stackstash

Docker vs PM2

Docker and PM2 are free.

Docker logo: Package apps into containers so they run the same on your laptop and on a server.
Docker logo: Package apps into containers so they run the same on your laptop and on a server.

Docker

Free

Package apps into containers so they run the same on your laptop and on a server.

Try it

Pros of Docker

  • Same environment everywhere

  • Huge ecosystem and docs

  • Easy to ship Node, Python, and more

  • Pairs well with Nginx and VPS hosts

Cons of Docker

  • Desktop licensing for large companies

  • Learning curve for networking and volumes

  • Can be heavy on smaller machines

PM2 logo: A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.
PM2 logo: A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.

PM2

Free

A Node.js process manager that keeps apps running, restarts on crash, and can cluster across cores.

Try it

Pros of PM2

  • Simple CLI for production Node

  • Free open-source runtime

  • Great with Nginx reverse proxies

  • Works inside Docker containers

Cons of PM2

  • Focused on Node/Bun, not every language

  • Plus monitoring is paid

  • Less of a fit if you already use Kubernetes