AWS Amplify vs Heroku: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS Amplify and Heroku comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: AWS Amplify wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick. Pick Heroku if you need cloud & infrastructure.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
AWS Amplify
Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
- • You want easiest platform for deploying apps
| At a Glance | AWS Amplify | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | $5/month Eco |
Category | Low-Code Backend Hosting & Deployment | Cloud & Infrastructure Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.2 100 reviews | 4.4/5 Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.2 453 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Postgres/Redis add-ons |
Choose AWS Amplify or Heroku?
Choose AWS Amplify if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want AWS integration
- You want full-stack support
- Budget matters (Free vs $5/month)
- You work in low-code backend, not cloud & infrastructure
Choose Heroku if
- You want easiest platform for deploying apps
- You want git-based deployment workflow
- You work in cloud & infrastructure, not low-code backend
In-Depth Analysis
AWS Amplify
Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS
AWS Amplify is cost-effective for small to medium apps.
Strengths
- Pro: AWS integration
- Pro: Full-stack support
- Pro: Good hosting
Weaknesses
- Con: AWS complexity
- Con: Vendor lock-in
Key features
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Heroku is more expensive than alternatives but offers unmatched DX.
Watch out
Postgres/Redis add-ons
Strengths
- Pro: Easiest platform for deploying apps
- Pro: Git-based deployment workflow
- Pro: Large add-on marketplace
- Pro: Great for prototypes and small projects
- Pro: Managed Postgres included
Weaknesses
- Con: No more free tier
- Con: Expensive at scale compared to alternatives
- Con: Limited customization options
- Con: Cold starts on lower tiers
- Con: Performance ceiling for high-traffic apps
Key features
Pricing: AWS Amplify vs Heroku
| Plan | AWS Amplify | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Tier | $5 month Eco |
| Tier 2 | $0.023 /GB storage Hosting | $7 month per dyno Basic |
| Tier 3 | $0.01 /minute Build | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x |
| Tier 4 | $0.3 /1M requests SSR | $50 month per dyno Standard-2x |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $250 month per dyno Performance-M |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $500 month per dyno Performance-L |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS Amplify pricing and Heroku pricing.
Key Takeaways
AWS Amplify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Heroku
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (453 reviews)
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
AWS Amplify wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS Amplify or Heroku better in 2026?
AWS Amplify wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick. Pick AWS Amplify for low-code backend workflows (main strength: AWS integration). Pick Heroku for cloud & infrastructure workflows (main strength: easiest platform for deploying apps).
What are AWS Amplify and Heroku used for?
AWS Amplify: Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS. Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce.
What does AWS Amplify cost vs Heroku?
AWS Amplify's paid plans start at Free (Build). Heroku's paid plans start at $5/month (Eco).
What's the main difference between AWS Amplify and Heroku?
AWS Amplify's main strength: AWS integration. Heroku's main strength: easiest platform for deploying apps.