Heroku and Azure App Service are two popular cloud platforms that offer a range of services for developers to build, deploy, and manage their applications. While both platforms have similarities, they also have differences that can impact a developer’s decision on which one to use.
Heroku vs Azure App Service
Heroku, owned by Salesforce, is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web applications quickly and easily. It supports multiple programming languages, including Ruby, Java, Node.js, and Python, and provides a range of add-ons and tools for developers to enhance their applications.
Heroku also offers a free plan for developers to test and experiment with their applications before deploying them to production.
On the other hand, Azure App Service is a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offering from Microsoft that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web, mobile, and API applications. It supports multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, and Python, and provides a range of integration options with other Azure services.
Azure App Service also offers a free plan for developers to test and experiment with their applications before deploying them to production.
Heroku vs Azure App Service Comparison Table
| Feature | Heroku | Azure App Service |
| Pricing | Based on number of dynos used, Free to $5000 per month based on number of dynos and add-ons required | Based on number of instances used, Free to $1400 per month based on the number of instances and features required |
| Language Support | Ruby, Java, Node.js, Python, PHP, Go, Scala, and Clojure | NET, Java, Node.js, Python, PHP |
| Integration Options | Various third-party tools and services, including GitHub, Slack, and Salesforce | Various third-party tools and services, including GitHub, Bitbucket, and Visual Studio, as well as other Azure services |
| Unique Features | Range of add-ons for various purposes | Integrated services like Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps |
| Deployment | Straightforward process using Heroku CLI | Simple process using Azure CLI |
| Add-ons | Variety of add-ons like databases, caching, logging | Variety of add-ons like databases, caching, logging |
| Scalability | Horizontal scaling with dynos, automatic scaling | Horizontal scaling with instances, vertical scaling, automatic scaling |
| Ease of Use | Streamlined UI, supports multiple languages, various add-ons | Intuitive UI, multiple language support, integration with other Azure services, continuous deployment |
| Support | 24/7 support via email, phone, chat. Paid support plans available | 24/7 support via email, phone, chat. Paid support plans available |
| Pros | Ease of Use, Language Support, Add-Ons, Comprehensive Documentation | Integration with Microsoft Services, Scalability, Global Reach, Strong DevOps Support |
| Cons | Higher Price, Limited Customization, Sleeping Apps in Free Tier | Complexity, Cost Management, Complex Documentation |
Article Highlights
- Heroku and Azure App Service are popular cloud platforms for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications.
- Heroku, owned by Salesforce, supports multiple programming languages and provides a range of add-ons and tools for developers. It also offers a free plan for developers to experiment with their applications.
- Azure App Service, offered by Microsoft, also supports multiple languages and offers integration options with other Azure services. It, too, provides a free plan for developers.
- Both platforms offer a range of features that can help developers build and deploy web applications quickly and easily. However, they should consider their specific needs and requirements when choosing between them.
- Pricing varies between the two platforms, offering different plans to cater to various needs and budgets.
- Heroku and Azure App Service offer straightforward deployment processes, with CLI tools for creating and deploying apps.
- Heroku and Azure App Service provide horizontal scaling options. Heroku uses dynos (containers), while Azure uses multiple instances.
- Heroku and Azure App Service offer 24/7 support through multiple channels, including email, phone, and chat, as well as extensive knowledge bases.
- The choice between Heroku and Azure App Service will depend on the project’s specific needs and the development team’s preferences. Both offer high reliability and performance.
What is Heroku
Heroku is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to deploy, manage, and scale their applications easily. It was founded in 2007 and is now owned by Salesforce. Heroku supports multiple programming languages, including Ruby, Node.js, Python, Java, and PHP. It offers many features, including automated builds, continuous deployment, and easy scaling.
What is Azure App Service
Azure App Service is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web apps and APIs. Microsoft launched it in 2015, and supports multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, and Python. Azure App Service offers many features, including automated builds, continuous deployment, and easy scaling.
Pros and Cons
Both Heroku and Azure App Service are Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice between the two may depend on various factors, including your development stack, the scale of your applications, and your budget.
