Dokku vs RunCloud: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dokku and RunCloud 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 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
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Manages cloud servers for PHP applications.
- • Provides a graphical interface, no Linux expertise needed.
| At a Glance |  Dokku |  RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 80/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Dokku | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Terminal ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Dokku and RunCloud Compare
Dokku
Docker-powered PaaS
Free tier available · 80/100 score
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Paid · 88/100 score
Dokku is a hosting & deployment tool. RunCloud is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Dokku has a free tier. RunCloud is paid only.
Go with: Dokku
Want the highest-rated option?
Dokku: 80/100. RunCloud: 88/100.
Go with: RunCloud
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: RunCloud
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Dokku is freemium. RunCloud is paid. Dokku lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Dokku is a hosting & deployment tool. RunCloud is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
RunCloud scores higher: 88/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
RunCloud
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Dokku
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
RunCloud (88/100) is our pick. Dokku has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dokku or RunCloud better?
RunCloud scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Dokku is freemium and RunCloud is paid.
What are Dokku and RunCloud used for?
Dokku: Docker-powered PaaS. RunCloud: Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required..
What does Dokku cost vs RunCloud?
Dokku is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RunCloud is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.