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.
Bottom line: Heroku wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is WordPress.com. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman. Pick Encore if you need developer tools.
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 a free tier before you commit
- • You want significantly increases development speed and reduces project lead times
- • You want reduces time spent on DevOps by automating infrastructure setup and management
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
- • You want easiest platform for deploying apps
- • You want git-based deployment workflow
| At a Glance | Encore | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Developer Tools | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Encore or Heroku?
Choose Encore if
TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want significantly increases development speed and reduces project lead times
- You want reduces time spent on DevOps by automating infrastructure setup and management
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Heroku if
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
- You want easiest platform for deploying apps
- You want git-based deployment workflow
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | Encore | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 35 reviews | ★4.4/5 453 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Encore
TypeScript backend framework with automated infrastructure for rapid development and deployment.
Encore's pricing is quite fair, especially with a generous Free tier that offers significant value for individual developers and small teams.
Watch out
Distributed tracing overage fees on Pro
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
Heroku is more expensive than alternatives but offers unmatched DX.
Watch out
Postgres/Redis add-ons
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
- -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?
Encore: 4.7/5 (35 reviews). Heroku: 4.4/5 (453 reviews).
Go with: Encore
Value user reviews?
Encore: 35 reviews (4.7/5). Heroku: 453 reviews (4.4/5).
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?
Encore is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Heroku
- Larger review base (453 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Encore
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Heroku wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is WordPress.com. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman. 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.