The Heroku Experience, On Your Own Server.
Heroku ended its free dyno and database plans in November 2022. sh0 gives you the same git-push workflow, auto-SSL, and one-click databases -- on any $5/mo VPS. Free forever for 1 app.
The verdict: sh0 gives you everything that made Heroku great -- git push deploys, auto-SSL, managed databases, add-ons -- but on your own server, at a flat price, with a built-in Claude AI assistant and full data ownership.
Feature-by-feature comparison
How sh0 stacks up against Heroku on the features that matter.
| Feature | sh0 | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Forever (1 stack, unlimited apps) | Removed in 2022 |
| Git push deploy | GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket | Yes |
| Auto-SSL | Let's Encrypt (Caddy) | Included (ACM) |
| Managed databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB | Heroku Postgres add-on (from $5/mo) |
| Templates | 171 templates | Elements marketplace |
| CLI push deploy | sh0 push: one-command deploy | git push heroku main |
| CLI commands | 30+, JSON output, CI/CD | heroku CLI |
| Pricing model | $0--$99/mo flat | Per dyno: $5/mo (Eco) to $50/mo (Standard-2X) |
| Data ownership | Your server | Hosted by Heroku |
| Stack auto-detection | 19 stacks | Buildpacks |
Sources (checked on 13 October 2026): Heroku pricing· Heroku Automated Certificate Management· Heroku changelog: end of free plans· Deploying with Git (Heroku Dev Center)
Why developers switch from Heroku
Real problems, real solutions.
"Heroku bills per dyno: $7/mo for Basic, $25/mo for Standard-1X -- for every app."
sh0 Free tier is $0 forever. Pro is $19/mo for unlimited apps on your own VPS.
"My apps and data run on Heroku's infrastructure, not on a server I control."
sh0 runs on your VPS. Export to Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Vercel, Railway, Render, AWS ECS, or GCP Cloud Run.
What makes sh0 different
Built-in Claude AI
105 tools that read logs, debug in a sandbox, and restart apps. Connect via MCP from Claude Desktop or Cursor.
CLI with sh0 push
Same git-push workflow as Heroku, plus one-command local deploy. Stack detection, health check, live in 35 seconds.
Own Your Data
Your server, your data. Export to Docker Compose, Kubernetes, AWS ECS, Vercel, Railway, Render anytime. Zero vendor lock-in.
Beyond Deployment: Full Backend Services
sh0 includes a complete backend stack on your own server.
PostgREST API
Auto-generated REST API from your PostgreSQL tables. One-click enable.
Auth Service (Logto)
OIDC-compliant auth with social login, MFA, and admin console.
Realtime (Centrifugo)
WebSocket + SSE with channels, presence, and history.
Serverless Functions (Deno)
TypeScript/JavaScript functions, HTTP-invokable.
S3 Storage (MinIO)
S3-compatible object storage with web console and access keys.
Email Hosting (Stalwart)
DKIM/SPF/DMARC auto-config. Cloudflare DNS auto-setup.
Pricing comparison
Flat monthly pricing versus per-dyno billing. The savings add up fast.
| Plan | sh0 | Heroku equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 app | $0/mo | $5/mo (Eco, 1,000 shared dyno hours) or $7/mo (Basic) |
| 5 apps | $19/mo | 5 × $7 (Basic dyno) = $35/mo |
| 20 apps | $19/mo | 20 × $7 (Basic dyno) = $140/mo |
| PostgreSQL | Included | From $5/mo extra (Essential-0) |
Ready to leave Heroku?
Install sh0 on any Linux server in 30 seconds. Free forever for 1 stack with unlimited apps. No credit card required.