Netlify vs Surge: What are the differences?

Netlify and Surge are both web development platforms that allow users to deploy and manage websites. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.

1. Pricing and Plans: Netlify offers both free and paid plans, allowing users to choose the option that best fits their needs. Their paid plans offer additional features such as custom domains and advanced build settings. On the other hand, Surge offers a completely free plan with unlimited deployments, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.

2. Deployment Process: Netlify simplifies the deployment process with its continuous deployment feature. It automatically builds and deploys changes as soon as they are pushed to the repository. Surge, on the other hand, requires users to manually deploy their websites by running a command in the terminal.

3. Custom Domain Setup: Netlify provides an intuitive interface for setting up custom domains, streamlining the process for users. Surge also supports custom domains, but it requires users to configure DNS settings manually, which may be more complicated for some users.

4. Community and Support: Netlify has a larger community and offers extensive documentation and support resources, making it easier for users to find answers to their questions. Surge, although it has a smaller user base, still provides a basic level of documentation and support.

5. Backend Functionality: Netlify offers built-in serverless functions that allow users to easily create dynamic websites without the need for separate backend infrastructure. Surge, on the other hand, does not offer serverless functions, so users would need to rely on external services for backend functionality.

6. Project Scaling: Netlify is better suited for larger projects that require advanced features and scalability. It supports features such as split testing, forms processing, and large-scale deployments. Surge, on the other hand, is more suitable for smaller projects or static websites that do not require complex functionality.

In summary, Netlify offers more advanced features, scalability, and better community support, making it a preferred choice for larger projects. Surge, on the other hand, is a simpler and more budget-friendly option for smaller projects or static websites.