Does Cachely replace bazel-remote?
It replaces the HTTP cache hosting role when you do not need bazel-remote-specific deployment, gRPC, or local infrastructure control.
Cachely vs self-hosted Bazel cache
Bazel HTTP remote caching without operating the backend.
bazel-remote, nginx, and object-storage backends can all serve Bazel's action cache and CAS. They also leave authentication, TLS, retention, monitoring, capacity, and uptime with your team. Cachely implements the same native HTTP routes as a managed service while Bazel continues executing misses locally.
Quick answers
Cachely vs self-hosted Bazel cache: pricing and feature answers
Do BUILD files change?
No. Change the --remote_cache endpoint and credentials; action definitions and digest behavior remain Bazel-native.
Does Cachely run actions remotely?
No. Cachely is a remote cache, not a remote execution service. Cache misses still execute on your runner.
Related: Bazel remote cache guide | remote build cache comparison.
Side by side
Cachely vs a self-hosted Bazel remote cache
| Feature | Cachely | self-hosted Bazel cache |
|---|---|---|
| Bazel protocol | Native HTTP /ac and /cas routes. | HTTP and, depending on the server, possibly gRPC. |
| Remote execution | Not included. Bazel executes misses locally. | Not included by a cache alone; some wider systems add it. |
| Setup and upgrades | Change --remote_cache and provide a workspace token. | Provision, deploy, expose, monitor, and update the server. |
| Authentication | Per-token read-only or read-write permission, hashed at rest. | You design and operate Basic auth, proxy auth, or cloud IAM. |
| Pull-request safety | Server-enforced read-only token plus --remote_upload_local_results=false in the committed .bazelrc. | Depends on the identity and authorization model you implement. |
| Retention and capacity | Managed storage limits and lifecycle policy. | You configure eviction, object lifecycle, and disk capacity. |
| Cache insights | Workspace activity, hit rate, and artifact analysis. | Server metrics and dashboards are your responsibility. |
Comparison reflects publicly documented behaviour as of 2026. self-hosted Bazel cache may have changed since; let us know and we will update the page.
Bottom line
When Cachely is the right call
Self-host when local-network latency, on-premises storage, gRPC, or complete infrastructure control is a firm requirement.
Choose Cachely when Bazel's HTTP cache protocol is enough and your team would rather spend its time improving actions than operating the AC/CAS backend.
Related guides
FAQ
Cachely vs self-hosted Bazel cache: migration and feature FAQ
- Can I self-host a Bazel remote cache?
- Yes. bazel-remote is a popular server, nginx can serve the HTTP GET/PUT protocol with WebDAV, and compatible object storage can also work. You must operate authentication, TLS, retention, storage capacity, monitoring, and availability.
- Does Cachely support Bazel remote execution?
- No. Cachely provides Bazel HTTP remote caching for the action cache and CAS. Actions still execute locally on misses. Use a remote execution platform if moving execution itself off the runner is the requirement.
- What is the migration from a self-hosted Bazel cache?
- Change --remote_cache to the Cachely endpoint and replace the existing credentials with a workspace token. Bazel continues using its native /ac and /cas HTTP routes, so BUILD files and action definitions do not change.
- When is self-hosting the better choice?
- Self-host when you need on-premises storage, a local-network cache, gRPC or remote execution features Cachely does not provide, or full control over retention and infrastructure.