14 Best FREE cPanel Alternatives (2025)

By : Emma Davis Emma Davis
Hours Updated

Best CPanel alternative

cPanel is one of the most famous web hosting control panels. It enables website owners to efficiently manage the website from a web-based interface on a single dashboard.

However, cPanel’s new licensing policy makes it very expensive for many resellers. Here is a curated list of the top tools capable of replacing cPanel. The list contains both open-source (free) and commercial (paid) software.

Editor's Choice
SPanel
SPanel

SPanel is a CPanel alternative that enables you to manage your website without any hassle. What’s unique about SPanel is that no other control panel has 24/7 live hosting support included. On top of the well-known cPanel/WHM functionalities, it also provides complete server management from A to Z via chat or ticket.

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Best cPanel Alternatives (Free/Open Source)

Name Free Trial/Refund Policy Link
👍 SPanel 30-day Money-back Guarantee Learn More
Kamatera CloudPanel 30-Days Free Trial Learn More
Plesk 14-Days Free Trial Learn More
InterWorx 14-Days Free Trial Learn More
OviPanel Free Download Learn More

1) SPanel

Best cPanel Alternative (Lightweight and Faster)

Throughout my assessment, I particularly appreciated SPanel as a cPanel alternative that simplifies website management. I was impressed by its unique offering of 24/7 live hosting support, something no other control panel provides. Not only that, but you can manage your servers like a boss! Self-managed cloud providers can now offer full-fledged managed hosting.

#1 Top Pick
SPanel
SPanel
5.0

Manage MySQL Databases

Manage API Access

Customer Support: Livechat and Email

Refund Policy: 30-day Money-back Guarantee

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Features:

  • Web Server Compatibility: SPanel supports Nginx, Apache, LiteSpeed, and more web servers.
  • Migration Convenience: Unlimited, effortless, and free migrations of websites and email accounts.
  • Integration Capability: Integrated with WHMCS, PostgreSQL, Gmail, WooCommerce, and many others.
  • Management Tools: Over 100 one-click installers, spam-score monitoring, email-per-hour notifications.
  • Performance Efficiency: In my experience, SPanel is lightweight and much faster.
  • Security Provision: It offered me free SSL for every website that I hosted using SPanel.
  • Configuration Flexibility: The tool allowed me to choose the desired PHP version easily and quickly.

Pros

  • Throughout my assessment, I appreciated the user-friendly interface.
  • Robust security features.
  • While conducting my evaluation, I found their customer support responsive.
  • Could save time with automation capabilities.
  • Seamless integration with other services.

Cons

  • I was unhappy with the limited customization options.
  • Occasional downtimes may interrupt the flow.

Visit SPanel >>

30-Day Money-back Guarantee

2) Kamatera CloudPanel

I recommend Kamatera CloudPanel is a free software to configure and manage a server with an obsessive focus on simplicity. It is a modern server management control panel designed to simplify the process of managing web servers, applications, and domains.

#2
Kamatera CloudPanel
Kamatera CloudPanel
4.9

Server, Website & Application Managers

CloudPanel offers automated AMIs to incrementally backup

Customer Support: Email & Contact form

Free Trial: 30-Days Free Trial

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Features:

  • Backups: It offers automated AMIs to incrementally backup the entire Instance, including all disks without any downtime.
  • Access Restriction: Restrict access to CloudPanel from fixed IP addresses to increase security.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Security with Two-Factor Authentication for secure CloudPanel login.
  • Application Support: Supports popular technologies like PHP, Node.js, Python, and static websites
  • Performance Optimization: High performance by lightweight and well-configured server components.

Pros

  • One-click installations certificates.
  • Manage multiple applications effortlessly.
  • Allows hosting multiple PHP applications with different versions on the same server.

Cons

  • I was disappointed by the email add-on price.
  • Lacks built-in email server functionality, requiring separate setups for email hosting.

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30-Days Free Trial

3) Plesk

While examining Plesk, I particularly appreciated its user-friendly design, which enables straightforward management of web hosting tasks. Through the platform’s centralized hub, administrators gain comprehensive control over account management. A web interface facilitates the creation of new reseller accounts, websites, and email accounts.

Plesk

Features:

  • Multi-site Management: A centralized control panel to build and manage multiple sites.
  • Platform Compatibility: The Plesk tool is compatible across all operating systems and devices.
  • WordPress Toolkit: Offers a secure and versatile toolkit for managing WordPress sites.
  • Advanced Access: Full root access via SSH on virtual private servers.
  • Extensibility: Expandable with over 100 extensions for added functionality.
  • Comprehensive Security: I would appreciate the comprehensive site and server security this system offers across various platforms.

