ionCube Alternatives
ionCube is described as 'Secure and license PHP scripts with the new ionCube PHP Encoder 9. Encrypt and protect files with PHP encoding, encryption, obfuscation and licensing capabilities' and is an app. There are three alternatives to ionCube for Linux, Mac, Windows and Online / Web-based. The best alternative is Sourceguardian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try phpBolt.com.
SourceGuardian for PHP allows you to quickly and securely encode, compile and encrypt your PHP files to protect not only your intellectual property, but also sensitive information such as database passwords.
Transfon Swoole Compiler (TSC) is a PHP source code encryption, code-protection and licensing solutions, including PHP code compiler and PHP code loader. It is designed for plugins or extension developers to protect source code and manage licenses.