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Server Compass
Kamal
VS
Server Compass vs Kamal
Kamal is an open-source CLI tool from 37signals for Docker-based deployments. Server Compass is a desktop app that gives you a polished PaaS-like experience without installing anything on your server or learning command-line tools.
Own Your Infrastructure
No Vendor Lock-in
VPS Pricing
GUI
Visual interface vs CLI
$19
One-time vs free (but time)
0 config
No YAML files needed
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Kamal |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | CLI tool + VPS |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 166+ templates | Docker containers (Rails-focused) |
| Installation on server | Docker + kamal-proxy | |
| User interface | Native desktop GUI | Command line only |
| Configuration | Visual forms | YAML files (deploy.yml) |
| Learning curve | Minimal (GUI-based) | Medium (CLI + Docker) |
| Docker knowledge required | Optional | Required |
| GitHub OAuth | Built-in | Manual setup |
| SSH terminal | Built-in GUI | Via standard SSH |
| File browser | ||
| Cron job management | UI management | Manual/accessories |
| Zero-downtime deploys | ||
| Rolling restarts | ||
| Multi-server support | ||
| SSL certificates | Auto (Let's Encrypt) | Auto (kamal-proxy) |
| Database management | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase | Via accessories |
| Server resource usage | None (runs locally) | Docker + proxy |
| Pricing model | $19 one-time + VPS | Free + VPS + your time |
| Custom domains | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
$19
one-time
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- No server installation
- GitHub OAuth included
- Unlimited deployments
- Unlimited servers
- All features unlocked
- Zero server resource usage
- VPS cost: $5-20/month
Total: $19 once + VPS ($5-20/mo). Your server stays clean and fast.
Kamal
Free
open-source
- MIT licensed, free forever
- Requires Docker knowledge
- YAML configuration files
- CLI-only interface
- Manual GitHub integration
- Installs Docker + proxy on server
- Community support
Free but requires time investment to learn CLI, Docker, and YAML configs. Server runs Docker daemon.
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You prefer a visual interface over command-line tools
- You want to deploy without learning Docker or YAML configs
- You want built-in GitHub OAuth without manual setup
- You need a file browser and SSH terminal in one app
- You want to manage cron jobs through a UI
- You value your time over free tools that require setup
- You manage multiple servers and want a unified interface
- You want zero server footprint from management tools
Choose Kamal if...
- You love command-line tools and scripting
- You're comfortable with Docker and YAML configuration
- You want a free, open-source solution
- You need advanced Docker orchestration features
- You're building Rails apps (Kamal ships with Rails 8)
- You want to customize every aspect of deployment
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.