Cloudflare’s Container Buzz Is Real—But Docker on DigitalOcean Is What You Should Be Switching To | Code Boost
Description: Cloudflare's New Containers Sound Cool—But Look Closer Cloudflare just launched its long-awaited container platform, and the buzz is real. It promises lightning-fast cold starts, g...

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# Cloudflare’s Container Buzz Is Real—But Docker on DigitalOcean Is What You Should Be Switching To

By Matt · Jun 27, 2025

### Cloudflare's New Containers Sound Cool—But Look Closer

Cloudflare just launched its long-awaited container platform, and the buzz is real. It promises lightning-fast cold starts, global deployment ("Region:Earth"), and the ability to run any language inside a container—all on-demand. But here’s the thing: if you're already using Docker to run real-world applications, Cloudflare’s new Containers probably aren't what you're looking for. In fact, now is the perfect time to consider moving your Docker workloads to DigitalOcean instead. This post breaks down what Cloudflare Containers actually are, what they can (and can't) do, and why DigitalOcean remains the best home for serious Docker apps.

# Click Here To Try DigitalOcean Zero Risk

## What Are Cloudflare Containers?

Cloudflare Containers are built on top of the Workers platform. They let you deploy containerized applications that spin up on-demand near your users, controlled entirely through JavaScript code in a Worker script. They’re designed to:

- Run custom runtimes and languages
- Spin up fast across Cloudflare's global edge
- Be ephemeral and stateless by default

### What Cloudflare Doesn't Tell You Up Front

There are a lot of important caveats hidden in the fine print:

- ❌ Requires a Cloudflare Workers Paid Plan (no free tier access)
- ❌ Container logic must be controlled by JavaScript inside a Worker
- ❌ Deployment requires Wrangler CLI
- ❌ Limited to 2GB image size and 50GB total image storage
- ❌ No persistent storage or databases supported
- ❌ No shell access, no logs, no terminal
- ❌ Beta limits: 40GB memory / 20 vCPU / 100GB disk for all containers

This isn’t a traditional container host. It’s a powerful edge execution layer, yes — but also one with tight platform constraints and a proprietary deployment flow.

### Why Docker on DigitalOcean Still Wins

DigitalOcean offers the simplicity and developer-friendliness Docker was made for. If you want to run real apps—APIs, backends, databases, and full services—you need flexibility, not just speed. With Docker on DigitalOcean, you get:

- ✅ Persistent storage for databases and uploads
- ✅ Full OS-level control over your containers
- ✅ Run any image or stack, no JS Worker needed
- ✅ Flat pricing with no surprise charges
- ✅ Standard Docker CLI and CI/CD compatibility
- ✅ $200 in free credits to get started

### Cloudflare vs Docker on DigitalOcean: Head-to-Head

Feature | Cloudflare Containers | Docker on DigitalOcean
--- | --- | ---
Launch Date | June 2025 (Beta) | Mature platform since 2013+
Hosting Model | Edge, via Cloudflare Workers | VPS (Droplets) or Kubernetes
Plan Requirement | Requires Workers Paid Plan | Free credits, then pay-as-you-go
Deployment Method | Wrangler + JS Worker | Docker CLI, Compose, GitHub Actions, etc.
Persistent Storage | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Fully supported (volumes, databases)
System Control | ❌ Sandboxed only | ✅ Full OS-level access
Use Case Flexibility | Stateless edge logic | Full-stack apps, APIs, databases, etc.
Image Size Limit | 2 GB per image | No strict limits (within droplet capacity)
Environment Lock-in | Cloudflare-only | Docker standard: portable anywhere

# Click Here To Try DigitalOcean Zero Risk

### When DigitalOcean Is Clearly Better

If you're doing any of the following:

- Running a backend API or server
- Deploying a monolith or multi-container app
- Using databases or services that need persistent storage
- Wanting direct shell access to your containers
- Managing logs, metrics, and dev tooling

Then Cloudflare's new offering just won't cut it. But Docker on DigitalOcean? That's what it's made for.

### When Cloudflare Might Be Useful (as a Complement)

Cloudflare Containers may still make sense for:

- Super low-latency auth or token validation
- Device-aware personalization or A/B testing at the edge
- Lightweight geo-routing or redirects

But again — treat it as an addition to your infrastructure, not a full replacement.

### The Smart Play: Use Both, But Host Docker on DO

Here's how a hybrid setup might look:

- 🧠 Core app + database runs on Docker in DigitalOcean
- ⚡ Cloudflare Container intercepts traffic and does quick routing, header inspection, or auth at the edge

That gives you the best of both: edge speed + backend flexibility.

# Click Here To Try DigitalOcean Zero Risk

### Final Thoughts: Cloudflare's Containers Are Cool—But DigitalOcean Is Real

Cloudflare made waves with its new container offering. But most Docker developers aren't just running functions. They're running real apps with logs, files, dependencies, databases, and custom workflows. Cloudflare might be the future of edge logic, but DigitalOcean is the present of full-stack, production-ready deployment. Don't chase hype. Choose the platform that gives you power, portability, and peace of mind.