About Fly.io
Fly.io runs Docker containers on a global network of bare metal servers, placing your app geographically close to users. Unlike serverless platforms, Fly.io runs persistent VMs that don't have cold starts. The flyctl CLI deploys any Docker container to 30+ regions. Postgres, Redis, and object storage are available. Pricing is pay-per-use with a generous free allowance (3 shared-CPU VMs). Best for: developers who want persistent, low-latency backend services deployed globally with full container control.
What's Great
- ✓Global deployment with apps running in 30+ regions
- ✓No cold starts — persistent VMs always ready
- ✓Full Docker container control
- ✓Free allowance for 3 shared VMs
Watch Out For
- !More complex setup than Railway or Render for beginners
- !Billing can be surprising for idle VMs
- !Less polished dashboard than some competitors
Common Use Cases
A real-time app runs in 20 regions to minimize latency for global users
A developer deploys a persistent WebSocket server that needs low latency
A startup runs multiple microservices as separate Fly.io apps in the same private network
Pricing Model
Freemium
Free plan available. Paid plans unlock advanced features.
Category
CI/CD & Deployment
Continuous integration, delivery, and cloud deployment platforms.
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