# RunCloud alternative for PHP hosting

Source: https://www.fortrabbit.com/alternatives/runcloud
Published: 2026-10-31
Updated: 2026-10-31


## About RunCloud

RunCloud is a server management panel from Malaysia. It connects to a server at a cloud provider and installs the web server, PHP and the database, then handles web apps, Git deployment with a script, cron jobs, Supervisor workers and backups from one dashboard. Its DNS Manager edits records in a connected Cloudflare account.

## Why not RunCloud?

RunCloud manages the server, but the server stays a separate product with a separate bill and a size to pick. Root-level packages, disk space and the capacity during a traffic spike are decisions for the customer.

For an agency with many WordPress sites on a few servers, that model works. For one PHP app, it means two subscriptions and a server to watch.

## Why fortrabbit

fortrabbit hosts PHP apps, not servers. Git push deploys, Composer and npm in the build, MySQL as a component, and cron jobs and workers as settings. One bill covers the runtime, MySQL and the infrastructure.

## RunCloud and fortrabbit

| Feature | RunCloud | fortrabbit |
| -- | -- | -- |
| Unit | Server you rent | Managed app |
| Bills | Panel and server | One |
| Web server | Nginx, optional Apache | Apache |
| Deploys | Git with a script | git push, build commands |
| Workers | Supervisor | Jobs component |
| Server capacity | Yours to size | Components per app |

## FAQ

### Is fortrabbit cheaper than RunCloud plus a server?

**For small apps** — RunCloud is a subscription on top of the server, which the cloud provider bills separately. A fortrabbit app with MySQL starts at about €5 a month, both in one bill.

### Do queue workers and cron jobs run on fortrabbit?

**Yes** — Workers and crons run as jobs next to the web app, configured in the dashboard, much like Supervisor jobs and cron jobs on RunCloud.

### Can custom Nginx rules move?

**As .htaccess** — fortrabbit runs Apache. Rewrite rules move into .htaccess.

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- [Migrate from RunCloud](/migrate/from-runcloud)
- [How to choose](/alternatives/how-to-choose-php-hosting)