Dokku vs ServerPilot
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Dokku and ServerPilot.
Quick Verdict
4.7/5
Dokku
251 reviews
3.7/5
ServerPilot
348 reviews
Dokku is rated higher (4.7 vs 3.7). Dokku is an open source PaaS you deploy on any VPS. Heroku-compatible buildpacks, Git push deployments, Let's Encrypt SSL, and Docker support. Run your own Heroku on a $5 Hetzner server. ServerPilot is a cloud control panel for managing PHP applications on DigitalOcean, Linode, and other VPS providers. Automated security updates, multiple PHP versions, and app deployment.
Dokku Self-hosted mini Heroku on your own VPS | ServerPilot Control panel for PHP apps on any VPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.7 (251 reviews)✓ | 3.7 (348 reviews) |
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Starting price | Free | Free tier available |
| Best for | Developers who want Heroku-style deployments at VPS pricing on infrastructure they own and control | PHP developers wanting automated security management and multi-PHP-version support on their VPS |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen sourceself hostable | free tiermanaged option |
| Visit Dokku → | Visit ServerPilot → | |
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
ServerPilot
Pros
- + Automated security updates for server
- + Multiple PHP version support
- + Connect any DigitalOcean/Linode/Vultr server
Cons
- - PHP/WordPress centric
- - Free tier limited to 1 server
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