Heroku alternatives: 5 open-source picks
Heroku costs $7/mo — $84 a year. These 5 alternatives replace it for $0, led by Coolify, Dokploy and Dokku. All 5 are open source. License, stars and last commit checked by hand on 2026-08-29. No trials, no crippled tiers.
Heroku on your own server, including Git deploys, TLS, logs, databases, and scheduled backups.
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installCoolify Cloud signup or one-line install script on a fresh Linux server
dataSelf-hosted control data is in an internal PostgreSQL container; deployed apps and databases remain in Docker containers, volumes, and configuration on the user's servers
the catch vs HerokuCoolify recreates Git deploys, TLS, logs, and databases, but the VPS, operating-system patching, backups, uptime, and incident response now belong to you rather than Heroku.
setupA VPS with root SSH access, open ports, DNS, and responsibility for server patching and application-data backups
facts verified 2026-08-10
A newer self-hosted PaaS for apps and databases, with previews, TLS, logs, and backups in the same control plane.
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installDokploy Cloud signup or one-line install script on a Linux VPS
dataDokploy metadata is stored in PostgreSQL; application and database data lives in Docker named volumes or bind mounts on the deployment servers, with optional S3 backups
the catch vs HerokuDokploy offers a modern self-hosted PaaS, but it lacks Heroku's provider-managed dynos, add-on marketplace, support, and hands-off infrastructure.
setupA VPS with at least 2 GB RAM, free ports 80/443/3000, DNS, and ongoing Docker/server administration
facts verified 2026-08-10
The original tiny Heroku-on-one-box; excellent once you are comfortable treating a server like a pet.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installBootstrap script on a fresh supported Ubuntu or Debian VM, then add an SSH key and domain
dataApplication images, configuration, logs, and persistent Docker volumes live on the user's server; service data lives in installed database-plugin volumes
the catch vs HerokuDokku is the closest small Heroku-shaped experience, but it is command-line-first and turns dyno, router, database, backup, and host failures into your own pager duty.
setupA fresh Linux VM, sudo/SSH competence, DNS, and command-line-only administration
facts verified 2026-08-10
One-click-app PaaS with a web GUI, built on Docker Swarm and nginx, for deploying apps and databases
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour server
setupnot verified by us yet — check the repo README
facts verified 2026-08-29
37signals’ deploy tool: zero-downtime Docker deploys to any bare VPS with a single `kamal deploy`. No PaaS in between.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
setupnot verified by us yet — check the repo README
facts verified 2026-08-29
What each one is, in full: Coolify · Dokploy · Dokku · CapRover · Kamal
last updated 2026-08-29 · no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
how to choose a Heroku alternative
Easiest to get running
CapRover — a one-click install, no server to maintain.
Most proven
Coolify, with 57,000 GitHub stars — the largest community of the 5, which usually means more answers when something breaks.
Needs real ops to self-host
Coolify, Dokploy and Dokku are capable but expect someone to run a server, updates and backups. Budget for that before choosing one.
what you give up by leaving Heroku
- managed runtime, add-ons, buildpacks, databases, support, and operational maturity
- global edge network
- managed databases
- autoscaling
- DDoS protection, support, and compliance
None of the picks above covers all of it. The full verdict says which gaps matter.
Heroku alternatives at a glance
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolify | Apache-2.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 57,000 | 2026-08 |
| Dokploy | Apache-2.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 36,000 | 2026-08 |
| Dokku | MIT | self-host, real ops | linux, self-hosted, cli | 32,100 | 2026-08 |
| CapRover | Apache-2.0 | one-click install | self-hosted, web | 14,000 | 2026-08 |
| Kamal | MIT | docker to self-host | self-hosted, web | 12,000 | 2026-08 |
why people still pay for Heroku
People still pay for Heroku because hosting products sell an operations team and failure-domain diversity, not merely a deploy button. The recurring cost buys patching, certificates, isolation, secrets, builds, deploys, logs, metrics, backups, capacity, incidents, and security response, not just the visible interface. If none of that applies to you, any pick above saves $84 a year.
questions about switching from Heroku
Is there an open-source alternative to Heroku?
Yes: Coolify, Dokploy, Dokku and 2 more. Every tool on this page is open source: no trials, no crippled tiers.
Can open source really replace Heroku?
Our verdict is YES. Coolify (57k stars), Dokploy (36k stars), Dokku (32k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Heroku — self-host with real ops work and stop paying $7/mo. The full verdict, and what you give up by switching, is at caniopensourceit.online/heroku-basic.
What is the easiest open-source Heroku alternative to set up?
CapRover — a one-click install, no server to maintain.
What is the most popular open-source Heroku alternative?
By GitHub stars, Coolify (57,000). Dokploy is next with 36,000.
