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 is our overall pick for low-code backend workflows. Pick Heroku if you need cloud & infrastructure.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS Amplify
Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • AWS Amplify is a development platform for building full-stack web and mobile applications on AWS
- • It provides authentication, storage, APIs, and hosting with minimal configuration required
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • Platform as a service that scales with you
- • Deploy apps with git push heroku main
| At a Glance |  AWS Amplify |  Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.023/GB storageHosting | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose AWS Amplify or Heroku?
Choose AWS Amplify if
Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS
- AWS integration
- Full-stack support
- Good hosting
- Budget matters ($0.023/GB storage vs $5/month)
- Your work is low-code backend-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Heroku if
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
- Easiest platform for deploying apps
- Git-based deployment workflow
- Large add-on marketplace
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not low-code backend-shaped
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 100 reviews | ★4.6/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS Amplify
Build and deploy full-stack web & mobile apps on AWS
Strengths
- +AWS integration
- +Full-stack support
- +Good hosting
Weaknesses
- -AWS complexity
- -Vendor lock-in
Key features
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Strengths
- +Easiest platform for deploying apps
- +Git-based deployment workflow
- +Large add-on marketplace
- +Great for prototypes and small projects
- +Managed Postgres included
Weaknesses
- -No more free tier (removed in 2022)
- -Expensive at scale compared to alternatives
- -Limited customization options
- -Cold starts on lower tiers
- -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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
AWS Amplify has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: AWS Amplify
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Amplify
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Amplify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AWS Amplify is freemium. Heroku is paid. AWS Amplify lets you start free.
What's your use case?
AWS Amplify is a low-code backend tool. Heroku is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS Amplify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Heroku
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
AWS Amplify is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS Amplify or Heroku better?
AWS Amplify is rated in our evaluation. AWS Amplify is freemium and Heroku is paid.
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 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Heroku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.