Platform.sh

A managed PaaS built around Git-driven, config-as-code environments with byte-for-byte staging clones; popular in enterprise PHP/Symfony/Drupal.

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Platform.sh is a managed, Git-driven platform-as-a-service where infrastructure is defined as code in YAML and each Git branch can be deployed as an isolated preview environment that clones production data and services. It targets container-based framework applications (PHP, Python, Node.js, Go, Java, Ruby, .NET) with managed databases and services, deployable across multiple cloud providers and regions. In September 2025 the company rebranded Platform.sh to Upsun; the original fixed-resource product continues as "Upsun Fixed," alongside a newer pay-as-you-go product, "Upsun Flex."

Key features

Specs

CategoryManaged PaaS
Pricing modeltiered
Free tierNo
Managed databaseYes
Regions10+
Self-hostableNo
Docker-nativeNo
Git deployYes
Open sourceNo

Last reviewed 2026-07-16 โ€” see our methodology. Specs, pricing and free tiers change often, so confirm current details on the provider before deciding.

Pros & cons

Our editorial assessment โ€” not vendor-stated facts.

Pros

  • Per-branch preview environments that replicate production data and services, making staging and QA workflows reproducible
  • Config-driven, immutable infrastructure reduces environment drift and 'works on my machine' issues
  • Managed databases, search, and caching remove most server and service operations from the team's plate
  • Multi-cloud region choice plus enterprise-oriented security, compliance, and 24/7 support
  • Well-suited to established CMS/framework stacks with maintained deployment templates

Cons

  • No perpetual free tier, and entry cost is higher than lightweight or hobby-oriented PaaS options
  • Meaningful lock-in through platform-specific YAML configuration and workflow, so migrating away requires rework
  • Learning curve for the configuration model and Git-driven deployment conventions
  • Ongoing brand and product transition (Platform.sh to Upsun, with the original product renamed 'Fixed') creates naming and documentation ambiguity, and the Fixed plans are less granular than the newer per-resource Upsun Flex billing

Platform.sh free tier

No โ€” Platform.sh does not offer a free tier.

A paid plan is required for any use. If a genuinely free option is what you need, the alternatives below are the place to look.

Best free-tier hosting โ†’

Pricing

Two models, both billed monthly per project with no perpetual free tier. Upsun Fixed uses plan/tier-based pricing that bundles a set amount of compute and RAM for the production environment plus development/preview environments, while the newer Upsun Flex is pay-as-you-go per provisioned resource (a per-project fee plus metered compute, RAM, and storage). A time-limited free trial with starter credits is available.

Who should use Platform.sh?

Development teams and agencies running framework-based web applications (Drupal, Symfony, Magento, Laravel, WordPress, or Python/Node.js apps) that want managed infrastructure and per-branch preview environments without operating servers. Less appropriate for hobbyists, very small projects, or anyone needing a free tier or a serverless/functions model.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Platform.sh have a free tier?
No โ€” Platform.sh has no free tier.
How much does Platform.sh cost?
Two models, both billed monthly per project with no perpetual free tier. Upsun Fixed uses plan/tier-based pricing that bundles a set amount of compute and RAM for the production environment plus development/preview environments, while the newer Upsun Flex is pay-as-you-go per provisioned resource (a per-project fee plus metered compute, RAM, and storage). A time-limited free trial with starter credits is available.
Who should use Platform.sh?
Development teams and agencies running framework-based web applications (Drupal, Symfony, Magento, Laravel, WordPress, or Python/Node.js apps) that want managed infrastructure and per-branch preview environments without operating servers. Less appropriate for hobbyists, very small projects, or anyone needing a free tier or a serverless/functions model.

Platform.sh alternatives

Moving off Platform.sh? 17 comparable options, closest first.

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Google Cloud Run

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