CapRover is a free, self-hosted PaaS that automates Docker and Nginx to deploy apps, databases, and free SSL certificates on your own server.
CapRover is a free, self-hosted platform-as-a-service that turns any Docker-enabled server into a one-click app deployment platform. It was created by Kasra Bigdeli, who released the first version, originally called CaptainDuckDuck, in October 2017 to reduce his own hosting costs after relying on Heroku for side projects.
The project has since become widely used among independent developers and small teams: its Docker image has been downloaded more than 150 million times from Docker Hub, and its GitHub repository has attracted over 15,000 stars.
CapRover automates Docker container orchestration, Nginx reverse-proxy configuration, and Let's Encrypt SSL certificate issuance and renewal, removing most of the manual server administration otherwise needed to run multiple HTTPS-secured apps on one machine.
Deployments can be triggered via the CapRover CLI, a web dashboard, a Git push with an auto-generated webhook, a Dockerfile, or a prebuilt image from Docker Hub or a private registry. Docker Swarm clustering is supported for multi-node setups, and a one-click app marketplace can install common software like WordPress and popular databases without manual server setup.
Licensing has evolved: CapRover began under the Apache License 2.0, but in July 2023 moved to a modified version of that license that restricts redistribution of certain paid or enterprise-oriented features, while the core self-hosted platform remains free to run and its source stays publicly viewable on GitHub.
There is no CapRover subscription or licensing fee for the core self-hosted platform — it is free to download and run. The only ongoing cost is whatever server infrastructure the user chooses to run it on, which can range from a low-cost VPS to a Raspberry Pi.
Yes, the core CapRover platform is free to download and run; the only cost is the server you deploy it on.
CapRover automates Docker, Nginx, and Let's Encrypt, with optional Docker Swarm clustering for multi-node setups.
Kasra Bigdeli created CapRover, originally releasing it as CaptainDuckDuck in October 2017.
Its source is publicly available on GitHub. Since July 2023 it has used a modified Apache License that restricts redistribution of certain paid features, rather than a pure OSI-approved open-source license.
Yes, CapRover supports Docker Swarm clustering for running apps across more than one node.