Fly.io vs Heroku
Is switching from Heroku to Fly.ioworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Fly.io and Heroku both serve app hosting and web deployment, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Heroku costs $5/month ($60/year), while Fly.io is available for Pay-as-you-go, usage-based. Fly.io offers professional features without ongoing fees. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Fly.io saves you $60/year — $180 over 3 years
Heroku costs
$60/yr
3-year cost
$180
Fly.io costs
Pay-as-you-go, usage-based
Best for
- +Full-stack developers
- +Global apps
- +Docker users
Not ideal for
- −Beginners
- −Users wanting simple deployment
Feature Comparison
| Feature | HerokuSubscription | Fly.ioAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $5/mo $60/year | Freemium· Pay-as-you-go, usage-based |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | Web |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | Proprietary |
| Ownership | Renting | Limited ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Cloud required |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Heroku
$5/mo
$60/year
Fly.io
Freemium· Pay-as-you-go, usage-basedPlatforms
Heroku
Web, Desktop (typical)Fly.io
Offline Support
Heroku
Limited (typical)Fly.io
Requires internetOpen Source
Heroku
NoFly.io
ProprietaryOwnership
Heroku
RentingFly.io
Limited ownershipCloud Dependency
Heroku
High (typical)Fly.io
Cloud requiredMigration
Heroku
—Fly.io
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Fly.io
- +Global edge deployment
- +Free tier
- +Docker support
- +Postgres
−What you lose
- −Simplicity
- −Heroku add-on ecosystem
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Fly.io
- +Full-stack developers
- +Global apps
- +Docker users
✗Should keep using Heroku
- −Beginners
- −Users wanting simple deployment
Migration Guide
Switching from Heroku to Fly.io is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Heroku's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Fly.io
Download Fly.io from the official website. It costs Pay-as-you-go, usage-based — a one-time purchase.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Fly.io. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Fly.io meets your needs, cancel your Heroku subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fly.io a good alternative to Heroku?
Yes, Fly.io is a solid alternative to Heroku. It offers a free tier with professional features, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Fly.io handles the core functionality that most Heroku users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Heroku to Fly.io?
Switching from Heroku ($60/year) to Fly.io (Pay-as-you-go, usage-based) can save you approximately $60 per year, or $180 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Heroku to Fly.io?
The main trade-offs include: Simplicity, Heroku add-on ecosystem. However, Fly.io still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Heroku to Fly.io?
Yes. Most Heroku data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Fly.io. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is Fly.io a one-time purchase?
Yes, Fly.io costs Pay-as-you-go, usage-based. You pay once and own it forever — no monthly or annual subscription fees.
Does Fly.io work on the same platforms as Heroku?
Fly.io is available on web. Check the official website for the most up-to-date platform support.
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Fly.io is a free to start alternative that lets you own your tools.