Dokku vs Vercel
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Dokku and Vercel are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Dokku - Open-source, self-hosted mini-Heroku
Vercel - The platform for frontend developers.
Dokku vs Vercel: side by side
| Dimension | Dokku | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free - $20/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Best for | Developers, Indie Hackers | Frontend Developers, Startups |
| Platforms | Self Hosted, Linux | Web, API |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
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
Vercel key facts
- Vendor
- Vercel, Inc.
- Pricing
- Freemium - Free - $20/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, API
- Best for
- Frontend Developers, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Dokku better than Vercel?
Neither is universally better - Vercel 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 Vercel cheaper?
Dokku is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Dokku starts at free; Vercel starts at free - $20/user/mo.
Can Dokku replace Vercel?
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.