CloudLinux vs LiteSpeed: What are the differences?

Introduction

CloudLinux and LiteSpeed are two popular technologies used in web hosting environments. While both can enhance server performance and security, there are several key differences between them.

1. Resource Allocation: CloudLinux is primarily focused on resource allocation. It allows hosting providers to allocate specific resources (such as CPU, RAM, and I/O) to individual user accounts, ensuring fair and stable performance. On the other hand, LiteSpeed focuses more on improving server performance and scalability through efficient server-level caching and HTTP/2 support.

2. Operating System: CloudLinux is an operating system designed specifically for shared hosting environments. It uses a modified version of the CentOS Linux distribution and includes features like Lightweight Virtualized Environment (LVE) and CageFS for improved security and isolation. In contrast, LiteSpeed is not an operating system, but rather a web server software that can be installed on various Linux distributions, including CentOS, Ubuntu, and others.

3. Server Performance: LiteSpeed is known for its high-performance web server, which is designed to handle a large number of concurrent connections and request traffic efficiently. Its event-driven architecture and powerful caching capabilities make it faster than traditional web servers like Apache. On the other hand, CloudLinux focuses more on resource allocation and stability rather than raw performance.

4. Security Features: CloudLinux provides a range of security features specifically designed for shared hosting environments. These include isolating user accounts with LVE, preventing privilege escalation with CageFS, and offering KernelCare for kernel patching without rebooting. While LiteSpeed does not offer as many built-in security features, it can still work alongside other security tools and solutions to ensure a secure hosting environment.

5. Compatibility: Both CloudLinux and LiteSpeed are compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin. However, LiteSpeed has broader compatibility with various web applications, plugins, and modules, ensuring seamless integration with existing web hosting setups.

6. Cost: CloudLinux is a commercial operating system with licensing fees for each physical server. The cost is typically based on the number of accounts or cores. On the other hand, LiteSpeed offers different licensing options, including both free and commercial versions, depending on the specific features and performance requirements.

In Summary, CloudLinux focuses on resource allocation and stability with its modified operating system for shared hosting environments, while LiteSpeed is a high-performance web server software that enhances server performance and scalability through efficient caching and HTTP/2 support, with broader compatibility and various licensing options.