Vercel
- Optimized for Next.js sites and serverless functions
- Instant deployments from GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage for hobby projects
- Free SSL encryption
- Edge Network delivers sites and apps globally
- Integrates with headless CMSs like Contentful and Ghost
- Easy to add authentication provider
- Has free hobby tier and paid pro plans
- Limitations:
- 50 GB bandwidth per month for free accounts
- No custom plugins or modules
Netlify
- Continuous deployment from Git providers
- Integrates with many headless CMSs like Contentful and Ghost
- Flexible build settings and branch deploy controls
- Global CDN, free SSL, DDoS protection
- Can use Netlify Functions for serverless backend
- Open source Netlify Dev for local development
- 100 GB data transfer and 300 build minutes per month on free tier
- Limitations:
- Must upgrade for custom redirects
- No SSH or database access on free plan
GitHub Pages
- Host sites directly from GitHub repositories
- Easy workflow using Git and GitHub for pushing changes
- Supports Jekyll static site generator
- Integrates seamlessly with GitHub Actions workflows
- No strict limits on bandwidth or storage
- Free custom domains on GitHub's IP address
- Limitations:
- Sites must be purely static - no server-side code
- No database or advanced CMS support
- Slow build times compared to Vercel and Netlify
Comparison
| Vercel | Netlify | GitHub Pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimized for | Next.js apps | Static sites | Static sites |
| Deploys from | Git providers | Git providers | GitHub only |
| Build Times | Very fast | Fast | Slow |
| Bandwidth Limits | 50GB (free) | 100GB (free) | None |
| Custom Domains | Free | Paid only | Free on GitHub IP |
| Serverless Functions | Yes | Netlify Functions | No |
| CMS Integrations | Contentful, Ghost | Contentful, Ghost, more | Through static site generators |
| Pricing | Free - $19/month | Free - $45/month | Free |
In summary, Vercel is best for Next.js apps, Netlify is the most flexible, and GitHub Pages is simplest overall. Consider bandwidth needs and desired features when choosing.
Top comments (2)
From my experience with Netlify, it offers custom domains on its free plan, and also offers similar starter pricing to Vercel (~$20).
Really helpful