Fix a deploy that works locally and breaks live
When an app works on your machine but not live, the cause is usually configuration that does not travel with your code: environment variables, build-time values, or the plan you are on. Check those first, then pick a host that fits.
Facts checked 2026-10-23. Some links on this site may become affiliate links in future; see the disclosure. None are affiliate links today.
Which one fits you?
- Next.js app and you want previews on every branch? Vercel. If it earns money, you need Pro; the Hobby plan is for non-commercial use only.
- Static site or light serverless? Netlify or Cloudflare Workers (static assets).
- Need a backend and a database in one place? Railway or Render.
- Building everything inside one browser tab? Replit includes hosting.
Our picks
Next.js with branch previews
Vercel
Why: Hobby is $0, Pro is $20/month and includes $20 of usage credit. Instant Rollback is documented.
Tradeoff: Hobby is restricted to non-commercial personal use. Commercial use needs Pro.
Source: vercel.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Static site or simple functions
Netlify
Why: Free plan at $0 with 300 credits per month; Personal $9, Pro $20.
Tradeoff: Credit-based usage; we did not verify commercial-use terms for Free.
Source: www.netlify.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Low flat price at the edge
Cloudflare Workers
Why: Free plan has 100,000 requests/day; paid is $5/month with 10 million requests included.
Tradeoff: Check framework support for your stack.
Source: developers.cloudflare.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Backend plus database
Railway
Why: Hobby $5/month includes $5 of usage credits; Pro $20/month includes $20.
Tradeoff: Usage-based, so costs vary with traffic.
Source: railway.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Simple always-on service
Render
Why: Free instances exist (with limitations); paid instances start at $7/month.
Tradeoff: Read the free-instance limits before relying on them.
Source: render.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Everything in one browser tab
Replit
Why: Core is $20/month ($18 annually) with unlimited published apps.
Tradeoff: Agent and cloud usage are credit-based.
Source: replit.com · checked 2026-10-23 · full entry
Common mistakes
Changed an env var but did not redeploy
On Vercel, a change to environment variables is not applied to previous deployments; it only applies to new ones. Redeploy after changing them.
Secret exposed through a NEXT_PUBLIC_ prefix
Next.js inlines NEXT_PUBLIC_ variables into JavaScript sent to the browser at build time. Never put a secret key in one. It also means changing the value needs a new build.
Variable set for the wrong environment
Vercel applies a Production variable to production deployments and a Preview variable to non-production branches. Make sure the one you need is set for the right environment.
Rolling forward when you should roll back
If the last deploy broke production, Vercel documents Instant Rollback to a previous deployment while you debug.
Source: vercel.com/docs/instant-rollback
Running a paid project on a free hobby plan
Vercel defines commercial usage as any deployment used for financial gain of anyone involved in producing it. Hobby is for non-commercial personal use only.