Pros

  • It provides easy-to-navigate control panel layouts.
  • Extensive extension catalog.
  • Mobile management apps were a plus.
  • During the research, I observed a quick and simple setup.
  • Manage domains efficiently with its intuitive interface.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by occasional system updates causing issues.
  • Limited support for some OS versions.
  • Custom configurations were complex.

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14-Days Free Trial

4) InterWorx

During my evaluation, I checked InterWorx’s capabilities and found that it is one of the best cPanel alternatives available. This cPanel alternative fosters a developer-centric environment with a comprehensive library of well-documented APIs and plugins.

InterWorx

Features:

  • Resource Availability: Provides extensive branding, clustering, and firewall setup documentation.
  • Support Accessibility: Support is available via email, phone, and ticketing systems.
  • Command Line Access: Enables command line access for interwork hosting management.
  • Community Engagement: Offers community forums specific to the control panel.
  • Account Management: Allows the creation of multiple administrative accounts.
  • Security Protocol: Utilizes SSL encryption for secure data transmission.

Pros

  • I found the clustering features quite advanced.
  • Server management has been efficient.
  • Comprehensive monitoring tools were provided.
  • I watched account management become more streamlined.
  • Licensing was cost-effective.

Cons

  • I found the plugin ecosystem limited.
  • Lack of script installers.

Link: https://www.interworx.com/

5) OviPanel

As I evaluated OviPanel, I particularly liked how it catered to a wide range of operating systems and hosting environments. Its enhanced security is perfect for administrators who prioritize the safety of their web hosting infrastructure.

OviPanel

Features:

  • SSL Convenience: Provides one-click SSL installation for security.
  • Email Management: I found setting daily email send limits essential for controlling the email traffic from my account.
  • Database Flexibility: Offers support for multiple databases.
  • Webserver Options: Quickly switch between various webservers like Apache, Varnish, and NGINX.
  • Log Analysis: Access different server logs using the log viewer interface.
  • Account Creation: Create unlimited accounts with OviPanel.
  • User Experience: A user-friendly interface with extensive support for multiple extensions and search options.

Pros

  • During my testing, the setup was quick and simple.
  • Manage sites effectively with user access controls.
  • One-click application installations.
  • The interface proved user-friendly during my evaluation.
  • I could save time with automated tasks.
  • Provides robust security features.

Cons

  • Lacks a robust community forum for support and guidance.
  • I could not find detailed documentation to troubleshoot certain issues.

Link: https://www.ovipanel.in

6) Cyberpanel

Best Free cPanel Alternative with 1 Click Installation

During the period of my assessment, I checked how Cyberpanel operates as a comprehensive web hosting tool. Essential functionalities like FTP, Email, DNS, File Management, and automatic SSL are seamlessly integrated within this platform for a user-friendly hosting experience.

Cyberpanel

Features:

  • CMS Cache Optimization: This includes the LSCache module and plugins for CMS platforms like Joomla, Drupal, and WordPress.
  • Version Control Integration: Allows attachment of GIT repositories for website management.
  • Security Protection: Provides real-time defense against web application attacks.
  • Spam Prevention: It provided me with an email limit facility to combat email spam.
  • Software Installation: Offers a free cPanel alternative with a one-click app installer.
  • User Interface Flexibility: Can be operated through a CLI (Command Line Interface).

Pros

  • I noticed that resource usage is efficient.
  • AutoSSL feature simplified my certificate management.
  • During my evaluation, server response times were impressive.
  • The backup system was reliable.
  • Supports multiple PHP versions out of the box.
  • The one-click WordPress installer was a time saver.

Cons

  • I was disappointed with the occasional bugs in updates.

Link: https://cyberpanel.net

7) Vestacp

I recommend VestaCP for anyone in need of a reliable and accessible website hosting control panel. This free cPanel alternative shines with its exceptional functionalities when managing multiple websites and email accounts on a budget.

Vestacp

Features:

  • Efficiency Tools: Provides numerous keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and operation.
  • Security Feature: A built-in firewall resolves common security issues automatically.
  • Analytics Capability: Tracks visitor data like pages viewed, hits, and visit frequency.
  • Access Method: I could operate directly from the terminal, which allowed me to use advanced commands efficiently.
  • Integration Options: Enables integration with existing backup systems for data security.

Pros

  • Automated update feature.
  • During my analysis, resource utilization remained low.
  • Ease of adding new web domains.
  • I liked the simplicity of the control panel.

Cons

  • I was not pleased with the rudimentary file manager.
  • The tool provided me with limited backup options.

Link: https://vestacp.com/

8) aaPanel

I reviewed aaPanel and found it to be a top contender as a cPanel alternative. Its web-based portal is specially designed for easy server management on CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu.

Aapanel

Features:

  • Website Management: Effortlessly create and manage websites with user-friendly tools.
  • File Access Tool: Provides FTP access for straightforward website file management.
  • Development Tool: It can quickly manage Python projects with an online aaPanel editor.
  • Software Delivery: Offers a Docker platform to deploy software in containers efficiently.

