Netlify is excellent for static sites and JAMstack apps. But the moment you need a backend server, persistent processes, or SSH access, you hit its limits. InstaPods gives you a full server from day one.
| Feature | Netlify | InstaPods |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free tier, Pro at $19/mo | $3/mo (Launch Plan) |
| Pricing Model | Usage-based (bandwidth, functions, build min) | Flat monthly — no metering |
| Server Type | Serverless functions + CDN | Real Linux container with root |
| Free Tier | Yes (100GB bandwidth, 300 build min) | No free tier — $3/mo minimum |
| SSH Access | No (no server to access) | Full SSH + web terminal |
| Custom Domains | Yes | Yes |
| HTTPS | Automated SSL | Automated Let's Encrypt |
| Deploy Method | Git push, drag-and-drop, CLI | CLI, Git push, GitHub |
| Backend Support | Serverless functions only (10s timeout) | Full backend — any runtime, always on |
| Build Minutes | Capped (300 free, then paid) | Build on your server — unlimited |
A fair look at their strengths.
Netlify practically invented the modern JAMstack workflow. Git push, auto-build, deploy to CDN. For static sites, it is fast, reliable, and the free tier is genuinely generous.
Every pull request gets a unique preview URL automatically. This is incredibly useful for teams reviewing frontend changes before merging.
You can literally drag a folder into Netlify and have a site live in seconds. The lowest possible barrier to entry for getting static content online.
Limitations to consider before choosing.
Netlify Functions are AWS Lambda under the hood — 10-second timeout on free tier, stateless, and limited to 125K invocations per month. Not suitable for complex backend logic.
The free tier includes 300 build minutes per month. If your site builds slowly or you push frequently, you will hit the cap and need to upgrade.
Free tier includes 100GB bandwidth. Sounds generous until a popular blog post drives traffic. Overages on the Pro plan cost $55 per 100GB — not cheap.
Where we do things differently.
InstaPods gives you a persistent Linux server. Run Express, Django, Laravel, or any backend framework — not just serverless functions with timeout limits.
Your app builds on your server. There is no meter running. Push as many times a day as you want without worrying about hitting a build quota.
Static files, API backend, database, cron jobs — all in one pod, one price. No need to stitch together Netlify + a separate backend host + a managed database.
Running a JAMstack site with a backend API and 200GB monthly bandwidth
Get your app online in under a minute. Real servers, flat pricing, no surprises.
Try InstaPods