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hostfunc vs Vercel Functions
Vercel Functions are excellent when they live next to a Next.js app — they're part of a frontend deployment. hostfunc is a standalone function platform: every function is its own deployable unit with a stable URL, triggers, secrets, and an MCP interface, with no frontend project required. And hostfunc is open source and self-hostable.
| Capability | hostfunc | Vercel Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript-first | JS / TS and others |
| Deploy unit | Standalone function, stable run URL | Functions inside a Vercel project |
| Triggers | HTTP, cron, email, MCP | HTTP; cron via vercel.json |
| Agent / MCP native | Built-in MCP server + scratch functions | Not built-in |
| Composition + lineage | fn.executeFunction with live lineage | No first-class composition graph |
| Marketplace | Public, forkable functions | Templates, not forkable fns |
| Self-host | Yes — Docker Compose | Hosted only |
| License | Open source (AGPL-3.0) | Proprietary |
Choose hostfunc when
- You want backend functions that stand on their own, independent of any frontend.
- You want agents to call your functions as MCP tools.
- You want an open-source platform you can run on your own infrastructure.
Choose Vercel Functions when
- Your functions are tightly coupled to a Next.js or other frontend already deployed on Vercel.
- You want Vercel's broader frontend platform, preview deployments, and ecosystem.
- You don't need MCP, a function marketplace, or self-hosting.
Ship your first function in 90 seconds
Sign in, drop in some TypeScript, hit deploy. See the pricing or browse use cases.