Caddy vs Cleavr: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Caddy and Cleavr comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Caddy is a web server with automatic HTTPS and simple configuration
- • It obtains and renews TLS certificates automatically with zero configuration
Cleavr
Server management for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • Server management platform with 5-day free trial and affordable per-server pricing
- • Deploy Laravel, Node, Nuxt, Strapi to DigitalOcean, AWS, Hetzner, or your own VPS
| At a Glance |  Caddy |  Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $12/monthPro |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Caddy or Cleavr?
Choose Caddy if
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
- Automatic HTTPS
- Simple configuration
- Good performance
- You want a fully free tool (Cleavr requires payment)
Choose Cleavr if
Server management for modern apps
- Server management
- Good for Laravel
- Easy deployments
| Feature | Caddy | Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentServer Management | Hosting & DeploymentServer Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Strengths
- +Automatic HTTPS
- +Simple configuration
- +Good performance
- +Modern and well-designed
- +Single binary
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community than nginx
- -Less plugins/modules
- -Some advanced features missing
- -Commercial license for some uses
- -Less enterprise adoption
Key features
Cleavr
Server management for modern apps
Strengths
- +Server management
- +Good for Laravel
- +Easy deployments
- +Fair pricing
- +Good support
Weaknesses
- -Smaller platform
- -Limited providers
- -Laravel focused
- -Features basic vs Forge
- -Documentation gaps
Key features
Pricing: Caddy vs Cleavr
| Plan | Caddy | Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $12 month Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25 month Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Caddy pricing and Cleavr pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Caddy is free. Cleavr is paid.
Go with: Caddy
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Caddy is free. Cleavr is paid. Go with Caddy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Caddy
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Cleavr
- Choose if you want server management for modern apps
The Bottom Line
Caddy is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caddy or Cleavr better?
Caddy is rated in our evaluation. Caddy is free and Cleavr is paid.
What are Caddy and Cleavr used for?
Caddy: Modern web server with automatic HTTPS. Cleavr: Server management for modern apps.
What does Caddy cost vs Cleavr?
Caddy is completely free. Cleavr is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.