Compare · Frontend platform
Runex vs Netlify.
Netlify is a web platform for frontend sites that runs backend code as serverless functions; Runex runs full applications as long-lived containers with managed databases. Both give every pull request a preview URL.
- Real backend servers
- Managed databases
- Deploy previews on both
- runex
- full apps in containers
- netlify
- frontend sites + functions
- both
- git deploys · previews · rollbacks
- docker
- runex yes · netlify no
- forms
- runex no · netlify built in
Difference
What is the difference between Runex and Netlify?
Sites with functions vs apps with servers.
Netlify builds static and framework sites, serves them from its edge network, and runs backend code as serverless, edge, and scheduled functions. Add-ons like Netlify Forms cover common site needs without a backend.
Runex runs the backend itself: an Express, FastAPI, Django, or Go server stays up in its own container, next to managed PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, or MongoDB on a private network.
If your project is mostly a site with a few functions, Netlify is built for it. If it's an application with a server and a database, Runex is.
Feature by feature
How do Runex and Netlify compare feature by feature?
Overlap on Git workflow; split on runtime.
| Deployment platformRunex | Frontend platformNetlify | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full-stack apps and APIs | Static and Jamstack sites |
| Backend code | Long-lived containers | Serverless and edge functions |
| Dockerfile deploys | Yes | No |
| Git providers | GitHub | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps |
| Deploy previews | Yes | Yes |
| One-click rollback | Yes | Yes |
| Managed databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB | Through integrations |
| Built-in form handling | No | Yes |
| Single sign-on (SAML) | No | Enterprise |
Competitor details are based on each vendor's public documentation as of September 2026. Check their docs before you decide.
Decide
Should you choose Runex or Netlify?
Site or application? That's the question.
Choose Runex if…
- Your backend is a server that should stay running
- You need a database on a private network
- You deploy Python, Go, or a Dockerfile
Choose Netlify if…
- You're building a static or Jamstack site
- You want form handling without a backend
- Your code is on GitLab, Bitbucket, or Azure DevOps
Migrate
How do you move an app from Netlify to Runex?
Turn functions into one server, then switch DNS.
-
You
Group your functions
Move them into routes on one server, such as Express.
-
You
Connect the repo
Install the Runex GitHub App and pick the branch.
-
You
Copy env variables
Move them from Netlify to the Runex dashboard.
-
You
Switch DNS
CNAME your domain to cname.runex.cloud.
More
How does Runex compare with other platforms?
Four more side-by-side comparisons. Or see every platform in one table.
FAQ
Runex vs Netlify: questions
What developers ask when they compare.
Can Netlify host a backend server?
Not as a long-running process. Netlify runs backend code as serverless, edge, or scheduled functions. For a server that stays up, use a container platform such as Runex.
Is Runex a Netlify alternative?
Yes, for full-stack apps and APIs that need a real server or a managed database. For a static site with forms, Netlify remains a strong fit.
Can I host a static site on Runex?
Yes. Serve the built files from a small web server in a Dockerfile, such as Nginx or a Node static server, and Runex gives it HTTPS and a custom domain.
Does Runex have deploy previews like Netlify?
Yes. Every pull request gets its own preview deployment with an HTTPS URL, rebuilt on each push and removed when the pull request closes.
Next step
Try Runex side by side.
Deploy the same app on Runex and compare it with Netlify yourself. It's free to start.