Porter

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Porter

A curated collection of the 6 best self hosted alternatives to Porter.

Porter is a cloud platform for deploying and managing applications on Kubernetes. It automates environment setup, Git-based deployments, and infrastructure provisioning to run and operate apps on customers' cloud accounts.

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
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#2
Dokploy

Dokploy

Open-source self-hostable PaaS for deploying containerized applications and managing databases with Docker Compose, Traefik, monitoring, and backups.

Dokploy screenshot

Dokploy is an open-source, self-hostable Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that simplifies deploying and managing containerized applications and databases across multiple servers. It provides a web UI, CLI and API for application lifecycle, database management, backups, monitoring and notifications. (dokploy.com)

Key Features

  • Deploy applications using Dockerfiles, Nixpacks, or Heroku-style buildpacks; native Docker Compose support for multi-service apps. (dokploy.com)
  • Multi-server deployments and clustering using Docker Swarm, with centralized management of nodes and containers. (dokploy.com)
  • Database provisioning and management for MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MariaDB and Redis, including automated backups to external storage. (github.com)
  • Traefik integration for routing and TLS management, plus real-time resource monitoring (CPU, memory, network) and alerting. (dokploy.com)
  • CLI and REST API access, templates for common OSS stacks, and community-contributed templates and add-ons. (github.com)

Use Cases

  • Host multiple web services and microservices on a single control plane for small teams or VPS fleets. (dokploy.com)
  • Manage and back up self-hosted databases (Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis) with scheduled backups and restores. (github.com)
  • Deploy complex Docker Compose stacks (e.g., web app + DB + worker) with centralized logs, metrics, and rolling updates. (dokploy.com)

Limitations and Considerations

  • Multi-node scaling relies on Docker Swarm; there is no native Kubernetes control plane integration documented in the main project. This may limit integration with Kubernetes-native tooling or teams standardized on Kubernetes. (github.com)

Dokploy is actively maintained and community-driven, focused on giving developers a developer-friendly, self-hosted PaaS alternative to managed services. It is best suited for teams who prefer Docker Compose/Swarm and want integrated DB management, monitoring, and backups under a single interface. (dokploy.com)

29.1kstars
1.9kforks
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#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
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#4
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
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#5
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
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#6
Cloudron

Cloudron

Cloudron is a self-hosted platform for deploying and managing web apps with one-click installs, automatic updates, backups, and integrated HTTPS, email, and user management.

Cloudron screenshot

Cloudron is a self-hosted application platform that simplifies running web apps on your own server by providing a curated app catalog, automated operations, and a unified admin interface. It handles the lifecycle of apps (install, update, backup, restore) and centralizes common infrastructure concerns like domains, TLS certificates, and users.

Key Features

  • One-click app installs from a curated Cloudron App Store (packaged apps)
  • Automatic app and platform updates with rollback-oriented lifecycle management
  • Built-in reverse proxy with per-app domain/subdomain routing
  • Automatic HTTPS via Let’s Encrypt and certificate renewal
  • Centralized user management and access control (teams/users) with SSO options
  • Integrated backup/restore to external storage providers (scheduled backups)
  • App configuration via environment/manifest packaging and consistent runtime model
  • Email capabilities for apps via integrated mail settings (SMTP relay support)

Use Cases

  • Host a small-business stack (e.g., chat, wiki, CRM, file sharing) on one server
  • Provide a managed “internal PaaS” for a small team without Kubernetes
  • Quickly deploy and maintain self-hosted alternatives with minimal ops overhead

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not fully open-source: Cloudron is source-available/commercially licensed and requires a subscription for full functionality.
  • App availability depends on Cloudron packaging; apps must be Cloudron-compatible.

Cloudron fits users who want an appliance-like experience for self-hosting many apps with consistent security defaults and automated maintenance. It is especially useful when you want predictable upgrades, backups, and domain/TLS management without building your own platform tooling.

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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