Railway vs Netlify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Railway 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Railway
Instant deployment platform
Best for you if:
- • Deploy apps with zero configuration
- • Instant databases and infrastructure
Netlify
Platform for web developers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • Web hosting and deployment platform
- • Git-based CI/CD
| At a Glance |  Railway |  Netlify |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 85/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Railway | Netlify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How Railway and Netlify Compare
Railway
Instant deployment platform
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Netlify
Platform for web developers
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Railway
Want the highest-rated option?
Railway: 85/100. Netlify: 89/100.
Go with: Netlify
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Netlify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Netlify scores higher: 89/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Netlify
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Railway
The Bottom Line
Netlify (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Railway or Netlify better?
Netlify scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Railway and Netlify used for?
Railway: Instant deployment platform. Netlify: Platform for web developers.
What does Railway cost vs Netlify?
Railway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Netlify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.