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Server Compass
Ploi
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Server Compass vs Ploi
Server Compass is a desktop app that manages your servers without consuming their resources. No panel installation, no server overhead. Pay $19 once, not €8-30/month for server management.
Own Your Infrastructure
No Vendor Lock-in
VPS Pricing
0 MB
Server footprint
$19
Pay once, not monthly
Desktop
Native app
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Ploi |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | Web-based panel |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 166+ templates | PHP, Laravel, WordPress, Statamic |
| Installation on server | Agent required | |
| Server resources used | None (runs locally) | ~200-500MB RAM |
| GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket | Built-in | 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 | ||
| PM2 deployments | ||
| Next.js deployments | Limited | |
| PHP support | Full PHP stack | |
| Laravel support | Optimized for Laravel | |
| WordPress support | 1-click install | |
| Statamic support | 1-click install | |
| Node.js support | Limited | |
| Static sites | ||
| Self-hosted DB | PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase | MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis |
| Database management | Full UI + CSV import/export | Database management UI |
| SSL certificates | Let's Encrypt auto | Let's Encrypt 1-click |
| DNS Management | ||
| Load balancing | 1-click setup | |
| Queue management | Easy queues (Supervisor) | |
| Zero-downtime deploys | ||
| Server monitoring | ||
| Notifications | Email, Slack, Discord, Telegram | |
| Automatic backups | ||
| Updates required | Desktop app only | Server agent updates |
| Security surface | Minimal (no panel) | Web panel exposed |
| Pricing model | $19 one-time + VPS | €8-30/month subscription |
| Team collaboration | Local (free) | Team plans available |
| Custom domains | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
$19
one-time
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- No server installation
- GitHub/GitLab 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.
Ploi
€8-30
per month
- Requires server agent installation
- Basic: €8/month (5 servers)
- Pro: €13/month (unlimited servers)
- Unlimited: €30/month (team features)
- Uses server resources for agent
- Web panel exposed to internet
- Team collaboration features
Monthly subscription required. Server agent consumes resources and requires maintenance.
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 to minimize server resource usage
- 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
- You need offline access to deployment tools
Choose Ploi if...
- You need Laravel, PHP, or WordPress support
- You want a web-based control panel
- You need DNS management features
- You need load balancing features
- You need queue/worker management
- You're comfortable with monthly subscriptions
- You prefer web-based team collaboration
- You need Statamic support
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.