Laravel Forge vs ServerPilot: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Laravel Forge and ServerPilot 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: ServerPilot wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is AWS. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman. 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.
ServerPilot
Unlock the full power of cloud hosting with simplified server management for PHP and WordPress apps.
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • Manages cloud servers from any provider for PHP and WordPress applications.
- • Offers one-click WordPress/SSL, multiple PHP versions, and automated security.
| At a Glance |  Laravel Forge |  ServerPilot |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/monthHobby | $5/moEconomy |
Best For | DevOps | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 5.0/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Laravel Forge or ServerPilot?
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 ServerPilot if
Unlock the full power of cloud hosting with simplified server management for PHP and WordPress apps.
- Simple server management
- Good for PHP
- Fair pricing
- Budget matters ($5/mo vs $12/month)
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | Laravel Forge | ServerPilot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 8 reviews | ★4.6/5 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
ServerPilot
Unlock the full power of cloud hosting with simplified server management for PHP and WordPress apps.
ServerPilot's pricing structure appears fair for basic server management, especially with the Economy tier at $5 per server/month plus $0.50 per app, offering a low entry point.
Strengths
- +Simple server management
- +Good for PHP
- +Fair pricing
- +Easy setup
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -PHP focused
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Support basic
- -Feature gaps
Key features
Pricing: Laravel Forge vs ServerPilot
| Plan | Laravel Forge | ServerPilot |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12 month Hobby | $5 Economy |
| Tier 2 | $19 month Growth | $5-100 Business |
| Tier 3 | $39 month Business | Custom First Class |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Laravel Forge pricing and ServerPilot pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ServerPilot
Want the highest-rated option?
Laravel Forge: 5.0/5 (8 reviews). ServerPilot: 4.6/5 (53 reviews).
Go with: Laravel Forge
Value user reviews?
Laravel Forge: 8 reviews (5.0/5). ServerPilot: 53 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: ServerPilot
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. ServerPilot is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Laravel Forge is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
ServerPilot
- Larger review base (53 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Laravel Forge
- Higher user rating: 5.0/5 vs 4.6/5
- Better fit for DevOps
The Bottom Line
ServerPilot wins this matchup. Our overall Hosting & Deployment pick is AWS. Our free Hosting & Deployment pick is Podman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laravel Forge or ServerPilot better?
ServerPilot is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Laravel Forge and ServerPilot used for?
Laravel Forge: Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments.. ServerPilot: Unlock the full power of cloud hosting with simplified server management for PHP and WordPress apps..
What does Laravel Forge cost vs ServerPilot?
Laravel Forge is a paid tool. ServerPilot is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.