Coolify vs Dokku
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Coolify and Dokku.
Coolify Self-hosted open source Heroku/Netlify alternative | Dokku Self-hosted mini Heroku on your own VPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.7 (173 reviews) | 4.7 (251 reviews)✓ |
| Pricing model | free | free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Best for | DevOps-capable teams wanting a free self-hosted alternative to Heroku that handles SSL and deployments automatically | Developers who want Heroku-style deployments at VPS pricing on infrastructure they own and control |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen sourceself hostable | free tieropen sourceself hostable |
| Visit Coolify → | Visit Dokku → | |
Coolify
Pros
- + Completely free and open source
- + Deploy any Docker image or application
- + Automated SSL with Let's Encrypt
Cons
- - Requires server management
- - Newer platform — some rough edges in complex configs
Dokku
Pros
- + Free and open source — just need a VPS
- + Heroku buildpack compatible
- + Full control over your data and costs
Cons
- - Self-managed — you handle updates and maintenance
- - Requires Linux server knowledge
Stay in the loop
Get weekly updates on the best new AI tools, deals, and comparisons.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.