10 Netlify Alternatives for Web Hosting and Deployment

** Note: Pricing and product information are correct as of July 26, 2024, and subject to change

Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions have transformed web application development and deployment. These cloud-based platforms offer services like version control integration, automated builds, serverless computing, and scalable hosting infrastructure. By simplifying server management, PaaS tools help developers and teams focus on creating features and user experience, leading to quicker go-to-market. Netlify, a popular choice among developers, automates build, deployment, and hosting processes, offering continuous deployment, a global CDN, and serverless functions.

While Netlify has gained traction in this space, the market offers various alternatives, each with its own set of features. For example, DigitalOcean’s App Platform provides a different approach, offering a more traditional VPS-based infrastructure combined with PaaS conveniences, which may appeal to developers seeking greater control over their server environments. This article explores Netlify alternatives, examining their features to help you choose the best platform for your web development and deployment needs.

How to choose the right cloud application platform for your business

Choosing the right app deployment platform for your business isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about finding a solution that aligns with your unique needs and future goals. This decision can impact your development workflow, affect your bottom line, and impact your team’s productivity. Let’s dive into the key factors you should weigh up when making a choice:

1. Scalability

When it comes to scalability, you’re not just looking at how many users your app can handle—you’re considering the entire growth trajectory of your business. A truly scalable platform should offer vertical and horizontal scaling options. Can it handle sudden traffic spikes without issue? Does it provide easy ways to add computing resources or spin up new instances on the fly? Look for platforms that offer auto-scaling features and have a track record of supporting high-growth companies in your industry.

2. Integration capabilities

Your cloud platform won’t exist in isolation. You need a solution that integrates with your existing tech stack and can adapt to future additions—whether you’re adding AI business tools or cloud cost management tools. For instance, does the platform offer robust APIs for custom integrations? Consider platforms that have a rich ecosystem of plugins or extensions, as these can save you countless hours of custom development work down the line.

3. Pricing structure

Navigating cloud platform pricing and understanding your cloud ROI can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. Look beyond the sticker price and dig into the nitty-gritty of what you’re actually paying for. Does the platform charge based on compute resources, data transfer, or number of users? Are there hidden costs for features like SSL certificates or additional environments? Some platforms offer seemingly low base prices but can quickly become expensive as you scale. Seek out transparent pricing models that align with your usage patterns and provide predictable costs as your business grows.

4. Security features

Security isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Dive deep into each platform’s security offerings. Check if they’re compliant with industry standards like SOC 2, GDPR, or HIPAA. Look for robust encryption protocols, both at rest and in transit. Multi-factor authentication and granular access controls should also be on your checklist. Don’t forget about the platform’s track record—how quickly do they patch vulnerabilities, and how transparent are they about security incidents?

5. Developer experience

Your developers are going to live and breathe this platform, so it needs to be user-friendly. Check out the quality of documentation—is it comprehensive, up-to-date, and actually helpful? The platform’s CLI tools and SDKs should be intuitive and powerful. A strong community can be invaluable so look for active forums and a sizable web presence.

6. Performance and reliability

Dig into the platform’s uptime guarantees—99.99% sounds great, but what’s their actual track record? Global CDN coverage is crucial for speedy content delivery, so check their point-of-presence map. Latency matters, especially for real-time applications, so look for published performance benchmarks.

10 Netlify alternatives to explore for your business

We’ll dive into a mix of solutions, ranging from offerings by major cloud providers (hyperscalers) to specialized PaaS platforms and even open-source alternatives. Each of these tools brings its own unique strengths to the table, catering to different development needs, scalability requirements, and budget constraints. Let’s explore these Netlify alternatives to help you find the perfect fit:

1. DigitalOcean App Platform

DigitalOcean App Platform is a fully managed PaaS solution designed to simplify the entire application lifecycle for developers and startups. It helps users to more effortlessly deploy applications by providing their code via a git repository or a pre-built container image. The platform handles building, deploying, monitoring, and scaling, removing the complexity of managing underlying infrastructure. Recently, DigitalOcean has introduced a reimagined, next-generation version of App Platform with significant updates.

DigitalOcean App Platform integrates with the broader DigitalOcean ecosystem, allowing developers to leverage a suite of tools and services, including Managed Databases, Managed Kubernetes, and Spaces Object Storage, to enhance application performance and scalability while simplifying the deployment process.

