Dokku vs Laravel Forge: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dokku and Laravel Forge 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Dokku
Docker-powered PaaS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Dokku is a lightweight PaaS that lets you deploy apps with git push on your own servers
- • It provides Heroku-like deployments using Docker containers on any Linux server
Laravel Forge
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Simplifies server provisioning and management for web applications.
- • Offers zero-downtime deployments, automated SSL, and database backups.
| At a Glance |  Dokku |  Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | CI/CD |
Rating | 80/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Dokku | Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | CI/CDVPS & Servers |
How Dokku and Laravel Forge Compare
Dokku
Docker-powered PaaS
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Laravel Forge
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
Paid · 74/100 score
Dokku is a hosting & deployment tool. Laravel Forge is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Dokku has a free tier. Laravel Forge is paid only.
Go with: Dokku
Want the highest-rated option?
Dokku: 80/100. Laravel Forge: 74/100.
Go with: Dokku
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Dokku
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Dokku is freemium. Laravel Forge is paid. Dokku lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Dokku is a hosting & deployment tool. Laravel Forge is in ci/cd. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Dokku scores higher: 80/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Dokku
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 74
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Laravel Forge
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Dokku (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dokku or Laravel Forge better?
Dokku scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Dokku is freemium and Laravel Forge is paid.
What are Dokku and Laravel Forge used for?
Dokku: Docker-powered PaaS. Laravel Forge: Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments..
What does Dokku cost vs Laravel Forge?
Dokku is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Laravel Forge is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.