One of the nice things about Keenpix is that you do not have to choose between self-hosted and managed permanently — it is the same engine either way. But you do have to start somewhere, so here is a practical framework for deciding.
Choose self-host when…
- You want zero per-GB cost. The open-source engine is free under AGPL. You pay only for the infrastructure you already run.
- You have compliance or data-residency requirements. Keeping the image pipeline inside your own VPC or region is straightforward when you own the deployment.
- You already operate infrastructure. If you run Docker or a platform like Coolify, adding Keenpix (app + Postgres + cache) is a small lift.
- You want full control. Put any edge cache in front of
/img/*, tune limits, and own the whole path.
The trade-off is operational: you run the database, the cache, and the upgrades.
Choose managed cloud when…
- You want it working in minutes. Point Keenpix at your origin, keep your URLs, done.
- You would rather not run Postgres and a cache tier. We handle scaling, the shared edge cache, and maintenance.
- You want built-in analytics and logs without standing up another vendor.
- Predictable, transparent pricing beats zero-but-operational. Plans start at $9/mo for 100 GB delivered, transforms free, one linear overage rate with a hard cap.
You can move between them
Because the managed cloud and the self-host build share one engine and one URL scheme, you are never locked in. Start on managed cloud to move fast, and migrate to self-host later for cost or compliance — without rewriting your image URLs. Or start self-hosted and hand the operational load to us when you would rather focus elsewhere.
The short version
If cost-at-zero and control matter most and you are comfortable operating a small stack, self-host. If speed-to-value and predictable pricing matter most, managed cloud. Either way you get the same fast, secure, modern-format image pipeline — and the freedom to change your mind.
Ready? Get started on managed cloud or read the self-hosting guide.