os-alt

self-host the SaaS you're paying for

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Coolify vs Dokku

Self-host pick — both replace Heroku (App platform / git-push deploy).

Both Coolify and Dokku self-host as a replacement for Heroku (App platform / git-push deploy). Pick Coolify if you want a Apache-licensed codebase (Apache-2.0); pick Dokku for MIT (MIT). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $10 vps for the controller + apps vs $5 vps for small apps; scale the box as you grow.

Coolifyopen-sourceDokkuopen-source
LicenseApache-2.0MIT
Setup time10min (single-line bash installer)15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS)
Monthly cost$10 VPS for the controller + apps.$5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow.
GitHubcoollabsio/coolify ★ 55.0k · last commit 2w agoalivedokku/dokku ★ 31.9k · last commit todayalive
ReplacesHeroku + 1 otherHeroku

Good fit for

Coolify

Teams that want a UI + multi-server + databases in one tool.

Weak at:Heavier than Dokku; less of a 'pure' Heroku feel.

Dokku

Devs who specifically want the Heroku CLI muscle memory.

Weak at:Single-host (no built-in clustering); buildpacks support is solid but not always 1:1 with Heroku's.

In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli heroku prints Heroku's self-host options including both — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Which is easier to self-host, Coolify or Dokku?

Coolify: 10min (single-line bash installer). Dokku: 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS).

What does each cost to run?

Coolify: $10 VPS for the controller + apps.. Dokku: $5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow.. Both projects are free and open source.

Do Coolify and Dokku replace the same SaaS?

Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Heroku.