# Source: https://juno.build/docs/comparison/vs-heroku.md

# What makes Juno a great Heroku alternative

Heroku introduced a simple way to deploy apps â push code, and it ran in the cloud. It remains a solid choice for long-running, traditional web applications.

But today's stack is different. Modern apps favor lightweight deployments, usage-based execution, and infrastructure that doesn't require maintaining always-on containers.

Juno brings back Heroku-style simplicity for the modern era â giving you your own execution environment with no servers to manage and no platform control over your app.

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## The Trade-Off: Always-On Containers vs Modern Execution

Heroku runs long-lived app containers. This works well for classic backend apps, but means:

*   You pay for uptime, even when idle
*   You manage long-running processes
*   Operational responsibility increases over time

With Juno, you still deploy your app â but it runs in a self-contained environment on demand, with no OS, runtime patching, or server process to maintain.

*   **You own the deployment**
*   **No server or container administration**
*   **No platform access to your code or data**

Same simplicity â modern execution.

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## Feature Comparison

| Feature | Heroku (Traditional PaaS) | Juno (Modern Serverless) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Architecture | Always-on containers (dynos) | Self-contained containers, executed on demand |
| Deployment | Git push | CLI or Git-based deploy |
| Maintenance | App + container upkeep | You deploy updates; no OS to maintain |
| Data / Storage | Add-ons | Built-in datastore & storage (optional) |
| Authentication | External add-ons | Built-in decentralized auth (optional) |
| Core Benefit | Classic simplicity | Ownership, modern workflow, no server overhead |

> **Note:** Juno isn't for persistent background workers or long-running processes. It's optimized for modern web apps.

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## Cost Considerations

Heroku is easy to start with, but costs rise as your app grows â especially if it needs background processes, add-ons, or multiple environments.

Juno keeps things simple. You pay for your own isolated app environment and the resources it actually uses over time â no per-feature charges, no surprise jumps, no scaling tax.

This means:

*   Costs stay steady as your project evolves
*   No extra fees for enabling auth, data, or functions
*   You keep full control over how your app runs and spends

For long-term projects, Juno provides stability, ownership, and clarity â without managing servers and without unpredictable pricing.

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## When Juno Makes the Most Sense

**Ideal for:**

*   Modern apps, dashboards, APIs, documentation sites
*   Teams who want Heroku-style simplicity without servers
*   Builders who value ownership and platform independence
*   Projects that don't require persistent processes

**Heroku still fits when:**

*   You need a long-running application server
*   You're operating a legacy stack
*   Your app has background jobs attached to the runtime

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## The takeaway

Heroku pioneered simple cloud deployment.

Juno builds on that spirit â but for modern workloads and developers who want ownership, privacy, and a lightweight execution model without managing infrastructure.

If you love Heroku's simplicity but want a platform designed for the next decade, Juno is a natural evolution.

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## Ready to try Juno?

Ready to explore Juno? [Start building](/docs/intro.md)