Dokku vs Ploi

Dokku is a self-hosted Platform as a Service for building and running applications from Git pushes on a server you choose. It can deploy applications with Heroku buildpacks, Dockerfiles, or Docker images, targeting a single server, Docker containers, or a K3s cluster. Dokku routes web processes, manages background processes and automated cron tasks, and supports deployment rollback and audit logs. Its plugin architecture allows users to add functionality, with official plugins for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, and Let’s Encrypt. Per-application SSL/TLS certificate management is supported, and HTTPS responses have HSTS enabled by default. Dokku recommends SSH key authorization for pushes. The free open-source plan costs nothing. Dokku Pro costs $849, paid once and adds a web interface, JSON API, HTTP(S) app push, management tools, scaling, logs, team management, and email support.

Ploi manages server provisioning, sites, deployments, monitoring, backups, and team collaboration through a dashboard. It connects to cloud providers including DigitalOcean, Hetzner, AWS, Vultr, UpCloud, Scaleway, Hostinger, and Linode, and supports bringing your own server. GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket connections can deploy automatically when code is pushed. One-click installs are listed for Laravel, WordPress, Statamic, OctoberCMS, Craft CMS, and Nextcloud. The mobile app can manage servers and sites, install websites and databases, and deliver configurable push notifications. Ploi also provides a REST API and an MCP server for AI clients; MCP is included in Pro and higher plans. A free plan permits one server, one site, and five deployments per month. Paid plans start at $10/mo, excluding server fees. A five-day Pro trial requires no credit card, after which the subscription moves to the free plan. Ploi lists Android, iOS, web, and API platforms.