DeployHQ vs Kamal
Kamal requires Docker on every server and CLI expertise to manage deployments. DeployHQ gives you a visual interface, deploys to any server protocol, and requires no Docker knowledge or server configuration.
Feature Comparison
A side-by-side look at what each platform offers.
| Feature | DeployHQ | Kamal |
|---|---|---|
| Visual interface (GUI) | ✓ | CLI only |
| Managed service | ✓ | Self-managed |
| Docker required on servers | Not required | Required |
| FTP/SFTP deployment | ✓ | ✗ |
| SSH deployment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Amazon S3 deployment | ✓ | ✗ |
| One-click rollback | ✓ | CLI command |
| Zero-downtime deployments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic deployments on push | ✓ | Requires CI setup |
| Deploy behind firewalls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Build pipelines | ✓ | Dockerfile-based |
| Free/open source | ✗ | ✓ |
Where DeployHQ Wins
Key advantages that set DeployHQ apart.
No Docker Required
Deploy your code directly to any server without installing Docker. Kamal requires Docker on every target server and uses containerized deployments exclusively.
One-Click Rollback
Roll back to any previous deployment instantly from the web dashboard. Kamal requires running CLI commands to roll back containers.
Broader Protocol Support
Deploy via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, Google Cloud Storage, and more. Kamal only deploys Docker containers over SSH.
Deploy Behind Firewalls
DeployHQ's deploy agent lets you deploy to servers behind firewalls without opening inbound ports. Kamal has no equivalent feature.
Detailed Comparison
Docker vs Direct Deployment
Kamal packages your application into Docker containers and deploys them to servers running Docker. This means every target server needs Docker installed and maintained. DeployHQ deploys your code directly via FTP, SFTP, SSH, or cloud storage — no containerization layer needed.
Setup and Configuration
Kamal requires a deploy.yml configuration file, a Dockerfile, Docker installed on target servers, and CLI familiarity. DeployHQ requires only a web browser — connect your Git repository, add your server, and deploy.
When Kamal Makes Sense
Kamal is a strong choice for teams already using Docker who want a free, open-source tool from 37signals. It excels at zero-downtime container deployments and works well for teams with DevOps expertise who prefer managing their own infrastructure.
Who Should Use What?
Best for teams that want managed deployments
- You want a web interface, not a CLI tool
- You don't want Docker on your servers
- You need FTP/SFTP deployment support
- You prefer automatic deployments on push
Best for Docker-native teams
- You already run Docker on your servers
- You want free, open-source tooling
- You have DevOps expertise on your team
- You want container-based zero-downtime deploys
Ready to Deploy Without Docker?
Connect your repository and deploy to any server through a visual interface. No Docker, no CLI, no deploy.yml.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DeployHQ and Kamal?
DeployHQ is a managed deployment service with a visual web interface that deploys code via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, and more. Kamal is an open-source Docker-based CLI tool by 37signals that deploys containerized applications using Docker on your target servers.
Does DeployHQ require Docker like Kamal?
No. DeployHQ deploys your code directly to servers without requiring Docker on the target machines. Kamal requires Docker to be installed on every server it deploys to, as it packages applications into containers for deployment.
Can DeployHQ deploy to the same servers as Kamal?
Yes. DeployHQ can deploy to any server accessible via FTP, SFTP, SSH, or other supported protocols. Unlike Kamal, DeployHQ doesn't require Docker on target servers and also supports FTP-only hosting, shared hosting, and cloud storage like Amazon S3.
Get started today for just $9/month
That's unlimited deployments and 3 projects.