What is CloudLinux?

CloudLinux is a commercial Linux-based operating system built specifically for shared hosting providers. It enhances server stability, security, and performance by isolating each user with Lightweight Virtualized Environments (LVE), preventing one user from affecting others. It also includes a hardened kernel, CageFS for filesystem isolation, SecureLinks for security against symlink attacks, and supports multiple PHP versions, making it ideal for multi-tenant hosting environments.

Key Features of CloudLinux

➔ LVE (Lightweight Virtualized Environment)
Controls CPU, memory, and IO usage per user to prevent any single tenant from overloading the server.

➔ CageFS
Creates a virtualized, isolated filesystem for each user, hiding sensitive server files and improving security.

➔ Hardened Kernel
Uses a customized and secure kernel to prevent common exploits and enhance server stability.

➔ SecureLinks
Protects against symbolic link attacks, a common security threat in shared hosting environments.

➔ PHP Selector
Allows users to choose from multiple PHP versions and customize PHP modules per account easily.

➔ MySQL Governor
Monitors and limits MySQL resource usage per user, avoiding slowdowns caused by heavy database queries.

➔ OptimumCache
Accelerates website loading by caching frequently accessed files and reducing disk I/O operations.

➔ Resource Allocation
Dynamic and fine-grained allocation of CPU, memory, entry processes, and I/O limits for individual accounts.

➔ Compatibility with Control Panels
Seamless integration with cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin hosting control panels.

➔ Extended Lifecycle Support
Offers longer support periods even after the underlying CentOS/RHEL versions reach end-of-life.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux operating system developed by Canonical, designed for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. It focuses on ease of use, stability, and security, making it popular among beginners, developers, and enterprises. Ubuntu offers predictable release cycles, extensive hardware compatibility, and built-in tools like AppArmor for security, while also providing strong community and professional support options.

Key Features of Ubuntu

➔ Open Source and Free
Completely free to download, use, and modify, with source code openly available.

➔ Regular and Predictable Release Cycles
Offers Long-Term Support (LTS) releases every two years, supported for five years, ensuring stability.

➔ Wide Hardware Compatibility
Supports a broad range of desktops, laptops, and servers, including the latest hardware.

➔ Strong Security
Includes built-in AppArmor for application confinement, automatic security updates, and frequent patches.

➔ Snap Package Support
Provides Snap packages for easier application installation and updates across different systems.

➔ Cloud and Server Ready
Optimized images available for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and OpenStack deployments.

➔ User-Friendly Interface
Features a clean and intuitive GNOME desktop environment, suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

➔ Extensive Software Repository
Massive library of precompiled software accessible via APT package management.

➔ Excellent Community and Commercial Support
Vast community forums, plus optional professional support through Canonical’s Ubuntu Advantage plans.

➔ Strong Developer Focus
Includes built-in support for development stacks like Python, Ruby, Go, Node.js, and container tools like Docker and LXD.

CloudLinux is like a fortress built for shared hosting — it locks each user into their own lightweight, secure environment using LVE and CageFS, making sure no one hogs the server’s resources or compromises security, but it comes with a commercial license. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is your all-rounder — a free, open-source powerhouse from Canonical that's perfect for everything from personal desktops to massive cloud deployments, offering strong security with AppArmor, smooth hardware compatibility, and a massive software ecosystem, making it a favorite for developers, enterprises, and cloud builders alike.

#1 Key Differences between CloudLinux and Ubuntu

2.1 Purpose and Audience

Ubuntu is your all-rounder Linux — perfect for setting up desktops, running powerful servers, launching cloud infrastructure, or building development environments, offering unmatched flexibility across every role.
CloudLinux is laser-focused — tailor-made for shared hosting providers, it’s built to boost server stability, lock down security, and create safe, isolated spaces for every user on a multi-tenant server.

Ubuntu is ideal for anyone needing a versatile Linux platform, while CloudLinux is perfect when secure and stable shared hosting is the goal.

2.2 Resource Isolation

Ubuntu hands you the tools but not the locks — if you want user isolation, you’ll have to manually set it up using Docker, LXD, or virtualization layers like KVM; it gives you freedom but demands sysadmin skills.
CloudLinux does the heavy lifting for you — its LVE Manager is built-in and ready, automatically isolating CPU, RAM, and IO for each user so that no one user can slow down or destabilize the entire server.

CloudLinux offers instant, automated resource isolation, while Ubuntu gives you flexibility but expects you to build it yourself.

2.3 Kernel and Security

Ubuntu sticks to the trusted lane — it runs a standard Linux kernel with Canonical’s patches and uses AppArmor to tightly confine applications, boosting security without adding complexity.
CloudLinux turns the server into a fortress — it comes with a customized hardened kernel, deploys CageFS to isolate user environments, shields against symlink attacks with SecureLinks, and even offers multiple hardened PHP versions to safely run older web apps.

CloudLinux takes server security to the next level with deep, proactive hardening, while Ubuntu delivers solid, balanced protection with easy-to-manage tools.

2.4 Licensing and Cost

Ubuntu lets you dive in for free — it’s fully open-source, and you only pay if you want premium support through Canonical’s service plans, making it super budget-friendly for individuals and businesses alike.
CloudLinux runs on a commercial track — you’ll need to buy a paid license for every server to access its advanced features like LVE, CageFS, and kernel hardening, designed especially for hosting providers who need guaranteed performance and security.

Ubuntu offers free access with optional paid support, while CloudLinux requires a paid license to unleash its specialized hosting capabilities.

2.5 Software Management

Ubuntu runs on the power of APT — its package manager makes installing, updating, and securing software a breeze with .deb packages, supported by a huge and reliable repository that covers everything from servers to cloud apps.
CloudLinux, staying true to its enterprise hosting roots, uses YUM/DNF to manage .rpm packages, aligning perfectly with the Red Hat and CentOS ecosystem to ensure rock-solid stability for hosting environments.

Ubuntu uses APT and .deb packages for massive software variety, while CloudLinux uses YUM/DNF with .rpm packages for enterprise-grade stability.

2.6 Use Case

Ubuntu is designed for flexibility — it fits perfectly whether you are setting up a personal desktop, deploying servers, running cloud applications, or building enterprise-level infrastructure, giving you a reliable foundation across all environments.
CloudLinux is purpose-driven — it is crafted specifically for shared hosting providers who need consistent server performance, strict user isolation, and enhanced security for multi-tenant systems.

Ubuntu is ideal for users who need a versatile and stable operating system across different platforms, while CloudLinux is perfect for hosting providers who prioritize server stability, user isolation, and security.