Key features of the reimagined App Platform:

• Autoscaling: CPU-based autoscaling enables horizontal scaling of applications based on utilization metrics, optimizing resource usage and costs.

• Dedicated IP: Users can assign unique static IP addresses for outgoing traffic, enhancing security through IP whitelisting and providing stable connections to third-party APIs and services.

• Simplified packaging: The platform has eliminated tiers (starter, basic, pro), offering more flexibility in building applications.

DigitalOcean App Platform pricing information:

• The platform now has a free tier that includes 3 static site apps and 1GiB data transfer allowance per app. DigitalOcean also offers $200 in free credits for new accounts to try App Platform. Paid tiers starting at just $5/month. Pricing has been reduced by 35% for dedicated instances, with an 80% reduction in bandwidth overage fees (now 2 cents/GiB), making it more cost-effective as applications scale.

2. AWS Elastic Beanstalk

AWS Elastic Beanstalk is a fully managed PaaS that simplifies the deployment, management, and scaling of web applications and services. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, including Java, .NET, PHP, Node.js, Python, Ruby, Go, and Docker. Elastic Beanstalk automatically handles the infrastructure details, such as capacity provisioning, load balancing, auto-scaling, and application health monitoring, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than managing infrastructure. Elastic Beanstalk integrates with other AWS services, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for application deployment and management. It automatically handles capacity provisioning, load balancing, auto-scaling, and application health monitoring.

Key features:

• Integrated CI/CD pipeline that automatically deploys application versions from source code repositories, streamlining the development workflow

• Support for creating mobile API backends, enabling developers to build and manage scalable backend services for mobile applications

• Environment cloning functionality, allowing developers to create separate environments for development, testing, and production with ease

AWS Elastic Beanstalk pricing information:

• AWS Elastic Beanstalk is free to use, and customers only pay for the underlying AWS resources consumed by their applications, such as EC2 instances, S3 buckets, and data transfer. The cost varies based on the resources used and can be estimated using the AWS Pricing Calculator.

3. Microsoft Azure App Service

Microsoft Azure App Service is a comprehensive, fully managed PaaS offering that enables the deployment and scaling of web applications, REST APIs, and mobile back ends. It supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, including .NET, .NET Core, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Ruby, on both Windows and Linux-based environments. The platform integrates with the broader Azure ecosystem, offering connections to services like Azure DevOps, GitHub, Docker Hub, and Azure Container Registry.

Key features:

• Built-in CI/CD integration with Azure DevOps, GitHub, BitBucket, and Docker Hub, enabling automated deployments and streamlined development workflows

• Advanced application monitoring and diagnostics tools, including Azure Monitor and Application Insights, for real-time performance tracking and troubleshooting

• Support for containerization, allowing developers to deploy and run both Windows and Linux containers directly in App Service

Microsoft Azure App Service pricing information:

• Azure App Service offers a tiered pricing model with options to suit various needs and budgets. The service includes a free tier for testing and small projects, while paid plans start at $0.013 per hour for shared infrastructure. For dedicated resources, the Basic tier begins at $0.075 per hour, scaling up to Premium v3 plans for high-performance applications. Pricing varies based on the chosen tier, region, and additional features utilized.

4. Heroku

Heroku is a cloud PaaS that supports multiple programming languages including Ruby, Node.js, Java, Python, Go, PHP, and Scala. It features a unique buildpack architecture that automatically detects and configures the appropriate runtime environment for applications, streamlining deployment. The platform’s dyno-based architecture allows for easy scaling, with the ability to instantly adjust the number of running dynos to handle traffic fluctuations. Heroku also offers add-ons for databases, monitoring, and other services, allowing developers to easily extend their application’s functionality without managing separate infrastructure components.

Key features:

• Heroku Postgres: A managed SQL database service that offers seamless integration with applications and advanced features like data rollback and fork/follow for creating test databases

• Heroku Redis: A fully-managed in-memory data store that provides low-latency access to frequently accessed data

• Add-ons Marketplace: Offers a wide range of third-party services and tools that can be easily integrated into applications to extend functionality

Heroku pricing information:

Heroku offers various pricing tiers* for different needs:

• Eco and Basic: Starting at $5 per month, suitable for testing ideas or low traffic apps.

