Wapka gives you a choice most platforms do not: use the managed cloud or self-host. Both run the same software. Both access the same database format. Both are valid.
The decision comes down to what you value.
Managed cloud — the smart default
With Wapka managed, everything works out of the box. No servers to provision. No SSL to configure. No CDN to set up. No updates to maintain.
| You get | What it means |
|---|---|
| 100GB free storage | No hosting bills. Ever. |
| Automatic SSL | HTTPS works instantly. Let’s Encrypt, auto-renewed. |
| Global CDN | Assets served from the nearest edge. Fast worldwide. |
| DDoS protection | Filtered at the network edge. Zero config. |
| Built-in analytics | Traffic, referrers, popular pages. No third-party. |
| Automatic updates | Security patches roll out. You do nothing. |
| Email support | Priority support on paid plans. |
| Zero DevOps | Build your site. Forget the server exists. |
Managed is ideal for: creators, students, small businesses, anyone who wants to build without managing infrastructure. You focus on your site. We handle the rest.
Self-hosted — full control, full responsibility
Self-hosting is available at the enterprise tier, with public access coming soon. It gives you total control — but comes with real costs.
| You get | You pay for |
|---|---|
| Full server control | Server cost ($5-50+/month) |
| No platform limits | You manage SSL, CDN, backups |
| Physical data ownership | You handle security patches |
| Custom server config | You monitor uptime |
| Can add external services | You debug integration issues |
Self-host is ideal for: developers with existing infrastructure, organizations that need complete data sovereignty, anyone who has outgrown managed tier limits.
The honest truth: self-hosting is more expensive and more work than using the managed cloud. A VPS costs $5-20/month minimum. You configure everything yourself. You handle security. You manage backups. You are on call when something breaks.
Most users find the managed cloud is the better choice. It is free, feature-rich, and requires zero maintenance. The option to self-host exists as a freedom guarantee — not because it is the easier path.
The unifying principle
Both paths run the same code. Both respect your data. You can switch between them anytime.
The managed cloud is the path of least resistance. Self-hosting is the path of maximum control. Choose the one that fits your needs — and know the other is there when you need it.
Continue reading: The detach/reattach protocol → 100GB free storage + scripting for $0 →