Server Compass vs Cleavr
Server Compass is a desktop app that manages your servers over SSH, with no panel or agent required on them. Pay $29 once, not $5.50-30/month for server management.
Server Compass column checked against v1.45.0 · Updated
Cleavr provisions PHP and Node servers from a hosted web dashboard. Server Compass runs PHP sites, WordPress and Docker apps side by side, managed from your desktop.
- PHP 8.3 site and WordPress templates
- Edit site files in the built-in file manager
- A one-time license instead of a monthly plan
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | Web-based panel |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 420+ templates | PHP, Laravel, WordPress, Node.js |
| Installation on server | Docker + Traefik, no panel | Provisions its stack over SSH |
| Server resources used | Docker + Traefik only, UI runs locally | Its provisioned web stack, no panel |
| GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket | GitHub + GitLab accounts, any public Git URL | Built-in |
| User experience | Native PaaS-like UI | Web dashboard |
| SSH access | Full terminal | Via panel |
| File browser | ||
| Cron jobs | UI management | UI management |
| Docker support | ||
| Next.js deployments | ||
| PHP support | PHP 8.3 site template + Docker | Full PHP stack |
| Node.js support | ||
| WordPress support | One-click template | |
| Static sites | ||
| Self-hosted DB | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis + more | MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB |
| Database management | DB Admin + per-table CSV | Database management UI |
| SSL certificates | Let's Encrypt auto | Let's Encrypt free |
| Load balancing | ||
| Zero-downtime deploys | ||
| Server monitoring | ||
| Automatic backups | Scheduled to S3, SFTP or pCloud (Pro) | |
| Updates required | Desktop app only | Handled by Cleavr (SaaS) |
| Security surface | Minimal (no panel) | Vendor dashboard holds SSH access |
| Pricing model | $29 one-time + VPS | $5.50-30/month subscription |
| Team collaboration | One license per person | Team plans available |
| Custom domains | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- No panel or agent to install
- GitHub and GitLab accounts included
- Unlimited deployments
- Unlimited servers
- All features unlocked
- No control panel on your server
- VPS cost: $5-20/month
Cleavr
- Hosted dashboard connects over SSH
- Lite: $5.50/month (1 server)
- Pro: $15/month (unlimited servers)
- Business: $30/month (teams + API)
- Installs its own web stack on the server
- Vendor holds SSH access to your server
- Team collaboration features
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You don't want monthly subscription fees
- You want to avoid installing panels on your server
- You prefer native desktop apps
- You want Docker and container support
- You want no control panel running on your server
- You manage multiple servers
- You want a one-time payment model
- You prefer no exposed management panels
- You deploy Node.js, Next.js, or Docker apps
Choose Cleavr if...
- You need PHP and WordPress support
- You want a web-based control panel
- You need load balancing features
- You're comfortable with monthly subscriptions
- You prefer web-based team collaboration
- You need specific PHP framework support (Laravel, etc.)
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Server Compass host PHP sites?
Yes. The PHP Site template runs an editable PHP 8.3 Apache site with no Git repository required, and WordPress, Drupal and PrestaShop are one-click templates. Laravel apps deploy from Git as Docker apps.
What is the difference between Server Compass and Cleavr?
Server Compass is a desktop app that deploys and manages apps on servers you own, over SSH, with no control panel running on them. The comparison table on this page shows where Cleavr works differently. Server Compass is free for one server, and Pro is $29 one-time; you also pay your VPS provider, typically $5-20/month.
Is Server Compass cheaper than Cleavr?
It depends on how you use Cleavr. Server Compass is free for one server, and Pro is $29 one-time for unlimited servers; after that you only pay for your VPS, typically $5-20/month. Cleavr pricing: Monthly subscription required. The hosted dashboard keeps SSH access to your servers.
Can I migrate from Cleavr to Server Compass?
Usually, yes. Anything that runs in Docker can run on your VPS with Server Compass, and there are 420+ one-click templates. Built-in migration covers Coolify, Dokploy, RunCloud, Dockge, EasyPanel (preview) and Render, and you can use any VPS provider, such as DigitalOcean, Hetzner or Linode.
Does Server Compass have the same features as Cleavr?
Server Compass covers the core deploy workflow: one-click templates, Git and image deploys, automatic SSL, environment variables, logs and rollbacks. Because the apps run on your own server, it also gives you an SSH terminal, a file browser, cron jobs and security tools.
Which should I choose: Server Compass or Cleavr?
Choose Server Compass if you want to own your servers, avoid vendor lock-in, work over SSH and pay once for the tool. Choose Cleavr if the reasons listed under "Choose Cleavr if..." on this page match how you work.
Ready to Own Your Infrastructure?
Download Server Compass and start deploying on your own VPS with the same polished experience you expect from premium platforms.