Heroku vs Netlify: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Heroku and Netlify 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:
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
Netlify
Deploy and scale modern web apps with hosting and serverless functions
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Web hosting and deployment platform
- • Git-based CI/CD
| At a Glance |  Heroku |  Netlify |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthEco | $9/month/moPersonal |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Heroku or Netlify?
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 hosting & deployment-shaped
Choose Netlify if
Deploy and scale modern web apps with hosting and serverless functions
- Easy Git integration
- Good free tier
- Deploy previews
- Your work is hosting & deployment-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
| Feature | Heroku | Netlify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 326 reviews | ★4.6/5 157 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Hosting & DeploymentDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Netlify
Deploy and scale modern web apps with hosting and serverless functions
Strengths
- +Easy Git integration
- +Good free tier
- +Deploy previews
- +Serverless functions built-in
Weaknesses
- -Build minutes can run out
- -Advanced features need higher tiers
- -Credit system can be confusing
Key features
Pricing: Heroku vs Netlify
| Plan | Heroku | Netlify |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 month Eco | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $7 month per dyno Basic | $9/month Personal |
| Tier 3 | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x | $20/member/month Pro |
| Tier 4 | $50 month per dyno Standard-2x | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | $250 month per dyno Performance-M | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $500 month per dyno Performance-L | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Heroku pricing and Netlify pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Netlify has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: Netlify
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Heroku
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Netlify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Heroku is paid. Netlify is freemium. Netlify lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Heroku is a cloud & infrastructure tool. Netlify is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Netlify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Heroku
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Netlify is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heroku or Netlify better?
Netlify is rated in our evaluation. Heroku is paid and Netlify is freemium.
What are Heroku and Netlify used for?
Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce. Netlify: Deploy and scale modern web apps with hosting and serverless functions.
What does Heroku cost vs Netlify?
Heroku is a paid tool. Netlify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.