Side by side

Apache CloudStack vs Cloudforet

Both stand on cloud management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache CloudStack

Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Apache CloudStack combines cloud deployment and management with broad hypervisor, storage, and access options. Its self-hosted model and operator security responsibilities are important considerations.

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Cloudforet

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

Cloudforet brings cloud inventory, cost tools, incident features, and access controls into one self-hosted platform. Its installation guidance is explicitly for developers, so production deployment requires a different path.

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The facts

	Apache CloudStack	Cloudforet
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Runs on	API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	2
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	cloudstack.apache.org	cloudforet.io
On cloud management software	#1 of 35	#3 of 35

Apache CloudStack: what it does well

Free, open-source software
Supports public, private, and hybrid clouds
Offers web, command-line, and API management
Supports multiple hypervisors
LTS releases receive 18 months of fixes

What to know first

Operators are responsible for key security protections
LTS fix period is 18 months

Cloudforet: what it does well

Open-source platform with a free self-hosted plan.
Inventory plugins scan resources across connected cloud accounts.
Billing analysis, resource optimization, and budget management are listed.
Supports AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud service plugins.
Open APIs and plugin architecture support extensions.

What to know first

The Minikube installation guide is not for production.
The documented installation guide is developer-oriented.

Alternatives to Apache CloudStack Alternatives to Cloudforet The whole list