Heroku vs Netlify: Which Platform Should You Choose in 2026?
Compare Heroku and Netlify for hosting web applications. Heroku offers full-stack deployment with databases and add-ons, while Netlify specializes in static sites and serverless functions with better free tier options.
Updated 2026-04 · 2026
Heroku
Full-stack cloud platform for deploying and scaling applications
Strengths
- +Supports multiple languages (Node.js, Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, Go)
- +Built-in database options (Postgres, Redis, MongoDB)
- +Extensive add-on marketplace for third-party services
Weaknesses
- -No free tier since November 2022
- -More expensive than competitors for equivalent resources
- -Dyno sleeping on lower tiers causes cold starts
Best for
Teams needing full-stack applications with databases, background workers, and multiple services in one platform
Netlify
Modern web platform for static sites and serverless functions
Strengths
- +Generous free tier (100GB bandwidth, 300 build minutes)
- +Instant Git-based deployments with atomic rollbacks
- +Built-in CDN with edge network for fast global delivery
Weaknesses
- -Limited to static sites and serverless functions (no persistent servers)
- -No built-in database solutions
- -Function execution time limited to 10 seconds on free tier
Best for
Frontend developers building static sites, JAMstack apps, or serverless applications without backend infrastructure needs
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | None (discontinued Nov 2022) | 100GB bandwidth, 300 build minutes/month |
| Starting Price | $5/month per dyno | Free (Pro at $19/month) |
| Backend Support | Full backend with any language/framework | Serverless functions only (10s limit free tier) |
| Database Hosting | Built-in Postgres, Redis, MongoDB add-ons | None (integrate external services) |
| Build Minutes | Unlimited on all paid plans | 300/month free, 25,000 on Pro |
| CDN/Edge Network | Not included (requires add-on) | Built-in global CDN on all plans |
| Custom Domains | Unlimited on all plans | Unlimited on all plans |
| Deployment Method | Git push, CLI, GitHub integration | Git push, CLI, drag-and-drop |
| Preview Environments | Review apps (requires pipeline) | Automatic deploy previews for all PRs |
| SSL Certificates | Free automated SSL | Free automated SSL |
| Background Jobs | Worker dynos supported | Not supported (use scheduled functions) |
| Best Use Case | Full-stack apps with databases | Static sites and JAMstack apps |
The Verdict
Choose Netlify if you're building static sites, JAMstack applications, or frontend-heavy projects—the free tier is excellent and the developer experience is superior. Choose Heroku if you need full backend infrastructure with databases, background workers, or traditional server-side applications, though you'll pay significantly more for the convenience.
