Consul vs Heroku: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Consul 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:
Consul
Service networking platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
| At a Glance |  Heroku | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 74/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Consul | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 74 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 192 |
| Categories | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & InfrastructureDevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Consul and Heroku solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Consul positions itself as "service networking platform" while Herokufocuses on "the original easy deployment platform, now owned by salesforce". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Consul
Consul makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 74/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Heroku
Heroku is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Consul lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Consul
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Consul handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Consul
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Heroku takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Heroku
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Consul, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Consul higher (74/100). But the community has upvoted Heroku more (192 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Consul Does Better
- Higher overall score (74/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Heroku If
- 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 Consul (74/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Consul scores higher in our analysis, but Heroku 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 Consul or Heroku better?
Based on our analysis, Consul scores higher with 74/100. Consul isfreemium while Heroku is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Consul to Heroku 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 Consul and Heroku offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Consul is freemium with a free tier.Heroku is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.