RunCloud vs Laravel Forge: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between RunCloud and Laravel Forge 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:
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.
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.
| At a Glance |  RunCloud |  Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $8/moEssentials | $12/monthHobby |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | DevOps |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 5.0/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose RunCloud or Laravel Forge?
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
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
| Feature | RunCloud | Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 89 reviews | ★5.0/5 8 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureServer Management | DevOpsHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Value 7/100. RunCloud offers solid server management at reasonable prices.
Watch out: Enterprise at $399/month is a steep jump from Business at $49/month, 8x price increase
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
Value 85/100. Laravel Forge's pricing is quite fair and competitive, especially given the unlimited servers offered even at the entry-level.
Watch out: Server hosting costs are separate
Pricing: RunCloud vs Laravel Forge
| Plan | RunCloud | Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $8 Essentials | $12 month Hobby |
| Tier 2 | $15 Pro | $19 month Growth |
| Tier 3 | $45 Business | $39 month Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on RunCloud pricing and Laravel Forge pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: RunCloud
Want the highest-rated option?
RunCloud: 4.1/5 (89 reviews). Laravel Forge: 5.0/5 (8 reviews).
Go with: Laravel Forge
Value user reviews?
RunCloud: 89 reviews (4.1/5). Laravel Forge: 8 reviews (5.0/5).
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?
RunCloud is a cloud & infrastructure tool. Laravel Forge is in DevOps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Laravel Forge is rated higher: 5.0/5 vs 4.1/5.
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 RunCloud or Laravel Forge better?
RunCloud is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are RunCloud and Laravel Forge used for?
RunCloud: Simple yet powerful control panel for cloud servers, no Linux expertise required.. Laravel Forge: Simple server management for PHP and beyond, with one-click provisioning and zero-downtime deployments..
What does RunCloud cost vs Laravel Forge?
RunCloud is a paid tool. Laravel Forge is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.