When it comes to automating your code deployments, choosing the right tool can make a significant difference in your development workflow. Two popular options in this space are DeployHQ and Buddy. Both aim to simplify the process of getting your code from your repository to your servers, but they take different approaches and cater to slightly different audiences.
In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences between DeployHQ and Buddy, covering features, pricing, and overall ease of use—so you can decide which one fits your needs best.
The Three-Click Deployment Promise
One of DeployHQ's standout qualities is its remarkably simple setup process. Getting your first deployment running literally takes three clicks:
- Connect your repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or others)
- Add your server (FTP, SFTP, SSH, or cloud providers)
- Deploy
That's it. No complex YAML files to write, no pipelines to configure, no Docker knowledge required. DeployHQ handles the complexity behind the scenes while presenting you with an intuitive interface that gets you deploying in minutes, not hours.
Buddy, on the other hand, is built around the concept of visual pipeline building. While this offers flexibility for complex CI/CD workflows, it introduces a steeper learning curve. You'll need to configure pipelines, actions, and understand CI/CD concepts before you can push your first deployment.
Feature Comparison
Zero Downtime Deployments
Both platforms support zero downtime (atomic) deployments, but DeployHQ makes it exceptionally simple. When adding an SSH server, you simply enable the "Zero-downtime deployments" option. DeployHQ then automatically:
- Creates a staging directory for your new files
- Uploads all changes to this isolated environment
- Switches a symlink to make changes live instantly
- Maintains previous releases for easy rollback
No manual configuration of symlinks, shared directories, or deployment scripts required.
Build Pipelines
DeployHQ offers straightforward build pipelines that run on their servers before deployment. You can install dependencies, compile assets, run tests, and more. The interface is clean and doesn't require you to understand containerization or complex CI/CD concepts.
Buddy's pipeline builder is more powerful for complex workflows but requires more setup time. It uses a visual drag-and-drop interface with 100+ pre-built actions, which is great for DevOps teams but can feel overwhelming for developers who just want to deploy their code.
Unique DeployHQ Features
Turbo Deployments bundle your entire project into a single compressed file, dramatically speeding up deployments—especially for projects with thousands of small files. This is particularly valuable for WordPress sites, Laravel projects, and other file-heavy applications.
DeployHQ MCP Server allows you to manage deployments using natural language through Claude Desktop and Claude Code. This AI-native integration lets you trigger deployments, check status, and manage your projects without leaving your development environment.
Deploy Behind Firewalls enables deployments to servers that aren't publicly accessible, without complex VPN or tunneling configurations.
Pricing Comparison
When comparing costs, DeployHQ offers a significant advantage for most teams. You can always check the latest pricing on each platform's website, but the fundamental difference in pricing models is what matters most.
The Real Cost Difference
At first glance, the pricing might seem comparable, but the details reveal significant differences:
DeployHQ's Pro plan at $19/month gives you:
- 10 projects
- 50 servers free of charge
- Unlimited users
- Unlimited build minutes
- Premium support
Buddy's Pro plan at €29/month (~$31) gives you:
- 2 seats (extra seats cost $9/month each)
- 1 concurrent pipeline (extra concurrency costs $50/month)
- 3000 pipeline GB-minutes (overages apply)
For a small team of 5 developers, here's the monthly cost:
- DeployHQ Pro: $19/month (unlimited users included)
- Buddy Pro: €29 + (3 × $9) = €56/month (~$60)
And if you need more concurrent deployments or exceed your GB-minutes, Buddy's costs can escalate quickly.
Predictable Pricing
DeployHQ's pricing model is refreshingly simple. You pay a flat rate based on the number of projects you need, and you get unlimited deployments, unlimited users (on Pro and above), and unlimited build minutes. There are no surprise overages or complex calculations.
Buddy uses a consumption-based model with "pipeline GB-minutes" that can be confusing to estimate and may lead to unexpected charges if your builds are resource-intensive.
Who Should Choose DeployHQ?
DeployHQ is the better choice if you:
- Want to get started quickly — The three-click deployment process means you can be deploying in minutes
- Are a freelancer or small agency — Manage multiple client projects without per-user pricing eating into your margins
- Deploy websites and web applications — PHP, Node.js, Ruby, Python, WordPress, Laravel, Rails—DeployHQ handles them all beautifully
- Value simplicity over complexity — You want to deploy code, not become a DevOps engineer
- Need predictable costs — Flat monthly pricing with no usage-based surprises
- Want AI-powered features — DeployHQ's AI deployment overviews and MCP server integration bring modern AI capabilities to your workflow
Who Should Choose Buddy?
Buddy might be the better choice if you:
- Need Docker and Kubernetes deployments — Buddy has native support for containerized workflows
- Have complex CI/CD requirements — The visual pipeline builder with 100+ actions offers more flexibility
- Want self-hosted options — Buddy offers on-premise deployment for enterprises with strict data requirements
- Need advanced DevOps features — Features like parallel pipelines, matrix builds, and extensive testing integrations
The Verdict
For most web developers, freelancers, and small to medium teams, DeployHQ offers the better value proposition. Its focus on simplicity doesn't mean sacrificing power—you get zero downtime deployments, build pipelines, rollbacks, and extensive integrations. But you get them wrapped in an interface that respects your time and doesn't require a DevOps background.
The pricing is straightforward and generous, with unlimited users on the Pro plan making it particularly attractive for growing teams. And features like Turbo Deployments and the MCP server integration show that DeployHQ continues to innovate where it matters.
Buddy is a capable tool, especially for teams that need full CI/CD pipelines with Docker support. But for deployment automation—getting your code from Git to your servers quickly and reliably—DeployHQ delivers a smoother experience at a lower cost.
Ready to simplify your deployments? Start your free trial with DeployHQ and experience the three-click deployment workflow for yourself. No credit card required.