Pros

  • I found the one-click installation feature convenient.
  • Server performance was stable.
  • The ability to monitor system status in real time was useful.
  • Throughout my appraisal process, I managed web services without hassle.
  • Well-organized user interface.
  • I could save time with task scheduling.

Cons

  • Some of hte advanced security features were not presennt during the time of my usage.

Link: https://www.aapanel.com/feature.html

9) ISPCONFIG

I explored ISPCONFIG and was struck by its efficiency as a hosting control panel. It enables effortless management of your Linux server directly via your web browser, a feature I found absolutely essential.

ISPCONFIG

Features:

  • Server Management Efficiency: Manage multiple servers from a single control panel effortlessly.
  • OS Compatibility: Supports various Linux distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and CentOS.
  • Access Control: The control panel is accessible via four user levels for comprehensive management.
  • Protocol Support: This open-source cPanel alternative supports HTTP, SMTP, POP3/IMAP, and FTP.
  • Web and Email Administration: Manage websites, email accounts, and DNS settings efficiently.

Pros

  • I discovered some of its powerful multiserver management capabilities.
  • Granular control over services.
  • I could manage different user levels easily.
  • The built-in billing module was a boon.
  • Compatible with multiple operating systems.

Cons

  • During my research, I noticed the user interface was outdated.
  • Steep learning curve can cause some problems for freshers.

Link: https://www.ispconfig.org/

10) Froxlor

During my analysis, I particularly liked how Froxlor simplifies the management of shared web hosting servers. Written in PHP, this tool is superb for ensuring smooth and easily manageable server operations.

Froxlor

Features:

  • PHP Configuration Control: Choose specific php.ini files per domain for customized settings.
  • Security Settings: Determine which ports should be secured using SSL.
  • Network Preferences: Select between IPv4 and IPv6 according to network requirements.
  • API Accessibility: Access all significant functions through a comprehensive API.
  • Traffic Monitoring: I was able to easily monitor and graph FTP, mail, and HTTP traffic.
  • Customization Flexibility: Overwrite essential CSS or create custom themes with Froxlor.

Pros

  • During my review, the installation was straightforward.
  • Clean, modern design in the interface.
  • Good support for multiple PHP versions was a highlight.
  • Throughout my assessment, automated tasks were reliable.
  • It facilitates reseller management.
  • Configuration options are quite accessible.

Cons

  • I was not satisfied with the lack of enterprise features.
  • Limited plugin ecosystem.
  • Performance issues with heavier loads.

Link: https://www.froxlor.org/

11) DirectAdmin

Throughout the appraisal process, I particularly liked how DirectAdmin simplifies web hosting management. Its intuitive graphical interface makes managing websites simpler.

DirectAdmin

Features:

  • Administrative Control: Facilitates creating or modifying other administrator accounts within the system.
  • Server Configuration: Enables setting specific IP addresses for server configurations and operations.
  • DNS Automation: Automatically synchronizes and transfers DNS data between two machines for seamless operation.
  • Account Management: Working as an Adminstrator, it allowed me to easily modify and manage user accounts as needed.
  • DNS Flexibility: Provides the ability to efficiently add and remove DNS records on demand.
  • Functionality Enhancement: Offers options to extend and enhance the existing functionalities of administrators.

Pros

  • Throughout my evaluation, the control panel was intuitive.
  • Ease of migration.
  • Comprehensive reseller features.
  • I observed DirectAdmin’s reliable server management tools.
  • Multi-language support.
  • Efficient account management.

Cons

  • I found it deficient in third-party integrations.
  • The UI seemed outdated.
  • Not satisfied with customization limitations.

Link: https://www.directadmin.com/

12) Blueonyx

After using BlueOnyx in several setups, I was impressed by its seamless consolidation of essential internet hosting services into one manageable interface, suitable for virtual private servers or commodity hardware.

Blueonyx

Features:

  • Software Bundle: Includes Apache, Sendmail, MariaDB, MySQL, Mailman, and more for server management.
  • Scripting Support: Enables the running of Perl and Server-Side Includes (SSI) scripts.
  • Reseller Functionality: Allows resellers to create and manage virtual sites and users.
  • Protocol Support: This application is compatible with the faster HTTP/2 protocol.
  • DNS Management: Automatically generates DNS records for new virtual sites.
  • Error Reporting: Features a built-in bug reporting mechanism for user feedback.

Pros

  • The web-based management is simple and effective.
  • Industry-standard security protocols were well implemented.
  • Throughout my testing, the first-time setup was straightforward.
  • The active development community was supportive.
  • I observed comprehensive domain and user management features.
  • System monitoring tools were quite detailed.

