Comparison
# DeployHQ vsDokku

Dokku is a powerful self-hosted PaaS, but you maintain the server, the Docker stack, the plugins, and the upgrades. DeployHQ is a managed deployment service that works with any server you already have — no PaaS to operate.

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Last updated on 6th May 2026

## Feature Comparison

A side-by-side look at what each platform offers.

| Feature | DeployHQ | Dokku |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Visual interface (GUI) | ✓ | CLI primary |
| Managed service | ✓ | Self-hosted |
| Server maintenance required | Not required | Required |
| Docker required on servers | Not required | Required |
| FTP/SFTP deployment | ✓ | ✗ |
| SSH/RSYNC deployment | ✓ | git push only |
| Amazon S3 deployment | ✓ | ✗ |
| One-click rollback | ✓ | CLI command |
| Zero-downtime deployments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-server deployments | ✓ | Plugin-based |
| Deploy behind firewalls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free/open source | ✗ | ✓ |

## Where DeployHQ Wins

Key advantages that set DeployHQ apart.

🎨

### No Server to Operate

DeployHQ is a managed service — there's nothing to install, patch, or upgrade. Dokku is software you run yourself: you maintain the host, the Docker stack, the plugins, SSL certificates, and OS upgrades.

🔌

### [Broader Protocol Support](/features/deployment-targets)

Deploy via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, Google Cloud Storage, and more. Dokku only deploys via git push to a Dokku-managed host.

🔄

### [One-Click Rollback](/features/one-click-rollback)

Roll back to any previous deployment instantly from the dashboard. Dokku rollbacks are CLI commands run against the Dokku host.

🔒

### [Deploy Behind Firewalls](/features/deploy-behind-firewalls)

DeployHQ's deploy agent reaches servers behind firewalls without opening inbound ports. Dokku needs an internet-reachable host with SSH and a git remote.

## Detailed Comparison

### PaaS vs Deployment Tool

Dokku is a self-hosted PaaS — it manages your applications, containers, networking, and (via plugins) databases, SSL certificates, and backups on a server you provide. DeployHQ is a deployment tool — it takes code from your Git repository and deploys it to servers you already have. If you want a Heroku-like experience and don't mind operating it yourself, Dokku is a great fit. If you just want reliable deployments to your existing servers, DeployHQ skips the PaaS layer entirely.

### Setup and Operations

Dokku requires a Linux host (typically Ubuntu or Debian), root access, Docker, and ongoing maintenance — Dokku itself, the underlying OS, the Docker daemon, and any plugins you install. Plugin upgrades and major version bumps occasionally need careful migration. DeployHQ requires nothing on the server beyond standard SSH/SFTP/FTP access, and there's no platform component for you to upgrade.

### When Dokku Makes Sense

Dokku is a strong choice for solo developers and small teams that want a Heroku-style experience on their own hardware, are comfortable operating a Linux server, and want the cost profile of a single VPS instead of a managed PaaS bill. The setup is more involved than a managed service, but the trade-off is full control and zero per-app fees.

## Who Should Use What?

Choose DeployHQ
### Best for teams that don't want to run a PaaS

- You don't want to maintain a Docker host
- You deploy to existing servers, not a Heroku-style platform
- You need FTP/SFTP, SSH, or S3 — not just git push
- You have servers behind firewalls or on shared hosting

Choose Dokku
### Best for self-hosted Heroku replacements

- You want a Heroku-like workflow on your own VPS
- You're comfortable operating a Linux/Docker host
- You want a free, open-source PaaS
- Per-app pricing on managed PaaS is a deal-breaker

## Skip the PaaS, Keep the Deployments

Deploy to any server you already have through a managed dashboard. No Docker host to operate, no plugins to upgrade.

[Start Free Trial](/signup?cta=comparison-dokku-cta)[View Pricing](/pricing)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between DeployHQ and Dokku?

DeployHQ is a managed deployment service that deploys your code to servers you already have, via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, and more. Dokku is a self-hosted, open-source PaaS that you install and operate yourself — it runs your applications in Docker containers on a host you maintain.

### Is Dokku harder to set up than DeployHQ?

Yes, generally. Dokku requires a Linux host with root access, Docker, and ongoing maintenance of the Dokku platform, plugins, and OS. DeployHQ requires only standard SSH, SFTP, or FTP access to your existing servers — there's no platform component to install or upgrade.

### Can DeployHQ deploy to a server I'd otherwise run Dokku on?

Yes. DeployHQ can deploy to any Linux server reachable via SSH, including the same VPS you might use for Dokku. You'd give up the PaaS-style app management Dokku provides, but you'd avoid operating Docker and the Dokku platform itself.

## Get started today for just $9/month

That's unlimited deployments and 3 projects.

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