• Production: From approximately $0.035/hour with a maximum of $25 per month, ideal for business-focused apps.

• Advanced: For high traffic apps, prices range from about $0.347/hour up to $250 per month.

• Enterprise: Custom pricing options are available for apps requiring network isolation or strict compliance needs.

*These prices do not include the cost of dynos, which are priced separately.

5. Google App Engine

Google App Engine is a fully managed serverless platform that enables developers to build and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. It offers two distinct environments: the standard environment, which is optimized for rapid scaling of containerized applications, and the flexible environment, which allows for greater customization and access to additional Google Cloud services. App Engine automatically handles server provisioning, load balancing, and scaling based on traffic, making it easier to manage application workloads. Its integration with Google’s global infrastructure ensures reliable performance and availability.

Key features:

• Traffic splitting capability, allowing developers to perform A/B testing or canary releases by directing a percentage of traffic to different versions of an application

• Built-in security features, including automatic encryption of data in transit and DDoS protection, reducing the burden on developers to implement these critical safeguards

• App Engine Cron Service, which enables scheduling of tasks and background jobs without the need for a separate task scheduler

Google App Engine pricing information:

• Google App Engine offers a free tier for standard environment resources, with pricing beyond that tier varying based on instance class and location. For the US-central1 region, pricing starts at $0.05 per hour per instance for the smallest instance classes (B1 and F1), with costs increasing for larger instances and additional resources like outgoing network traffic ($0.12 per GB).

6. Render

Render is a modern cloud platform that aims to bridge the gap between fully managed services and the flexibility of traditional cloud providers. It offers a unified interface for deploying various types of applications, from static sites to containerized microservices, without the need for separate services or complex configuration. Render’s approach to infrastructure abstraction allows for a balance between ease of use and customization, catering to both beginners and experienced developers. The platform can infer deployment requirements directly from application code, reducing the learning curve associated with cloud deployments.

Key features:

• Preview environments: Render can automatically create isolated environments for each pull request, facilitating easier code review and testing processes

• Infrastructure as Code: Render supports defining infrastructure through YAML files, enabling version-controlled, reproducible deployments across different environments

• Native SSD Storage: All Render services come with fast SSD storage by default, ensuring optimal I/O performance for databases and file-intensive applications

Render pricing information:

Render offers several pricing plans:

• Individual: Free for basic usage, making it ideal for hobbyists or small projects.

• Team: $19 per user per month, suitable for small teams and startups.

• Organization: $29 per user per month, designed for larger teams with more complex needs.

• Enterprise: Custom pricing, tailored for businesses that require advanced features and dedicated support.

7. Fly.io

Fly.io is a cloud platform that specializes in deploying applications close to users, utilizing a global network of data centers. It focuses on running applications in lightweight microVMs, which are distributed across multiple regions for improved performance and reliability. Fly.io stands out by automatically handling tasks such as load balancing, SSL certificate management, and IPv6 support. Unlike traditional PaaS offerings, Fly.io allows developers to maintain more control over their infrastructure while still benefiting from automated deployment and scaling capabilities.

Key features:

• Global anycast IP addresses: Each application gets a unique IPv6 and IPv4 address that routes traffic to the nearest datacenter, reducing latency for users worldwide

• Persistent volume storage: Fly.io provides fast, low-latency storage that can be attached to applications and persists across deployments and restarts

• Edge configuration: Developers can configure routing rules and middleware at the edge, allowing for custom request handling and caching strategies

Fly.io pricing information:

Fly.io offers several pricing tiers, allowing users to choose based on their project’s scale and specific needs:

• Hobby: For side projects at $5/month + usage with basic resource inclusion.

• Launch: Geared towards more serious deployments at $29/month + usage, offering high availability and additional support features.

• Scale: Tailored for extensive, high-availability applications at $199/month + usage with priority support and compliance options.

• Enterprise: Custom pricing for maximum resource and support needs tailored to large-scale deployments and specific compliance requirements.

8. Cloud Foundry

Cloud Foundry is an open-source, multi-cloud application platform that enables organizations to rapidly develop, deploy, and scale applications. It provides a consistent abstraction layer across various cloud providers, allowing developers to focus on developing new features for customers instead of infrastructure management. Cloud Foundry supports multiple programming languages and frameworks, offering a “polyglot” runtime environment. Its architecture is designed for high availability and resilience, with built-in load balancing and automatic application health management.

