Netlify vs Zeit Now: What are the differences?

Introduction

Netlify and Zeit Now are both platforms that provide hosting and deployment services for websites and applications. While they have similarities in terms of providing convenient and efficient solutions for developers, there are key differences that set them apart.

1. Deployment Options: Netlify allows you to connect directly to Git repositories and automatically deploys changes whenever there is a new commit. It also supports continuous deployment with different branches. On the other hand, Zeit Now offers a flexible deployment approach where you can deploy directly from the command line or by connecting to various Git providers.

2. Serverless Architecture: Netlify provides serverless functions as part of its platform, allowing you to run server-side code without the need for managing server infrastructure. These functions can be triggered by HTTP requests and integrated into your frontend code. In contrast, Zeit Now also offers serverless functions, but they are integrated into the deployment process and can be easily accessed using API routes.

3. Custom Domain Setup: Netlify simplifies the process of setting up custom domains by providing built-in DNS management tools. You can easily configure your DNS settings within the Netlify dashboard, making it straightforward to connect your domain to your deployed website or application. Zeit Now also supports custom domains, but you need to set up your domain's DNS records manually or use a third-party DNS provider.

4. Pricing Structure: Netlify has a freemium pricing model that offers a generous free tier with limited resources and functionality. It also provides affordable paid plans with additional features and increased resource limits. In comparison, Zeit Now offers a usage-based pricing model where you pay for the actual resources consumed during deployment and runtime. This can be advantageous for smaller projects with occasional traffic spikes but may become costlier for high-traffic or resource-intensive applications.

5. Deployment Speed: Netlify has a highly optimized build and deploy process, which results in fast deployment times. Changes to your code are typically deployed within seconds, allowing for rapid iteration and testing. Zeit Now also offers quick deployment times, but it might take a slightly longer time compared to Netlify due to various factors such as build configuration and dependencies.

6. Integrations and Ecosystem: Netlify has a wide range of integrations with popular tools and services, providing seamless workflows and third-party integrations. It has extensive compatibility with static site generators, CMS platforms, and deployment tools. Zeit Now also offers integrations and compatibility with various frameworks and tools but has a focus on Next.js as a recommended framework for building serverless applications.

In summary, Netlify and Zeit Now have notable differences in deployment options, serverless architecture, custom domain setup, pricing structure, deployment speed, and integrations. Each platform offers unique features and advantages, so the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the project.