Quick answer
Netlify - Netlify wins for most builders because its free tier is broader for web apps and teams, with more usable credit value, unlimited deploy previews, and a clear low-cost path up to Pro.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers aim at different builder shapes. Koyeb is the better fit if you want general cloud compute, serverless containers, and a built-in Postgres option with more infrastructure-style controls like regions, private networking, autoscaling, and 1 TB of bandwidth. Netlify is more opinionated toward web app delivery: it is centered on Git-based deploys, previews, CDN hosting, functions, Blob storage, and managed database/storage features. The practical difference is that Koyeb gives you more of a platform to run services, while Netlify gives you a smoother path for shipping and iterating on frontends and full-stack web apps. On the paid side, Koyeb jumps to a $29/mo Pro plan, while Netlify has a cheaper Personal tier at $9/mo and a Pro tier at $20/mo, so Netlify is easier to keep using once the free quota is not enough.
Koyeb vs Netlify free tier, side by side
| KoyebFTV 40 | NetlifyFTV 44 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free monthly creditKoyeb frames free value as compute credit; Netlify uses a monthly credit pool. | $10 included compute credit | 300 credits per month |
| Custom domainsNetlify confirms custom domains with SSL; no explicit count was provided. | 10 | Included |
| BandwidthOnly Koyeb’s free bandwidth quota is explicit in the input. | 1 TB/month | Not specified |
| Concurrent buildsKoyeb gives more build concurrency on the free tier. | 5 | 1 |
| ServicesKoyeb is more service-oriented; Netlify’s input does not give a service cap. | Up to 100 | Not specified |
| Users / membersNetlify’s paid plans expand membership more directly. | Up to 10 users | 1 free member |
| Preview experienceThis is a core Netlify free-tier advantage. | Not specified | Unlimited deploy previews |
| Observability retentionKoyeb keeps logs and metrics longer on free. | 7 days of metrics and logs | 1-day observability history; 24-hour functions logs |
| Database includedBoth include some form of managed database on the free tier, but the inputs describe them differently. | Free Postgres included | Netlify Database Basic included |
After you outgrow the free tier
Koyeb’s paid path is flat monthly pricing plus usage for compute: Pro starts at $29/mo + compute, Scale at $299/mo + compute, and Enterprise is custom. Netlify is flatter and cheaper at the low end, with Personal at $9/mo and Pro at $20/mo, then Enterprise custom. For small builders, Netlify is usually cheaper after free unless you specifically need Koyeb’s compute and infrastructure model. I cannot give usage-based dollar scenarios for Koyeb because the input does not include the per-unit compute rate, and Netlify’s paid plans are flat in the provided data.
When to pick each one
Pick Koyeb when…
- You need serverless containers or general-purpose compute rather than a web-first hosting workflow.
- You want built-in Postgres on the platform and care about infrastructure features like private networking, service discovery, and autoscaling.
- You are running multiple backend services and want higher service caps, more users, and more control over deployment tooling.
- You care about bandwidth headroom and regional placement across the US, EU, and Asia.
Pick Netlify when…
- You are deploying sites or apps from Git, a CLI, API, or AI prompt and want preview-driven workflows.
- You want a generous free plan for frontend and full-stack web apps, including unlimited deploy previews and a global CDN.
- You need simpler entry pricing after free, especially the $9/mo Personal tier or $20/mo Pro tier.
- You want built-in features around functions, Blob storage, basic rate limiting, and web app observability.
- You are collaborating in a small team and want an easier upgrade path for members and private repos.
Bottom line
For the most common builder use case, Netlify is the easier winner. Its free tier is better aligned with shipping web apps, it includes unlimited deploy previews, and its first paid step is much cheaper. Choose Koyeb if your free-tier choice is really about running backend services, containers, or Postgres with more infrastructure control. Choose Netlify if you want the smoother path from free to paid for a site or app that lives in Git, deploy previews, and CDN delivery.
Read the full listings: Koyeb and Netlify. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.