Dokku
What it is
Dokku is an open-source Platform as a Service that runs on a server you choose. A Git push can build and run applications using Heroku buildpacks, Dockerfiles or Docker images. Dokku routes web processes, manages background processes and runs automated cron tasks. Its plugin architecture supports additions, with official plugins for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB, Elasticsearch and Let’s Encrypt. Deployments can target a single server, Docker containers or a K3s cluster, with rollback and deployment audit logs. Per-application SSL/TLS certificate management is supported, and HTTPS responses have HSTS enabled by default. Dokku lists Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04 or 26.04 and Debian 11 or later on x64, with AMD64 and ARM64 support. The free open-source plan is self-hosted. Dokku Pro costs $849, paid once and adds a web interface, JSON API, HTTP(S) pushes, management controls, scaling, log tailing, team management and email support.
For and against
For
- Open-source self-hosted plan
- Git-based deployment
- Heroku and Docker support
- Extensible plugin system
- Rollback and audit logs
Against
- Requires your own server
- Dokku Pro needs existing Dokku
- Minimum memory requirements apply
- Pro is a one-time $849 purchase
The verdict
Dokku provides Git-driven deployment with broad build options and self-hosted control. Its free core requires server administration, while Pro adds management features for an existing installation.
Who it suits
It suits developers who want self-hosted application deployment and control over their server environment. Dokku Pro is for existing Dokku installations needing a web interface and management features.
Plans and prices
Dokku open source
Open source · self-hosted on a server you choose
Read 8 Oct 2026 · dokku.com
Dokku Pro
1 production server · 2 pre-production servers · Full access to web UI · JSON-API REST API
Read 8 Oct 2026 · pro.dokku.com
On the record
- Application processes
- Dokku routes web processes and manages background processes and automated cron tasks.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Build and deploy
- Dokku supports Heroku buildpacks, Dockerfiles, and Docker images for application deployments.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dokku Pro features
- Dokku Pro adds a web interface, JSON API, HTTP(S) app push, datastore management, environment variable management, process scaling, and log tailing.pro.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Dokku Pro prerequisites
- Dokku Pro is an add-on for an existing Dokku installation and requires a Debian-based AMD64 or ARM64 system.pro.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Extensible plugins
- Dokku is built from plugins, and users can create plugins to add functionality.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Official plugins include PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, and Let's Encrypt.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Minimum memory
- The documented minimum is 1 GB for the Docker scheduler or 2 GB per node for the K3s scheduler.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- Dokku recommends SSH key-based authorization for pushing to a server.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Dokku can be installed on hardware of the user's choice and is described as avoiding vendor lock-in.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Dokku Pro includes email support from the maintainers.pro.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- Dokku lists Ubuntu 22.04, 24.04, or 26.04 and Debian 11 or later on x64, with AMD64 or ARM64 architectures supported.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- TLS
- Dokku supports per-application SSL/TLS certificate management, and HTTPS responses have HSTS enabled by default.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Dokku is an extensible, open-source Platform as a Service that runs on a single server and builds and runs applications from a Git push.dokku.com · read 8 Oct 2026
