Docker Hosting Platforms Compared: 2026 Guide
Where to host Docker containers in 2026. Free tiers, pricing, and features compared.
Why Docker hosting matters
Docker containers are the standard for deploying applications. But running containers in production requires a hosting platform that handles builds, networking, scaling, and monitoring. Here's how the major options compare.
Comparison table
| Platform | Free tier | Custom Dockerfile | Auto-detect | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deplexo | Always-on | Yes | Yes | Fixed plans |
| Render | Sleeps | Yes | Yes | Per service |
| Railway | $1/mo credit | Yes | Yes (Railpack) | Usage-based |
| Fly.io | Trial only | Yes (converts to microVM) | No | Usage-based |
| Koyeb | Scale-to-zero | Yes | Yes | Usage-based |
| DigitalOcean | None | Yes | Yes | Per service |
| AWS ECS | Free tier (limited) | Yes | No | Usage-based |
Deplexo
Managed container hosting with OCI-compatible images. Auto-detect or bring your own Dockerfile. Secure defaults: read-only root filesystem, dropped capabilities, no-new-privileges. Free tier is always-on.
Render
Docker support with Blueprint YAML for configuration. Free tier sleeps after 15 minutes of inactivity. Managed services available (Postgres, Redis). Paid plans from $7/mo per service.
Railway
Railpack for auto-detect, plus full Docker support. Usage-based pricing — one-time $5 trial credit, then $1/month on the free plan. Quick setup with templates for common stacks.
Fly.io
Firecracker microVMs, not Docker directly. Converts your Dockerfile to a microVM image. Global edge deployment across multiple regions. No free tier — pay-as-you-go with a short trial for new users.
Koyeb
Docker-native with buildpack support. Free tier scales to zero after 1 hour of inactivity. Acquired by Mistral AI in February 2026. Supports both Dockerfile and buildpack-based deployments.
When to use what
- Simple deploy, always-on free → Deplexo
- Managed databases needed → Render
- Global distribution → Fly.io
- Maximum Docker flexibility → Custom VPS + Docker
See the Deplexo Docker deploy guide for step-by-step instructions.