Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs Dokku
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The world's most comprehensive cloud.
The verdict
Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Dokku are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) - The world's most comprehensive cloud.
Dokku - Open-source, self-hosted mini-Heroku
Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs Dokku: side by side
| Dimension | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Dokku |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Usage-based | Open source |
| Best for | Enterprise, Developers | Developers, Indie Hackers |
| Platforms | Web, API | Self Hosted, Linux |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) key facts
- Vendor
- Amazon
- Pricing
- Usage-based - Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, API
- Best for
- Enterprise, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Seattle, WA, USA
Dokku key facts
- Vendor
- Dokku
- Pricing
- Open source - Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Self Hosted, Linux
- Best for
- Developers, Indie Hackers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Remote
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) better than Dokku?
Neither is universally better - Amazon Web Services (AWS) edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Dokku cheaper?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Amazon Web Services (AWS) starts at free; Dokku starts at free.
Can Amazon Web Services (AWS) replace Dokku?
Yes for most teams - both are web hosting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.
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