Every website you visit has a software engine room that controls how it looks, performs, and works. This website control center used to be provided as a monochrome back-end where complicated command lines were typed in before the advent of the graphical user interface.
However, now it is more frequently portrayed as an interface with windows, icons, menu options, and other graphical elements. The full selection makes it easier for webmasters and site owners to manage websites using mouse clicks and screen touches instead of command lines.
One of the most widely used control panels for managing servers and websites is cPanel. It has been the de facto control panel for more than two decades, and nearly every server admin has some experience using it.
But cPanel is not cost-free. Plans begin at $15 a month for a single license, which is out of reach for many consumers, particularly startups and independent developers.
It frequently costs more than what users spend on servers and hosting. But more importantly, the fundamental debate is whether it's still the finest and if it should continue to be the standard so long after.
In this article, we’ll introduce the best cPanel alternatives and their features so you can choose the best web hosting control panel based on your needs.
Froxlor
SysCP developers created this simple, open-source, web-based hosting control panel. Froxlor is renowned for its versatility and ease of use. Its user interface is thought to be just as simple to use as cPanel's.
On almost any Linux distribution, Froxlor can be used. According to actual users, its installation is quite simple, which is a fantastic example of its simplicity. Froxlor intends to assist web hosting companies in managing an effective yet straightforward infrastructure of web and email servers.
Like cPanel, this program has features that let users carry out administrative tasks. Custom email addresses, file transfer protocols, and domain name server management are a few of these procedures.
You can perform all cPanel-compatible tasks using the Froxlor interface. This is the sole justification for which we believe this hosting control panel is among the best cPanel alternatives. Froxlor has a built-in user assistance system, resource usage calculation capabilities, and multilingual translation capabilities.
CyberPanel
Another option that can effectively take the place of cPanel is CyberPanel. Like cPanel, CyberPanel has all the essential features and capabilities required to run a website, such as web servers, domain name systems, CMS support, FTP/email servers, and more.
There is a premium plan for Cyberpanel. However, CyberPanel also offers a solid free plan, unlike cPanel. The names "Cyberpanel" and "cPanel," which are quite similar, may have been chosen deliberately to indicate that one is intended to be a direct upgrade of the other.
There is a strong reason why CyberPanel appears better organized and less complicated. Regular users quickly conclude that cPanel is overstuffed with unnecessary features, much like a family of four living alone in a 20-story skyscraper.
This is because many of the functionalities are not required by the typical end user. Additionally, CyberPanel offers one-click backup and restore of files. Whether a complete or partial backup, it is far faster than cPanel.
CloudPanel
CloudPanel is one of the best cPanel alternatives with a beautiful and user-friendly GUI. It is widely believed to be much more advanced than anything cPanel has so far been able to provide. The CloudPanel user interface is slick and contemporary, with enough room and organized categories.
Many people believe cPanel to be outdated and cluttered compared to this. The best thing is that the improved GUI of CloudPanel is all free to use. Redis, the best key-value database according to a DB Engine's assessment, is embedded into this web host control panel for lovers of the Remote Dictionary Server.
Whereas most other web hosting control panels (including cPanel) demand further authorization before Redis can be installed.
Ajenti
If you are a developer, Ajenti is one of the best cPanel alternatives to consider. While this control panel may not be the greatest choice for non-developers, it provides Python and JavaScript developers a lot of leeway to tweak and increase its capabilities.
Ajenti’s interface is attractive, simple to use, modern, and loaded with tools for managing users, such as IAM and a remote terminal (identity and access management). This covers user access to systems, gadgets, applications, and network resources to provide almost flawless security and safety.
Ajenti is considered superior to cPanel and the majority of other options in this regard.
The Ajenti UI is mobile-friendly because it is web-based. Due to its low resource consumption rate, it may also be used on most devices. Furthermore, unlike cPanel, it is free and open-source. Ajenti is accessible through GitHub.
Additionally, various plugins and other pre-made or custom integrations are supported. This gives Ajenti a level of uncommon versatility in the business, especially when combined with the active community support provided by GitHub (cPanel inclusive).
ISPConfig
Another open-source web hosting control panel is considered one of the best cPanel alternatives ISPConfig. This PHP-based platform is offered under the BSD License. It is a multilingual platform that supports up to 22 languages, similar to cPanel.
