CapRover vs Dokku
Self-host pick — both replace Heroku (App platform / git-push deploy).
Both CapRover and Dokku self-host as a replacement for Heroku (App platform / git-push deploy). Pick CapRover if you want a Apache-licensed codebase (Apache-2.0); pick Dokku for MIT (MIT). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $10 vps for the controller vs $5 vps for small apps; scale the box as you grow.
| CapRoveropen-source | Dokkuopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Setup time | 20min (Docker Swarm setup) | 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS) |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for the controller. | $5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow. |
| GitHub | caprover/caprover | dokku/dokku |
| Replaces | Heroku | Heroku |
Good fit for
CapRover
Teams that want a Heroku-like UI with a built-in app store of one-click services.
Weak at:Swarm is showing its age vs Compose-based alternatives.
Dokku
Devs who specifically want the Heroku CLI muscle memory.
Weak at:Single-host (no built-in clustering); buildpacks support is solid but not always 1:1 with Heroku's.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli heroku prints Heroku's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, CapRover or Dokku?
CapRover: 20min (Docker Swarm setup). Dokku: 15min (single-line install on a fresh Ubuntu 22.04 VPS).
What does each cost to run?
CapRover: $10 VPS for the controller.. Dokku: $5 VPS for small apps; scale the box as you grow.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do CapRover and Dokku replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Heroku.