Heroku’s discontinuation of a free tier has given users pause. Other limitations prompt many developers, DevOps teams, and organizations to explore Heroku alternatives. Heroku has long been a go-to platform for developers and companies.
Particularly for those looking to deploy, manage, and scale modern apps in the cloud. Sure, with its robust Platform as a Service (PaaS) features, Heroku offers simplicity and scalability. But those looking for a versatile platform to fit specific project needs, budget, and growth potential have better options.
This guide introduces you to eight compelling alternatives. We'll explore paid, free, and open-source platforms. Each can align with your development and growth goals. Let’s help you find the perfect fit for your next big project and highlight how DuploCloud can help.
Key Takeaways
- Heroku has discontinued its free tier, with higher pricing, limited customization, and scalability constraints. These changes have led developers and businesses to seek alternative platforms.
- Both paid and free-tier options are available. Developers can also explore open-source alternatives for greater control and flexibility.
- When selecting an alternative, teams should evaluate several factors. Think of cost, performance, compliance requirements, and long-term scalability. Platforms like DuploCloud offer automated DevOps, security, and multi-cloud support. This makes them a strong choice for enterprises needing efficiency and compliance readiness.
What is the Heroku cloud platform?
Heroku is a cloud-based PaaS that allows developers to build, run, and manage applications. It streamlines app deployment by offering pre-configured tools and support. This includes widely-used programming languages like Node.js, Ruby, Python, and more.
Heroku’s features include:
- GitHub integration
- Scalability
- 24/7 ops
- Security
- Extra add-on functionalities
Each of these can be seamlessly integrated into its ecosystem. These benefits make Heroku a notable player among cloud application platforms.
Why look for Heroku alternatives?
Heroku may not meet the needs of every developer or team for several reasons:
Cost: Heroku’s fully managed services come with a premium price tag, which may not suit budget-conscious SMEs or startups. As applications grow and require more resources, the costs can escalate quickly. This makes it an expensive choice. PaaS and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) options provide more flexibility in pricing.
Discontinued Free Tier: The removal of Heroku’s free plan left many searching for no-cost or budget friendly alternatives. Those on the search include independent developers, students, and early-stage startups. Many applications previously hosted on Heroku’s free tier now require migration to other platforms. These platforms offer free plans, such as Firebase, Netlify, or Render.
Limited Customization: While Heroku excels at simplifying deployments, it lacks deep infrastructure customization. Developers may find Heroku’s ecosystem too restrictive. Restrictions include:
- Specific networking configurations
- Custom server environments
- Fine-grained control over deployments
Enterprise Capabilities: Organizations often demand robust DevOps automation. They also require compliance with regulations like SOC 2 or HIPAA and advanced monitoring tools. These may find Heroku insufficient. Many enterprise teams seek platforms that integrate:
- Compliance
- Security
- Monitoring within their cloud environments
Persistent Storage: Heroku’s ephemeral storage model means that data is lost whenever a dyno restarts. This can be problematic for applications that require:
- Persistent storage
- Automated backups
- Extensive database management.
While external add-ons can provide solutions, they often come at an additional cost.
Scalability: Heroku supports scaling. But it may not be the most efficient option for high-traffic applications. Platforms like AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Google App Engine provide automatic infrastructure management. But Heroku requires developers to scale dynos manually or use additional services.
Are you facing budget constraints or need more control? Heroku alternatives offer better flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency.
4 Paid Heroku alternatives for developers
Here’s a breakdown of eight recommended platforms that stand out for their:
- Unique features
- Pricing options
- Support for developers and organizations
- The ability to manage custom domains
1. Duplocloud
DuploCloud is an intelligent DevOps automation platform. It allows teams to deploy secure, compliant infrastructure in days instead of months. Hundreds of startups and high-growth tech companies trust DuploCloud. We offer automated provisioning, cloud services, security, and diagnostics.
Top features and benefits:
- Automated provisioning for faster deployments
- Built-in security and compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
- Advanced monitoring and diagnostics for real-time insights
- Support for AWS, Azure, and GCP
DuploCloud is best suited for organizations needing:
- Enterprise-grade compliance
- High-speed scalability
- Reduced reliance on manual DevOps tasks
How DuploCloud shines
Want a quick visual breakdown? Let’s highlight how DuploCloud compares on your search for Heroku alternatives.
