Vapor vs Dokku: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vapor 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:
Vapor
Deploy your Laravel PHP application to the cloud with serverless simplicity and incredible scale.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
Dokku
Docker-powered PaaS
Best for you if:
| At a Glance |  Vapor | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 85/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Vapor | Dokku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 203 |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureDevOps | Cloud & InfrastructureDevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Vapor and Dokku solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Vapor positions itself as "deploy your laravel php application to the cloud with serverless simplicity and incredible scale." while Dokkufocuses on "docker-powered paas". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Vapor
Vapor makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, 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?
When every dollar counts, Vapor lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Vapor
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Vapor handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Vapor
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Vapor
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Vapor, 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 Vapor higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Dokku more (203 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Vapor Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- 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 Vapor (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Vapor 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 Vapor or Dokku better?
Based on our analysis, Vapor scores higher with 85/100. Vapor isfreemium 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 Vapor 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 Vapor and Dokku offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Vapor is freemium with a free tier.Dokku is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.