Dokploy is an open-source, self-hostable deployment platform (PaaS) that lets you deploy applications and databases to your own servers using Docker, with Traefik handling routing and certificates.
Dokploy installs on a VPS and gives you a dashboard similar to managed hosting platforms: connect a Git repository, configure domains and deploy. It also supports Docker Compose and multi-server setups, which makes it a lightweight option for developers who want to self-host instead of paying per-usage platform fees.
Key features
- Deploy apps from Git with Nixpacks, buildpacks or Dockerfiles
- Docker Compose support for multi-container apps
- One-click databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, MariaDB and Redis
- Traefik integration for domains and SSL certificates
- Database backups to external storage
- One-click open-source templates
- Multi-server deployments and monitoring
Who it's for
Dokploy is for indie developers, startups and agencies that want PaaS-style deployments on servers they control, without per-seat or usage-based hosting bills.
Common use cases
- Self-hosting Next.js or Node apps instead of Vercel
- Running databases and apps on one VPS
- Deploying open-source tools from templates
- Managing deployments across several servers
Pricing
Dokploy is open source and free to self-host. Dokploy Cloud, a managed control plane, offers:
- Hobby: $4.50 per month per server.
- Startup: starting at $15 per month, with additional servers at $4.50 per month.
Yearly billing has a 20% discount.
Alternatives
- Coolify: open-source self-hosted PaaS with a large service catalog
- Railway: managed usage-based app hosting
- Render: managed PaaS for web services and databases
FAQ
Is Dokploy free?
Yes. Dokploy is open source and free to self-host; Dokploy Cloud starts at $4.50 per server per month.
What is Dokploy used for?
Dokploy is used to deploy and manage applications and databases on your own servers with a Heroku- or Vercel-like workflow.
Dokploy vs Coolify: which is better?
Both are open-source self-hosted PaaS tools. Coolify has a larger catalog of one-click services, while Dokploy is lighter and built around Docker Compose and Traefik.
Can Dokploy deploy Docker Compose apps?
Yes. Dokploy supports Docker Compose deployments.
Is Dokploy a good Vercel alternative?
Yes, for teams willing to manage their own server, Dokploy can host Next.js and other apps without usage-based fees.
What do I need to run Dokploy?
A Linux VPS with Docker; Dokploy installs with a single script.