Coolify vs Vercel
Self-host swap-in for Vercel. · Self-host Vercel · Coolify on os-alt
Coolify is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Vercel — license Apache-2.0, 10min (single-line bash installer) to stand up, and $10 vps for the controller + however much you need for the apps it runs. Compare against Vercel's Free hobby; $20/seat/mo Pro plus usage-based bandwidth/builds below.
| Coolifyopen-source | Vercelpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Frontend hosting / serverless deploy | Frontend hosting / serverless deploy |
| License / pricing | Apache-2.0 | Free hobby; $20/seat/mo Pro plus usage-based bandwidth/builds |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $20/user/mo |
| GitHub | coollabsio/coolify | closed source |
| Setup time | 10min (single-line bash installer) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for the controller + however much you need for the apps it runs. | from $20/user/mo (Free hobby; $20/seat/mo Pro plus usage-based bandwidth/builds) |
Switching from Vercel to Coolify
Coolify → New Resource → Public Repository → paste your GitHub repo URL. It detects Next/Astro/SvelteKit, builds with Nixpacks, and runs the output. Env vars come from your Vercel dashboard (export, paste).
- Good fit for
- Solo devs and small teams who want a Vercel-feeling PaaS on a VPS.
- Weak at
- No global edge network — single-region; no instant preview-per-PR.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Vercel
Coolify also replaces
- Heroku— App platform / git-push deploy
In a terminal? npx os-alt vercel prints Vercel's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Coolify a free alternative to Vercel?
Yes — Coolify is open source under Apache-2.0. Self-host cost: $10 VPS for the controller + however much you need for the apps it runs.. Vercel starts at $20/user/mo (Free hobby; $20/seat/mo Pro plus usage-based bandwidth/builds).
How long does Coolify take to set up vs Vercel?
Self-hosting Coolify: 10min (single-line bash installer). Vercel is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Coolify good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Solo devs and small teams who want a Vercel-feeling PaaS on a VPS.. Weak at: No global edge network — single-region; no instant preview-per-PR..