Looking for a Vercel alternative?
Deploy without limits.
Same git-push workflow, preview environments, and auto-SSL -- but on your own server. No bandwidth caps, no build minute limits, no surprise bills. Full-stack, not frontend-only.
The honest take: Vercel is excellent for Next.js frontends and edge-first architectures. But if you need full-stack deployments, managed databases, or want predictable pricing without bandwidth/build limits, sh0 gives you a complete platform on your own server for a fraction of the cost.
Feature Comparison
How sh0 compares to Vercel across deployment, databases, pricing, and developer tools.
| Feature | sh0 | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
| Git push to deploy | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket webhooks | GitHub integration only |
| Preview environments | Auto-deploy PRs, auto-cleanup on merge | Per-branch previews (core feature) |
| Auto-SSL | Let's Encrypt via Caddy (zero config) | Automatic on *.vercel.app |
| Serverless functions | Managed Deno runtime (TypeScript/JS) | Edge Functions + Node.js runtimes |
| Build minutes limit | Unlimited (your server, your resources) | 6,000 min/mo on Pro ($20/mo) |
| Bandwidth limit | Unlimited (no overage charges) | 1 TB on Pro, $40/100 GB overage |
| Managed databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis | Vercel Postgres (Neon), KV, Blob |
| Full Docker support | Any Docker image or Dockerfile | No container access |
| Self-hosted / data ownership | Your server, your data, full control | Cloud-only, vendor lock-in |
| Built-in AI assistant | 30 MCP tools + 6 specialist agents | v0 (separate product) |
| CLI with push deploy | sh0 push (deploy any directory) | vercel CLI (framework-specific) |
| One-click templates | 170+ (WordPress, Ghost, databases...) | 40+ (frontend-focused) |
| Email hosting | Stalwart Mail with DKIM/SPF/DMARC | -- |
| S3 file storage | Managed MinIO (S3-compatible) | Vercel Blob (limited) |
| Auth service | Managed Logto (OIDC, social login) | -- |
| Backend frameworks | Node, Python, Go, Rust, PHP, Ruby, .NET... | Next.js-first, limited backend support |
| Mobile app | sh0 Manager (iOS & Android) | -- |
Why Developers Switch from Vercel
Real pain points we hear from developers migrating to sh0.
"My Vercel bill jumped from $20 to $180 because of bandwidth overages. I had no warning."
sh0 runs on your own VPS. No bandwidth charges, no build minute caps, no surprise bills. A $5/mo server handles what costs $180+ on Vercel.
"I need a backend API and a database, but Vercel keeps pushing me toward serverless. My Django/Rails app doesn't fit."
sh0 deploys any stack -- Next.js, Django, Rails, Go, Rust, PHP. Full Docker underneath. Managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Redis included.
"Vercel locked me into their ecosystem. My Next.js app uses Vercel-specific features that don't work anywhere else."
sh0 uses standard Docker containers. Export your config to Docker Compose, Kubernetes, AWS ECS, or GCP Cloud Run anytime. Zero lock-in.
What Makes sh0 Different
Full-Stack, Not Frontend-Only
Vercel excels at frontend deployment but struggles with backends. sh0 deploys any stack with managed databases, email, auth, realtime, and serverless functions -- a complete platform, not just a CDN with functions.
No Usage-Based Surprises
Vercel charges for bandwidth, build minutes, function invocations, and edge middleware. sh0 is a flat monthly fee on your own server. Deploy as much as you want -- no meters running.
Your Server, Your Data
sh0 runs on any Linux VPS you control. Full SSH access, no vendor lock-in, data sovereignty guaranteed. Export to standard Docker Compose or Kubernetes anytime.
Beyond Deployment: Full Backend Services
Vercel requires you to assemble third-party services. sh0 includes everything in one binary.
Managed Databases
PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis with admin UI
PostgREST API
Auto-generated REST API from your PostgreSQL tables
Auth Service
Managed Logto with OIDC, social login, and admin console
Realtime
Centrifugo WebSocket/SSE with channels, presence, and history
Serverless Functions
Deno runtime for TypeScript/JavaScript, HTTP-invokable
S3 File Storage
MinIO S3-compatible storage with web console and access keys
Pricing Comparison
Vercel's usage-based pricing vs. sh0's flat monthly fee. No surprises.
| Scenario | sh0 | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
| 1 app + database | $0/mo (Free tier) | $20/mo (Pro) + $19/mo (Postgres) |
| 5 apps + databases | $49/mo (Scale) | $20/mo + ~$95/mo databases |
| Team (5 members) | $99/mo (Business) | $20/seat/mo + usage |
| Bandwidth (1 TB/mo) | Included (unlimited) | $40 overage per 100 GB |
| Build minutes | Unlimited | 6,000 min/mo ($20/mo tier) |
Migrate from Vercel in 5 Steps
Switch from Vercel to sh0 in under 10 minutes. No code changes required for standard frameworks.
Install sh0
curl -fsSL https://get.sh0.dev | bashConnect your repo
Link your GitHub/GitLab repo through the dashboard or use sh0 push to deploy directly from your terminal.
Add your database
Provision PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Redis with one click. Connection strings are auto-injected as environment variables.
Point your domain
Add your custom domain in the dashboard. SSL certificates are provisioned automatically via Let's Encrypt.
Push and deploy
Every git push triggers a build and zero-downtime deploy, just like Vercel -- but on your own infrastructure.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Vercel if...
- You only deploy Next.js frontends
- You need global edge network (200+ PoPs)
- Your traffic is low and usage-based billing works for you
- You don't want to manage any infrastructure
Choose sh0 if...
- You need full-stack (backend + databases + email)
- You want predictable pricing without usage limits
- Data sovereignty and self-hosting matter to you
- You deploy Django, Rails, Go, Rust, or any Docker container
Ready to Deploy Without Limits?
Install sh0 in 30 seconds. Deploy your first app in under a minute. Free forever for one stack.