Coolify: Your Own PaaS on Your Server
Coolify is an open-source platform that turns any server into a personal Vercel or Netlify. You connect a VPS via SSH, and Coolify takes care of deployment, HTTPS, monitoring, and database management.
What You Can Deploy
Coolify supports a wide range of applications and services:
- Static sites — Hugo, Next.js, Astro, SvelteKit
- Server applications — Node.js, Python, Go, PHP (Laravel), Ruby on Rails
- Docker images — any Dockerfile and docker-compose
- Databases — PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis (one-click launch)
- Ready-made services — n8n, WordPress, Ghost, MinIO, and dozens more
How It Works
Coolify installs via Docker itself and manages other services through the Docker API. The interface is clean and intuitive: project → environment → service. For each service, you can configure a domain, SSL via Let’s Encrypt, environment variables, and health checks.
GitHub/GitLab integration enables automatic deployment on push to a branch. Preview deployments for pull requests are supported — exactly like Vercel.
Pricing
Coolify is completely free in the self-hosted version. There is a cloud version (Coolify Cloud) with paid plans, but the primary use case is on your own servers.
Downsides
- At least basic understanding of Docker and networking is required
- No mobile app for monitoring
- The interface can feel cluttered with options in places
- No built-in billing for reselling
Verdict
Coolify is a must-have for anyone who wants their own Vercel without vendor lock-in and monthly bills. Ideal for freelancers, agencies, and small teams.