Hosting for web apps, built around Next.js.
Vercel hosts web apps and is made by the team behind Next.js. You connect a Git repository and every push deploys, with a preview link for each change. Server code runs as functions, and environment variables keep keys out of the browser.
Good for
Watch out for
| Build | Role | Plan | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI chatbot app over your own content | HostingNext.js native, Secret env vars | Pro $20/seat/mo | £14.98 | Hobby is non-commercial only, so it isn't used here |
| Auth-heavy B2B app (Neon + Clerk) | HostingNext.js | Hobby for dev only, then Pro $20/seat | £14.98 | Hobby is non-commercial only. Prices exclude VAT |
| Cheap AI agent team (Sonnet/Opus lead + Haiku subagents) | Hosting (only if you sell it)Hobby is non-commercial | $20/seat | £14.98 | Not in the totals below |
| Digital products shop (downloads / courses): Stripe vs merchant of record | HostingStatic storefront | Vercel Pro $20 or Netlify Free / Personal $9 | £14.98 / Free / £6.74 | Vercel Hobby is non-commercial, so it isn't used |
| Directory site with paid listings | HostingStatic/ISR pages for SEO | Pro $20/seat/mo | £14.98 | Hobby is non-commercial, so it isn't usable here |
| Internal dashboard | HostingInternal business use is commercial | Personal / Pro | £6.74 / £14.98 | Prefer Pro/Personal over Hobby for business use |
| Pre-launch security pass for vibe-coded apps | Hosting hygieneSecret env vars, Deployment Protection, pin Next.js | Included in host plan | Free add-on | Pin Next.js ≥16.4.1 / 15.5.28 (Stackguide security research, secondary) |
| SaaS with payments | HostingCommon Next.js host | Hobby → Pro | Free → £14.98 | Hobby is non-commercial — commercial launch may need Pro day one |
| Waitlist / landing page | HostingDeploy the page | Free / Pro | Free / £14.98 | Vercel Hobby is non-commercial — use Pro for a real commercial launch |
Vercel vs Netlify vs Cloudflare for hosting a small commercial site
Hobby (non-commercial) or Pro $20/mo
Vercel's fair-use rules say: "Hobby teams are restricted to non-commercial personal use only. All commercial usage of the platform requires either a Pro or Enterprise plan." So a business site needs Pro from day one.
Costs
The small print on free tiers that catches people out on launch day.
Security
Where secret keys belong, how they leak, and three settings that help catch mistakes.
Costs
Seats, users, usage, minimums and currencies: the six things that turn a headline price into a real monthly bill.
Basics
Git, repos, commits, branches and pull requests in plain English, and why your AI builder and your host both ask you to connect it.
GitHub
Hosts your code; used here for secret and dependency checks.
Good for: Keeping your code safe and versioned
Used in 1 build
Supabase
A Postgres database with sign-in, file storage and row-level security in one project.
Good for: Getting a database and sign-in running in one place
Used in 7 builds, compared in 3
Netlify
Hosting for websites and web apps.
Good for: Static sites and simple web apps on a tight budget
Used in 5 builds, compared in 1
Stripe
Card payments, subscriptions and tax tools. You are the seller.
Good for: Subscriptions and one-off payments where you are happy to be the seller
Used in 4 builds, compared in 1
Resend
Sends app emails, such as confirmations and receipts, from your own domain.
Good for: Early apps: the free plan covers 3,000 emails a month
Used in 4 builds, compared in 1
Lovable
An AI app builder that turns a prompt into a first working version.
Good for: Getting a first version on screen quickly
Used in 3 builds, compared in 1