What is a free instance?

A free instance is a web service you can run on Deployra at no cost. Every account includes one free web service with 512MB of RAM and 1 CPU core — enough to host a small app with a public URL, free SSL, and automatic deploys from your Git repository.

Free instances stay cost-safe because they scale to zero: after a period of inactivity your app automatically sleeps, and it wakes again on the next incoming request (the first request after a sleep takes a few seconds while the instance spins back up). That scale-to-zero behavior is what makes a genuinely free web service possible — which is why the free tier applies to web services only, not to always-on services like databases.

Free instances share the same developer experience as paid plans: push to your connected GitHub branch and Deployra builds, deploys, and serves your app automatically. They're designed as an easy, zero-cost way to try the platform and keep hobby projects online.

What it's good for

The free tier is a great fit when you want a live URL without a bill. Typical use cases include:

• Hobby projects and personal side projects
• Portfolio sites and personal landing pages
• Proof-of-concepts, demos, and prototypes
• Learning a new framework or previewing Deployra
• Small apps with light, occasional traffic

Limitations

Free instances are intentionally sized for small workloads, so there are a few things to keep in mind before you rely on one for production traffic:

• Web services only. The free tier applies to web services. Managed databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis) and private services run always-on and are part of the paid upgrade path.
• One free web service per account. You can deploy additional services at any time — they run on paid plans.
• Sleeps when idle. A free instance scales to zero after a period of inactivity and wakes on the next request, so the first hit after a sleep takes a few seconds. This is ideal for hobby traffic but not for latency-sensitive production apps that must always be warm.
• 512MB RAM and 1 CPU core. This is enough for hobby projects and small apps, but not for memory-heavy or high-traffic production workloads.
• Best for non-critical apps. For production apps that need more resources, always-on availability, or headroom to scale, a paid plan is the right choice.

If your project outgrows these limits, upgrading takes just a few clicks and keeps your existing configuration.

Create a free instance

Getting a free instance online takes only a few steps:

• Sign up. Create your account on the sign-up page.
• Create a web service. In the dashboard, click "New Service" and choose the Web Service type. The free option is available for web services.
• Select the Free instance type. During the service creation flow, pick the "Free" instance option (512MB RAM, 1 CPU core).
• Deploy. Connect your repository and deploy. When the build finishes, your app runs on a free instance with a public URL and managed SSL.

New to the platform? Follow the first deploy guide for a full walkthrough with screenshots.

Upgrading as you grow

Start your web app on the free tier, then add paid resources when you need them. A common path is to run your web service free while you build, then add a managed database once your app needs to persist data. Managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis run always-on, so they're part of the paid plans that start at $5/month — alongside larger web instances with more RAM and CPU. Pricing is fixed and transparent, so you always know exactly what you'll pay. Explore the options on the pricing section of the homepage.

Frequently asked questions

How many free instances can I run?

Each account includes one free web service. You can deploy as many additional services as you like, and those run on paid plans billed independently based on their resource allocation.

Are managed databases free too?

No. The free tier covers web services only. Managed databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis) and private services run always-on rather than scaling to zero, so they aren't part of the free tier — they're the natural paid next step. A typical path is to build your web app free, then add a managed database when your app needs to store data.

Does my free app go to sleep?

Yes. A free web service scales to zero when it's idle and wakes automatically on the next request, which is what keeps it free. The first request after a sleep takes a few seconds while the instance spins back up. If you need an app that's always warm, upgrade to a paid plan.

What are the resource limits of a free instance?

A free instance provides 512MB of RAM and 1 CPU core. That's well suited to hobby projects and small apps. For heavier workloads or production traffic, upgrading to a paid plan gives you more resources and room to scale.

Can I use a custom domain and SSL on the free tier?

Yes. Free instances support custom domains with automatically provisioned, auto-renewing SSL certificates at no extra charge, so your hobby project can look professional on your own domain.

Is there a time limit on the free tier?

No. There's no time limit — your free instance can keep running for as long as you need it. The free tier is meant to support ongoing hobby projects and learning, not just a trial period.

What languages and frameworks work on the free tier?

Free instances support the same languages and frameworks as paid plans: Node.js, Python, Ruby, Go, PHP, and more through automatic buildpacks, plus custom Dockerfiles for full control over the build.