When it comes to server management, cPanel is the most popular control panel software on the market. It helps users create, modify, arrange, and delete website files and simplifies the task of hosting a website. However, the cost of using cPanel might not make sense anymore considering the number of capable and cheaper alternatives that are around.
The top cPanel alternatives feature a clean and intuitive design and are built using efficient and responsive codes. Better yet! Some of them are 100% free to use. So, in this article, we will discuss five top-rated server management tools and help you find a free cPanel alternative. Let’s go!
What to Look for in Server Management Software?
A suitable cPanel alternative must be able to effortlessly accomplish the tasks of the control panel. Here are five factors to consider when analyzing the competition.
Easy Installation
The best cPanel alternatives are easy to install and work with. So, you should compare usability before picking a control panel. However, a typical shared hosting plan might not let you use a different control panel. So, choose an unmanaged VPS server for greater flexibility.
User-friendly Interface
The best cPanel alternatives have a straightforward interface that is easy to use even for amateur webmasters. Ensure your shortlisted cPanel alternatives provide clear instructions on how to use and customize its features.
Useful Features
cPanel is popular because it offers several powerful features that streamline website management. So, your preferred alternative must come with basic features for managing domains, FTP, databases, emails, and CMS.
Compatibility
cPanel uses Linux to communicate between the web server and the developer. So, ensure your shortlisted server management tool is compatible with the server infrastructure. Some of our handpicked cPanel software runs on Windows VPS. You can compare them to find the best fit.
Value for Money
You must compare the cost of cPanel vs other control panel software to find the most bang for your buck. Some alternatives are open-source while others charge a licensing fee. So, you must analyze all the factors before choosing.
5 Best cPanel Alternatives in 2024?
Here are our top five cPanel alternatives based on features, functions, and price. Feel free to choose one that best fits your requirements.
Plesk
Plesk is one of the most popular cPanel alternatives on the market. The control panel is compatible with Windows servers and provides complete control over web hosting functionalities, including website, name servers, DNS, and more.
Key Features
- 100+ Extensions: Plesk comes with over 100 powerful extensions. You get additional functionalities by simply installing the required tools.
- WordPress Toolkits: Plesk provides a comprehensive WordPress toolkit so you find everything you need to set up your WordPress site without coding.
- Sitejet Builder: Plesk offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that simplifies your site-building responsibilities. Effortlessly build websites right from the user panel.
Secure Your Website with Plesk VPS Hosting
Ultahost’s Plesk VPS is a premier web hosting plan offering cutting-edge security. You can manage and administer websites, email addresses, and multiple servers through a unified dashboard.
Pros
- A powerful and capable web hosting manager
- Offers advanced functionalities with over 100 extensions
- The software provides strong security features
Cons
The software has a steep learning curve
DirectAdmin
DirectAdmin is an intuitive cPanel alternative with an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface and powerful functionalities. The web management software helps you add, edit, and delete website files with a few clicks.
Key Features
- Powerful Administrator: You can create/modify admins, take control of DNS administration, allocate IP addresses, and toggle system or service information from a unified dashboard.
- SPAM-fighting Tools: DirectAdmin provides a long list of security features that help you protect your website data from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and malware infections.
- Total Control: From an integrated ticket support system and a plugin database to automatic crash recovery and email administration, DirectAdmin offers complete control over your server management tasks.
Pros
- The tool is affordable and provides great value for money
- It has a linear learning curve and is ideal for beginners
- DirectAdmin has several powerful built-in tools and extensions
Cons
- It does not offer as many features as cPanel
CyberPanel
CyberPanel is a free hosting control panel that provides several powerful features for setting up, managing, and optimizing your websites for speed. It is compatible with most VDS and VPS hosting plans and all popular CMS and website builders. If you want to use this cPanel alternative, choose a preconfigured CyberPanel VPS hosting solution for easy setup and maintenance.
Key Features
- Opensource Platform: CyberPanel is a free and open-source control panel that supports OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed Enterprise.
- One-click Installation: You can easily install applications on your web server with just a few clicks. The feature works on all popular frameworks including WordPress, Joomla, Mautic, Drupal, and more.
- Easy Resource Monitor: Track server resources like CPU, memory, and disk usage from the unified dashboard. You can also restart the server and quarantine unresponsive websites with just a click.
Pros
- The tool is completely free of cost
- It offers unlimited app installations for life
- Enjoy one-click SSL integration
Cons
- Customer support could be better
Virtualmin
Virtualmin is a powerful, capable, and flexible web host control panel offering unmatched features and scalability. The open-source software is completely free to use and streamlines server management for web developers, hosting providers, and end users.
Key Features
- Linux Firewall: Virtualmin has one of the most secure firewalls among rivals. You can use Firewalld or ConfigServer Security to keep your server protected at all times.
- Manage DNS: You can manage the DNS locally or use a popular third-party cloud storage service like CloudFlare, Amazon Route 53, or Google Cloud DNS.
- Smart Monitoring: Get detailed log handling reports, service monitoring updates, alerts, and detailed statistics on the unified dashboard.
Pros
- Virtualmin is a powerful and cost-effective cPanel alternative
- The tool can streamline your server security needs
- It can be easily integrated with all the popular cloud storage platforms
Cons
- The tool has a steep learning curve
Froxlor
Froxlor is a lightweight server management tool. It has an intuitive, beginner-friendly interface that simplifies web hosting and organization. The tool is free to use and packs several powerful features.
Key Features
- Lightweight and Powerful: Froxlor is designed on a lightweight architecture that uses minimum server resources for better performance.
- Simple SSL Integrations: All new installations are SSL-enabled right out of the box. However, you can disable it if you want to.
- Easy Installation: The web control panel is easy to install and customize even for first-time users.
Pros
- Froxlor is an open-source software that is free for all
- The scalable software lets you create and manage multiple servers from a single dashboard
- The tool is fully customizable and provides users with maximum flexibility
Cons
- The control panel lacks several advanced functionalities
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the five best cPanel alternatives in 2024. If you’re looking for a capable web host control panel that offers similar features as cPanel but isn’t as expensive, the above-mentioned tools are our top recommendations. Simply compare their key features, pros, and cons to find a suitable solution for your business.
Looking for a reliable web hosting solution for your business? Choose Ultahost’s cPanel VPS hosting and streamline your server management tasks. Enjoy unbeatable performance, unmetered traffic, fast SSD VPS servers, and cutting-edge security, starting at just $29.67/month.
FAQ
Which is the best cPanel alternative?
The best cPanel alternative is the one that meets all your requirements. We have compared the most popular options on the market. Try a few to find one that best fits your needs.
How do I find the best cPanel alternative for my business?
We have handpicked the top five cPanel alternatives to help you make an informed choice. You should compare their key features, pros, and cons before making up your mind.
cPanel vs Plesk: Which is better?
cPanel and Plesk are capable control panels. If you’re running a Linux server, cPanel might come pre-installed. However, if you’re running a Windows server, Plesk is the better choice.
Can I switch between control panels without losing data?
Switching between control panels isn’t recommended as it can complicate server management and you might lose critical server files and data along the way.
Are web host control panels secure?
The best web host control panels feature cutting-edge security like SSL encryption, firewalls, etc. to protect your websites against malicious attacks. Always choose a top-rated control panel to keep your website safe.
