Surge vs Zeit Now: What are the differences?

Introduction:

In this markdown code, we will discuss the key differences between Surge and Zeit Now, two popular deployment platforms. Surge is a simple static web publishing tool, while Zeit Now is a cloud platform for serverless deployment and scaling.

1. Hosting Options: Surge is mainly focused on hosting static websites and provides static file hosting capabilities. On the other hand, Zeit Now allows you to deploy various types of applications, including static sites, serverless functions, and full-stack applications.

2. Deployment Process: With Surge, deploying a static website is a straightforward process. You simply run a single command, and your website will be published. In contrast, Zeit Now provides a more flexible deployment process. It supports various deployment methods like Git integration and provides advanced deployment features such as automatic scaling and rolling updates.

3. Serverless Functions: Zeit Now stands out by offering serverless functions as a core feature. It allows you to deploy serverless functions alongside your website or application, enabling you to build dynamic functionality without the need for a separate server infrastructure. Surge does not provide native support for serverless functions.

4. Scaling and Auto-scaling: While Surge is a more basic hosting solution, Zeit Now offers advanced scaling capabilities. Zeit Now automatically scales your deployments to handle traffic spikes, ensuring your applications remain performant under heavy loads. Surge does not have built-in auto-scaling functionality.

5. Pricing Model: When it comes to pricing, Surge follows a simpler model. It offers a free tier for basic static hosting and charges per-project for additional features such as custom domains. Zeit Now, on the other hand, has a tiered pricing structure based on the resources and features you need, including serverless functions and automatic scaling.

6. Community and Ecosystem: Surge has a smaller community and ecosystem compared to Zeit Now. Zeit Now has gained popularity and has a vibrant community due to its broader range of features and deployment options. This broader community often translates into more available resources and community support for solving issues and sharing knowledge.

In summary, Surge is a simple static web publishing tool focused on hosting static websites, while Zeit Now is a more extensive cloud platform suitable for various types of applications, providing serverless functions, auto-scaling, and a broader ecosystem.