Fly.io vs Vultr
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Vultr is cloud infrastructure with compute, storage, and Kubernetes across 30+ global locations. The biggest difference up front: Fly.io is free, while Vultr starts at $2.50/mo. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Vultr targets developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations.
| Feature | Fly.io | Vultr |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Bare Metal | — | ✓ |
| Cloud Compute | — | ✓ |
| Edge Computing | ✓ | — |
| GPU Support | ✓ | — |
| Global | — | ✓ |
| Global Deploy | ✓ | — |
| Kubernetes | — | ✓ |
| Machines API | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Fly.io is completely free (Generous free tier), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Vultr starts at $2.50/mo. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Fly.io offers Edge Computing, GPU Support and Global Deploy that Vultr lacks. Vultr brings Bare Metal, Cloud Compute and Global that Fly.io does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Fly.io's biggest strengths are: includes edge computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. Vultr's biggest strengths are: includes cloud compute as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
Watch out for: With Fly.io, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Vultr, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $2.50/mo from day one to use it.
choose Fly.io if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally
- Budget is a hard constraint — Fly.io is free, Vultr is not
- You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support
- You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- The free tier works for you: generous free tier
choose Vultr if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations
- You specifically need Bare Metal and Cloud Compute
- You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
frequently asked
What is the difference between Fly.io and Vultr?
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Vultr is cloud infrastructure with compute, storage, and Kubernetes across 30+ global locations. The biggest difference up front: Fly.io is free, while Vultr starts at $2.50/mo. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Vultr targets developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations.
Should I use Fly.io or Vultr?
Fly.io is the free option; Vultr charges $2.50/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Fly.io over Vultr?
Choose Fly.io if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally; Budget is a hard constraint — Fly.io is free, Vultr is not; You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support; You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; The free tier works for you: generous free tier.
When should I choose Vultr over Fly.io?
Choose Vultr if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting affordable cloud across 30+ locations; You specifically need Bare Metal and Cloud Compute; You care about includes kubernetes as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
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