What is Docker & Container Hosting?
Docker containers let you package applications with all their dependencies into portable, reproducible units. Running Docker on your own VPS gives you a private platform-as-a-service (PaaS) without the restrictions or costs of Heroku, Railway, or Render.
Tools like Coolify and Dokku provide Heroku-like git-push deployment on your own infrastructure. Portainer adds a web UI for managing containers visually. With Docker Compose, you can define entire application stacks in a single YAML file.
This is the foundation for modern self-hosting. Once you have Docker running on a VPS, you can deploy virtually any open-source application in minutes with a single command.
$ apt list --installable
Popular Docker & Container Hosting Software
Top open-source tools you can self-host on your VPS.
Coolify
Open-source Heroku/Netlify alternative. Deploy apps, databases, and services with git push. Automatic SSL and reverse proxy included.
Read our guidePortainer
Web-based Docker management UI. Visualize containers, manage stacks, and monitor resources without touching the command line.
Official siteDokku
The smallest PaaS implementation. Git-push deployments with Heroku buildpacks on your own server. Simple and battle-tested.
Official siteCapRover
Easy-to-use app deployment platform with a one-click app store. Supports Docker Compose and automated SSL via Let's Encrypt.
Official siteVPS Specifications
What you need to run docker & container hosting workloads.
$ top --providers --for=docker
Best Providers for Docker & Container Hosting
Hand-picked based on specs, pricing, and suitability for docker & container hosting workloads.
Hostinger
Pre-installed Docker templates and 4GB RAM VPS at competitive pricing
Get Started
DigitalOcean
One-click Docker droplet with excellent documentation and community
Get Started
Hetzner
Best price-to-performance ratio — 4GB RAM with 20TB bandwidth at ~$5/mo
Get Started$ man docker
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM does Docker need?
Docker itself uses minimal RAM (~100MB), but each container needs its own memory. A 2GB VPS handles 3-5 lightweight containers. For running a PaaS like Coolify, 4GB minimum is recommended.
Can Docker replace Heroku?
Yes. Tools like Coolify and Dokku provide the same git-push deployment experience as Heroku, running on your own $5-10/mo VPS instead of paying per-dyno pricing.
What's the difference between Docker and Docker Compose?
Docker runs individual containers. Docker Compose lets you define and run multi-container applications (e.g., app + database + cache) from a single YAML file with one command.
Is Docker suitable for production?
Absolutely. Docker is used in production by companies of all sizes. With proper restart policies, health checks, and monitoring, Docker containers are highly reliable.
How do I handle SSL certificates with Docker?
Use a reverse proxy like Traefik or nginx-proxy with Let's Encrypt integration. Tools like Coolify and CapRover handle SSL automatically.
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