Software Alternatives & Startups

SmartFTP VS CloudLinux

Compare SmartFTP VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

SmartFTP

. Backblaze B2, Google Drive, OneDrive, SSH, Terminal client. It allows you to transfer files between your local computer and a server on the Internet.

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.

SFT
SmartFTP
CloudLinux
Website smartftp.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SFT
SmartFTP 6 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • User-friendly Interface
    SmartFTP boasts a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and utilize its features efficiently.
  • Wide Protocol Support
    The software supports multiple protocols including FTP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and S3, allowing users to connect to a variety of servers with ease.
  • Advanced Transfer Queue
    SmartFTP allows users to manage and schedule multiple file transfers seamlessly, with capabilities such as pause, resume, and auto-retry.
  • High Security Standards
    With features like encryption, FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), SmartFTP ensures secure data transmission.
  • Remote File Editing
    The software includes a built-in text editor that allows users to edit remote files without the need to download them.
  • Integration with External Tools
    SmartFTP integrates well with a range of external tools and programs, such as integrated terminal window, which adds to its flexibility and functionality.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Unlike some free FTP clients, SmartFTP requires a paid license, which can be a drawback for users looking for a free solution.
  • Complex Features for Beginners
    Although the interface is user-friendly, some advanced features can be overwhelming for beginners who might not need all the functionalities.
  • Windows Only
    SmartFTP is only available for Windows operating systems, limiting its use for those who use macOS or Linux.
  • Limited Free Trial
    The free trial period is limited, which may not provide enough time for users to thoroughly evaluate all the features before committing to a purchase.
  • Resource Intensive
    Some users have reported that the software can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down other processes on less powerful machines.
  • 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.

SFT
SmartFTP
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • SmartFTP is well-regarded and frequently recommended for both individuals and companies that require a dependable FTP client. Its rich feature set, coupled with enhanced security measures, makes it a strong choice for professional use.

Why this product is good

  • SmartFTP is a reliable and efficient FTP client popular among professionals for its robust features and ease of use. It supports a wide range of protocols, including FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV. It also provides strong security features, customizability, and automation tools for seamless file transfers. Its interface is user-friendly, supporting advanced users with features like file management and scheduling.

Recommended for

    SmartFTP is recommended for web developers, system administrators, and businesses that need to manage file transfers securely and efficiently. It's suited for users who regularly work with remote file exchange and require a tool with advanced features and automation capabilities.

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.

SFT
SmartFTP 2 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

Cómo usar SmartFTP o SFTP

More videos

  • - How to obtain SmartFTP

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
SFT
SmartFTP
CloudLinux
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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

Log in or Post with

Alternatives to SmartFTP and CloudLinux

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