# ServerPilot alternative for PHP hosting

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


## About ServerPilot

ServerPilot is a server management service for PHP apps, from the company behind EarlyDog. It installs and updates Nginx, PHP and MySQL on a server at a cloud provider, and gives each app its own system user. Plans start at $5 per server plus $0.50 per app a month, billed hourly.

## Why not ServerPilot?

ServerPilot keeps the stack patched and stops there. There is no built-in Git deploy: its docs use GitHub Actions with rsync. Cron jobs are set with `crontab -e` over SSH, and backups are server snapshots or a tool installed as root.

## Why fortrabbit

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

## ServerPilot and fortrabbit

| Feature | ServerPilot | fortrabbit |
| -- | -- | -- |
| Unit | Server you rent | Managed app |
| Bills | Panel and server | One |
| Deploys | Own scripts | git push, build commands |
| Cron jobs | `crontab -e` | Dashboard |
| Workers | DIY | Jobs component |
| Backups | Snapshots, DIY | Component |

## FAQ

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

**For one app** — ServerPilot Economy costs $5 per server plus $0.50 per app a month, and the cloud provider bills the server separately. A fortrabbit app with MySQL starts at about €5 a month, both in one bill.

### Does fortrabbit deploy from Git?

**Yes** — Every app deploys with git push and runs Composer and npm in the build. ServerPilot's docs suggest GitHub Actions with rsync for deploys.

### Are backups included on fortrabbit?

**As a component** — Backups are a component of every environment, stored off-site. ServerPilot points to server snapshots at the cloud provider or AutoMySQLBackup.

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