5 Cheap Ways to Deploy Docker Containers (2025 Edition)
Jonas ScholzHetzner, Sliplane, Render, GitHub, and DigitalOcean: choosing a cloud provider for your next side project in 2025 is as overwhelming as ever. With so many great options, it is easy to get distracted. So, which one gives you the best value for your money?
1. Sliplane
Imagine if Hetzner and Heroku had a child. That is Sliplane. It combines the low cost of raw servers with the push to deploy simplicity of a modern PaaS. You get automatic HTTPS, zero downtime deploys, private networking, and the ability to run unlimited Docker apps per server, all for one flat price per server. This is great for teams and indie hackers alike.
Just connect your GitHub and go live in under five minutes. No credit card required.
Disclaimer: I co-founded Sliplane 🤫
2. Hetzner Cloud
Hetzner Cloud is the backbone of affordable European hosting. With locations in Germany, Finland, and now the United States, it offers bare metal and cloud virtual machines at prices few can match. This is a great choice if you want total control and do not mind managing updates, firewalls, and all the challenges that come with raw infrastructure.
3. GitHub Actions
GitHub Actions is not a traditional host, but if your app runs briefly or only on a schedule, such as a scraper or batch job, GitHub Actions can be a clever solution. You get generous free compute minutes and can run Docker containers inside your workflows. Just do not expect persistent storage or high reliability.
4. DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean has grown into a full cloud platform. It offers managed databases, app hosting, storage, and of course simple Linux virtual machines. If you are a developer looking for simplicity without giving up flexibility, this is still a great middle ground.
5. Render
Render remains one of the easiest ways to get a Docker app online. With features like automatic deploys from Git, managed databases, and cron jobs, it is a serious contender for teams who value developer experience and do not want to manage infrastructure. It is not the cheapest option, but it might save you time, which is often worth more than money.
Price and Feature Comparison
| Provider | Base Price (2025) | Docker Support | PaaS Level | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliplane | €9 per month per server | ✅ Full Docker runtime | ✅ Push to deploy PaaS | 😄 Very Easy |
| Hetzner | €3.79 per month for 2 vCPU | ✅ Docker on VPS (manual setup) | ❌ None | 😰 Hard |
| DigitalOcean | $4 per month (512 MiB, 1 vCPU) | ✅ Docker on Droplet (manual) | ⚙️ Minimal PaaS* | 🙂 Medium |
| Render | $7 to $10 per month Starter (512 MB) | ✅ Docker service (auto build) | ✅ Moderate PaaS | 😄 Very Easy |
| GitHub Actions | Free (usage based) | ✅ Docker via workflows | ⚙️ Not a PaaS | 😐 Medium |
Final Thoughts
If you are launching something quickly and affordably in 2025, do not just look at the monthly price. Consider the hours you will spend debugging SSL certificates or writing systemd units. A five euro service that just works is better than a three euro one that consumes your weekends.
Do you have a favorite setup? Tell me how you are hosting your Docker apps. I am always curious what stacks people are using.
