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Netlify vs Vercel
Comparing two hosting & deployment platforms on pricing, features, free tier, and trade-offs.
Quick summary
Netlify — Develop & deploy the best web experiences. Netlify is a web hosting and serverless platform for static sites and Jamstack apps with built-in CDN and forms.
Vercel — The frontend cloud. Vercel is the platform built by the creators of Next.js, offering edge-first hosting, preview deployments, and serverless functions.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $19/mo | $20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Edge Network | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Domains | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Functions | Yes | Yes |
| Bandwidth (free) | 100GB | 100GB |
| Preview Deployments | Yes | Yes |
| Build Minutes (free) | 300/mo | 6000/mo |
| Serverless Functions | Yes | Yes |
Netlify
Develop & deploy the best web experiences
Pros
- Framework-agnostic
- Built-in forms and identity
- Mature plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Build minutes limited on free tier
- Edge functions less powerful than Vercel's
Vercel
The frontend cloud
Pros
- Best-in-class Next.js support
- Fast global edge network
- Excellent DX with Git integration
Cons
- Expensive at scale
- Vendor lock-in with Edge runtime
- Function timeout limits
Which should you choose?
Choose Netlify if a free tier is important for your stage. Choose Vercel if a free tier is important for your stage.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Netlify or Vercel?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, Vercel is the safer default because Vercel has a larger community and more third-party integrations, which often translates to better long-term support. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is Netlify cheaper than Vercel?
Netlify starts at $19/mo, while Vercel starts at $20/mo. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Netlify to Vercel?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Netlify-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most hosting & deployment migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Netlify or Vercel open source?
No — both Netlify and Vercel are proprietary managed services. If open source is a requirement, see our alternatives pages.
Does Netlify or Vercel have a free tier?
Both Netlify and Vercel offer a free tier.
Which is best for startups and indie hackers?
Startups usually optimize for the lowest friction to ship and the cheapest possible free tier. The one with the most generous free tier here is Vercel. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.