Deno Deploy
Swell
| Feature | Deno Deploy | Swell |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $20/mo | Free / from $299/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | typescript-developers, edge-computing, api-builders, jamstack-sites | developers, subscription-businesses, custom-ecommerce, b2b-commerce |
| Founded | 2021 | 2016 |
| Edge Functions | ✓ | ✗ |
| Kv Database | ✓ | ✗ |
| Message Queues | ✓ | ✗ |
| Github Integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Domains | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic Https | ✓ | ✗ |
| Playground | ✓ | ✗ |
| Headless Api | ✗ | ✓ |
| Subscriptions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi Currency | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom Models | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| Admin Dashboard | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Deno Deploy Pros
- Deploys to 35+ edge locations automatically
- Zero-config with native TypeScript support
- Built-in KV database and message queues
- Generous free tier (100K requests/day)
✗ Deno Deploy Cons
- Limited to Deno runtime (not Node.js compatible for all packages)
- Smaller ecosystem than established platforms
- Less suitable for long-running background jobs
✓ Swell Pros
- Extremely flexible API
- Built-in subscription support
- Good for unique business models
- Developer-friendly
✗ Swell Cons
- Requires development resources
- Expensive for small stores
- Smaller ecosystem
The Verdict
Deno Deploy is built for typescript developers and edge computing, with a focus on edge-functions and kv-database. Swell targets developers and subscription businesses and leads with headless-api and subscriptions.
On pricing, Deno Deploy is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $20/mo compared to $299/mo for Swell. That $279/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Feature-wise, Deno Deploy offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Swell takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.