Overview
Render is a unified cloud to build and run apps and websites with free TLS, global CDN, and auto deploys from Git. With a freemium pricing model, Render offers a free tier that lets teams get started without commitment. The platform is particularly well-suited for full-stack apps and apis, offering features tailored to their specific workflows.
When Render may NOT be a good fit
Render may not be ideal if cold starts on free is a dealbreaker for your workflow.
Key Features
Pros
- Heroku alternative
- Simple pricing
- Good free tier
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cold starts on free
- Limited regions
- Fewer features than big clouds
Best For
Integrations
Pricing
- Static sites
- 750 hours/month
- Custom domains
- Web services
- Background workers
- Cron jobs
- Team features
- Advanced networking
- Priority support
Quick Stats
- Founded
- 2018
- HQ
- San Francisco, CA
- Employees
- 50-100
How We Evaluate Render
Our review process combines hands-on testing with comprehensive research to provide accurate, unbiased evaluations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links.
Pricing & Limits
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Docs Reviewed
Documentation quality checked
Integrations
Compatibility verified
User Feedback
Community reviews analyzed
Changelog
Recent updates tracked
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All comparisonsFrequently Asked Questions about Render
What is Render?
Render is a unified cloud to build and run apps and websites with free TLS, global CDN, and auto deploys from Git.
What is Render used for?
Render is primarily used for full-stack apps, apis, startups. It offers features like Auto Deploys, Free SSL, Private Networks, Cron Jobs.
Who is Render for?
Render is best suited for Full-Stack Apps, APIs, Startups, Heroku Migration. It's particularly popular among teams looking for auto deploys solutions.
What are the main features of Render?
The main features of Render include: Auto Deploys, Free SSL, Private Networks, Cron Jobs, Managed DBs, Docker Support.
Is Render free?
Yes, Render offers a free plan with basic features.
Does Render offer a free trial?
Yes, Render offers a freemium model, allowing you to try core features for free before upgrading.
How much does Render cost?
Render offers custom pricing. Contact their sales team for a quote tailored to your needs.
What are the pros of Render?
Key advantages of Render include: Heroku alternative. Simple pricing. Good free tier. Easy to use.
What are the cons of Render?
Some limitations of Render include: Cold starts on free. Limited regions. Fewer features than big clouds.
What are the best alternatives to Render?
Top alternatives to Render include Railway, Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, Fly.io, Microsoft Azure. Each offers similar functionality with different strengths.
What integrations does Render support?
Render integrates with GitHub, GitLab, PostgreSQL, Redis.
Is Render good for small businesses?
Render can be a good fit for small businesses, especially those needing full-stack apps. Their free plan makes it accessible for budget-conscious teams.
Written by
Marcus RodriguezTechnical Writer & Developer Advocate
Full-stack developer focused on developer tools, APIs, and cloud infrastructure.