Here are some of the primary pros and cons of each platform:
Heroku
Pros
- Ease of Use: Heroku is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, making it easy to deploy applications quickly. Its simplicity is very popular among developers for personal projects and small businesses.
- Language Support: Heroku supports many programming languages, including Ruby, Java, PHP, Python, Node, Go, Scala, and Clojure.
- Add-Ons: It offers a marketplace of add-ons for various purposes like monitoring, networking, data processing, caching, etc. These can be easily integrated into your application.
- Documentation: Heroku has comprehensive and well-structured documentation.
Cons
- Price: While Heroku does have a free tier, it can become quite expensive as your application scales. Its pricing model can be complex and sometimes unpredictable.
- Limited Customization: Heroku offers less control over your environment than other platforms. This is a trade-off for the simplicity and ease of use it offers.
- Sleeping Apps: Free tier apps “sleep” after 30 minutes of inactivity, meaning the first request after a period of inactivity will be slower.
Azure App Service
Pros
- Integration with Other Microsoft Services: If you’re already using or plan to use other Microsoft services (like Office 365, SharePoint, or Dynamics 365), Azure can be a great choice because of its native integration capabilities. It’s also a popular choice for .NET developers.
- Scalability: Azure offers excellent scalability options and allows for more control over your environment, which may benefit larger applications or businesses.
- Global Reach: Azure has a vast number of data centers around the globe, allowing you to deploy your application closer to your user base.
- DevOps Support: Azure provides strong DevOps support with integrated CI/CD, testing, and monitoring capabilities.
Cons
- Complexity: Azure can be complex to configure and manage, especially for those new to cloud services. It has a steeper learning curve compared to Heroku.
- Cost Management: Azure’s pricing model can also be complex, and costs can escalate quickly without proper management.
- Documentation: While Azure has extensive documentation, it’s often seen as more complex and harder to navigate than some competitors.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, existing infrastructure, and the scale and complexity of your project.
Key Differences
One of the key differences between Heroku and Azure App Service is the pricing model. Heroku charges based on the number of dynos (application containers) used, while Azure App Service charges based on the number of instances (virtual machines) used. Additionally, Heroku provides a range of add-ons for developers, such as databases, caching, and monitoring tools. On the other hand, Azure App Service provides a range of integrated services, such as Azure Functions and Azure Logic Apps.
Another key difference is the level of control provided to developers. Heroku is a fully managed platform, meaning developers do not have to worry about infrastructure management. On the other hand, Azure App Service provides more control to developers, allowing them to customize their environment by installing their own software and configuring their own settings.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service are powerful platforms offering developers a wide range of features. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the project’s specific needs and the development team’s preferences.
Features Comparison
When comparing Heroku and Azure App Service, it is important to consider each platform’s features. Both platforms provide a range of features that can help developers build and deploy web applications quickly and easily.
Heroku Features
Heroku is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to build, run, and scale applications. It offers a range of features that can help developers streamline their workflow and deploy applications quickly.
Some of the key features of Heroku include:
- Easy deployment: Heroku makes it easy to deploy applications by providing a simple interface that allows developers to deploy code with a single command.
- Scalability: Heroku can scale applications automatically, so developers don’t need to worry about managing servers or infrastructure.
- Add-ons: Heroku offers a range of add-ons to help developers add functionality to their applications, such as databases, caching, and monitoring tools.
- Integration: Heroku integrates with various third-party tools and services, including GitHub, Slack, and Salesforce.
Azure App Service Features
Azure App Service is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and scale web applications. It offers a range of features that can help developers build and deploy applications quickly and easily.
Some of the key features of Azure App Service include:
- Easy deployment: Azure App Service makes it easy to deploy applications by providing a simple interface that allows developers to deploy code with a single command.
- Scalability: Azure App Service can scale applications automatically, so developers don’t need to worry about managing servers or infrastructure.
- Integration: Azure App Service integrates with various third-party tools and services, including GitHub, Bitbucket, and Visual Studio.
