Server Compass icon

Server Compass

Server Compass is a local desktop app for deploying and managing apps on your VPS over SSH, with templates, repo deploys, SSL, rollbacks, cron jobs, backups, and monitoring.

Server Compass

Desktop deployment and server management for your own VPS

Server Compass is a desktop app for deploying and managing apps on your own VPS over SSH, with a workflow aimed at people who want PaaS-style convenience without moving off their infrastructure. It runs locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux and is positioned as a way to deploy to an existing server without opening a terminal for every task.

The product focuses on one-click deployments, templates, GitHub and GitLab repository connections, automatic SSL, rollbacks, previews, cron jobs, backups, and basic server management. The pricing page also shows a free tier and one-time paid licenses, with the installed software continuing to work after the first 12 months even if updates pause.

Core features

Docker stack wizard

Deploy Docker stacks from a guided wizard, pick a source, configure settings, and complete the deployment in a few steps.

Template-based deployment

Start from 428+ self-hosted app and service templates, including databases, CMS tools, automation apps, and monitoring tools.

GitHub deployment and auto-deploy

Connect a GitHub repository with OAuth and deploy from branches with build settings and auto-deploy options.

Domain and SSL automation

Attach domains and handle SSL through the built-in reverse proxy, with automatic certificate issuance and renewal.

Server access and debugging tools

Use the built-in SSH terminal, file browser, and live logs to inspect servers and troubleshoot without leaving the app.

Operations in one local app

Manage secrets, cron jobs, backups, and monitoring from the desktop app, including encrypted env storage and server health widgets.

Common use cases

  • Deploy apps from a desktop workflow

    Use the desktop app to deploy a repo or template to a VPS without doing every step manually in a terminal. This fits developers who want a guided workflow for routine launches and updates.

  • Run a PaaS-like setup on your VPS

    Set up domains, SSL certificates, rollbacks, logs, and cron jobs in one place for a production app on your own server. The source frames this as a way to get more of a PaaS experience while keeping control of the infrastructure.

  • Trial the product before paying

    Start with the free tier to validate the workflow on a small server, then upgrade if you need unlimited deployments, domains, cron jobs, and more advanced provisioning.

  • Share the tool across several machines

    Use the team-oriented license packs when the same workflow needs to be installed on multiple devices, such as a solo builder moving between machines, a small studio, or an agency team.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Runs as a local desktop app, so nothing is installed on the server beyond what deployments need.
  • Supports one-click deployments, templates, and GitHub/GitLab-based workflows for common app setups.
  • Includes operational tools such as logs, rollbacks, SSL, cron jobs, secrets, backups, and monitoring.
  • Pricing is one-time rather than subscription-based, and the source says the installed version keeps working after 12 months.

Cons

  • The source does not provide a complete list of supported platforms, deployment targets, or third-party integrations.
  • The workflow is centered on SSH-connected VPS management, so it is not a hosted PaaS service.

FAQ

Is there a free tier?

Yes. The free version includes 1 server, 1 deployment, 1 domain, 5 cron jobs, and 20 saved command logs, so you can try the workflow before upgrading.

Do I lose access after the first 12 months?

No. The installed version continues to work after 12 months; only auto-updates pause until you renew the license window.

Can I move my license to another computer?

Yes. The pricing page says you can deactivate a device and reactivate the license on another machine at any time.

Does it install software on my VPS?

Server Compass connects over SSH and focuses on deploy-time automation, while the desktop app itself runs locally. The source says nothing is installed on the server.

What integrations are supported?

The source shows support for GitHub and GitLab deployments, Docker stacks, templates, GitHub Actions integration, and managed domains, SSL, logs, and cron jobs. It does not provide a full integrations list beyond those items.

Quick Facts

Category
Developer Tool
Platform
macOS, Windows, Linux
Primary workflow
Deploy and manage apps on your own VPS over SSH
Pricing model
Free tier available; one-time paid licenses
Notable capabilities
Templates, GitHub/GitLab deploys, SSL automation, rollbacks, logs, cron jobs
Source domain
servercompass.app