Feature | DuploCloud | Heroku |
Ease of deployment | Automated infrastructure provisioning and application deployment in one step | Simplifies app deployment with a limited number of services supported. |
Cost efficiency | Flexible pricing with significant savings for complex setups | Higher costs when application begins to grow and scale. |
Customization | Dev gains full control over infrastructure configurations, with low-code capabilities | Limited customization, tied to pre-configured PaaS features |
Scalability | Auto-scaling across multiple cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) | Limited to scaling within Heroku's ecosystem |
Security | Built-in security controls that enable certification or compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other frameworks | Requires third-party add-ons for compliance and additional security layers |
Flexibility | Supports multi-cloud deployments and hybrid cloud setups | Restricted to Heroku-managed environments |
Performance | Optimized resource utilization for high performance | Risk of latency with complex or high-demand apps |
Monitoring and insights | Comprehensive, integrated monitoring tools included | Requires third-party tools for advanced monitoring and analytics |
Compliance support | Automated compliance checks and reporting | Requires additional manual configuration |
“Duplo cloud has helped transform how me and my colleagues use cloud infrastructure. The most outstanding feature of the platform is the intuitive interface. It allows even the newbies to get started with the complex cloud configuration. The compliance and security is another load off our back. Now we have more time to focus on our actual offering.” (G2 small business review)
2. Koyeb
Koyeb is a fully-managed serverless platform that simplifies deploying applications globally. It’s developer-focused and removes the hassle of infrastructure management.
Top features and benefits:
- Serverless architecture with zero configuration required
- Integration with GitHub and Docker for seamless deployment
- Edge network to ensure low-latency performance
- Built-in encryption for enhanced security
Koyeb is perfect for developers running web apps and APIs with minimal setup time.
3. Render
Render is an end-to-end cloud application platform designed for simplicity and scalability. It supports various use cases, from static sites to web services and databases.
Top features and benefits:
- Autoscaling to handle traffic surges
- Managed databases with Redis and PostgreSQL support
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for configuration management
- Zero-downtime deployments
Render is an excellent alternative for developers. It especially helps those seeking an all-in-one solution with enterprise data store options.
4. Fly.io
Fly.io is a public cloud offering that leverages edge computing. This ensures that applications are deployed close to end users for ultra-low latency. Fly.io’s branding is edgy and conversational. It's built for app creators that want to move quickly and ship code fast.
Top features and benefits:
- Edge computing capabilities for optimal app performance
- Serverless deployment with dumb-simple CLI and GitOps
- Support for popular languages and frameworks
- Automatic scaling and multi-region availability
Fly.io is your best bet if low latency and a global footprint are your project’s priorities.
2 Free Heroku Alternatives
5. Netlify (free tier)
Netlify’s free starter plan offers developers a feature-rich platform. There, you can build, test, and deploy websites and web applications.
Top features and benefits:
- Automatic Git-based deployments
- Jamstack support for high-performance projects
- Continuous deployment and branch previews
- Easy integration with APIs and serverless functions
Netlify is ideal for web developers working on static sites or single-page applications.
6. Firebase (no-cost tier)
Firebase provides a no-cost tier with powerful tools for:
- App development
- Backend support
- Analytics
Firebase is backed by Google and powered by Google Cloud. It also promotes getting to market quickly using reliable managed infrastructure.
Top features and benefits:
Firebase is widely regarded as a top choice for developers. This is because they can build mobile or web apps with real-time requirements. It offers both standard and flexible environments. These cater to various application needs, similar to platforms like Google App Engine.
- Real-time database and cloud messaging
- Free authentication services for apps or websites
- Free hosting for static files with a CDN
- Built-in analytics for tracking user behavior
- Seamless integration with other Google Cloud services
2 Open-source options Heroku alternatives
7. Red Hat OpenShift
Red Hat OpenShift is a Kubernetes-powered platform. It provides self-managed or fully managed cloud PaaS solutions.
Top features and benefits:
- Automated Kubernetes deployments with advanced scaling
- Centralized development and management tools
- Enterprise-level support for compliance and governance
- Integration with Red Hat’s ecosystem of tools
If autonomy and control are a must for your team, OpenShift could be a strong contender.
