments. More stable than Google Colab's free GPU.
The biggest draw is free Gradient notebooks: free GPU access (M4000/P5000) to run Jupyter Notebooks in the browser, perfect for learning and experiments. More stable than Google Colab's free GPU.
Free Tier & Pricing
Free Gradient notebooks:
- Free GPU: M4000 / P5000
- 6-hour max sessions
- 5GB persistent storage
- No credit card required
Paid GPU VM pricing:
- RTX 4000: $0.56/hr
- A4000: $0.76/hr
- A100 80GB: $3.09/hr
Pro at $8/mo unlocks better GPUs and longer runtimes.
- Free GPU: M4000 / P5000
- 6-hour max sessions
- 5GB persistent storage
- No credit card required
Paid GPU VM pricing:
- RTX 4000: $0.56/hr
- A4000: $0.76/hr
- A100 80GB: $3.09/hr
Pro at $8/mo unlocks better GPUs and longer runtimes.
Editor's note
Editor's note: If you only need API inference, you may not need a GPU rental. Compare free quota, rate limits, and latency first.
China Access Guide
Paperspace is accessible from China, Gradient notebooks work normally. Speed depends on network conditions.
For more stable China GPU experience, consider AutoDL. For model APIs, use API aggregator.
For more stable China GPU experience, consider AutoDL. For model APIs, use API aggregator.
FAQ
Q: Are free GPU notebooks good?
A: Great for learning and experiments. M4000/P5000 handles small models fine, large models need paid GPUs.
Q: How does it compare to Google Colab?
A: Paperspace free GPU is more stable, no random disconnections. Colab free GPU often queues or interrupts.
Q: Paperspace vs RunPod?
A: RunPod is cheaper with more GPU options. Paperspace wins on Gradient notebook experience and DigitalOcean stability.
A: Great for learning and experiments. M4000/P5000 handles small models fine, large models need paid GPUs.
Q: How does it compare to Google Colab?
A: Paperspace free GPU is more stable, no random disconnections. Colab free GPU often queues or interrupts.
Q: Paperspace vs RunPod?
A: RunPod is cheaper with more GPU options. Paperspace wins on Gradient notebook experience and DigitalOcean stability.