Clever Cloud

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Clever Cloud

A curated collection of the 7 best self hosted alternatives to Clever Cloud.

Clever Cloud is a Platform-as-a-Service that automates building, deploying, scaling and operating applications and managed services. It supports common runtimes and containers and provides managed databases, object storage, logging and autoscaling.

Alternatives List

#1
Dokku

Dokku

Dokku is a self-hosted, Docker-based mini PaaS that lets you deploy Heroku-style apps via Git push, using buildpacks or Dockerfiles with plugin-managed services.

Dokku screenshot

Dokku is a lightweight platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that runs on a single server and uses Docker to build, deploy, and manage applications. It provides a Heroku-like workflow where you push code via Git and Dokku handles containerized runtime and app lifecycle.

Key Features

  • Git push deployments with Heroku-compatible workflow
  • App builds via Heroku buildpacks or Dockerfile-based deployments
  • Per-app container isolation and process management
  • Plugin system for add-ons such as databases, caches, and other services
  • Built-in management for domains, environment variables, and SSL/TLS certificates

Use Cases

  • Hosting multiple small-to-medium web apps on a single VM with simple deploys
  • Replacing managed PaaS for personal projects or small teams with full server control
  • Running a consistent deployment workflow across many languages supported by buildpacks

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed primarily for single-host operation; advanced multi-node orchestration is outside its core scope
  • Operational responsibilities (backups, monitoring, capacity planning) remain with the operator

Dokku is well-suited for teams that want an easy, Heroku-style deployment experience without adopting a full cluster platform. It combines a familiar Git-based workflow with Docker containers and a flexible plugin ecosystem for common hosting needs.

31.8kstars
2kforks
#2
CapRover

CapRover

CapRover is an open-source platform to deploy, manage and scale apps using Docker and nginx with a web UI and CLI, automatic SSL, one-click databases and clustering support.

CapRover is a lightweight, open-source platform-as-a-service for deploying and managing web applications and databases. It provides a simple web UI and CLI that automate container lifecycle, SSL provisioning and HTTP routing so developers can deploy apps quickly.

Key Features

  • Automated app deployment using Docker images and build-from-source paths (git/webhooks/CLI/uploads).
  • Web-based dashboard plus CLI for management, automation and scripting.
  • Built-in HTTP routing and load balancing powered by nginx with customizable templates.
  • Automatic TLS certificate provisioning and renewal via Let's Encrypt.
  • One-click installable database and service apps (examples: MongoDB, MySQL/Postgres templates available).
  • Cluster support using Docker Swarm to attach multiple nodes and enable automatic nginx load-balancing.
  • Support for persistent volumes, environment variables, port and domain mappings, and instance scaling.
  • Extensible deployment workflows (webhooks, git push, CLI) and customizable build commands.
  • Basic runtime monitoring integration (NetData) and logs access via the dashboard.

Use Cases

  • Hosting web applications (Node, Python, PHP, Ruby, Go, etc.) with automated HTTPS and domain management.
  • Rapidly provisioning development, staging and small production environments with prebuilt DB/service apps.
  • Providing teams a simple internal PaaS to standardize deployments and reduce ops overhead.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Uses Docker Swarm as the built-in orchestration layer rather than Kubernetes; teams requiring Kubernetes-native features or ecosystems may find functionality limited.
  • Not focused on large-scale, multi-region enterprise orchestration—advanced scheduling, multi-cluster federation and some enterprise-grade RBAC features are not native.
  • Observability and advanced metrics beyond bundled NetData/log access require external tooling integration and additional setup.

CapRover is best suited for teams and developers who want a straightforward, scriptable PaaS experience on their own infrastructure without learning low-level container and proxy configuration. It emphasizes rapid deployment, easy DB/service provisioning and customizable nginx routing while trading off some advanced orchestration and enterprise features.

14.8kstars
956forks
#3
Uncloud

Uncloud

Deploy and scale Docker Compose apps across multiple servers with automatic WireGuard networking, service discovery, load balancing, and HTTPS—without Kubernetes overhead.

Uncloud screenshot

Uncloud is a lightweight tool for deploying and managing containerised applications across a network of Docker hosts. It forms a secure peer-to-peer cluster without a central control plane, aiming to provide a simple, PaaS-like workflow for running Docker Compose apps on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Deploy and scale services across multiple machines using Docker-like CLI commands
  • Docker Compose support for defining multi-service applications and volumes
  • Decentralised architecture with peer-to-peer state synchronisation (no central control plane/quorum)
  • Automatic WireGuard mesh networking with peer discovery and NAT traversal
  • Built-in service discovery via an internal DNS server
  • Built-in ingress and load balancing across replicas on different machines
  • Automatic HTTPS with certificate provisioning and renewal via Caddy and Let’s Encrypt
  • Persistent storage support using Docker volumes managed across machines

Use Cases

  • Run a small-to-mid-size production app stack on VPSs and bare metal without Kubernetes
  • Build a multi-provider, highly available deployment by spreading replicas across regions
  • Homelab or SMB platform for repeatable Docker Compose deployments with HTTPS and discovery

Limitations and Considerations

  • Project maturity may vary by release; some features mentioned as planned (for example, automatic rollback) may not be fully available

Uncloud fits teams and individuals who want a pragmatic middle ground between single-host Docker and full Kubernetes. It emphasizes low operational overhead while still providing the core primitives needed for reliable multi-host deployments.

4.5kstars
116forks
#4
Kubero

Kubero

Self-hosted Heroku/Netlify-style PaaS for Kubernetes with GitOps pipelines, templates, add-ons, logs, and SSO—deploy from source or Docker without Helm charts.

