Compare · Frontend cloud
Runex vs Vercel.
Vercel is a frontend cloud that runs server code as serverless functions; Runex runs your whole app as long-lived containers, with managed databases in the same project. Both deploy from Git with preview URLs.
- Dockerfile deploys
- Long-running processes
- Databases in one project
- runex
- full apps in containers
- vercel
- frontends + serverless functions
- both
- Git deploys · previews · rollbacks
- docker
- runex yes · vercel no
- databases
- runex managed · vercel marketplace
Difference
What is the difference between Runex and Vercel?
How your server code runs. Vercel runs it as short-lived functions at the edge; Runex runs it as a process that stays up.
Vercel is built around frontend frameworks, especially Next.js, which Vercel maintains. Pages are served from a global edge network, and API routes run as serverless functions with execution time limits.
Runex is a platform as a service (PaaS). Your app (a Next.js server, an Express API, a FastAPI service, or any Dockerfile) runs as a long-lived container with its own CPU and memory.
That difference decides the fit. Background workers, WebSocket servers, and Python or Go APIs are natural on Runex. Static-heavy marketing sites and edge rendering are natural on Vercel.
Feature by feature
How do Runex and Vercel compare feature by feature?
Same Git workflow; different runtime and data story.
| Deployment platformRunex | Frontend cloudVercel | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full-stack apps, APIs, workers | Frontend frameworks, especially Next.js |
| How server code runs | Long-lived containers | Serverless functions with time limits |
| Dockerfile deploys | Yes | No |
| Git providers | GitHub | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket |
| Preview deployments | Yes, per pull request | Yes, per pull request |
| Instant rollback | Yes | Yes |
| Managed databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB | Through marketplace partners |
| Cron jobs | Yes | Yes |
| Single sign-on (SAML) | No | Yes, on higher tiers |
| Templates | No | Yes |
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 Vercel?
Pick by what your server code needs.
Choose Runex if…
- Your backend is a long-running server, worker, or queue consumer
- You deploy Python, Go, or a custom Dockerfile
- You want the database in the same project, on a private network
Choose Vercel if…
- Your app is a Next.js or frontend site that benefits from edge rendering
- You need GitLab or Bitbucket, or SAML single sign-on
- You want to start from a template
Migrate
How do you move an app from Vercel to Runex?
Most Next.js apps move without code changes. The work is environment variables and DNS.
-
You
Check the start command
Make sure next build and next start work locally.
-
You
Connect the repo
Install the Runex GitHub App and pick the branch.
-
You
Copy env variables
Move them from Vercel, including NEXT_PUBLIC_*.
-
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 Vercel: questions
What developers ask when they compare.
Can Runex host Next.js like Vercel?
Yes. Runex builds your Next.js app from GitHub and runs it with next start in a container, so server rendering, API routes, and middleware run in one long-lived process.
Does Vercel support Docker containers?
No. Vercel builds from your framework and runs server code as functions; it doesn't run your own Dockerfile. Runex, Railway, and Render do.
Is Runex a good Vercel alternative for backends?
Yes, if your backend needs to stay running (for example an Express or FastAPI server, a worker, or a queue consumer) or needs a database on a private network.
Will my Vercel environment variables work on Runex?
Yes. Copy each variable into the Runex dashboard. NEXT_PUBLIC_ variables are read at build time, so redeploy after adding them.
Next step
Try Runex side by side.
Deploy the same app on Runex and compare it with Vercel yourself. It's free to start.