Caddy vs Cosmos Cloud: Proxy Approaches Compared
Quick Verdict
Different tools for different philosophies. Caddy is a dedicated reverse proxy with automatic HTTPS and the simplest config syntax available. Cosmos Cloud is an all-in-one self-hosting platform that bundles a reverse proxy with container management, an app store, and security features. Choose Caddy if you want the best proxy; choose Cosmos Cloud if you want one tool for everything.
Overview
Caddy is a modern web server and reverse proxy with automatic HTTPS, a minimal Caddyfile syntax, and a plugin ecosystem. It does one thing exceptionally well: proxy and serve web traffic. Current version: 2.10.2.
Cosmos Cloud is a self-hosting platform that combines Docker management, a built-in reverse proxy with SSL, an app marketplace, VPN connectivity, user authentication, and basic DDoS protection. Current version: v0.20.2.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Caddy 2.10 | Cosmos Cloud v0.20 |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse proxy | Yes (dedicated) | Yes (built-in) |
| Automatic HTTPS | Yes (zero config) | Yes |
| Config format | Caddyfile (text) | Web UI |
| Container management | No | Yes |
| App marketplace | No | Yes |
| User management | No | Yes (multi-user, 2FA) |
| VPN integration | No | Yes (Constellation) |
| DDoS protection | No | Yes (Smart Shield) |
| Static file serving | Yes | No |
| Plugin ecosystem | Yes (xcaddy) | No |
| HTTP/3 | Experimental | No |
| Load balancing | Yes | Basic |
| Health checks | Yes | Basic |
| JSON API | Yes (hot reload) | No |
| RAM usage | ~30-50 MB | ~150-200 MB |
When to Choose Each
Choose Caddy If…
- You want the best dedicated reverse proxy
- You already use Portainer, Dockge, or another management tool
- You want to keep your proxy separate from container management
- You need advanced proxy features (load balancing, health checks, plugins)
- You want config-as-code in version control
- You need a lightweight solution
Choose Cosmos Cloud If…
- You want one tool for proxy + management + security
- You’re starting from scratch and want the simplest overall setup
- You want an app marketplace for one-click deployments
- You want built-in VPN and DDoS protection
- You don’t need advanced proxy features
Final Verdict
Caddy + Portainer/Dockge for modular setups. Cosmos Cloud for all-in-one simplicity.
If you want the best reverse proxy, use Caddy. Pair it with Portainer or Dockge for container management. This modular approach gives you the best tool for each job.
If you want one platform that handles everything adequately, Cosmos Cloud simplifies your stack at the cost of proxy flexibility. Its built-in proxy covers 80% of self-hosting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cosmos Cloud’s built-in proxy as good as Caddy?
For basic proxying and SSL, it’s comparable. For advanced features (load balancing policies, health checks, Caddyfile plugins, JSON API), Caddy is significantly more capable.
Can I use Caddy alongside Cosmos Cloud?
Not easily. Both would compete for ports 80 and 443. You’d need to disable Cosmos Cloud’s built-in proxy and use Caddy as the edge proxy, which defeats the purpose of Cosmos Cloud’s integrated approach.
Which uses less resources?
Caddy: ~30-50 MB for just the proxy. Cosmos Cloud: ~150-200 MB for the full platform. But that comparison isn’t fair — Cosmos Cloud does much more than just proxying.
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