Platform · developer cloud
Netlify
Platform for building and deploying modern web projects from Git
The verdict
Netlify deploys web projects from Git with continuous deployment, serverless functions and a framework-neutral approach. It popularized the Jamstack workflow for static and dynamic frontends.
What it is
Netlify connects to a Git repository and deploys on every commit, with build previews, serverless functions and form handling built in. It is more framework-neutral than its closest rival, which appeals to teams not committed to one ecosystem. It pairs well with headless CMS tools to source content for Jamstack sites. As a frontend-focused cloud it still needs a separate backend for heavy server logic, usage-based pricing can climb with build minutes and bandwidth, and some newer framework features land on competitors first.
Strengths
- Framework-neutral, so it does not push you toward a single frontend ecosystem
- Built-in serverless functions and form handling cover common needs without extra services
- Deploy previews on every commit make reviewing changes straightforward
Trade-offs
- Build-minute and bandwidth usage can raise costs on busy projects
- Frontend-focused, so heavy server logic needs a separate backend
- Some cutting framework features arrive on competing platforms earlier
Best for
Teams that want framework-neutral Git-based deploys with built-in functions and form handling
Not for
Backend-heavy applications, or teams that want the deepest Next.js-specific optimizations
Pricing
Free Starter tier; Pro ~$19/member/mo; Enterprise custom. Usage-based on bandwidth/build minutes/functions.
Starter
Free$0
- personal projects
- deploy previews
Pro
$19/mo
- team features
- more build minutes
- per-seat + usage
What people build with it
Frequently asked
- What is Netlify for?
- Building and deploying web projects from Git. It handles continuous deployment, deploy previews, serverless functions and form handling for static and Jamstack frontends.
- Netlify or Vercel?
- Netlify is more framework-neutral; Vercel is optimized around Next.js, which it maintains. If you are committed to Next.js, Vercel often fits; otherwise Netlify is a flexible choice.
- Does Netlify need a separate backend?
- For heavy server logic, yes. It is frontend-focused, though built-in functions and form handling cover many lighter backend needs without another service.
- Why can Netlify costs rise?
- Pricing is usage-based on build minutes and bandwidth, so busy projects with frequent builds and high traffic can become more expensive than the base plan suggests.
- Does Netlify work with headless CMS tools?
- Yes. It is commonly paired with headless content systems to source content for Jamstack sites, rebuilding and deploying when content changes.