DeployHQ vs Laravel Forge
Deploy to any server, not just ones provisioned by Forge. DeployHQ works with your existing servers via FTP, SFTP, SSH, and more — with multi-repo support and one-click rollbacks.
Feature Comparison
A side-by-side look at what each platform offers.
| Feature | DeployHQ | Laravel Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy to any server | ✓ | Forge-managed only |
| FTP/SFTP deployment | ✓ | ✗ |
| SSH deployment | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-click rollback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turbo deployments | ✓ | Via Envoyer |
| Multi-repo projects | ✓ | ✗ |
| Deploy behind firewalls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Build pipelines | ✓ | Deploy scripts |
| Server provisioning | ✗ | ✓ |
| SSL management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Database management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Framework agnostic | ✓ | PHP-focused |
Where DeployHQ Wins
Key advantages that set DeployHQ apart.
Deployment Targets
DeployHQ works with any server — not just ones provisioned by Forge. Use your existing hosting, shared hosting, or any server you can connect to via FTP, SFTP, or SSH.
One-Click Rollback
Roll back to any previous deployment instantly with a single click. Forge supports rollback through its Deployments panel, but DeployHQ makes it even simpler with a dedicated one-click interface across all deployment protocols.
Framework Agnostic
Deploy any type of project — PHP, Node.js, Python, Ruby, static sites, or anything else. Forge is designed primarily for PHP and Laravel applications.
Multi-Repo Support
Deploy multiple repositories to different paths on the same server. Forge links one repository per site.
Detailed Comparison
Different Tools for Different Jobs
Laravel Forge is primarily a server provisioning tool — it sets up and manages servers for you, with deployment as an additional feature. DeployHQ is purely a deployment tool — it takes code from your Git repository and deploys it to your server. If you need server provisioning, Forge is valuable. If you already have servers and just need reliable deployments, DeployHQ is the better choice.
Deployment Protocol Support
DeployHQ supports a wide range of deployment protocols including FTP, SFTP, SSH/RSYNC, Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, and more. This means it works with shared hosting, legacy servers, and cloud storage — not just SSH-accessible servers.
Zero-Downtime Deployments
Both DeployHQ and Forge support zero-downtime deployments for single-server setups. Forge uses a release-based strategy with symlink switching. For multi-server zero-downtime deployments, Forge requires a separate Envoyer subscription, while DeployHQ handles it natively with deployment zones.
Who Should Use What?
Best for deploying to existing servers
- You already have servers set up
- You need FTP/SFTP deployment support
- You deploy non-Laravel projects too
- You want built-in rollbacks and zero-downtime deploys
Best for provisioning new Laravel servers
- You need server provisioning
- You work exclusively with Laravel
- You want managed SSL and databases
- You prefer the Laravel ecosystem
Already Have a Server? Deploy to It Now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DeployHQ and Laravel Forge?
DeployHQ is a deployment tool that sends your code to any server via FTP, SFTP, SSH, S3, and other protocols. Laravel Forge is a server provisioning and management tool specifically designed for PHP/Laravel applications that also includes deployment capabilities for servers it manages.
Can DeployHQ deploy Laravel applications?
Yes. DeployHQ can deploy any PHP or Laravel application to any server. You can run build commands like composer install and npm run build, configure environment-specific settings, and deploy via SSH or SFTP.
Do I need Laravel Forge if I already have a server?
No. If you already have a server configured, DeployHQ can deploy directly to it without needing Forge to provision it. DeployHQ works with any existing server regardless of how it was set up.
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