Why it’s best: Inexpensive pricing plans, international data centers, and holds the title of Microsoft No. 1 Recommended for Windows and ASP.NET hosting
We’ve evaluated the top web hosting companies and found those that offer powerful virtual private servers (VPS) and dedicated hosting with Docker either preinstalled or easily installed. Next, we judge the solutions with our rigorous test processes, led by thousands of public-facing customer reviews.
What Is a Docker Hosting Platform?
Docker is a tool used to create “containers” — aka “containerization” — which allow developers to package and send all the pieces needed to make an application run smoothly. It’s like a middle ground between the mess of natural computing environments and rigidly segmented virtual machines.
In a Docker containerized system, a software container has a copy of the primary application and dependencies (libraries, languages, frameworks, and everything else). The containerization system then provides APIs to the operating system (OS), so the interface between the Docker containers and the operating system on one machine is the same as the interface between them on another machine.
This means an app that runs in a Docker container on a local development machine can be deployed easily onto another server — without the worry that the settings on the computer used to deploy the application are creating conflicts.
Docker, arguably the largest container open-source project, is leading the charge toward a more efficient online world. Supporting everything from version control systems to Minecraft servers, Docker containerization has long been shaking up the app-development world. It’s considered a “gold standard” tool in hundreds of thousands of developers’ toolkits.
How To Choose a Docker Hosting Platform
While Docker is easy to use, it’s also powerful, which means that not all web hosting platforms are up to the challenge of running the software. Generally speaking, Docker requires a VPS or dedicated server to reach its full potential, but which web hosting platform is best for Docker?
The main selling point is Docker’s open structure, allowing you to manage your infrastructure similarly to your applications — keeping you agile, sleek, and separate wherever possible. Here are a few more things to consider in your hunt for a high-quality Docker hosting platform:
Updates: Seek a current tool allowing you access to the top cutting-edge management tools at all times.
Cost: As with any web hosting and management tool, the cost is usually a factor. Ensure that what you’re paying is sustainable in the long term, as migration can be even more costly.
Compatibility: Although Docker is considered open source, your application management or host service may not be. Some are platform- or brand-specific, so consider asking about that before signing any contracts.
Integration opportunities: This generally leads to faster workflows and robust automation. Check to see if you have any room to integrate with GitHub or other top tech resources.
Inclusivity: Evaluate your total value for the cost. Although you may be used to a specific platform, alternative options may give you more for what you’re currently paying.
You can get the best overall analysis of your tool’s predicted quality and value by reading Docker hosting reviews and taking advantage of free trials.
It also invested in the equipment needed for high-quality performance, such as Intel Xeon Platinum processors and solid-state drive (SSD) storage, resulting in a network with speeds of 40 gigabits per second per server.
Docker hosting prices start with $4 per month for one CPU core, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB SSD storage, and 5 GB of traffic. For more power, the specs go up to eight CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, and 100 GB SSD storage for $96 per month.
Pros and cons of Kamatera Express
Pros
Affordable and flexible price points
Readily available phone support
Cons
Less overall functionality for the cost than other options on this list
Solid hosting, exceptional speed, and strong customer support
A2 Hosting is a solid overall hosting provider especially suited for e-commerce vendors, bloggers, startups, and larger businesses. Its affordable shared hosting plans can work for nearly everyone, though it only offers Linux and has no support for Windows hosting.
With fast speeds and great customer support, there aren’t many things to worry about, and you can give it a try with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros and cons of A2 Hosting
Pros
24/7/year-round support via phone, chat, and email
99.9% uptime
Cons
No free domain included
Prices go up significantly after three years
What customers are saying about A2 Hosting
A2 is a reliable, affordable hosting company that has fast speeds. The customer service is generally responsive but could use more updated tutorials and documentation.
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appfleet
Best for cloud network users
Exceptional, quick connection to help you move at the speed of business
Managed global hosting support for reliability you can trust
Automation opportunities via GitHub for workflow enhancement
Per-hour billing, global routing, and stateless and stateful container support
Traditional cloud networks have all users connected to one location. This can result in slow speeds for some and is vulnerable to outages with its potential single point of failure. appfleet’s global cloud network hosts your code in all of appfleet’s regions at the same time, ensuring a fast connection no matter where you are located, and improving uptime.
appfleet’s prices start at $10 per month for one CPU core, 1 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD storage. They go up to $640 per month for 16 CPU cores, 64 GB RAM, and 1.2 TB SSD storage. Also, bandwidth is $60 per TB.
