Coolify is an open-source, self-hostable platform as a service (PaaS) that turns your own servers into a Heroku- or Vercel-style deployment platform for apps, databases and services.
You install Coolify on a VPS or bare-metal machine with a single script, connect your Git repositories and deploy with a push. Because it runs on infrastructure you control, it is popular with developers looking to cut cloud bills and avoid vendor lock-in.
Key features
- Deploy from Git with buildpacks, Dockerfiles or Docker Compose
- One-click databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB and Redis
- Large catalog of one-click services for self-hosted apps
- Automatic SSL certificates and custom domains
- Scheduled database backups to S3-compatible storage
- Manage multiple servers and teams from one dashboard
- Webhooks, notifications and an API
Who it's for
Coolify is for indie hackers, small teams and agencies that want PaaS convenience on their own VPS, as well as anyone who prefers to keep data and infrastructure under their control.
Common use cases
- Self-hosting Next.js, Laravel or Django apps instead of Vercel or Heroku
- Running databases and internal tools on a single VPS
- Hosting open-source services like analytics or CMSs
- Managing deployments across several servers
Pricing
Self-hosting Coolify is free with all features, and you pay only for your servers. Coolify Cloud, the managed control plane, costs $5 per month for 2 connected servers plus $3 per month for each additional server, with 20% off on annual billing.
Alternatives
- Railway: managed usage-based hosting
- Render: managed PaaS with Git deploys
- Dokploy: open-source self-hosted deployment platform
FAQ
Is Coolify free?
Yes. Self-hosted Coolify is free and open source; you only pay for your servers. Coolify Cloud starts at $5 per month.
What is Coolify used for?
Coolify is used to deploy and manage apps, databases and services on your own servers with a Heroku-style workflow.
Is Coolify a good Vercel alternative?
Yes. Many developers self-host Next.js and other apps on Coolify to avoid usage-based platform bills.
What do I need to run Coolify?
A Linux server with SSH access; Coolify installs with a single command.
Coolify vs Dokploy: which is better?
Both are open-source self-hosted PaaS tools. Coolify has a larger service catalog and community, while Dokploy is newer and lighter.
Does Coolify support Docker Compose?
Yes. Coolify can deploy Docker Compose files as well as Dockerfiles and buildpacks.