When comparing ZEIT Now vs Convox, the Slant community recommends Convox for most people. In the question“What are the best Platform as a Service providers that have a free plan?” Convox is ranked 4th while ZEIT Now is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Convox is:
Convox is built on Docker and deployments are made using Docker containers. Because of this, developers have a large number of existing Docker images to choose from with which they can customize their environment to suit their needs.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Deployments via a simple command line command
Installing their CLI and calling "now" inside your project's root will automatically build your project, whether it may be a Node.js or a Docker app , or maybe a static website, it works on the platform.
Pro Custom domain support
ZEIT Now supports custom domains, if that doesn't ring your bell, they also allow you to buy a domain directly from ZEIT, and even from the CLI.
Pro From the developers of Hyper Terminal and Next.js
The renowned developers of the Hyper Terminal and Framework for React applications develops and maintains this platform.
Pro Good support
You can talk to the staff anytime via their slack real-time, or mail them. They provide good assistance and will help you on any questions or issues on the platform.
Pro In-depth documentation
The documentation is very in-depth and can help you understand on how to make your application work on the platform.
Pro Can use Docker images and containers out of the box
Convox is built on Docker and deployments are made using Docker containers. Because of this, developers have a large number of existing Docker images to choose from with which they can customize their environment to suit their needs.
Pro Only pay for the hosting
Since Convox itself is a free and open source software, you do not have to pay for using it. Developers only have to pay for the cloud hosting itself (in this case AWS instance) where Convox will be deployed.
Cons
Con Docker builds can only execute at the CMD Layer
ZEIT Now executes everything using docker run, so whatever was defined in the CMD Layer, is what will ZEIT will only execute.
Con Node.js apps has no access to the instance's filesystem
Once the Node.js build has completed, the only accessible directory is /tmp, which makes any file operation impossible outside the /tmp directory.
Con Free plan makes your code public
Unless you upgrade to a paid plan, the source code can be easily viewed by others.
Con Only supports AWS
Convox is a PaaS that can be installed and deployed on existing AWS instances. There are plans to support other cheaper alternatives in the future, but for now only AWS is supported.