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 wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment pick. 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 want easy server management
- • You want laravel focused
RunCloud
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
Best for you if:
- • You want server management panel
- • You want good for PHP
| At a Glance | Laravel Forge | RunCloud |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/monthHobby | $8/moEssentials |
Best For | DevOps | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 2.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Laravel Forge or RunCloud?
Choose Laravel Forge if
Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.
- You want easy server management
- You want laravel focused
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose RunCloud if
Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.
- You want server management panel
- You want good for PHP
- 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 | ★2.6/5 9 reviews | ★3.5/5 53 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.
Laravel Forge's pricing is quite fair and competitive, especially given the unlimited servers offered even at the entry-level.
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.
RunCloud offers solid server management at reasonable prices.
Watch out
Inactive/offline servers still count toward your server quota
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?
Laravel Forge: 2.6/5 (9 reviews). RunCloud: 3.5/5 (53 reviews).
Go with: RunCloud
Value user reviews?
Laravel Forge: 9 reviews (2.6/5). RunCloud: 53 reviews (3.5/5).
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?
RunCloud is rated higher: 3.5/5 vs 2.6/5.
Key Takeaways
RunCloud
- Higher user rating: 3.5/5 vs 2.6/5
- Larger review base (53 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Laravel Forge
- Better fit for DevOps
The Bottom Line
RunCloud wins this matchup. WordPress.com is our overall Hosting & Deployment pick. WordPress.com is our free Hosting & Deployment 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.