Server Compass vs Dokploy
Server Compass runs on your desktop, not as a panel on your server. GitHub OAuth, a familiar PaaS-like experience, and nothing to expose to the internet. Pay once, deploy forever.
Server Compass column checked against v1.45.0 · Updated
Dokploy is a free, open-source panel with Swarm and multi-server support. Server Compass gives you a PaaS-style workflow from a desktop app, with no dashboard exposed on the server.
- Scan-and-adopt migration from Dokploy
- Clone an app to another of your servers, data included
- Free for one server; Pro is $29 once
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Dokploy |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | Server-installed panel |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 420+ templates | Docker, any containerized app |
| Installation on server | Docker + Traefik, no panel | Required (Docker) |
| Server resources used | Docker + Traefik only, UI runs locally | Uses server memory/CPU |
| GitHub OAuth | Built-in | GitHub App from dashboard |
| User experience | PaaS-like UI | Self-hosted panel |
| SSH access | Full terminal | Via panel |
| File browser | ||
| Cron jobs | UI management | UI management |
| Docker support | ||
| Next.js deployments | ||
| Static sites | ||
| Self-hosted DB | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis + more | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis |
| Updates required | Desktop app only | Server panel updates |
| Security surface | Minimal (no panel exposed) | Web panel exposed |
| Pricing model | $29 one-time + VPS | Free self-host; Cloud $4.50/server/mo |
| Multi-server management | Single desktop app | Remote servers from one panel |
| Offline access | Partly: local data, no account | Requires server running |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- No panel or agent to install
- GitHub OAuth included
- Unlimited deployments
- Unlimited servers
- All features included
- VPS cost: $5-20/month
- No recurring fees
Dokploy
- Self-hosted (open source)
- Requires Docker installation on server
- Uses server resources (memory, CPU)
- Manual configuration needed
- Web panel security responsibility
- Updates and maintenance required
- Optional Cloud: $4.50/month per server
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You don't want a control panel installed on your server
- You want a polished, PaaS-like experience
- You prefer GitHub OAuth over manual setup
- You manage multiple servers from one app
- You want no control panel running on your server
- You prefer desktop apps over web panels
- You want to pay once and own the tool
- You want to avoid exposing a management panel
Choose Dokploy if...
- You prefer an open-source (Apache-2.0 core) panel
- You want a web-based panel
- You're comfortable with server maintenance
- You need advanced Docker orchestration
- You want to self-host everything
- You don't mind installing software on your server
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Server Compass manage more than one server?
Yes. The free tier covers one server and Pro adds unlimited servers, all from one desktop app. You can also clone an app, data included, from one of your servers to another.
What is the difference between Server Compass and Dokploy?
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 Dokploy 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 Dokploy?
It depends on how you use Dokploy. 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. Dokploy pricing: Free but requires server installation, uses resources, and needs ongoing maintenance.
Can I migrate from Dokploy 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 Dokploy?
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 Dokploy?
Choose Server Compass if you want to own your servers, avoid vendor lock-in, work over SSH and pay once for the tool. Choose Dokploy if the reasons listed under "Choose Dokploy 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.