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Server Compass vs Dokploy
Server Compass runs on your desktop, not your server. No installation overhead, better UX with GitHub OAuth, and a familiar PaaS-like experience. Pay once, deploy forever.
Own Your Infrastructure
No Vendor Lock-in
VPS Pricing
Desktop
No server install
One-time
$19 payment
GitHub
OAuth built-in
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Dokploy |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | Server-installed panel |
| Installation on server | Required (Docker) | |
| Server resources used | None (runs locally) | Uses server memory/CPU |
| GitHub OAuth | Built-in | Manual setup |
| User experience | PaaS-like UI | Self-hosted panel |
| SSH access | Full terminal | Via panel |
| File browser | ||
| Cron jobs | UI management | UI management |
| Docker support | ||
| PM2 deployments | Limited | |
| Next.js deployments | ||
| Static sites | ||
| Self-hosted DB | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase | PostgreSQL, MySQL |
| Updates required | Desktop app only | Server panel updates |
| Security surface | Minimal (no panel exposed) | Web panel exposed |
| Pricing model | $19 one-time + VPS | Free (open source) |
| Multi-server management | Single desktop app | Separate install per server |
| Offline access | App works offline | Requires server running |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
$19
one-time
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- No server installation required
- GitHub OAuth included
- Unlimited deployments
- Unlimited servers
- All features included
- VPS cost: $5-20/month
- No recurring fees
Total: $19 once + VPS ($5-20/mo). No server overhead, no updates to manage.
Dokploy
Free
open source
- 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
- One install per server
Free but requires server installation, uses resources, and needs ongoing maintenance.
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You don't want to install anything 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 to minimize server resource usage
- 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 100% open-source solutions
- 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
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.