Software Alternatives & Startups

ExpressVPN VS CloudLinux

Compare ExpressVPN VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the worlds fastest VPN service.

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
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Base details

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

ExpressVPN
CloudLinux
Website expressvpn.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing β€”
Open source
Company Startup from British Virgin Islands β€”
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

ExpressVPN 6 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • High Speed
    ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest connection speeds available in the VPN market, which is ideal for activities like streaming and gaming.
  • Wide Server Network
    With servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides extensive global coverage, allowing users to access content from a wide range of locations.
  • Strong Security
    ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered military-grade, along with other security protocols to ensure user data remains secure.
  • No-Logs Policy
    The company has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited to verify that user activities are not tracked or stored.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a good option for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Reliable Customer Support
    24/7 customer support through live chat and email ensures that any issues or questions can be resolved quickly.

Possible disadvantages

  • Price
    ExpressVPN is relatively expensive compared to other VPN providers, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
  • Limited Simultaneous Connections
    Only allows up to 5 simultaneous device connections per subscription, which may not be sufficient for users with multiple devices.
  • No Free Trial
    ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial. While they do provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, some users prefer to try a service without any financial commitment.
  • 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.

ExpressVPN
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • ExpressVPN is widely regarded as a reliable and effective VPN service.

Why this product is good

  • ExpressVPN is praised for its extensive server network, high-speed connections, strong security features, and user-friendly applications. It employs AES-256 encryption, offers a no-logs policy, and includes split tunneling, a kill switch, and support for various devices, which enhances user privacy and data security. It also provides good customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize security and privacy.
  • Those who need access to a wide range of global server locations.
  • Streamers looking to bypass geo-restrictions on content.
  • Individuals seeking a user-friendly and reliable VPN for browsing, downloading, and online gaming.

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.

ExpressVPN 6 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

ExpressVPN review: Is it worth your money?

More videos

  • - ExpressVPN Review 2020 - What Other Reviewers Don't TELL YOU!
  • - ExpressVPN Review 2019 - MOST HONEST REVIEW ON YOUTUBE!
  • - ExpressVPN Review 2022: How to get HIGHEST Speed??
  • - ExpressVPN Review 2022: Pros & Cons - Unbiased VPN Review
  • - ExpressVPN Review 2022 πŸ”₯ Everything you need to know on Express VPN

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
ExpressVPN
CloudLinux
100% 100%
VPN
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

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CloudLinux no reviews yet

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