Deployment
Next.js Hosting: Where to Deploy Your SaaS
Next.js hosting compared — Vercel, Netlify, Cloudflare, and self-hosting on a VPS or Docker. Pick the right deploy target for cost, SSR, and scale.
Search intent
Choose where to host a Next.js application
Primary keyword: nextjs hosting
Next.js hosting choices range from zero-config platforms to a plain Node server you manage yourself. The right one depends on whether you use server features, how predictable your costs need to be, and how much ops work you want to own.
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Platform hosting: Vercel and Netlify
Vercel is the reference platform for Next.js — push to git and SSR, ISR, image optimization, and edge functions just work. Netlify offers a similar experience. These are the fastest way to ship and the easiest to operate, at the cost of pricing that scales with usage.
- Zero-config deploys on git push with previews per branch.
- Server rendering, ISR, and edge functions handled for you.
- Watch usage-based pricing as traffic and function calls grow.
Cloudflare and the edge
Cloudflare can run Next.js at the edge with generous bandwidth and low latency worldwide. It is attractive for cost and global reach, but some Node APIs and heavier server features need adapters or workarounds, so verify your dependencies support the edge runtime.
- Global edge execution and competitive bandwidth pricing.
- Confirm your ORM, auth, and Node APIs work on the edge runtime.
- Great for read-heavy, latency-sensitive apps.
Self-hosting on a VPS or Docker
Running next start on a VPS or in Docker gives you flat, predictable pricing and full control. You take on patching, scaling, and uptime in return. It is a strong option once traffic is steady and you want to cap costs, especially behind a CDN.
- Predictable monthly cost on a fixed-size server.
- Use Docker plus a reverse proxy and a CDN in front.
- You own scaling, backups, and security updates.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to host Next.js?
For low traffic, generous free tiers on Vercel, Netlify, or Cloudflare are effectively free. At scale, self-hosting on a VPS is usually the cheapest per-request once usage-based platform bills climb.
Do I need Vercel to run Next.js?
No. Next.js is open source and runs anywhere Node runs. Vercel is the most convenient option, but Netlify, Cloudflare, Docker, and a plain VPS are all valid.