Vercel
Deployment platform where a git push becomes a preview URL.
DevOpsFreemium4.6 / 5
Vercel's core value is the preview deployment: every branch gets a shareable URL with the production build, which changes how teams review frontend work. Edge network, analytics and serverless functions come attached.
Watch the pricing model — bandwidth and function invocation overages are the usual surprise on hobby projects that suddenly get traffic.
What it's genuinely good at
- Zero-config deploys for most frameworks
- Per-branch preview URLs
- Fast global edge network
- Excellent developer experience
Where it falls apart
- Costs escalate sharply beyond the free tier
- Serverless function limits constrain long tasks
- Some features assume Next.js
Alternatives to Vercel
NetlifyCloudflare PagesRailwayRender
Who should use Vercel
- Frontend and full-stack JavaScript apps
- Teams that review work through preview links
- Portfolio and startup projects
What it costs
Hobby tier free for personal projects; Pro at about $20/user/month, with metered bandwidth and function usage on top.
Frequently asked
Can I host a commercial site on the free tier?
No — the hobby plan is for non-commercial use; commercial projects require Pro.
What usually causes a surprise bill?
Image optimisation and bandwidth on a page that goes viral. Set spend limits early.