The Laravel-first CloudPanel alternative
Comparison last updated: · reflects Cipi 5 and current CloudPanel pricing/features
CloudPanel is a solid free, open-source multi-stack panel — but it isn't built for Laravel. Cipi is: automatic Deployer integration, artisan commands, queue workers and webhook-driven zero-downtime deploys, all from a CLI-first workflow on your own Ubuntu VPS. Both are free and self-hosted; Cipi goes deeper on Laravel.
Cipi vs CloudPanel at a glance
| Feature | Cipi | CloudPanel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, forever | Free |
| License | Open source (MIT) | Open source |
| Interface | CLI + REST API + optional GUI | Web GUI + CLI |
| Focus | Laravel-first | Generic multi-stack |
| Laravel-native (Deployer, artisan, queues) | Yes | No |
| Laravel Octane (FrankenPHP) | Yes — CLI native | No |
| Webhook zero-downtime Git deploys | Yes | No |
| AI / MCP server | Dual MCP | No |
| Config encryption at rest (AES-256) | Yes | No |
| Server-to-server sync & failover | Yes | No |
| Node.js / Python / WordPress hosting | Laravel + PHP | Yes |
| PostgreSQL support | Optional | Yes |
Why Laravel teams pick Cipi over CloudPanel
Built for Laravel
Deployer, artisan shortcuts, automatic queue workers and the shared release structure are handled for you — CloudPanel is generic.
CLI-first & pipeline-ready
Every operation is a composable shell command, scriptable in CI/CD and triggerable by webhooks or GitHub Actions.
Webhook zero-downtime deploys
One-command, atomic releases for GitHub & GitLab — designed for Laravel, not bolted on.
AI-native with dual MCP
Per-app and global MCP servers for full AI-driven infrastructure management from any MCP-compatible agent.
Encryption at rest
All configs, tokens and keys are encrypted with AES-256-CBC via the Vault system.
Server sync & failover
Built-in encrypted server-to-server sync enables automated failover replication via cron.
Laravel Octane (FrankenPHP)
Create or convert apps with cipi app create --octane / cipi app convert --to=octane. Run Octane beside classic FPM apps, plus first-class Horizon and Reverb — no SaaS panel required.
Optional PostgreSQL
MariaDB by default; install PostgreSQL with one command and pick an engine per app (cipi db install pgsql).
Install Cipi in one command
Spin up a fresh Ubuntu VPS, then run:
That installs and configures the full production stack — Nginx, PHP-FPM / Laravel Octane, MariaDB, optional PostgreSQL, Redis and Supervisor. See the getting started guide.
Where CloudPanel is the better choice
CloudPanel is a genuinely good, well-maintained option if you need to host a mix of application types — Node.js, Python, WordPress and static sites — on the same server with a polished GUI. If your workload isn't Laravel-only, CloudPanel's multi-stack approach is the more appropriate fit.
How to migrate from CloudPanel to Cipi
Moving from CloudPanel to Cipi is a clean cutover rather than an in-place conversion: you stand up a fresh server next to your current setup, deploy from the same Git repository, and switch DNS when everything checks out. Your Laravel codebase does not need to change.
- Take inventory in CloudPanel. List your sites and cron jobs in CloudPanel, and export your databases with the built-in tools or from the CLI.
- Provision a fresh Ubuntu VPS and install Cipi. Any provider works (Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS). On Ubuntu 24.04/26.04 run
wget -O - https://cipi.sh/setup.sh | bashand the full production stack — Nginx, PHP, MariaDB, Valkey, Supervisor — is configured in minutes. - Recreate each app and connect Git.
cipi app createprovisions an isolated app with its own system user, database, PHP pool and Nginx vhost (add--octanefor Laravel Octane). Connecting GitHub or GitLab configures deploy keys and webhooks automatically for zero-downtime deploys. - Move data and cut over. Import your database dump, copy your
.envvalues, issue HTTPS certificates withcipi ssl install, then point DNS at the new server and retire the old setup.
Cipi uses standard Nginx, PHP-FPM / Laravel Octane and Deployer conventions, so there is no vendor-specific configuration to unwind later. Full details in the getting started guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cipi a good CloudPanel alternative for Laravel?
Yes. Both are free and self-hosted, but CloudPanel is a generic multi-stack panel while Cipi is Laravel-only. Cipi adds Deployer integration, artisan commands, automatic queue workers and webhook-driven zero-downtime deploys designed specifically for Laravel.
What is the difference between Cipi and CloudPanel?
CloudPanel is a GUI-first, open-source panel that hosts PHP, Node.js, Python and static sites. Cipi is a CLI-first, Laravel-focused tool with Deployer, artisan shortcuts, a dual MCP server for AI agents, AES-256 config encryption at rest, and built-in server-to-server sync.
Are both Cipi and CloudPanel free and open source?
Yes. Both are free and self-hosted. Cipi is MIT-licensed and CLI-first with a focus on Laravel; CloudPanel is a generic GUI panel for multiple application stacks.
When should I choose CloudPanel instead of Cipi?
Choose CloudPanel if you need to host a mix of application types — Node.js, Python or WordPress alongside Laravel — and prefer a visual web dashboard over a CLI-first workflow.
Can I migrate from CloudPanel to Cipi?
Yes. Provision a fresh Ubuntu VPS, install Cipi with one command, recreate each site with cipi app create, connect your GitHub or GitLab repository for zero-downtime deploys, import your database dump, then point DNS at the new server. Your Laravel codebase itself needs no changes.
Can Cipi manage multiple servers like CloudPanel?
Yes. The optional self-hosted GUI manages multiple Cipi servers from a single dashboard, and cipi-cli plus the REST API let you script operations across your whole fleet from a laptop or CI pipeline.
