Heroku
Pipedream
| Feature | Heroku | Pipedream |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $5/mo | Free / from $29/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | startups, prototyping, small-teams, ruby-python-node-developers | developers, devops-engineers, technical-founders, api-integrators |
| Founded | 2007 | 2018 |
| Git Deploy | ✓ | ✗ |
| Managed Postgres | ✓ | ✗ |
| Managed Redis | ✓ | ✗ |
| Add Ons | ✓ | ✗ |
| Review Apps | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pipelines | ✓ | ✗ |
| Auto Scaling | ✓ | ✗ |
| Code Steps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pre Built Triggers | ✗ | ✓ |
| Http Requests | ✗ | ✓ |
| Data Stores | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cron Schedules | ✗ | ✓ |
| Event Sources | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Heroku Pros
- Simplest deployment experience (git push to deploy)
- Extensive add-on marketplace for databases and services
- Great for prototyping and MVPs
- Managed Postgres and Redis included
✗ Heroku Cons
- Removed free tier in 2022
- Expensive for production workloads at scale
- Limited infrastructure customization
✓ Pipedream Pros
- Write real code (Node/Python) in workflows
- Generous free tier
- 1000+ pre-built integrations
- Great for developer-led automation
✗ Pipedream Cons
- Requires coding knowledge for advanced use
- UI less visual than Zapier
- Debugging can be challenging
The Verdict
Heroku is built for startups and prototyping, with a focus on git-deploy and managed-postgres. Pipedream targets developers and devops engineers and leads with code-steps and pre-built-triggers.
On pricing, Heroku is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $5/mo compared to $29/mo for Pipedream. That $24/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Pipedream has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Heroku requires a paid subscription from day one.
Pipedream edges out on user ratings (4.5 vs 4). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Feature-wise, Heroku offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Pipedream takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Pipedream has a slight overall edge — but if simplest deployment experience (git push to deploy) matters most to you, Heroku may still be the right call.