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Server Compass
RunCloud
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Server Compass vs RunCloud
Stop paying $8-15/month for RunCloud. Server Compass gives you the same VPS management experience with a one-time $29 payment. Migrate your apps and eliminate monthly fees forever.
Own Your Infrastructure
No Vendor Lock-in
VPS Pricing
$29
One-time, not $8-15/mo
Desktop
Native app, not web panel
No agent
No server installation
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop app + VPS | Cloud SaaS + Server Agent |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 166+ templates | PHP, Node, Python, Ruby |
| Server agent required | Required | |
| Infrastructure ownership | Partial (agent needed) | |
| Docker support | Native Docker + Compose | Limited |
| SSH terminal | Built-in terminal | Web SSH |
| File browser | ||
| Database management | Visual SQL editor | phpMyAdmin |
| Cron jobs | Visual management | UI management |
| GitHub integration | OAuth + Auto-deploy | Git deployment |
| SSL certificates | Auto Let's Encrypt | Auto SSL |
| Nginx configuration | Traefik (auto-managed) | Nginx (UI managed) |
| PHP versions | Via Docker | Multiple PHP versions |
| Server limit | Unlimited servers | 1 server (Basic), Unlimited (Pro+) |
| Team members | Free (local app) | $1.67-4/member/month |
| Pricing model | $29 one-time + VPS | $8-15/month per server |
| Works offline | ||
| Vendor lock-in | Agent dependency |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
$29
one-time
- Desktop app (lifetime license)
- Unlimited servers
- Unlimited deployments
- No server agent needed
- Docker + Compose support
- GitHub OAuth included
- All features included
- VPS cost: $5-20/month
Total: $29 once + VPS. No monthly fees, no per-server charges.
RunCloud
$8-15
per server/month
- Basic: $8/mo (1 server)
- Pro: $15/mo (unlimited servers)
- Business: $45/mo (priority support)
- Team members: $1.67-4/member/month
- Requires server agent installation
- Annual discount: 2 months free
Costs: $96-180/year/server. Multiple servers = multiple subscriptions on Basic plan.
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You want to stop paying monthly fees for server management
- You prefer Docker-based deployments over traditional PHP hosting
- You want a native desktop app instead of a web panel
- You don't want to install agents on your server
- You manage multiple servers and want one-time pricing
- You need full infrastructure ownership
- You want GitHub OAuth without extra configuration
- You prefer Traefik over Nginx configuration
Choose RunCloud if...
- You run traditional PHP applications (WordPress, Laravel)
- You need multiple PHP version management
- You prefer web-based server management
- You want WordPress-specific features (staging, etc.)
- You need RunCloud's Nginx optimization presets
- You want managed server security features
- You prefer subscription-based support
Watch the Tutorial
Migrate from RunCloud to Server Compass — No More Monthly Fees
Learn how to migrate your apps from RunCloud to Server Compass and eliminate monthly subscription fees with one-time purchase.
View full tutorialReady to Own Your Infrastructure?
Download Server Compass and start deploying on your own VPS with the same polished experience you expect from premium platforms.