Kubero screenshot

Kubero is a Kubernetes-native platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that lets teams deploy and operate applications on Kubernetes with a Heroku-like workflow. It supports deploying from source code or existing container images and focuses on 12-factor application patterns.

Key Features

  • Deploy applications from Git repositories or Docker images without writing Helm charts
  • CI/CD pipelines with multiple staging environments per application
  • GitOps-style review apps that automatically create and remove preview environments for pull requests
  • Application templates catalog for one-click deployments of common software
  • Add-ons provisioning alongside apps (for example PostgreSQL, Redis, MongoDB, RabbitMQ)
  • Web UI for logs, safe restarts, and an in-browser container console
  • Scheduled tasks support via cron-style jobs
  • Notifications via chat/webhook integrations
  • Built-in vulnerability scanning for deployed workloads
  • Multi-tenancy support and authentication options including SSO (GitHub/OAuth2) and basic auth

Use Cases

  • Internal developer platform for deploying microservices and web apps on an existing Kubernetes cluster
  • Preview/review app environments for pull-request based workflows
  • Standardized deployment of common tools and apps via templates and add-ons

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed specifically for Kubernetes; it requires a functioning cluster to run
  • Persists configuration in Kubernetes (etcd) rather than an external database, which may affect certain backup/restore workflows

Kubero provides a practical, Kubernetes-focused alternative to hosted PaaS platforms by combining app deployment, pipelines, templates, and operational tooling in a single interface. It is well-suited for teams who want a consistent developer experience while keeping workloads on their own Kubernetes infrastructure.

4.1kstars
178forks
#5
Nixopus

Nixopus

Open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that turns any VPS into a hosting machine with a browser-based terminal, file manager, and one-click deployments.

Nixopus screenshot

Nixopus is an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that turns any VPS into a hosting machine with a browser-based terminal and file manager. It supports one-click deployments, auto TLS, Docker builds, and GitHub-driven workflows, all while keeping data on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

  • One-click deployments with automatic builds and routing to live apps
  • Browser-based terminal and file manager for in-browser administration
  • Built-in reverse proxy with automatic TLS certificates
  • Real-time deployment logs and monitoring for quick debugging
  • Docker-based deployments and container management
  • GitHub integration for auto deploys on push
  • Monorepo support for multi-service apps
  • Extensible via plugins/extensions to add databases, caches, and more
  • Self-hosted with no vendor lock-in

Use Cases

  • Indie hackers launching MVPs on affordable VPS setups with instant deployments
  • Agencies hosting multiple client projects on a single server with per-project domains
  • Open-source projects hosting demos/documentation with self-hosted deployments

Limitations and Considerations

  • Status: Project appears in alpha/pre-release in community-maintained sources and may not be production-ready
  • Self-hosted deployments require you to manage infrastructure, security, and updates
  • Ecosystem/extension maturity is evolving; some integrations may be experimental

Conclusion Nixopus offers an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that gives developers control over hosting, deployment, and monitoring from a single interface. It emphasizes ownership, real-time operations, and a low-friction path to shipping on your own VPS.

1.3kstars
115forks
#6
ZaneOps

ZaneOps

ZaneOps is a self-hosted open-source PaaS to deploy and manage web apps, static sites, databases, and background workers with Git-based workflows and built-in HTTPS.

ZaneOps screenshot

ZaneOps is a self-hosted platform-as-a-service for deploying and operating web apps, static sites, databases, and supporting services on your own infrastructure. It provides a fast, modern UI and Git-driven workflows to streamline deployments while relying on proven infrastructure components.

Key Features

  • Deploy web apps, static websites, databases, and long-running services
  • Git-based deployments with manual deploys and push-to-deploy workflows
  • Multiple isolated environments per project (for example staging and production)
  • Preview deployments for GitHub and GitLab repositories
  • Blue/green deployments to reduce downtime during releases
  • Automatic TLS certificates and domain routing via an integrated reverse proxy
  • Unified observability views such as HTTP logs, runtime logs, and resource metrics

Use Cases

  • Run a Heroku-style internal PaaS on a VPS or dedicated servers
  • Host production and staging environments for full-stack applications
  • Deploy and manage common self-hosted services alongside custom apps

Limitations and Considerations

  • Uses Docker Swarm as the orchestration engine, which may not fit teams standardized on Kubernetes

ZaneOps is a strong fit for teams and individuals who want a polished self-hosted PaaS experience with simple Git-centric deployments. It combines environment isolation, safer rollout strategies, and integrated traffic management to reduce day-to-day operational overhead.

1.2kstars
60forks
#7
Dokemon

Dokemon

Dokemon is a Docker container management web UI that lets you manage multiple Docker hosts, deploy Compose projects, and administer containers, images, volumes, and networks.

Dokemon is a web-based GUI for managing Docker environments, designed to simplify day-to-day container operations. It can connect to multiple Docker servers from a single instance, providing a centralized view for deployments and runtime management.

Key Features

  • Manage multiple Docker hosts (“nodes”) from one UI
  • Deploy and manage Docker Compose projects
  • Container lifecycle operations (start/stop/restart, inspect, logs)
  • Manage Docker images, volumes, and networks
  • Environment variables management for different environments
  • Persistent local data directory for application state

Use Cases

  • Homelab or small team Docker administration from a single dashboard
  • Deploying and updating Compose-based services without using the CLI
  • Centralized operational visibility across multiple Docker servers

Limitations and Considerations

  • Commonly deployed via direct Docker socket access; secure placement and access controls are important when exposing the UI

Dokemon is a lightweight alternative to CLI-driven workflows for users who prefer a simple, centralized interface for Docker operations. It fits well for managing a few Docker hosts and Compose deployments with minimal overhead.

754stars
36forks

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running