Cloudron is a self-hosted platform for running apps like WordPress and Nextcloud, with automatic updates, backups, and email setup. See pricing and features.
Category
Hosting
Pricing
Freemium, from Free (up to 2 apps); Pro from €15/month
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Founded
2015
Headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Free PlanWeb AppOpen SourceFreemiumSelf-Hosted
Overview
Cloudron is a self-hosted platform for installing and managing web applications on a private server, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The founders met at Nokia in 2012 and built the first prototype at NodeConf 2013 out of their own interest in running private servers.
Unlike SaaS competitors, Cloudron runs entirely on infrastructure the user controls, with the company stating it has no access to the server once the platform is deployed.
Key Features
Cloudron offers a curated catalog of roughly 100-200+ apps, including WordPress, Nextcloud, GitLab, Rocket.Chat, Discourse, and Mastodon, most installable in one click. It automates database provisioning, DNS and TLS certificate setup, automatic app updates, encrypted per-app backups, centralized Single Sign-On (OpenID Connect and LDAP), a built-in firewall, and a full email server with automated DKIM, SPF, and DMARC configuration.
Pricing
Cloudron's plans are billed per server: Free (up to 2 apps), Pro at €15/month (unlimited apps and users on one server), Max at €25/month (adds user groups/roles, a directory server, and multiple backup destinations), and Service Provider at €150/month (unlimited apps and users across up to 10 servers). Priority support is available as an add-on around $720/year.
Key Features
One-click app catalog — Install a curated catalog of 100-200+ apps like WordPress, Nextcloud, and GitLab with one click.
Encrypted per-app backups — Runs periodic encrypted backups for each installed application.
Automated DNS & TLS setup — Configures DNS records and TLS certificates automatically for each app.
Single Sign-On — Centralized user management with SSO via OpenID Connect and LDAP across all apps.
Built-in email server — Fully functional mail server with automated DKIM, SPF, and DMARC configuration.
Built-in firewall — Server-level firewall included as part of the platform for baseline security.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Automates the hardest parts of self-hosting: backups, updates, TLS, DNS, and email deliverability
Large, curated app catalog covering popular open-source tools
Free plan available for testing with up to two apps
Runs on infrastructure fully controlled by the user, with no vendor access to the server
Cons
Requires renting and managing your own VPS or server, which is a separate ongoing cost from the Cloudron subscription
Paid tiers are billed per server, which can add up for organizations running multiple deployments
Advanced features like directory server and multi-site backups require the higher Max tier
Not a fully managed SaaS product, so some server/infrastructure knowledge is still useful
Pricing
Free €0/month N/A
Pro €15/month monthly (annual billing available)
Max €25/month monthly (annual billing available)
Service Provider €150/month monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudron free?
Yes, Cloudron offers a free plan that supports up to two apps on a server; paid plans starting at €15/month unlock unlimited apps.
What apps can I install with Cloudron?
Cloudron's catalog includes roughly 100-200+ apps, including WordPress, Nextcloud, GitLab, Rocket.Chat, Discourse, and Mastodon, most installable in one click.
Does Cloudron handle backups and updates automatically?
Yes, Cloudron automates per-app encrypted backups and automatic app updates.
Do I need my own server to use Cloudron?
Yes, Cloudron is self-hosted software that runs on a VPS or dedicated server that you control; Cloudron itself does not host the server for you.
Where is Cloudron based?
Cloudron was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.