- Multiple languages and frameworks: Azure App Service supports a range of programming languages and frameworks, including .NET, Node.js, Java, Python, and PHP.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer a range of features that can help developers build and deploy web applications quickly and easily. Developers should consider their needs and requirements when choosing between the two platforms.
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, both Heroku and Azure App Service offer different pricing plans that cater to different needs and budgets.
Heroku Pricing
Heroku offers a range of pricing plans from a free tier to enterprise-level plans. The free tier suits developers who are just starting and want to experiment with the platform. However, this tier has certain limitations, such as limited dyno hours and a limited number of add-ons.
For businesses requiring more resources, Heroku offers paid plans with features such as autoscaling, custom domains, and enhanced support. These plans are priced based on the number of dynos and add-ons required and can range from $25 to $5000 per month.
Azure App Service Pricing
Azure App Service also offers a range of pricing plans, from a free tier to enterprise-level plans. The free tier suits developers who want to experiment with the platform. Its limitations include a limited number of daily requests and deployment slots.
For businesses requiring more resources, Azure App Service offers paid plans with features such as autoscaling, custom domains, and enhanced support. These plans are priced based on the number of instances and features required and can range from $9.99 per month to $1400 per month.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer flexible pricing plans catering to different needs and budgets. Businesses should carefully evaluate their requirements before choosing a suitable pricing plan.
Deployment Comparison
Deploying to Heroku
Deploying to Heroku is a straightforward process. First, the user must create a Heroku account and install the Heroku CLI. After that, the user can create a new app from the Heroku dashboard or run the command heroku create in the terminal.
Once the app is created, users can deploy their code to Heroku by pushing it to the Heroku Git remote. And the Heroku app will automatically build and deploy the app.
Heroku supports various programming languages and frameworks, including Node.js, Ruby, Python, PHP, and more. Heroku also offers a variety of add-ons, such as databases, caching, and logging, that can be easily integrated into the app.
Deploying to Azure App Service
Deploying to Azure App Service is also a simple process. The user needs to create an Azure account and install the Azure CLI. Then, the user can create a new app service from the Azure portal or run the command az webapp create in the terminal. Once the app service is created, users can deploy their code to Azure by pushing it to the Azure Git remote. And Azure app will automatically build and deploy the app.
Azure App Service supports many programming languages and frameworks, including Node.js, .NET, Java, Python, and more. Azure also offers a variety of add-ons, such as databases, caching, and logging, that can be easily integrated into the app.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer easy and flexible deployment options for various programming languages and frameworks.
Scalability Comparison
When it comes to scalability, both Heroku and Azure App Service offer options for scaling up or down based on demand. However, there are some differences in how each platform approaches scalability.
Heroku’s Scalability
Heroku offers horizontal scaling, meaning additional resources can be added by adding more dynos (containers) to the application. This allows for easy and quick scaling and the ability to scale individual components of the application.
Heroku also offers automatic scaling, which can be configured to automatically add or remove dynos based on traffic or other metrics. This can help ensure that the application is always running at the optimal level of resources.
Azure App Service’s Scalability
Azure App Service also offers horizontal scaling, but it uses multiple instances. Each instance runs a copy of the application, and additional instances can be added to handle increased traffic.
Azure App Service also offers vertical scaling, meaning the resources allocated to each instance can be increased or decreased. This can be useful for applications that require more memory or processing power.
In addition, Azure App Service offers auto-scaling, which can be configured to automatically add or remove instances based on traffic or other metrics. This can help ensure that the application is always running at the optimal level of resources.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer robust scalability options that can be configured to meet the needs of any application. The choice between the two will depend on the application’s specific needs and the developer’s preferences.
Ease of Use Comparison
When it comes to ease of use, both Heroku and Azure App Service offer a user-friendly experience. However, there are some differences between the two platforms that users should be aware of.
Heroku’s Ease of Use
Heroku is known for its simplicity and ease of use. The platform offers a streamlined user interface that makes it easy for developers to deploy and manage their applications. Heroku’s dashboard is intuitive and easy to navigate, which is great for beginners just starting the platform.
