Netlify vs Heroku: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Netlify 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Netlify |  Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $9/month/moPersonal | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Netlify or Heroku?
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
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
| Feature | Netlify | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 157 reviews | ★4.6/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentDevOps | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Netlify vs Heroku
| Plan | Netlify | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $5 month Eco |
| Tier 2 | $9/month Personal | $7 month per dyno Basic |
| Tier 3 | $20/member/month Pro | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | $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 Netlify pricing and Heroku 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: Netlify
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Netlify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Netlify is freemium. Heroku is paid. Netlify lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Netlify is a hosting & deployment tool. Heroku is in cloud & infrastructure. 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 Netlify or Heroku better?
Netlify is rated in our evaluation. Netlify is freemium and Heroku is paid.
What are Netlify and Heroku used for?
Netlify: Deploy and scale modern web apps with hosting and serverless functions. Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce.
What does Netlify cost vs Heroku?
Netlify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Heroku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.