These plans include cluster monitoring, custom health checks, API access, and GitHub integration. You can also purchase the Business add-on for another $500 per month, which includes Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) payments, single sign-on, and live chat features.
Pros and cons of AppFleet
Pros
Feature-rich compared with competitors
Cons
Higher prices compared with other tools
May need to enhance with add-ons for additional single-area support
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ASPHostPortal
Best for ASP.NET clients
Doesn’t require sophisticated rig to run, which is helpful for beginning launchers or those on a budget
Simple onboarding and management process, saving time
Efficient ticket-based customer support based on hundreds of customer reviews
Inexpensive pricing plans, international data centers, and holds the title of Microsoft No. 1 Recommended for Windows and ASP.NET hosting
ASPHostPortal’s prices for docker hosting services start at $3.81 per month, which gets you 5 GB SSD storage, 60 GB of bandwidth, 2 SQL server databases, 1 GB SQL server space, 3 MySQL databases, and 1 GB MySQL server space.
The minimum specs of these servers include an Intel Xeon dual-core processor, RAID-10 data protection, and 8 GB RAM. Unless you have particularly demanding development needs, that should be more than enough hardware for maintaining strong performance.
Note: These plans also feature an easy-to-use control panel with one-click Docker installation, so you should have no problem getting started and managing your account.
Pros and cons of ASPHostPortal
Pros
Competitive low price membership tiers
Cons
No true live support
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Amazon ECS
Best for multiple launches
Batch computing workload support for more streamlined management support
Compatible across hybrid environments for flexibility and ease
Quality Amazon support via help tickets for on-demand, same-day support
Inclusive and accessible for enterprise brands, third-party Docker app compatibility, and managed end-to-end solution
With Amazon (ECS), you get the absolute best-in-class development tools for Docker hosting but no live support. Amazon ECS is trusted by brands as big as Samsung and General Electric for their most mission-critical applications and should be good enough for your apps, too.
Robust Docker hosting reviews corroborate its claims to be one of the most effective and streamlined options for this type of hosting, connecting you with the resources you need to scale your business.
ECS provides you with access to the Amazon Fargate serverless compute engine. This eliminates the need to provision and manage servers, so you only pay for the exact resources you use. It also improves security by default through application isolation.
Also, Amazon ECS supports Docker Compose, as well as any third-party-hosted Docker image repository or accessible private Docker registry. Additional features include Elastic Load Balancing for traffic distribution, monitoring through Amazon CloudWatch, and logging through Amazon CloudTrail.
Pros and cons of Amazon ECS
Pros
High-end development tools
Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing
Cons
No true live support; exclusively managed by email ticketing system
Frequently Asked Questions About Docker Hosting Platforms
Is Docker free?
Docker currently offers three plans, including a free option designed primarily for individuals. It also offers a Pro plan for people with advanced needs and a Team plan with advanced collaboration and management tools.
The free plan comes with nearly all of the features of the paid plans, so it’s sufficient for most individual needs. However, review Docker's plans to find the one that is best for you.
Can I use Docker to host a website?
Yes. Docker is an exceptionally easy way to host your website. You can also use Docker to manage and develop your web apps. Docker hosting reviews report that it’s easy to do either, thanks to its open and comprehensive nature.
Is Docker OK to use for web apps?
Many developers recommend avoiding Docker if your end product is a desktop app. It won't provide the variation and performance you’ll need to adequately execute your code with its pre-existing graphical capabilities.
Is Docker still relevant in 2024?
Docker is relevant in 2024, especially for container projects and app development. It’s easy to use, and inexpensive compared with development alternatives, helping many break through in the app and hosting space.
If you’re considering investing in a Docker hosting platform, read related hosting reviews to guide your decision-making process. Review the experiences of live customers before investing your resources in any type of transition or use. It will give you the confidence that you’re making the best possible decision for your use case.
Can I use Docker to host a website?
Yes. Docker is an exceptionally easy way to host your website. You can also use Docker to manage and develop your web apps. Docker hosting reviews report that it’s easy to do either, thanks to its open and comprehensive nature.
Is Docker OK to use for web apps?
Many developers recommend avoiding Docker if your end product is a desktop app. It won't provide the variation and performance you’ll need to adequately execute your code with its pre-existing graphical capabilities.
Is Docker still relevant in 2024?
Docker is relevant in 2024, especially for container projects and app development. It’s easy to use, and inexpensive compared with development alternatives, helping many break through in the app and hosting space.
If you’re considering investing in a Docker hosting platform, read related hosting reviews to guide your decision-making process. Review the experiences of live customers before investing your resources in any type of transition or use. It will give you the confidence that you’re making the best possible decision for your use case.