ISPConfig's user interface is admittedly outdated for 2023, but this has little to do with how well this web hosting control panel functions. Like with cPanel, it allows customers to create reseller and user accounts.
Additionally, users can easily manage every feature and function offered by cPanel, including the domain name server, email client, file transfer protocol, etc. ISPConfig supports various Linux distributions, including CentOS, OpenSuSE, Fedora, Ubuntu, and Debian.
When it comes to database support, ISPConfig incorporates MySQL. Although it may not offer as many add-ons and plugins as cPanel, most customers are happy with the selection because it is completely free.
Among open-source offerings, this control panel has one of the greatest security features. These features include a firewall, virus protection, and the capacity to password-protect folders.
Virtualmin
Linux-based Virtualmin is one of the few open-source control panels that are compatible with Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). Although cPanel also offers this service, it is noteworthy that it is offered in this instance as a free open-source offer.
Virtualmin's front-end and back-end scripts are written in Perl, much like in cPanel. This web server management panel utilizes the most recent internet protocol, like cPanel.
In terms of security, the Google Authenticator app-powered two-way verification method is supported by the Virtualmin sign-in process. RHEL, CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu are the range of Linux operating systems officially supported by this control panel software.
Almost all of cPanel's features are available on Virtualmin. For instance, it provides databases, web apps, domain name servers, and domain accounts that are easily maintained and accessible via a single interface.
Additionally, it offers effective mailboxes with forwarders, auto responders, aliases, and other features.
InterWorx
One of the other best cPanel alternatives, InterWorx, is a two-part, entirely commercial project. Combined, they give you a robust, all-in-one cPanel substitute that is highly customizable and scalable.
The server and client sides are covered in the mentioned portions. The server management tool, NodeWorx, provides you with almost all the required features. There are numerous server control tools for managing databases, firewall rules, virus protection, and other things.
SiteWorx, on the other hand, is a user control panel that allows you to manage domain settings, check statistics, install different programs, and more. Both of these services are merged in InterWorx.
InterWorx will be on your list if you're looking for a cPanel substitute that enables you to create multiple admin and user accounts and utilize clustering technology.
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DTC
DTC is one of the best cPanel alternatives with special features which include database management, domain registration, subdomain creation, setting up FTP and email accounts, creating mailing lists with clickable buttons, and creating support tickets.
The interface has tools and functionality for building hosting packages, efficiently charging end-users, and reselling services. The integrated payment system is also functional for normal accounts and dedicated servers.
With a single payment gateway, it has a storefront connection that enables billing, registration forms, and plan subscriptions and renewals. Even bookkeeping tools are included.
DTC supports multiple languages, including English, German, Chinese, French, Spanish, etc.
VestaCP
VestaCP places a strong emphasis on simplicity. This is evident when browsing the website, and the control panel software carries on this theme.
JavaScript and PHP are used to power the web interface, which is lightweight. There are no surprises, and the feature set doesn't distinguish itself from other cPanel alternatives.
However, this web hosting control panel's focus is something else. It is quick and effective. Even though this might appear negative, VestaCP will benefit from this because the tools and features will be comfortable.
For instance, you can use MySQL or PostgreSQL, and there are APIs for the Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian distributions.
With all this, VestaCP should immediately be a control panel you feel comfortable using. That's advantageous, especially if you've used cPanel for a while, as switching systems frequently involves a high learning curve.
Sentora
Sentora and cPanel are similar in many respects. For instance, it provides a streamlined environment for managing web servers, domain name servers, email/FTP accounts, and - for hosting providers - automating billing and hosting plans for web hosting companies, site administrators, and webmasters.
Both a paid and a free plan are available. Sentora is attractive and easy to use, just like cPanel. It is specifically designed to manage shared hosting services. Therefore, we especially suggest it for reseller hosting companies.
Users can create accounts, log in, and manage their websites independently. Sentora's extensibility is one special characteristic. A wide range of add-ons, plugins, and themes can increase its functionality. The Sentora customer service team supports the paid plans, while the community supports the free account.
Conclusion
There is no justification for disparaging cPanel's capabilities and features. It has a large customer base is a mainstay among web hosting control panels. However, recent pricing adjustments have made users want to shop elsewhere. The new pricing, if anything, highlights the drawbacks of cPanel.
Finding the best cPanel alternatives for your project or business can be challenging, given the many free and paid options available. However, we tried to make your decision as simple as possible in this essay.
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