Fly.io

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Fly.io

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to Fly.io.

Fly.io is a global app platform that lets developers deploy and run containerized or full-stack applications and databases at the edge. It manages VMs, routing, scaling, and persistent storage to deliver low-latency apps close to users.

Alternatives List

#1
Sandstorm

Sandstorm

Self-hosted platform for running web apps with per-user sandboxes, easy install, app store packaging, and sharing via secure links and access controls.

Sandstorm screenshot

Sandstorm is a self-hosted “personal cloud” platform that lets you install and run multiple web applications on your own server with strong isolation between apps and users. It provides an app-market style workflow, integrated identity/sharing, and a capability-based security model so apps can be safely shared and accessed.

Key Features

  • One-command install and web-based admin for managing users, apps, backups, and updates
  • App installation via Sandstorm “apps” (packaged as Cap’n Proto/SPK bundles) with an app market concept
  • Per-app/per-user isolation (each document/workspace runs in its own sandbox) to limit data access between apps
  • Capability-based security and sharing: share specific documents/apps using granular permissions and unguessable links
  • Built-in identity and access management with multiple login providers (e.g., email/password and OAuth-based providers)
  • Reverse-proxy style routing and HTTPS support (typically deployed behind a TLS terminator)
  • Integrated email notifications and background tasks support for apps (app-dependent)
  • Backup/restore tooling for app data (grain backups) and server migration support

Use Cases

  • Host a private suite of collaboration apps (notes, wikis, chats, file tools) with consistent login and sharing
  • Provide a secure multi-user environment for small teams to run web apps without giving them full server access
  • Run “single-document” app instances (e.g., one shared pad/wiki doc) that can be shared by link with permissions

Limitations and Considerations

  • Project activity has historically slowed compared to peak years; verify current maintenance status and security updates before production use.
  • Sandstorm relies on its own packaging/runtime model; not all generic Docker/web apps can be installed without a Sandstorm-specific package.

Sandstorm is best suited for users who want an integrated, security-focused way to host multiple web apps with simple sharing and strong isolation. If you value per-document sandboxes and capability-based sharing over generic container hosting, it provides a distinctive approach to self-managed web apps.

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#2
HAProxy

HAProxy

HAProxy is a fast, reliable load balancer and reverse proxy for TCP/HTTP(S), with TLS termination, health checks, advanced routing, and built-in observability features.

HAProxy screenshot

HAProxy is a high-performance, event-driven load balancer and reverse proxy commonly used to front web applications and APIs. It provides Layer 4 (TCP) and Layer 7 (HTTP) traffic management with strong reliability, detailed control over routing, and production-grade operational tooling.

Key Features

  • Layer 4 (TCP) and Layer 7 (HTTP) load balancing with multiple algorithms (e.g., round-robin, leastconn, hashing)
  • Reverse proxy with advanced HTTP routing rules (ACLs, header/path-based routing, rewrites)
  • Health checks (active/passive) with automatic failover and server draining
  • TLS termination and SNI-based routing; certificate loading and TLS policy controls
  • High availability patterns (multi-process/threading, seamless reloads, connection draining)
  • Session persistence (stickiness) using cookies, source IP, or other keys
  • Rate limiting, request/connection shaping, and basic DDoS/abuse mitigation primitives
  • Built-in stats and administrative interface (stats page/CLI socket) plus Prometheus-style metrics support (via exporters/integrations)

Use Cases

  • Fronting websites/APIs with HTTPS termination and path/host-based routing to multiple backends
  • Highly available load balancing for microservices and internal TCP services (databases, message brokers)
  • Edge proxy for gradual rollouts (canary), maintenance windows (draining), and traffic shaping

Limitations and Considerations

  • Configuration is powerful but can be complex; many features are expressed via ACL/rules that require careful testing.
  • Some advanced capabilities may require using HAProxy Enterprise add-ons in commercial contexts (depending on desired support/features).

HAProxy is widely deployed at scale due to its performance, stability, and deep traffic-control features. It fits well where you need fine-grained routing, reliable failover, and predictable behavior under heavy load, while remaining flexible enough for diverse TCP and HTTP workloads.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running