Laravel Forge vs Dokku: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Laravel Forge and Dokku 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:
Laravel Forge
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need devops features specifically
Dokku
Docker-powered PaaS
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
| At a Glance |  Laravel Forge | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 74/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Laravel Forge | Dokku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 74 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 203 |
| Categories | DevOps | Cloud & InfrastructureDevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Laravel Forge and Dokku solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Laravel Forge positions itself as "simple server management for php and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments." while Dokkufocuses on "docker-powered paas". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Laravel Forge
Laravel Forge makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 74/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Dokku
Dokku is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Dokku won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Dokku
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Laravel Forge handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Laravel Forge
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Laravel Forge is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Laravel Forge
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Dokku has a free tier to get you started.
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 Laravel Forge higher (74/100). But the community has upvoted Dokku more (203 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Laravel Forge Does Better
- Higher overall score (74/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Dokku If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Laravel Forge (74/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Laravel Forge scores higher in our analysis, but Dokku 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 Laravel Forge or Dokku better?
Based on our analysis, Laravel Forge scores higher with 74/100. Laravel Forge ispaid while Dokku is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Laravel Forge to Dokku 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 Laravel Forge and Dokku offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Laravel Forge is paid with potential trial.Dokku is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.