Encore vs Heroku: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Encore 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Encore
TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Automates infrastructure provisioning and DevOps for TypeScript backends.
- • Generates type-safe APIs, documentation, and observability from application code.
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 |  Encore |  Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Developer Tools | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Choose Encore or Heroku?
Choose Encore if
TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.
- Significantly increases development speed and reduces project lead times
- Reduces time spent on DevOps by automating infrastructure setup and management
- Provides a high-performance backend runtime (9x faster than Express.js)
- Your work is developer tools-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 developer tools-shaped
| Feature | Encore | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Encore
TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.
Strengths
- +Significantly increases development speed and reduces project lead times
- +Reduces time spent on DevOps by automating infrastructure setup and management
- +Provides a high-performance backend runtime (9x faster than Express.js)
- +Simplifies microservices development with automated communication boilerplate
- +Allows for gradual adoption without a big rewrite, integrating with existing stacks
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on TypeScript, which might be a barrier for teams using other languages
- -Reliance on Encore's ecosystem for full automation benefits
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: Encore vs Heroku
| Plan | Encore | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $5 month Eco |
| Tier 2 | From $49 per Member / month Pro | $7 month per dyno Basic |
| Tier 3 | Contact us Enterprise | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $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 Encore pricing and Heroku pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Encore has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: Encore
Want the highest-rated option?
Heroku is rated 4.6/5. Encore has no ratings yet.
Go with: Heroku
Value user reviews?
Encore: no ratings yet. Heroku: 326 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Heroku
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Encore is freemium. Heroku is paid. Encore lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Encore is a developer tools tool. Heroku is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Heroku is rated 4.6/5; Encore has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Heroku
- Our pick for this comparison
Encore
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Heroku is our pick. Encore has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Encore or Heroku better?
Heroku is rated in our evaluation. Encore is freemium and Heroku is paid.
What are Encore and Heroku used for?
Encore: TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.. Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce.
What does Encore cost vs Heroku?
Encore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Heroku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.