Cons

  • I was frustrated by a lack of extensive plugins.
  • Customization options seemed limited.

Link: http://www.blueonyx.it/

13) CentOS Web Panel

I checked CentOS Web Panel’s capabilities and was struck by its effectiveness as a server management tool. It allowed me to easily set up VPS servers for WordPress, which greatly improved my overall web hosting management.

CentOS Web Panel

Features:

  • Security Authentication: Secure login with OAuth tokens for enhanced user authentication and data safety.
  • Interface Customization: Customize themes and languages to enhance the user experience and accessibility.
  • User Management: Add, list, edit, and remove users efficiently with comprehensive control tools.
  • DNS Configuration: Offers a DNS zone template editor for detailed DNS management.
  • SSL Management: Assists in managing SSL certificates to ensure website security.
  • Database Monitoring: Monitor MySQL processes easily with the CentOS Web Panel for improved performance.
  • Database Organization: Organize PhpMyAdmin to manage MySQL databases more effectively.

Pros

  • As I evaluated, I liked the one-click app installations.
  • Comes with a comprehensive set of features.
  • Auto-update functionality.
  • Efficient resource usage.
  • Modular design for customization.
  • Great user-friendly interface.

Cons

  • Documentation could be unclear for complex configurations.
  • While examining, I found the support response time to be quite slow.

Link: http://centos-webpanel.com/

14) Cloudron

Cloudron is a platform that helps you to install, manage, and secure web apps on your server. It provides a centralized way to manage access control of users.

Cloudron

Features:

  • App Library Availability: Offers a diverse library of over 50 apps for various needs.
  • Dashboard Accessibility: Facilitates user access to apps directly through a comprehensive dashboard.
  • App Deployment: Enables app deployment via the Cloudron app store for streamlined setup.
  • Cloud Flexibility: Allows easy migration of setups between different cloud service providers.
  • Secure Backup Storage: Supports encrypted backup storage on external platforms like Google Cloud Storage, Amazon, etc.

Pros

  • I found the automatic SSL renewal very reliable.
  • One-click app installations.
  • Backup management was straightforward.
  • Active user community.
  • Containerization maintained the cleanliness of my system.

Cons

  • During my assessment, custom app support was lacking.
  • Dissatisfied with the email service limitations.

Link: https://cloudron.io/

What is a Web Hosting Control Panel?

A Web hosting control panel is software that provides a graphical user interface and automation tools to easily manage the process of web hosting by end-users and website owners. It allows end-users to easily administer the website via a standard web browser using a three-tier structure. It also provides centralized control to manage and migrate websites and manage emails.

Importance of Choosing the Right Control Panel

Effective management of web hosting or IT infrastructure relies heavily on choosing the correct control panel. Here’s why each aspect is important:

  • User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward and intuitive interface allows users of varying technical skills to manage operations efficiently, reducing training time and errors.
  • Efficient Management: Effortlessly manage intricate tasks such as server provisioning, site administration, and resource distribution through the intuitive control panel, maximizing productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Security Measures: Robust security features such as SSL, firewalls, and malware scanning are essential to protect data and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Scalability: A scalable control panel can adapt to growing business needs, supporting more users, data, or transactions without performance degradation.
  • Support: Effective customer support promptly addresses technical issues, reducing downtime and safeguarding business continuity.
  • Backup and Recovery: Integrated tools for regular backups and efficient data recovery help safeguard against data loss, ensuring business resilience.
  • Compatibility: It seamlessly integrates into your current IT infrastructure and supports a wide range of operating systems and technologies.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: A value-oriented control panel offering a wide range of features without significant expense helps manage budgets and maximize returns.

Selecting the right control panel affects every aspect of system management, impacting operational success directly.

How to Use cPanel?

Below is a step-by-step process on how to use cPanel:

Step 1) Open any web browser and go to your web hosting provider’s website.

Step 2) Log in with the username and password credentials given by your web hosting provider.

Step 3) Go to the My Account section or Advanced section as per your web hosting provider interface.

Step 4) Here, you will find the cPanel option, which you need to open.

Step 5) The cPanel interface will open.

Step 6) Now, you can manage various website functionalities, such as Domains, Email accounts, phpMyAdmin, etc., right from the cPanel interface.

Verdict

After thoroughly examining SPanel, Kamatera CloudPanel, and Plesk, I am impressed by their specialized capabilities. SPanel excels in live support and server management, Kamatera CloudPanel in WordPress optimization, and Plesk in affordability, making them top picks based on specific hosting requirements.

Editor's Choice
SPanel
SPanel

SPanel is a CPanel alternative that enables you to manage your website without any hassle. What’s unique about SPanel is that no other control panel has 24/7 live hosting support included. On top of the well-known cPanel/WHM functionalities, it also provides complete server management from A to Z via chat or ticket.

Visit SPanel