Dokploy vs Coolify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dokploy and Coolify 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Dokploy
Free self-hosted PaaS alternative to Vercel and Netlify
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • Free self-hosted PaaS alternative to Vercel, Netlify, and Heroku for deploying applications and databases
- • Supports Nixpacks, Heroku Buildpacks, Dockerfile, and native Docker Compose with one-click SSL
Coolify
Self-hostable Heroku and Netlify alternative
Best for you if:
- • Coolify is an open-source self-hosted alternative to Heroku and Netlify
- • It deploys applications, databases, and services with Git push on your own infrastructure
| At a Glance |  Dokploy |  Coolify |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 87/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Dokploy | Coolify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
Understanding the Differences
Both Dokploy and Coolify solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Dokploy positions itself as "free self-hosted paas alternative to vercel and netlify" while Coolifyfocuses on "self-hostable heroku and netlify alternative". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Dokploy
Dokploy makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Coolify
Coolify is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Dokploy lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Dokploy
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Dokploy handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Dokploy
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Dokploy
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Dokploy is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Dokploy higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Coolify more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Dokploy Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Coolify If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Dokploy (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Dokploy scores higher in our analysis, but Coolify might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dokploy or Coolify better?
Based on our analysis, Dokploy scores higher with 87/100. Dokploy isfree while Coolify is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Dokploy to Coolify easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Dokploy and Coolify offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Dokploy is completely free.Coolify is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.