2 Free & Open-Source Heroku Alternatives
Heroku no longer has a free tier, and per-app dyno costs add up quickly once you're running more than one or two small services. Coolify and CapRover replicate Heroku's git-push deployment workflow on a server you already own or rent cheaply — one VPS can then host many apps for a fraction of Heroku's per-app cost.
The best Heroku alternatives
Coolify
Our top pickOpen sourceSelf-hostedA self-hosted Heroku/Vercel alternative with a polished dashboard.
Coolify gives you the git-push-to-deploy experience Heroku popularized, running on your own server instead of theirs — with a genuinely pleasant dashboard for managing databases, environment variables, and multiple apps on one machine.
- Git-push deployment from GitHub/GitLab
- One-click databases (Postgres, MySQL, Redis, and more)
- Automatic SSL and preview deployments
- Self-hosted on any VPS you control
CapRover
Open sourceSelf-hostedA lightweight, Docker-based self-hosted PaaS.
CapRover is a leaner alternative to Coolify, built directly on Docker Swarm — a good fit if you're already comfortable with containers and want a simpler, more minimal control panel.
- One-click app deployment via CLI or dashboard
- Built-in load balancing and SSL
- One-click apps for common databases and tools
- Self-hosted, built on Docker Swarm
Licensing and pricing models change over time — confirm current terms on each project's own site before making a procurement or compliance decision.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own server to use Coolify or CapRover?
Yes — both are software you install on a VPS or server you rent (from any provider), which then does the job Heroku's platform did. A single low-cost VPS can typically host several small apps.
Is this actually cheaper than Heroku?
Usually — a single small VPS running Coolify or CapRover often costs less per month than running just one or two apps on Heroku's paid dynos, and can host several apps at once.
Which is easier for someone new to self-hosting?
Coolify has the more polished, beginner-friendly dashboard. CapRover is still approachable but assumes slightly more comfort with Docker concepts.
More free alternatives
Not sure which way to go?
A free Growth Audit can help you weigh self-hosting against the tool you already pay for.