Quick answer
DeployHQ - DeployHQ wins for most builders because its free tier is more usable for real deployment workflows, with API access, zero-downtime deploys, and team features, while Cloud 66 is better only if you specifically need a managed platform on your own cloud with more hosting-oriented quotas.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers solve different problems. Cloud 66 is closer to a managed ops layer for apps running on your own cloud or servers, so its free plan is shaped around infrastructure limits: one deployment server, one static site, five deployments per day, limited build minutes, and very short metrics retention. DeployHQ is a deployment automation tool first, so its free tier is broader for day-to-day shipping: one project, five servers, 30 build minutes, and access to features that usually sit behind paid plans elsewhere, including API access, zero-downtime deployments, and SSO. The practical difference is that Cloud 66’s free tier is narrower but more hosting-centric, while DeployHQ gives a more complete small-team deployment workflow before you pay. If you are testing a single app, Cloud 66 is fine. If you want a free tier that can support an actual build-and-deploy process, DeployHQ has the edge.
Cloud 66 vs DeployHQ free tier, side by side
| Cloud 66FTV 58 | DeployHQFTV 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment serversCloud 66 is explicitly limited to 1 deployment server on free; DeployHQ allows 5 servers. | 1 | 5 servers |
| Static sites / projectsThe products count different things, but both free tiers are narrowly scoped at the base level. | 1 static site | 1 project |
| Deployments per dayCloud 66 states the limit per 24 hours; DeployHQ states per day. | 5 deployments per 24 hours | 3 deployments per day |
| Build minutesCloud 66 includes more build time on free. | 50 build minutes | 30 build minutes |
| Team members / usersBoth free tiers are effectively single-user. | 1 team member | 1 user |
| Metrics retentionCloud 66 publishes metrics retention on free; DeployHQ free tier details provided do not include it. | 1 hour | Not stated |
After you outgrow the free tier
Both products use flat subscription pricing after free, not usage-based billing. Cloud 66 starts at $23/month for Developer, then $47, $80, and contact sales for Enterprise. DeployHQ starts lower at $9/month billed yearly, then $19, $39, and $99/month billed yearly. For small-team builders, DeployHQ is cheaper to enter and scales more gradually. Cloud 66 becomes more attractive only if you need its hosting and monitoring footprint; otherwise DeployHQ gives more usable deployment workflow per dollar.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | Cloud 66 | DeployHQ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 app, 1 server, single builder, light deploy cadenceWithin both free tiers' basic limits. | Free | Free |
| 2 projects, 1-3 servers, standard small-team deployment workflowCloud 66 free tier only includes 1 deployment server and 1 static site; DeployHQ Solo allows 3 projects and more server capacity on the first paid tier. | $23/mo | $9/mo |
| Unlimited deployments for a small teamCloud 66's free tier caps deployments at 5 per 24 hours; DeployHQ’s Solo plan includes unlimited deployments but only one user and 3 projects. | $47/mo | $9/mo |
| More than 3 projects or 1 userDeployHQ Pro increases projects to 10 and users to unlimited. | $47/mo or higher | $19/mo or higher |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick Cloud 66 when…
- You want to manage deployments on your own cloud provider or servers, not just push code to a deployment service.
- You only need one deployment server and one static site for a small proof of concept.
- You care more about hosting controls, backups, and metrics retention than collaboration features.
- You are fine with a very capped free tier and just need to validate Cloud 66's workflow before upgrading.
Pick DeployHQ when…
- You want a free tier that includes API access and zero-downtime deployments without paying first.
- You need to deploy to multiple targets or keep a project organized around a deployment workflow.
- You want team-oriented features like team management and SSO available on the free plan.
- You expect to use deployment automation regularly and want more headroom on build minutes and servers.
Bottom line
For the most common builder use case, DeployHQ is the better free-tier pick because it gives you more of a real deployment workflow before you pay, including API access and zero-downtime deploys. Cloud 66 is still a good fit if your main need is running and managing apps on your own cloud provider with a more hosting-oriented control surface. Once you outgrow free, DeployHQ is also cheaper to enter, while Cloud 66’s first paid step is meaningfully higher.
Read the full listings: Cloud 66 and DeployHQ. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.