Dokku vs Kinsta
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Dokku and Kinsta are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Dokku if you want a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. Open-source, self-hosted mini-Heroku
Choose Kinsta if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Premium managed WordPress hosting.
Dokku vs Kinsta: side by side
| Dimension | Dokku | Kinsta |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $35/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Open source | Subscription |
| Best for | Developers, Indie Hackers | Agencies, Wordpress Businesses |
| Platforms | Self Hosted, Linux | Web |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
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
Kinsta key facts
- Vendor
- Kinsta
- Pricing
- Subscription - From $35/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Agencies, Wordpress Businesses
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Dokku better than Kinsta?
Neither is universally better - Kinsta 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 Dokku or Kinsta cheaper?
Dokku is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Dokku starts at free; Kinsta starts at from $35/mo.
Can Dokku replace Kinsta?
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.