Laravel Forge vs RunCloud: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Laravel Forge and RunCloud 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.
Bottom line: RunCloud is our overall pick for cloud & infrastructure workflows. Pick Laravel Forge if you need DevOps.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Laravel Forge
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
Best for you if:
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • Simplifies server provisioning and management for web applications.
- • Offers zero-downtime deployments, automated SSL, and database backups.
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • Manages cloud servers for PHP applications.
- • Provides a graphical interface, no Linux expertise needed.
| At a Glance |  Laravel Forge |  RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/monthHobby | $8/moEssentials |
Best For | DevOps | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Laravel Forge or RunCloud?
Choose Laravel Forge if
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
- Easy server management
- Laravel focused
- Good DX
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose RunCloud if
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
- Server management panel
- Good for PHP
- Fair pricing
- Budget matters ($8/mo vs $12/month)
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | Laravel Forge | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 8 reviews | ★4.1/5 89 reviews |
| Categories | DevOpsHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureServer Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Laravel Forge
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
Strengths
- +Easy server management
- +Laravel focused
- +Good DX
- +Fair pricing
- +SSL automation
Weaknesses
- -Laravel specific
- -Per-server pricing
- -Limited features
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Better for simple setups
Key features
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Strengths
- +Server management panel
- +Good for PHP
- +Fair pricing
- +Good features
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Less known
- -Limited support
- -Better alternatives exist
- -PHP focused
Key features
Pricing: Laravel Forge vs RunCloud
| Plan | Laravel Forge | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12 month Hobby | $8 Essentials |
| Tier 2 | $19 month Growth | $15 Pro |
| Tier 3 | $39 month Business | $45 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Laravel Forge pricing and RunCloud pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: RunCloud
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Laravel Forge
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: RunCloud
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Laravel Forge is a DevOps tool. RunCloud is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
RunCloud
- Larger review base (89 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Laravel Forge
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.1/5
- Better fit for DevOps
The Bottom Line
RunCloud is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laravel Forge or RunCloud better?
RunCloud is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Laravel Forge and RunCloud used for?
Laravel Forge: Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.. RunCloud: Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required..
What does Laravel Forge cost vs RunCloud?
Laravel Forge is a paid tool. RunCloud is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.