Coolify vs Dokku
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Coolify and Dokku are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Coolify if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Open-source, self-hostable Heroku/Vercel.
Dokku - Open-source, self-hosted mini-Heroku
Coolify vs Dokku: side by side
| Dimension | Coolify | Dokku |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free - $5/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Best for | Developers, Self Hosters | Developers, Indie Hackers |
| Platforms | Self Hosted, Web | Self Hosted, Linux |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Coolify key facts
- Vendor
- Coolify
- Pricing
- Freemium - Free - $5/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Self Hosted, Web
- Best for
- Developers, Self Hosters
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- Remote
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 Coolify better than Dokku?
Neither is universally better - Coolify 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 Coolify or Dokku cheaper?
Coolify is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free - $5/mo. Coolify starts at free - $5/mo; Dokku starts at free.
Can Coolify 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.
Side-by-side software breakdowns and pricing changes - in your inbox monthly.