Comparison
RookHelm vs SourceBans++
SourceBans++ is the community standard for Source-engine bans, and it is free to self-host. RookHelm is the hosted alternative: the same ban management plus mutes, a public portal, Discord, and anti-raid control, run for you across a whole fleet. This page lays out where each one fits.
Feature comparison
| Feature | SourceBans++ (self-hosted) | RookHelm (hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting model | You run it: a web server, PHP, and a MySQL/MariaDB database | Fully hosted. Nothing to install, patch, or back up |
| Cost | Free software, plus whatever your server and database hosting cost | Free plan; paid tiers from $12/mo per community, bans always unlimited |
| Setup | Manual install, database schema, admin config, plugin per server | Download one pre-filled plugin bundle, restart, adopt the server in one click |
| Bans across a fleet | Shared if you point every server at one database you maintain | One shared ban database across every server, enforced instantly, no sync |
| Mutes and gags (SourceComms) | A separate SourceComms plugin and database to install and maintain | Built in and community-wide, on the same record as bans |
| Public ban portal and appeals | Comes with a public ban list; appeals are DIY or a forum thread | Public lookup plus in-portal appeals (Hobby+), custom domain on Network+ |
| Discord integration | Wire up webhooks yourself, if at all | Native ban and mute alerts (Hobby+), plus Discord role sync (Team+) |
| Anti-raid admission control | Not included | Built in: account-age and regular-player screening with a one-click Under Attack mode |
| Updates and security | You patch PHP, the database, and the panel yourself | Managed for you; nothing to upgrade |
| Data ownership | Full: it is your database | Import your full SourceBans++ history in minutes; managed and hosted for you |
| Support | Community forums and the maintainers | Community, plus priority support on higher tiers |
When SourceBans++ is the right choice
- You want full control and to keep everything on your own infrastructure.
- Running PHP, MySQL, and a web panel is no trouble for you.
- You run a single server, or already have the ops in place for a fleet.
- A $0 software cost matters more than time spent on upkeep.
When RookHelm is the right choice
- You run a fleet and want one shared ban list across every server.
- You would rather not maintain a panel, database, or PHP upgrades.
- You want mutes, a public portal, Discord, and anti-raid control built in.
- You want managed updates and someone to ask when something breaks.
Already on SourceBans++?
Bring your bans, players, mutes, admins, and audit history with you. The import runs from your dashboard and your SourceBans++ instance keeps running until you switch over.