Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs Heroku
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
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The verdict
Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Heroku are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Amazon Web Services (AWS) if you want a lower starting price (free), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.5/5). The world's most comprehensive cloud.
Heroku — The original developer PaaS.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs Heroku: side by side
| Dimension | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $5/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Usage-based | Usage-based |
| Best for | Enterprise, Developers | Startups, Prototyping |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.5/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) key facts
- Vendor
- Amazon
- Pricing
- Usage-based — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Seattle, WA, USA
Heroku key facts
- Vendor
- Salesforce
- Pricing
- Usage-based — From $5/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Startups, Prototyping
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) better than Heroku?
Neither is universally better — Amazon Web Services (AWS) edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Heroku cheaper?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Amazon Web Services (AWS) starts at free; Heroku starts at from $5/mo.
Can Amazon Web Services (AWS) replace Heroku?
Yes for most teams — both are web hosting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.