Laravel Forge alternatives
Where to go depends on what is actually pushing you off Forge.
Laravel Forge is a solid product, and if a flat-rate browser dashboard suits you, staying put is a fine choice. Developers usually start looking for a Laravel Forge alternative for one of three reasons: they do not want server credentials held by a hosted service, they would rather pay once than subscribe, or they deploy more than Laravel. Here is an honest look at where to go for each.
We build StackPilot App, so read our pick with that in mind. Not affiliated with Laravel Forge or any other tool here. Last updated 1 July 2026.
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StackPilot App
Our pick for ownershipStackPilot App is a desktop deployment platform. It covers the same core jobs as Laravel Forge (provisioning, deployments, SSL, databases, backups and monitoring), but it connects to your servers over direct SSH from your own machine, so your credentials live in your OS keychain instead of a hosted control plane.
Where it shines- Direct SSH from your machine; credentials never touch a hosted service
- One-time licence: lifetime feature updates within your major version, plus 2 years of security patches
- Multi-framework: Laravel, Symfony, WordPress, Node, Nuxt, Vue, React, Next and static sites
- One-click provisioning on AWS, DigitalOcean and Vultr, and it works with any SSH-reachable Ubuntu or Debian VPS you bring
Keep in mind- Per-machine, single operator today (collaboration is on the roadmap)
- macOS is GA; Windows is in public beta
- No free plan, though there is a refund policy
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Ploi
The closest like-for-like hosted alternative. Ploi is a browser dashboard covering provisioning, deployments, SSL and databases, with a genuinely useful free plan to start on.
Where it shines- Free plan, then low monthly tiers ($10 to $36 per month)
- Familiar Forge-style workflow with responsive support
Keep in mind- Same hosted model as Forge, so your servers connect through its cloud
- Zero-downtime deploys, backups and monitoring come in from the Pro plan
Pick by situation
- You want to own your tooling and keep credentials on your machineStackPilot App
- You want to stay in the browser and start freePloi
- You deploy more than Laravel: Node, Nuxt, Vue, WordPress and moreStackPilot App
- You want unlimited servers on a flat monthly rateStaying with Forge is hard to beat
Frequently asked
What is the best Laravel Forge alternative?
It depends on what is pushing you off Forge. If it is credential custody or subscription fatigue, StackPilot App does the same jobs from a desktop app over direct SSH, with a one-time licence. If you want a cheaper hosted dashboard, Ploi is the closest like-for-like option.
Is there a one-time-payment alternative to Laravel Forge?
Yes. StackPilot App is a one-time licence rather than a subscription, with lifetime feature updates within your major version plus 2 years of security patches. For a steady handful of servers it typically pays for itself within a year or so against a monthly plan.
Is there a free Laravel Forge alternative?
Ploi has a free plan to start on. StackPilot App has no free plan; it is a one-time purchase with a refund policy.
Which alternatives are not limited to Laravel?
StackPilot App deploys Laravel, Symfony, WordPress, Node, Nuxt, Vue, React, Next and static sites, so one licence covers a mixed portfolio of projects.
Do I have to migrate everything at once?
No. StackPilot App can manage a server Forge already runs. Add the same server, mirror a site or two, test a deploy, and only cancel the subscription once you are confident.
A note on accuracy. Details about Laravel Forge (pricing, plans and features) were accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 1 July 2026, and may have changed since. Always check the official site for current information. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will correct it.
Try the ownership route first
StackPilot App connects to any Ubuntu or Debian VPS over SSH, from your own machine. You can add a server Laravel Forge already manages and run both side by side while you decide.