Head-to-head · Self-Hosted App Hosting
Cloudron vs Umbrel
Cloudron leads on 0 checks, Umbrel on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCloudron · 8.5/10
- Free planboth
Cloudron scores higher on our rubric for self-hosted app hosting: 8.5 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Cloudron is the better fit for managing app installs, updates, backups, and access. Umbrel is the better fit for home labs with many one-click apps.
- Cloudron fits best
Managing app installs, updates, backups, and access
- Umbrel fits best
Home labs with many one-click apps
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Side by side
| Feature | Cloudron 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Umbrel 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #4 in Self-Hosted App Hosting | #8 in Self-Hosted App Hosting |
| Best for | Managing app installs, updates, backups, and access | Home labs with many one-click apps |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | €15/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Live chat, Community |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Cloudron 1/2 · Umbrel 1/2 | ||
| Managed app updates | Not checked yet | — |
| Automated backups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| App catalog size | Not checked yet | 300 apps |
| App deployment | Not checked yet | One_click |
| Backup retention | Not checked yet | 365 days |
| Server regions | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Cloudron gives individuals, developers, and teams a dashboard for installing and managing web applications on a server they control. Its app store offers one-click installation, while the platform handles tasks such as database… Read the review → |
For people who want a home cloud they control, Umbrel runs self-hosted apps and files on compatible Intel or AMD hardware, Raspberry Pi systems, or a virtual machine. Its browser interface brings together apps, storage, and household… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Cloudron — where it wins
- One-click app installs with automated DNS and certificate management
- Per-app and full-platform backups support restore and migration
- Centralizes users, roles, app access, and security event auditing
Where it doesn't
- Requires an existing server to install
- Free plan is limited to two apps
- Unlimited apps and app updates require a paid plan
Umbrel — where it wins
- Install apps from a catalog of 300+ options with one click.
- Run on compatible Intel or AMD hardware, Raspberry Pi, or a VM.
- Encrypted automatic backups support full or selected-file restores.
Where it doesn't
- App updates must be reviewed and applied manually.
- Requires your own compatible hardware or a virtual machine.
- Designed for personal home use, not a hosted server service.
- Cloudron8.5/10 · Free plan
A managed layer for self-hosted apps, with one-click installs, updates, backups, and access controls.
Visit CloudronFull verdict → - Umbrel7.8/10 · Free plan
A free home-cloud OS with a broad one-click app catalog and manual updates.
Visit UmbrelFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







