Render
Render Services Inc. · 🚀 PaaS
Render is a unified cloud to build and run all your apps and websites with free TLS certificates, a global CDN, private networks and auto deploys from Git.
Overview
Render is a unified cloud for running web services, static sites, databases, workers and cron jobs — with auto-deploys from Git, free TLS and a global CDN. It aims to be a modern, simpler Heroku: choose a service type, point it at a repository, and Render builds and runs it.
The free tier includes free static sites, 750 instance hours per month for web services (which sleep after about 15 minutes of inactivity), and a free managed PostgreSQL instance for an initial period. Several regions are available.
It is well suited to full-stack apps, APIs and side projects that need an always-deployable server and a database, where occasional cold starts on the free plan are acceptable. Confirm the latest free-tier details on the provider’s site.
Pros
- ✓One platform for web services, static sites, databases, workers and cron
- ✓Auto-deploys from Git with free TLS
- ✓Free static sites and a free Postgres to start
- ✓Straightforward, Heroku-like model
- ✓Multiple regions
Cons
- ✕Free web services sleep after about 15 minutes of inactivity
- ✕The free managed Postgres is time-limited
- ✕750 instance hours per month cap on the free plan
- ✕Less edge-focused than Cloudflare or Vercel
Best for
- →Full-stack apps and APIs that need an always-deployable server
- →Side projects that want a free database to start
- →Teams migrating off Heroku
Getting started
- 1 Create a Render account and a new service
- 2 Connect your Git repo and choose the service type (web, static, worker, cron)
- 3 Set the build and start commands
- 4 Add a managed PostgreSQL or Redis if needed
- 5 Deploy — Render auto-deploys on every push
Features
- ✓Auto Deploys from Git
- ✓Free TLS Certificates
- ✓Private Networks
- ✓Managed Databases
- ✓Background Workers
- ✓Cron Jobs
Languages
FAQ
Free web services spin down after about 15 minutes of inactivity and cold-start on the next request. Paid instances stay always-on.
Render's free managed PostgreSQL is offered for an initial period, after which it expires. Check current terms on Render's pricing page.
Yes. Render supports background workers and scheduled cron jobs alongside web services.
Deploy these projects to Render
Open-source projects and templates that run on Render's free tier.