Cobbler vs OSDCloud
Cobbler
cobbler.github.ioOSDCloud
osdcloud.comSide by side
| Figure | Cobbler | OSDCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · OS Deployment Software | 8.0 (#8) | 7.2 (#21) |
| Integrations | Cobbler can integrate with external configuration management systems including cfengine3, Puppet, bcfg2 and Chef, and also has an internal lightweight system. | The FAQ describes preparing devices for Windows Autopilot and replacing deployment tools such as MDT or ConfigMgr. |
| Provisioning | It supports PXE deployments, virtualization with Xen, QEMU/KVM or VMware, and reinstallation of existing Linux systems. | Provisioning packages can be included on ISO media or USB and applied to the offline operating system during deployment. |
| Purpose | Cobbler is a Linux installation server for setting up and automating network installation environments. | OSDCloud deploys Windows 11 over the internet without local deployment infrastructure. |
| Requirements | Cobbler requires Python 3 and its server setup requires knowledge of Apache configuration, certificates and server administration. | OSDCloud requires a WinPE boot image, appropriate hardware drivers, internet access, PowerShell, and the OSDCloud or OSD modules. |
Plans
In their own words
Cobbler
Cobbler is free, self-hosted Linux server software for creating and automating network installation environments. It supports PXE deployments, virtualization with Xen, QEMU/KVM, or VMware, and reinstallation of existing Linux systems. Administrators can coordinate DNS, DHCP, package updates, power management, and configuration-management orchestration. Interfaces include a command line, WebUI, and Python and XML-RPC APIs. Automated installation formats include AutoYaST for SUSE and openSUSE, Kickstart, and Preseed for Debian and Ubuntu. Templates and reusable snippets generate installation files and manage services such as DNS and DHCP. Cobbler integrates with cfengine3, Puppet, bcfg2, and Chef, or its internal lightweight system. It can be installed from distribution packages or source; pip installation is documented but not recommended. Python 3 is required, and server setup needs Apache, certificate, and administration knowledge. Security guidance notes broad network control and no SELinux or AppArmor profile. The project describes use in small and large installations.
OSDCloud
OSDCloud deploys Windows 11 through the internet from a WinPE environment, without local deployment infrastructure. It runs with the OSDCloud or OSD PowerShell modules and supports Windows 11 versions 23H2 through 25H2 on amd64 and arm64 systems. Windows images are downloaded from Microsoft during deployment. Drivers and firmware can come from Microsoft Update Catalog, while driver packs are available from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface. The FAQ says any UEFI device compatible with Windows should work. After deployment, local PowerShell modules are updated so the device can enter OOBE and be prepared for Windows Autopilot. A WinPE function can authenticate to Azure with device code flow. Provisioning packages may be placed on ISO media or USB and applied to the offline operating system. Requirements include a WinPE boot image, suitable drivers, internet access, PowerShell, and the OSDCloud or OSD modules. The Community Tool plan is free.