If you manage servers and websites, you must have come across cPanel at some point. After all, it is one of the most popular server and site management tools out there. The web hosting control panel was introduced in 1996 by cPanel, LLC, and throughout the years, it has proven to be a stable software for Linux-based operating systems. What about cPanel alternatives?
Although cPanel may be one of the top choices for some web hosting administrators, it certainly is not the only option. In this guide, we review five unique cPanel alternatives that could serve your web hosting needs: Plesk, SpinupWP, DirectAdmin, Virtualmin and Webuzo.
Without further ado, here are five cPanel alternatives in 2022.
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Plesk
Plesk was launched in 2000 by Plesk International GmbH. This control panel supports both Linux and Windows operating systems run by retail hosting service providers. This software allows administrators to set up websites, email accounts and even new reseller accounts.
Besides having a leg up due to supporting Windows, it also supports Docker and Git on Linux, which is something to keep in mind. Another great benefit that Plesk provides is support for such content management systems as Drupal, Joomla or WordPress.
The One Dashboard setup allows building and managing multiple websites from one place. Advanced server and website security ensures protection for apps and the network. On top of that, Plesk is highly flexible and can be expanded with the help of over 100 extensions.
Plesk pricing starts at $9.50/month (Web Admin Edition VPS).
2 SpinupWP
If you are focused on WordPress, SpinupWP might be precisely what you’re after. Founded in 2017, this innovative cloud-based server control panel doesn’t require software installation. Instead, it offers remote server management.
SpinupWP supports AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Linode, Vultr and many other VPS providers. It also provides multisite support, advanced security measures, scheduled backups, error logs and many other features for anyone running servers that host WordPress.
The modern SpinupWP works smoothly on any server with a public IP address and runs the latest version of Ubuntu (18.04 or 20.04).
SpinupWP pricing starts at $12/month (Personal).
3. DirectAdmin
Initially released in 2003 by JBMC Software, DirectAdmin is designed for administrators, resellers and individual users. The control panel supports Linux and FreeBSD, which is also something that cPanel cannot offer at this point.
Administrators using DirectAdmin can enjoy a plethora of amazing features, which enable creating predefined account packages, review and sort the list of users, manage DNS records, view usage statistics or even fight spam.
Resellers can easily create and modify accounts, view statistics, allocate IP addresses to customers and also create personalized nameservers. Finally, users have the freedom to administrate emails, manage FTP accounts, manage files and protect passwords.
DirectAdmin pricing starts at $2/month (Personal license).
4. Virtualmin
Jamie Cameron and Joe Cooper built Virtualmin in 2005. It currently supports Linux (CentOS, Debian, RHEL, Ubuntu) and is built on Webmin, which is a widely used web administration tool. Undeniably, this web hosting control panel is quite rich in features.
With Virtualmin, administrators can enjoy powerful domain accounts, manage mailboxes, build reseller accounts, use a variety of security tools for top-notch protection, access comprehensive system logs, set up backups, use database management tools, and so much more.
As a web hosting control panel, Virtualmin ensures flexibility, efficiency and ease of access. Customers are also promised professional support that is based on a ticketing system, and highly experienced support members can assist with software building and maintenance.
Virtualmin pricing starts at $7.50/month (Virtualmin Professional), but Virtualmin GPL is free.
5. Webuzo
Founded by Softaculous in 2009, Webuzo is a multi-user web hosting control panel for Linux. It can assist in managing both cloud and dedicated servers, and it is a platform that makes managing domains, emails, websites and databases quick and easy.
Webuzo supports Ubuntu, AlmaLinux and CentOS, and it can be installed on a variety of servers. It is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy automation and advanced domain management using a single platform.
The features of Webuzo include a built-in auto-installer, simplified web app testing, an easy-to-use interface, the ability to change passwords quickly and full control of the server. With Webuzo, administrators can create reseller accounts, manage DNS records, allocate IP addresses and do so much more.
Webuzo pricing starts at $2.50/month (Personal Cloud)
Conclusion
As you now know, cPanel is not the only web hosting control panel solution. In fact, there are plenty of other tools that may offer services and features better suited for your needs. For example, if you are focused on WordPress, SpinupWP might offer the best solution for you. If you’re looking for Windows support, Plesk might be right for the job.
Plesk, SpinupWP, DirectAdmin, Virtualmin and Webuz are a few great cPanel alternatives that are worth looking into if you are in search of a reliable, secure and powerful web hosting control panel. Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on the available options, and you are ready to dive even deeper.
