Software Alternatives & Startups

Proton VS CloudLinux

Compare Proton VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

Proton

Compatibility tool for Steam Play based on Wine and additional components

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Proton seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 4 times since March 2021.

social mentions
4 vs 0
Group Chat & Notifications popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

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

Proton
CloudLinux
Website github.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Proton 5 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Improved Game Compatibility
    Proton allows Windows games to be played on Linux, significantly increasing the library of games available for Linux users.
  • Integrated with Steam
    Since it is developed by Valve, Proton is seamlessly integrated into the Steam client, making it easy for users to run games without complicated configurations.
  • Open Source
    Proton is open-source, allowing the community to contribute to its development and quickly address bugs or issues.
  • Regular Updates
    Proton is frequently updated to support more games and improve performance and compatibility with existing titles.
  • Performance Optimization
    Proton includes performance optimizations that can sometimes result in Windows games running better on Linux through Proton than they do natively on Windows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Inconsistent Game Support
    Not all Windows games work perfectly with Proton, and some may have performance issues or not run at all on Linux.
  • Limited Support for Anti-Cheat Systems
    Many anti-cheat systems used in multiplayer games are not compatible with Proton, preventing some games from being playable online.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running some games through Proton can be more resource-intensive than running them natively, possibly requiring more powerful hardware.
  • Dependency on Steam
    Proton is tied to the Steam ecosystem, which may not be ideal for users who prefer other distribution platforms or DRM-free games.
  • Complex Troubleshooting
    When issues arise, troubleshooting can be complex and may require technical knowledge, especially when dealing with compatibility problems.
  • 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.

Proton
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • Proton is generally considered a good choice for individuals and organizations that prioritize privacy and security. Its strong encryption, transparency, and adherence to open-source principles make it a reliable option for those seeking secure communication tools.

Why this product is good

  • Proton (github.com) is favored for its emphasis on privacy and security. It offers services like encrypted email and calendar, ensuring that user data is protected. The platform is built by a team with strong credentials in security, and it utilizes end-to-end encryption to safeguard information. Additionally, Proton's commitment to transparency and open-source development allows the community to audit and verify its security claims.

Recommended for

  • Privacy-conscious individuals
  • Organizations needing secure communication
  • Users who prefer open-source software
  • Those interested in services with strong encryption

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.

Proton 3 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

Proton Iriz 2017 Review Indonesia | OtoDriver

More videos

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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
Proton
CloudLinux
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Proton and CloudLinux. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

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

Proton no reviews yet
CloudLinux no reviews yet
  • 15 Lutris Alternatives

    Because of a compatibility layer called Proton, Linux users can now play games made for Windows in the first place. The program comes with patches and libraries that can create a wide range of Windows games that run...

We have no reviews of CloudLinux yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Proton 4 mentions
CloudLinux 0 mentions
  • Steam Machine
    I would be extraordinarily surprised if this were true. Let's be real: This is going to be a tiny volume product. Big for Linux gaming, but tiny in the grand scheme of things. Certainly minuscule compared to Windows gaming, or the PS4/5.... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • WSL 2 is getting faster Windows file system access
    Proton is a tool Valve made, based on Wine, to easily run Windows games, on Linux [0]. GP meant Proton. [0]: https://github.com/valvesoftware/proton. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Steam on Linux Use Skyrocketed Above 5% in March
    Proton is a modified version of Wine. https://github.com/valvesoftware/proton "Proton is a tool for use with the Steam client which allows games which are exclusive to Windows to run on the Linux operating system. It uses Wine to... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago

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Tracking CloudLinux since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Proton and CloudLinux

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