One of the key features of Heroku is its support for multiple programming languages. The platform supports popular languages like Ruby, Node.js, Python, Java, and more. This makes it easy for developers to work with the language of their choice.
Heroku also offers several add-ons that can be used to extend the functionality of applications. These add-ons include things like databases, caching, monitoring, and more. The platform also offers a robust API that can be used to automate tasks and integrate with other services.
Azure App Service’s Ease of Use
Azure App Service is another popular platform that offers a user-friendly experience. The platform offers an intuitive user interface that makes deploying and managing applications easy. Azure App Service also supports multiple programming languages, including .NET, Java, Node.js, Python, and more.
One of the key features of Azure App Service is its integration with other Azure services. This makes it easy for developers to build and deploy applications that leverage other Azure services like Azure SQL Database, Azure Storage, and more.
Azure App Service offers several tools and features to help developers streamline their workflow. For example, the platform offers continuous deployment, which allows developers to deploy changes to their applications as they are made automatically.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer a user-friendly experience that makes it easy for developers to deploy and manage their applications. However, when deciding, users should be aware of some differences between the two platforms.
Support Comparison
When it comes to cloud hosting, support is an important aspect to consider. Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer various support options to their users.
Heroku Support
Heroku supports its users through multiple emails, phone, and chat channels. The support team is available 24/7 to assist with any issues or questions that users may have. Additionally, Heroku offers a comprehensive knowledge base that contains articles, tutorials, and guides on various topics related to their platform.
For users who require more personalized support, Heroku offers paid support plans that provide access to a dedicated support team. These plans come with varying levels of support, ranging from basic to premium, depending on the user’s needs.
Azure App Service Support
Like Heroku, Azure App Service supports its users through multiple channels, including email, phone, and chat. The support team is available 24/7 to assist with any issues or questions that users may have.
Azure App Service also offers a comprehensive knowledge base that contains articles, tutorials, and guides on various topics related to their platform. In addition, Azure App Service provides a community forum where users can ask questions and receive assistance from other users and Microsoft experts.
For users who require more personalized support, Azure App Service offers paid support plans that provide access to a dedicated support team. These plans come with varying levels of support, ranging from basic to premier, depending on the user’s needs.
Both Heroku and Azure App Service offer comprehensive support options to their users. Users can choose from various channels and support plans to receive the level of assistance that meets their needs.
Using Heroku vs Azure App Service for Web Application Hosting
In conclusion, both Heroku and Azure App Service offer excellent features and benefits for developers.
Heroku offers a simple, user-friendly interface with easy deployment and scaling options. It also has a wide range of add-ons and integrations, making it a popular choice for developers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the project’s specific needs and the development team’s preferences.
However, it can be more expensive than Azure App Service, especially for larger applications.
On the other hand, Azure App Service provides a more comprehensive set of features, including the ability to host multiple applications on a single instance. It also offers better integration with other Microsoft products, such as Visual Studio and Azure DevOps.
However, it can be more complex to set up and manage than Heroku, making it a better fit for larger development teams with more resources.
Ultimately, choosing Heroku and Azure App Service will depend on the project’s specific needs and the development team’s preferences. Both platforms offer high reliability and performance and can be a great choice for hosting web applications.
Cloud Hosting Article Series
This article is part of our series on cloud hosting for your web applications. Check out the following articles to dig further into your options.
- Best Cloud PHP Hosting Providers for Apps Compared
- Hosting PHP Website Apps in AWS Cloud
- Hosting PHP Web Apps in Azure Cloud
- Hosting PHP Web Apps in Google Cloud
- Is Azure Easy to Learn?
- What is AWS App Runner
- PHP in AWS Lambda
- App Runner vs. Elastic Beanstalk
- App Runner vs Google Cloud Run
- AWS App Runner vs. Azure App Service
- Serverless in Azure
- Azure App Service vs Elastic Beanstalk
- Azure App Service vs Google Cloud Run
- Google Cloud Run vs Heroku
- Host & Deploy a Laravel App to AWS Elastic Beanstalk
