Heroku vs Render
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
Heroku (Eco dynos from $5/month, no free tier; Performance dynos from $250/month) is a mature PaaS with git-push deploys, 150+ add-ons and managed Postgres/Redis. Render (Hobby tier $0/month plus compute, Pro $25/month plus compute) offers modern managed hosting with auto-deploys, free web services that sleep when idle and usage-based pricing. Heroku for its add-on ecosystem and enterprise pedigree; Render for a free tier and lower entry cost.
| Pricing | Heroku | Render |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 5 USD | 0 USD |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, CLI, SDKs | Web, CLI, SDKs |
Heroku — Pros
- Deploy with git push — buildpacks handle the runtime
- Fully managed: TLS, routing, OS patching built in
- 150+ add-ons plus managed Postgres, Redis and AI inference
Render — Pros
- Hobby tier free for web services, Postgres and key-value storage
- Pro plan $25/month plus usage-based compute
- Auto-deploy from Git with full-stack previews
Heroku — Cons
- No free tier — Eco dynos start at $5/month and sleep
- Performance dynos from $250/month scale costly vs raw IaaS
- Private Spaces and Shield compliance tiers need high spend
Render — Cons
- Free web services and Postgres have usage limits and sleep when idle
- Compute billed on top of plan price
- Fewer regions than hyperscalers
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is Heroku cheaper than Render?
Heroku starts at 5 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Render starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do Heroku and Render have a free plan?
Heroku does not offer a free tier; Render offers one.
What platforms does Heroku vs Render support?
Heroku is available on Web, CLI, SDKs. Render is available on Web, CLI, SDKs.
Are Heroku and Render in the same category?
Yes. Both Heroku and Render are classified as cloud tools.