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Server Compass
Elestio
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Server Compass vs Elestio
Compare desktop-first VPS management with Server Compass against Elestio's managed DevOps platform. Choose full infrastructure ownership or managed open-source software deployment.
Own Your Infrastructure
No Vendor Lock-in
VPS Pricing
$19
One-time license + $5 VPS
100%
Infrastructure ownership
Zero
Server overhead
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Elestio |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Desktop app + Your VPS | Managed DevOps platform |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 166+ templates | 400+ pre-configured open-source apps |
| Data ownership | ||
| Vendor lock-in | Moderate | |
| Offline access | ||
| SSH terminal access | Full terminal | Via dashboard |
| File browser & management | ||
| Cron job management | Full UI control | Limited |
| Docker support | ||
| PM2 deployments | Limited | |
| Multi-account GitHub | Standard | |
| Pre-configured open-source apps | 400+ apps | |
| Self-hosted databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis |
| Database CSV import/export | Limited | |
| Local data storage | SQLite (private) | Cloud dashboard |
| Custom server choice | Any VPS provider | Partner clouds only |
| CI/CD Pipelines | Built-in deployments | Full CI/CD system |
| Automated backups | ||
| Software updates | Self-managed | Automated |
| Pricing model | One-time + VPS cost | Per-service hourly billing |
| Monthly cost | $5-20 (VPS only) | $10+ per service |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
$19
one-time
- Desktop app license (lifetime)
- Manage unlimited servers
- Unlimited deployments
- All features included
- No monthly fees
- Pay only for your VPS ($5-20/mo)
- Free updates for 1 year
Total cost: $19 license + your VPS cost (typically $5-20/month)
Elestio
Variable
hourly per service
- Test plan: Limited features
- Staging Support: ~$10+/month per service
- Production Support: Higher tiers available
- Includes compute, storage, bandwidth
- Automated updates & backups
- 400+ open-source software options
Costs scale per service deployed. Multiple services = multiple bills.
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You want complete ownership of your infrastructure
- You prefer one-time license over monthly subscriptions
- You need SSH access and full system control
- You want to manage cron jobs visually
- You need file browser and direct server access
- You want to avoid vendor lock-in
- You deploy to multiple VPS providers
- You need offline access to deployment tools
- You prefer managing your own open-source software
Choose Elestio if...
- You want 400+ pre-configured open-source apps
- You prefer fully managed software updates
- You need automated CI/CD pipelines
- You want managed databases with automatic backups
- You need multi-cloud deployment options
- You prefer hourly billing for services
- You want Terraform/API integration
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.