Dokku vs Heroku
Self-host swap-in for Heroku. · Self-host Heroku · Dokku on os-alt
Dokku is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Heroku — license MIT, 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS) to stand up, and $5 vps for small apps; scale the box as you grow. Compare against Heroku's $5-25/dyno/mo for app dynos; add-ons billed separately below.
| Dokkuopen-source | Herokupaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | App platform / git-push deploy | App platform / git-push deploy |
| License / pricing | MIT | $5-25/dyno/mo for app dynos; add-ons billed separately |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $5/user/mo |
| GitHub | dokku/dokku | closed source |
| Setup time | 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow. | from $5/user/mo ($5-25/dyno/mo for app dynos; add-ons billed separately) |
Switching from Heroku to Dokku
On the new Dokku box: `dokku apps:create <app>`. Locally: `git remote add dokku dokku@<host>:<app>`, then `git push dokku main`. Heroku Postgres → `pg_dump | psql` into a Dokku Postgres plugin instance. Heroku config vars → `dokku config:set` mirrors them.
- Good fit for
- 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.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Heroku
In a terminal? npx os-alt heroku prints Heroku's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Dokku a free alternative to Heroku?
Yes — Dokku is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow.. Heroku starts at $5/user/mo ($5-25/dyno/mo for app dynos; add-ons billed separately).
How long does Dokku take to set up vs Heroku?
Self-hosting Dokku: 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS). Heroku is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Dokku good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: 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..