Software Alternatives & Startups

Borg Backup VS CloudLinux

Compare Borg Backup VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

Borg Backup

Deduplicating backup program with compression and authenticated encryption

Rating
0 reviews
CloudLinux

Making Linux secure, stable, and profitable for thousands of hosting providers and data centers worldwide.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Borg Backup
CloudLinux
Website borgbackup.org cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Borg Backup 6 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Deduplication
    Borg Backup uses content-based deduplication, which saves space by storing only unique pieces of data. This effectively reduces the storage needed for backups, especially if there are many similar files.
  • Compression
    Borg supports multiple compression algorithms such as zlib and LZMA, allowing users to choose the level of compression that fits their needs and further reduce storage requirements for backups.
  • Encryption
    Borg provides strong encryption using AES256, ensuring that all backup data is securely protected from unauthorized access.
  • Performance
    Borg is designed for speed and efficiency, handling large datasets and producing backups quickly while minimizing resource usage.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Borg is free to use and can be audited for security and reliability by anyone, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
  • Cross-Platform
    Borg Backup can be used on various operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows (via WSL), making it versatile for different environments.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complexity
    Borg Backup can be complex to set up and requires a good understanding of command-line operations and backup strategies, which could be challenging for non-technical users.
  • Resource Intensive
    During backup operation, Borg can be resource-intensive, especially CPU-bound during deduplication and compression, which may affect system performance.
  • Limited Front-End Tools
    While powerful, Borg lacks a wide range of GUI tools, which limits its appeal to users who prefer graphical interfaces for managing backups.
  • No Built-in Cloud Integration
    Borg does not have built-in support for cloud storage services, meaning users will need to handle cloud integration manually, which can complicate workflows.
  • Lack of Incremental Restore
    Borg lacks a native incremental restore feature, necessitating restoration of the entire snapshot which may not be efficient for all use cases.
  • Enhanced Server Stability
    CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
  • Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
    CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
  • Resource Limit Management
    Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
  • CageFS File System Virtualization
    CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
  • Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
    CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Additional Licensing Cost
    CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
    CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
  • Learning Curve for Configuration
    While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
  • Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
    Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Borg Backup
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • Borg Backup is a strong choice for those seeking a robust, reliable, and secure backup tool. Its features make it particularly suitable for environments where data integrity and storage efficiency are priorities.

Why this product is good

  • Borg Backup is often regarded as a reliable and efficient backup solution due to its advanced features, such as de-duplication, compression, and encryption. It is appreciated for its focus on speed and security, allowing users to effortlessly back up data while minimizing storage costs. The open-source community actively maintains it, ensuring regular updates and improvements.

Recommended for

  • Users in need of secure, encrypted backups
  • Administrators who manage large datasets and want efficient storage
  • Developers and tech-savvy individuals comfortable with command-line tools
  • Open-source enthusiasts who prefer actively maintained projects

Overall verdict

  • CloudLinux is a well-regarded, mature Linux OS distribution and toolset specifically designed for shared hosting and multi-tenant server environments, offering strong isolation, resource management, and security features that make it a solid choice for hosting providers.

Why this product is good

  • Provides LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology for per-tenant resource isolation, preventing 'bad neighbor' effects on shared servers
  • Enhances server stability and security by isolating users so that one account's issues (crashes, resource spikes) don't affect others
  • Offers extended lifecycle support (longer than standard CentOS/RHEL support windows), which is valuable for legacy systems
  • Includes tools like CloudLinux OS Shield, Imunify360 integration, and hardened kernel options for improved security
  • Compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk, making it easy to integrate into existing hosting stacks
  • Backed by an established company with a long track record in the hosting industry and responsive support
  • Offers granular control over CPU, memory, I/O, and other resources per user account
  • Provides PHP Selector and multiple PHP version support, useful for hosting providers serving diverse client needs

Recommended for

  • Web hosting companies running shared or reseller hosting environments
  • Hosting providers needing to isolate customer accounts on the same physical server
  • Businesses requiring extended OS support lifecycles beyond standard RHEL/CentOS EOL dates
  • Enterprises using cPanel or Plesk that want tighter security and resource control
  • Hosting companies looking to reduce support tickets caused by noisy-neighbor resource contention
  • IT teams managing multi-tenant infrastructure who need governance and monitoring tools built into the OS layer

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Borg Backup 2 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

The Borg Backup Project by Manuel Riel

More videos

  • - Thomas Waldmann: Attic / Borg Backup

When To Use Cloudlinux On Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)

More videos

  • - CloudLinux OS+ in a minute: Explore Features
  • - How CloudLinux Plans to Keep CentOS 6 Alive

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Borg Backup
CloudLinux
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Alternatives to Borg Backup and CloudLinux

When comparing Borg Backup and CloudLinux, you can also consider the following products.