8. Dokku
Dokku is essentially a smaller, open-source version of Heroku. It allows you to deploy and manage applications using Docker containers.
Top features and benefits
- Simple command-line interface for deployments
- Supports multiple programming languages
- Built on Docker and supports 100+ plugins
- Lightweight and easy to install on personal servers
- No hosting costs if you manage your server
Dokku is perfect for developers who want to create a Heroku-like experience. At the same time, they can retain full control of their infrastructure.
Cloud platform alternatives
Given the limitations of Heroku, it’s worth exploring other cloud platform alternatives. These offer more flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Different options, like DuploCloud, provide the features and control you need. With them, you can build, deploy, and scale your applications more efficiently. Hear directly from Zafar Abbas, VP of Engineering. He'll tell you what to expect in a DuploCloud migration different from the typical.
Choosing the Best Heroku Alternative for Your Dev Needs
Switching from Heroku to another platform isn’t just about finding a new home for your code. It’s about choosing a foundation that aligns with your long-term goals. Before diving into alternatives, take a step back to evaluate what your team truly needs. Here's how to make a decision that sets you up for success:
Project requirements
Does your project demand more than basic PaaS capabilities? Look for platforms that support advanced features. You can expect custom networking to tailor your infrastructure. You can also get edge computing for lightning-fast performance at scale.
Scope and budget
Think beyond the initial setup costs. Instead, focus on ongoing expenses like scaling, integrations, and support. Does the platform offer transparent pricing or hidden fees? For complex projects, look for solutions that offer flexible pricing models. Also, ensure you avoid getting locked into expensive proprietary ecosystems.
Scalability
Your app may start small, but can your chosen platform grow with it? Assess whether the platform supports auto-scaling, multi-cloud deployments, or hybrid setups. A robust scaling strategy means you’ll never be caught off guard when your app takes off. This saves you time and money on migration down the line.
Compliance based on industry guidelines
In regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, or education, compliance is non-negotiable. Evaluate whether the platform provides built-in support for frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOC 2. Also, look for tools for real-time compliance monitoring and reporting. This can save you the headache of piecing together third-party solutions to meet your industry’s standards.
Enhance your modern DevOps workflow with DuploCloud
DuploCloud streamlines the deployment process for high-growth teams while ensuring compliance and scalability. You can automate infrastructure provisioning, security, and monitoring. This will reduce the operational burden on your developers and DevOps teams. That way, they can focus on innovation rather than maintenance.
DuploCloud is an ideal choice for businesses in regulated industries. This is due to our built-in compliance for SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Also, our multi-cloud support across AWS, Azure, and GCP ensures flexibility as your company scales. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, DuploCloud simplifies cloud management, saving time and costs.
Request a free demo today. You'll discover how DuploCloud can make managing cloud infrastructure effortless.
FAQs
Why should I switch from Heroku to an alternative platform?
Many developers and businesses are exploring alternatives. This is due to Heroku’s removal of its free tier, high pricing for scaling applications, and limited flexibility in customization. You might need greater control over infrastructure, compliance support, or better cost efficiency. As such, an alternative may be a better fit.
What is the best free alternative to Heroku?
The best free alternative depends on your specific needs. For static sites and frontend applications, Netlify offers a strong free plan. For mobile and web apps requiring a backend, Firebase provides a no-cost tier with real-time database and authentication features. Dokku is a great open-source option for developers who prefer self-hosted solutions.
Which Heroku alternative is best for enterprise applications?
DuploCloud is a strong choice for enterprises. This is due to its automated DevOps, built-in compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS), and multi-cloud support (AWS, Azure, GCP). Other enterprise-friendly options include Red Hat OpenShift for Kubernetes-based deployments. Also, look at Render for managed infrastructure.
How do I migrate my applications from Heroku to another platform?
Migration depends on the alternative you choose. Many platforms, such as DuploCloud, Render, and Fly.io, offer migration guides. They also offer automated tools to streamline the process. Are you moving to a self-hosted or open-source option like Dokku? You may need to set up infrastructure manually using Docker and Git-based deployments.