What is CloudLinux?

CloudLinux is a commercial Linux distribution designed specifically for web hosting providers. It improves server stability, security, and performance by isolating each user in a Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE), which limits their resource usage (CPU, RAM, IO). It includes features like CageFS for user isolation, MySQL Governor for database control, PHP Selector for multiple PHP versions, and KernelCare for live kernel patching without rebooting. CloudLinux is ideal for shared hosting environments where multiple customers share the same server. 

Key Features of cloudlinux

➔ LVE Manager (Lightweight Virtual Environment)

1. Controls and limits CPU, memory, IO, and process usage per user to ensure server stability.

➔ CageFS

1. Provides a fully isolated file system for each user, enhancing security and privacy.

➔ MySQL Governor

1. Regulates MySQL database queries per user to prevent database abuse and server slowdowns.

➔ PHP Selector

1. Allows customers to choose from multiple PHP versions and configure PHP extensions as needed.

➔ Hardened Kernel with SecureLinks

1. Custom kernel with advanced hardening and protection against symlink attacks and local privilege escalations.

➔ KernelCare Integration

1. Enables live kernel updates without rebooting the server, minimizing downtime and enhancing security.

➔ Python and Ruby Selector

1. Lets users select their preferred Python or Ruby versions and install modules easily.

➔ Mod_lsapi Support

1. Provides faster and more secure PHP execution using LiteSpeed’s API for Apache servers.

➔ OptimumCache

1. Speeds up website performance by caching frequently accessed files in RAM.

➔ Fault Isolation

1. If one user’s site or app crashes or overloads, it does not affect other users on the same server.

What is AlmaLinux?

AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, enterprise-grade Linux operating system that is binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was created by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation as a replacement for CentOS after CentOS shifted to CentOS Stream. AlmaLinux is designed for businesses, cloud providers, and data centers that need a stable, long-term supported server platform without licensing costs.

Key features of AmlaLinux 

➔ RHEL Compatibility

1. 1:1 binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

➔ Free and Open-Source

1. No licensing fees, maintained by a non-profit foundation.

➔ Long-Term Support

1. Each release gets 10 years of security updates and maintenance.

➔ Cloud and Hosting Ready

1. Runs smoothly on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and supports panels like cPanel.

➔ Easy Migration and Stability

1. Simple tools for CentOS migration and enterprise-grade stability for production servers.

CloudLinux is a paid Linux OS built for shared hosting, offering user isolation, resource limits, and security enhancements like CageFS and KernelCare. AlmaLinux is a free, community-driven, RHEL-compatible OS designed for general-purpose servers, delivering enterprise-grade stability with 10 years of support. In short, CloudLinux suits hosting providers, while AlmaLinux fits businesses needing a stable, no-cost server platform.

#1 Key Similarities between Cloud Linux and AlmaLinux

➔ RHEL Compatibility

1. Both are compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) at the core level.

➔ Enterprise Stability

1. Both focus on delivering stable, secure, and production-ready server operating systems.

➔ Cloud and Hosting Friendly

1. Both work well on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and support control panels like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.

#1 Key Differences between Cloud Linux and AlmaLinux

2.1 Purpose and Target Use

CloudLinux is purpose-built for shared hosting servers, where isolating users, controlling resource hogs, and maximizing uptime are absolutely critical for smooth multi-tenant operations.
AlmaLinux steps in as a rock-solid, enterprise-grade operating system, perfectly suited for businesses, cloud deployments, and data centers that need a stable, no-cost replacement for CentOS.

➔ CloudLinux secures and optimizes shared hosting, while AlmaLinux powers general-purpose enterprise infrastructure.

2.2 Licensing and Cost

CloudLinux runs on a paid licensing model, meaning each server needs its own subscription — but in return, you get specialized hosting features built right into the OS.
AlmaLinux is completely free and open-source, giving you full enterprise-grade capabilities without ever asking for a license fee or subscription.

➔ CloudLinux comes with premium hosting features at a cost, while AlmaLinux delivers enterprise stability for free.

2.3 Kernel and Updates

CloudLinux runs on a custom-hardened kernel engineered for high-density hosting, user isolation, and real-time security enhancements — built to handle the chaos of shared environments smoothly.
AlmaLinux sticks closely to Red Hat’s rhythm, tracking and rebuilding the RHEL source code to deliver predictable updates and enterprise-grade stability without any hosting-specific tweaks.

➔ CloudLinux customizes its kernel for hosting performance and security, while AlmaLinux mirrors RHEL for traditional enterprise consistency.

2.4 Key Features

CloudLinux packs a hosting powerhouse — offering LVE Manager to control user resources, CageFS for airtight user isolation, PHP Selector for multi-version flexibility, MySQL Governor to tame heavy databases, and KernelCare for reboot-free security patching.
AlmaLinux keeps it clean and pure — delivering 1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL, providing a rock-solid enterprise foundation without adding extra hosting-specific tools.

➔ CloudLinux is loaded with hosting-centric enhancements, while AlmaLinux offers a pure, stable RHEL-like experience without extra layers. 

2.5 Control Panel Integration

CloudLinux works hand-in-glove with top hosting panels like cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin — unlocking powerful features like per-user resource limits, CageFS protection, and dynamic PHP versioning directly inside the panel interface.
AlmaLinux fully supports cPanel, Plesk, and others out-of-the-box too, but it behaves like a standard enterprise OS — you won’t get multi-tenant controls or hosting tweaks unless you add extra tools manually.

➔ CloudLinux supercharges control panels for hosting, while AlmaLinux provides standard, panel-friendly support without built-in tenant management.

2.6 Use Case

CloudLinux is a dream come true for shared hosting providers, reseller platforms, and anyone managing busy multi-tenant servers where uptime, user isolation, and strict resource controls are non-negotiable.
AlmaLinux shines as the go-to choice for general-purpose servers, corporate IT infrastructure, cloud deployments, and businesses looking for a CentOS replacement without needing hosting-specific modifications.

➔ CloudLinux is tailor-made for hosting environments, while AlmaLinux is built for universal server and enterprise deployments.