Features
npm, pnpm & yarn
We detect your lockfile and use the matching package manager for reproducible installs.
Git Push Deploy
Push to your repo and we deploy your Express server with zero downtime.
Managed Databases
Add PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Redis with one click. Connection strings set automatically.
Custom build & start
Override the build and start commands from the dashboard.
How it works
- 01Run dock deployRun
dock deployin your project folder, or connect a GitHub repository. - 02We build itWe detect Express from
express in package.json, install dependencies and build an image. - 03It goes liveYour app gets a container, free SSL and a live https://….dockhosting.cloud URL.
$ dock deploy→ Detecting framework… Express→ Found express in package.json→ Building image→ Provisioning container + SSL✓ Live at https://my-app.dockhosting.cloud
Supported
- Node.js 20
- Node.js 22
- Express
- TypeScript
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- Redis
Specifications
- Node versions
- 20 LTS, 22 LTS
- Package managers
- npm, pnpm, yarn (auto-detected)
- Max memory
- Up to 4 GB per app
- Custom domains
- 3 on Pro, 10 on Team - auto SSL
Updated 1 November 2026
Compare
Express is the smallest deploy unit there is - one package.json and a start script - which is exactly a managed host's sweet spot. DockHosting installs dependencies, runs your start command and restarts it on crash, plus a managed database when you ask.
| Feature | DockHosting | shared hosting or a Node VPS |
|---|---|---|
| First deploy | npm install + your start script, auto-restarts | A locked shared-hosting Node, or a VPS you operate |
| Runtime & dependencies | Auto-detected and matched to your lockfile | Whatever version the host pinned at signup |
| HTTPS | Automatic Let's Encrypt on your subdomain and custom domains | Manual certificate setup and renewal (or a paid add-on) |
| Process supervision | Automatic restarts and zero-downtime releases | You babysit it, or hope the panel restarts it |
| Managed database | 1 included on Free, unlimited on Pro/Team | Host it yourself, or pay for a separate add-on |
| Idle / always-on | Sleep + instant wake (Free) or always-on (Pro/Team) | You pay for an idle server 24/7 |
| Pricing | Flat $0 / $4 / $9 / $19 per month, no metering | Server cost + setup fees + your time |
The bottom lineFor a minimal Express API the difference is whether you also manage the process, the SSL and the database - DockHosting handles all three.
Everything you need to know before you deploy your first Express app.
Read the port from the PORT environment variable - we route HTTPS traffic to it.