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Dokku

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Heroku-like PaaS for self-hosted deployments

Free plan available, paid tiers above
Freemium Hosting & Deployment DevOps Container Orchestration
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Reviews on G2
55 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free plan available, paid tiers above. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Dokku is a lightweight PaaS that lets you deploy apps with git push on your own servers
  • It provides Heroku-like deployments using Docker containers on any Linux server
  • Completely free and open-source

Pros

  • Free Heroku alternative
  • Simple deployment
  • Git push deploy
  • Docker based
  • Active community

Cons

  • Single server only
  • No HA built-in
  • Learning curve
  • Limited GUI
  • Self-managed

What is Dokku?

Editorial review
Dokku is Docker-powered PaaS you run on your own server. Push code, get deployed applications-Heroku-like experience without Heroku pricing, on infrastructure you control. The Procfile format is familiar. Plugins extend functionality. A single server handles multiple applications. Developers wanting simple deployments on their own VPS choose Dokku for Heroku simplicity without the cost.

Available on: Linux

how we evaluate Source dokku.com ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.2 (55 reviews)

Dokku holds an aggregate rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 55 reviews across G2, last checked September 5, 2026.

G2 55 reviews
4.2/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Docker PaaS
  • Git deployment
  • Plugin ecosystem
  • Free
  • Self-hosted
  • Heroku-like

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026

Dokku plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Free Popular

$0

Open source

  • Self-hosted PaaS
  • Docker-based
  • Heroku buildpacks
+1 more
  • Git push deploy
View full pricing

Is Dokku worth the price?

Great value

Dokku offers an incredibly generous pricing model, being entirely free and open-source.

This makes it an exceptionally fair and cost-effective solution compared to commercial PaaS offerings. It's best for developers and small teams seeking a self-hosted, Heroku-like experience without recurring costs.

Full Dokku pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.2/5

Across 55 verified user reviews on G2

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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Dokku FAQ

How does Dokku facilitate application deployment?

Dokku simplifies application deployment by allowing users to push code to their own server, similar to the Heroku experience. It uses a familiar Procfile format and supports Git push deployments, making the process straightforward for developers.

Which teams would benefit most from using Dokku?

Teams looking for simple deployments on their own Virtual Private Server (VPS) would find Dokku most beneficial. It offers a Heroku-like experience without the associated pricing, appealing to developers who want control over their infrastructure.

How is Dokku priced?

Dokku is available on a free tier, providing basic functionality for users. For those requiring more extensive usage and additional features, paid plans are offered.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of when choosing Dokku?

Users should note that Dokku is designed for single-server deployments and does not include built-in high availability. It also involves a learning curve and offers a limited graphical user interface, requiring self-management of the server.

Can Dokku be extended with additional functionality?

Yes, Dokku's functionality can be extended through the use of plugins. This allows users to customize and add features beyond the core offerings to suit their specific application needs.

How does Dokku compare to Caprover for self-hosted deployments?

Dokku provides a Heroku-like PaaS experience on a user's own server, focusing on simple Git push deployments. Unlike some alternatives, Dokku is primarily designed for single-server setups and requires self-management, offering a free alternative to managed services.

Source: dokku.com

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