Dokploy vs RunCloud: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dokploy 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:
Dokploy
Free self-hosted PaaS alternative to Vercel and Netlify
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • 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
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 8.7/10)
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Manages cloud servers for PHP applications.
- • Provides a graphical interface, no Linux expertise needed.
| At a Glance |  Dokploy |  RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 87/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Dokploy | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 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 Dokploy and RunCloud Compare
Dokploy
Free self-hosted PaaS alternative to Vercel and Netlify
Free · 87/100 score
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Paid · 88/100 score
Dokploy is a hosting & deployment tool. RunCloud is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Dokploy is free. RunCloud is paid.
Go with: Dokploy
Want the highest-rated option?
Dokploy: 87/100. 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?
Dokploy is free. RunCloud is paid. Go with Dokploy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Dokploy 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 87/100.
Key Takeaways
RunCloud
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 87
- Our pick for this comparison
Dokploy
- Completely free
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
RunCloud (88/100) is our pick. That said, Dokploy is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dokploy or RunCloud better?
RunCloud scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Dokploy is free and RunCloud is paid.
What are Dokploy and RunCloud used for?
Dokploy: Free self-hosted PaaS alternative to Vercel and Netlify. RunCloud: Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required..
What does Dokploy cost vs RunCloud?
Dokploy is completely free. RunCloud is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.