Key features:

• Buildpack-based deployment: Cloud Foundry uses buildpacks to automatically detect and configure the appropriate runtime environment for applications, simplifying the deployment process

• Service broker API: This feature allows easy integration of third-party services, enabling developers to bind applications to various backing services like databases, messaging systems, and more

• Container-based architecture: Cloud Foundry leverages container technology to isolate applications, ensuring efficient resource utilization and improved security

Pricing information:

• Cloud Foundry is open-source and free to use. However, the cost of running Cloud Foundry depends on the underlying infrastructure and any commercial distributions or managed services used.

9. Dokku

Dokku is an open-source, self-hosted PaaS that provides a lightweight alternative to commercial cloud platforms. It functions as a mini-Heroku, allowing developers to deploy applications to their own servers using Git pushes. Dokku leverages Docker containers to isolate and manage applications, providing a consistent deployment environment across different projects. Unlike many cloud-based PaaS solutions, Dokku gives developers full control over their infrastructure, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize customization and data sovereignty. Dokku Pro offers a comprehensive PaaS interface with features like JSON API, HTTPS app push, datastore support, and process scaling, all designed to streamline application management on your own servers

Key features:

• Plugin system: Dokku’s extensible architecture allows developers to add functionality through plugins, enabling support for various databases, caching systems, and other services

• Zero-downtime deployments: Dokku supports rolling updates, ensuring that applications remain available during the deployment process

• Automatic SSL/TLS certificate management: Dokku can automatically obtain and renew SSL/TLS certificates from Let’s Encrypt, simplifying secure application deployment

Dokku and Dokku Pro pricing information:

• Dokku is free and open-source software. The cost of running Dokku depends on the underlying infrastructure chosen by the user. Typically, users deploy Dokku on virtual private servers (VPS) or dedicated hardware, with prices varying based on the hosting provider and server specifications.

• Dokku Pro is available for a one-time purchase of $849 for life.

10. CapRover

CapRover is an open-source platform that simplifies the process of deploying and managing applications on your own servers. It functions as a lightweight PaaS, allowing developers to deploy applications using a simple web interface or command-line tool. CapRover supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks through Docker, providing flexibility in application deployment. A unique feature of CapRover is its ability to deploy multiple applications from a single Git repository using captain-definition files, which makes it particularly useful for monorepo setups.

Key features:

• One-Click Apps: CapRover offers a variety of pre-configured applications that can be deployed with a single click, simplifying the setup process for commonly used software

• Automatic SSL/TLS: CapRover can automatically obtain and renew SSL/TLS certificates from Let’s Encrypt, ensuring secure connections for all deployed applications

• Scalability: CapRover supports horizontal scaling, allowing developers to easily add more instances of their applications to handle increased traffic

Pricing information:

• CapRover is free and open-source software. The cost of using CapRover depends on the underlying infrastructure chosen by the user. Typically, users deploy CapRover on VPS or dedicated hardware, with prices varying based on the hosting provider and server specifications.

Simplify your app deployment with DigitalOcean App Platform

DigitalOcean’s reimagined App Platform is here to improve your app development experience. With a focus on simplicity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, the new App Platform addresses key customer requests and streamlines the entire application lifecycle. From effortless deployment to automated scaling, it’s designed to be the ultimate partner for your development team.

Payload, a dynamic content management system and application framework, found success with App Platform. As CTO Elliot DeNolf shares, “When we tried DigitalOcean’s App Platform, we could use a Dockerfile and just push it through the API to deploy. We realized we could cut out half of the code that we’d written. We were also pleased with some of the other functionality App Platform offered, like the web hooks.”

Key features of the new DigitalOcean App Platform:

• Autoscaling: CPU-based autoscaling for efficient handling of fluctuating workloads

• Dedicated IPs: Enhances security with unique static IP addresses for outgoing traffic

• Expanded instance options: Range from 1vcpu/0.5GB to 8vcpu/32GB

• Higher data transfer allowance: Now provided per instance instead of per application

For detailed information on App Platform’s features and capabilities, visit the App Platform product page. To explore pricing options, or the free tier, visit the App Platform pricing page.

Ready to transform your app development? Sign up here with $200 in free credits for new DigitalOcean accounts. Terms and conditions apply.