Hey there, Laravel enthusiasts! Building awesome apps with Laravel is super fun, but finding solid hosting without breaking the bank? That’s the tricky part. In 2026, the best “free” Laravel hosting options come in the form of generous free trials, startup credits, or true lifetime free plans (with some limits). These are perfect for prototyping, learning, or running small-to-medium projects.
This ultimate guide breaks down the best free Laravel hosting platforms that actually deliver great performance for PHP apps. We’ll cover features, limitations, deployment tips, and more – all in a chill, straightforward way. Let’s get your Laravel app live without spending a dime upfront!
What Is Laravel Hosting?
Laravel hosting is a server environment tuned specifically for Laravel apps. It needs PHP (8.1+ ideally), Composer, a database like MySQL or PostgreSQL, and support for tools like Artisan commands, queues, and caching.
Top providers handle optimizations like Nginx/Apache setup, Redis/Memcached caching, and easy Git deploys. “Free” hosting here means:
- Lifetime free tiers (limited resources, often shared)
- Free trials (full access for days/weeks)
- Free credits ($100–$300 to run VPS for months)
These options let you go live fast, but most scale to paid plans seamlessly.
Top 5 Best Free Laravel Hosting Platforms 2026
Below are the best free and nearly-free Laravel hosting platforms, reviewed in detail with key features each.
1. Kamatera – Overall Best Free Laravel Hosting
Kamatera is an excellent choice for developers who want complete freedom and performance when hosting Laravel applications. It is a cloud VPS provider that offers a 30-day free trial, making it possible to test Laravel projects without immediate cost.
Unlike traditional free hosting, Kamatera gives you full root access, allowing you to configure the server exactly according to Laravel’s requirements.
You can choose your preferred PHP version, install Composer, manage Artisan commands, and optimize the server for speed and security. Kamatera’s infrastructure is built on fast SSD storage and modern cloud technology, ensuring smooth performance even for complex Laravel apps.
With multiple global data centers, developers can host applications closer to their target audience. Overall, Kamatera is ideal for developers who want a professional Laravel environment with zero restrictions during the trial period.
Key Features
Best For:
Developers who want full Laravel control without restrictions, even on a free trial.
2. GoogieHost – Best Free Laravel Hosting Provider
GoogieHost stands out as one of the few platforms that offer permanently free web hosting suitable for Laravel beginners. It is designed mainly for learning, testing, and small projects rather than heavy production use.
GoogieHost provides PHP support, MySQL databases, and a user-friendly cPanel interface, making it easy for newcomers to manage their Laravel files and databases. While it does not offer advanced server-level access like VPS hosting, it still allows developers to manually deploy Laravel applications with some effort.
The platform is especially popular among students and hobby developers who want to practice Laravel without spending money or sharing payment details. Although performance and resources are limited, GoogieHost remains a practical option for basic Laravel projects, demos, and educational purposes where cost is a major concern.
Key Features
Best For:
Laravel beginners, students, and small test applications.
3. DigitalOcean – Affordable Free Laravel Hosting Solution
DigitalOcean is a well-known cloud hosting provider that offers a powerful and flexible environment for Laravel hosting. While it is not permanently free, new users receive free credits, which can be used to run Laravel applications for a significant period at no cost.
DigitalOcean allows developers to deploy Laravel using pre-configured images or manual server setups, providing full control over the environment. With SSH access, scalable resources, and SSD-based infrastructure, it delivers excellent performance for Laravel projects.
The platform is also backed by a large developer community and extensive documentation, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and optimize applications. DigitalOcean is a strong option for developers who want near-professional Laravel hosting while still benefiting from a free starting phase through credits.
Key Features
Best For:
Developers who want professional Laravel hosting with free credits.
4. Cloudways – Fully Managed Laravel Hosting Provider
Cloudways is a managed hosting platform built specifically to simplify cloud hosting for frameworks like Laravel. Instead of dealing with server configuration, Cloudways handles server management, security updates, and performance optimization for you.
It offers a free trial, allowing developers to test Laravel applications without upfront payment. Cloudways supports one-click Laravel deployment, built-in caching, free SSL certificates, and automated backups, making it ideal for users who prefer convenience over manual setup.
While it does not provide full root access, it compensates with an easy-to-use dashboard and reliable support. Cloudways is best suited for developers and businesses who want a stress-free Laravel hosting experience with professional performance and minimal technical complexity during the trial phase.
Key Features
Best For:
Users who want easy, managed Laravel hosting without technical complexity.
5. Vultr – Best Free Laravel Hosting Solution (Trial-Based)
Vultr is a high-performance cloud hosting provider that offers free trial credits to new users, making it a solid option for Laravel hosting without immediate cost. It is known for its fast infrastructure, including NVMe SSD storage and high-frequency CPUs, which are ideal for Laravel applications that require quick database and application responses.
Vultr provides full root access, allowing developers to fully customize their Laravel environment, install required packages, and manage PHP versions freely. With data centers located worldwide, it helps reduce latency for global users. Vultr is especially suitable for developers who want raw performance and flexibility while still taking advantage of free credits to test or run Laravel projects before committing to a paid plan.
Key Features
Best For:
Developers who want raw performance and flexibility.
Benefits of Using Free Laravel Hosting
Free Laravel hosting offers developers a cost-free way to deploy and test Laravel applications, ideal for beginners, small projects, or learning purposes. Providers like GoogieHost and free trials from Kamatera or Vultr make this accessible without upfront costs.
FAQs – Free Laravel Hosting
Is free Laravel hosting good for production websites?
No. Free hosting is best for learning, testing, or small demo projects, not for serious production use.
Can I install Laravel without SSH access?
Yes, but it is very limited and harder to manage. SSH is strongly recommended.
Which PHP version is best for Laravel?
Laravel works best with PHP 8.0 or higher, depending on the Laravel version.
Can I use a custom domain with free Laravel hosting?
Some free hosts allow custom domains, but many restrict this feature or require paid upgrades.
Should I move to paid Laravel hosting later?
Yes. Once your project grows or needs better performance, switching to paid hosting is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Free Laravel hosting is a great starting point for developers who want to learn, test, or launch small projects without spending money. It allows you to experiment with Laravel features, deploy real applications, and gain hands-on experience in a live environment.
While free hosting has limitations in performance and scalability, it’s perfect for beginners, students, and MVPs. As your project grows, upgrading to a paid Laravel hosting plan ensures better speed, security, and long-term reliability.
