Control panels are used to manage web hosting packages and administer server settings. But which of the many admin tools is the best software for server management? In this Web hosting Control Panel comparison we take a closer look at the most popular solutions.
With the right tool, any task can be completed more easily. The same applies to managing a webspace package on a server or reseller account. The term Web hosting control panel refers to a web-based interface used for the central management of web hosting packages.
Anyone running a single website on a webspace package will give this little thought. Here the hosting provider prescribes the management interface to its customers. Things are different, however, when several websites from different customers are to be hosted on a dedicated server. Above all, providers of web services such as web designers, web developers or SEO agencies often operate and administer their clients' web presences themselves. In addition to choosing the appropriate hardware, a decision must also be made about the suitable management interface.
Basically:
On webspace packages and reseller packages the Web hosting control panel is already preinstalled by the hosting provider, so you should check which system is provided before selecting a provider. A change is not possible afterwards.
On their own VPS hosting or Dedicated Server the customer is, however, free to decide which admin tools are to be used to manage the server.
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Function of control panels for server administration
As a central point for managing the various user accounts and domains, web hosting control panels offer the system administrator numerous advantages. After the initial setup, a lot of time and effort is saved in future administration. Thanks to the simple graphical user interface of the management software, settings can be conveniently made via the interface. Extensive expert knowledge and cumbersome work directly in the server's operating system are therefore no longer necessary.
A web hosting control panel consists of several administrative levels, with settings for lower levels made in the higher levels. The administrator is the top level. Reseller accounts can be created here, to which individual customer accounts and domains can then be assigned.
Configuration options include, among others, the following functions:
- Web space management
Individual web space packages can be assembled according to customised requirements. This includes defining the available storage space, the number of usable databases or the maximum creatable FTP accounts or email accounts. Users can then manage their web space themselves within the defined parameters.
- Domain management
Individual accounts can be assigned domains. These can then be configured by the customer. This includes, for example, creating subdomains and setting up a redirect to another URL or to a specific directory on the web space.
- Administrative management
Special functions are only available to administrators. Typical functions include monitoring bandwidth and accumulated traffic, as well as importing and exporting entire accounts for backup purposes.
Which web hosting control panels are available?
There are now numerous providers offering such applications in the field of web hosting control panels. By and large, all software solutions offer similar functions and are equally suitable for management. Some software providers charge a fee for their web hosting control panel, while others can be used free of charge as open-source projects. If the software is offered directly by the hosting provider, the fee is already included in the monthly hosting price.
The two best-known and most widely used paid web hosting control panels are Plesk and cPanel.
The current market share distribution from Datanyze shows a particularly clear dominance by Plesk: 286,331 recorded companies correspond to 91.53%. cPanel follows with 22,453 companies, or 7.18%. All other listed control panels together account for 1.29%.
Another paid alternative to the international market leaders Plesk and cPanel is the LiveConfig solution, which is particularly popular in Germany.
As free open-source alternatives, you can primarily use ISPConfig, Webmin or Froxlor.
Here is an overview of the most commonly used admin tools:
Plesk
Plesk is proprietary software developed and maintained by Plesk International GmbH. Various pricing plans are available. Monthly costs depend on how many domains and web hosting accounts are to be managed and start at around US$15 per month. Plesk can be used on Windows-based systems as well as on Linux and Unix, and is one of the most popular cPanel alternatives. The control panel is particularly notable for its extensive feature set. In addition to core functions for server management and web hosting administration, the feature set can be expanded as required via a modular extension system. However, the more modules are used, the greater the application's resource requirements become. Thanks to the modular extension system, Plesk is not only very appealing for individual users but, due to its extensive functionality, can also be deployed by web hosts and infrastructure providers.
cPanel
cPanel is proprietary software developed and maintained by cPanel LLC. Depending on whether the software is deployed on a virtual server or a dedicated server, different licence fees apply, starting at about USD 12 per month. Attractive multi-licence discounts are offered for business customers. cPanel can only be run on Linux and is one of the most popular Plesk alternatives. A particular feature of cPanel is its division into two separate applications. The actual cPanel control panel allows all server settings to be made at domain level. The WHM web hosting manager, which operates one system level higher, can be used to manage user accounts and create individual webspace packages. Unlike alternative software solutions, cPanel is deeply integrated into the system and can only be removed by a complete system reinstallation. With its extensive range of features and deep integration, cPanel is primarily aimed at web hosting providers that manage numerous customer accounts. However, thanks to its ease of use, the software is also appealing to individual users.
LiveConfig
LiveConfig is proprietary software whose German developer is Keppler IT GmbH. Different licence editions are offered targeting end customers, resellers and web hosting providers. The software can be used from around EUR 3 per month. LiveConfig requires a Unix- or Linux-based operating system. The control panel focuses on the core functions for administering server settings and configuring web hosting packages. Additional features, as found in other control panels within the comparison, are not present here. This, however, means the software is particularly lean, secure and resource-efficient. LiveConfig is especially interesting for individual users who only have a small server available. It is also an excellent choice for businesses seeking a simple, lean and secure software solution.
ISPConfig
ISPConfig is an open-source software developed and maintained by ISPConfig UG (haftungsbeschränkt). Its use is generally entirely free of charge. However, the developer offers paid add-on modules that extend the application's functionality in various areas. ISPConfig requires a Linux operating system. It is characterised above all by its open-source code. All the essential core functions needed to manage server functions and to configure web hosting packages are available free of charge to everyone. The control panel can, however, be individually extended in various areas if required via paid add-on modules. As open-source software, ISPConfig is particularly attractive to users with limited budgets or technically proficient tinkerers. Its feature set is also sufficient to manage multiple company servers efficiently and, above all, cost-effectively.
Froxlor
Froxlor is an open-source software project developed and maintained by the dedicated Froxlor community. The software is free and is released under the GPL licence, making it a cost-effective alternative to proprietary solutions such as cPanel or Plesk. Froxlor is compatible with Linux and Unix systems and is ideal for web hosting providers and administrators seeking an efficient and flexible server management solution. One of Froxlor’s notable features is its modular architecture and customisability. The software provides a user-friendly interface for managing domains, email accounts, databases and other server resources. By separating customer, reseller and administrator tiers, Froxlor enables precise control over respective responsibilities and resources. Froxlor is primarily aimed at web hosting providers and server administrators looking for a free yet powerful solution to manage their infrastructure. Thanks to its open architecture and active community, Froxlor is also attractive to individual users and developers who wish to implement their own customisations and extensions.
Webmin
Webmin is a versatile, web-based open-source software developed and maintained by Jamie Cameron and a dedicated community. The software is free and released under the BSD licence, making it an attractive alternative to commercial solutions like cPanel or Plesk. Webmin is compatible with Linux, Unix and Windows systems and offers a comprehensive solution for administrators who want to manage their server resources effectively. A particular feature of Webmin is its modular architecture and user-friendly interface, which makes it possible to manage system settings, user accounts, services and other server components simply and intuitively. By supporting a variety of standard server services, Webmin enables seamless integration into existing infrastructures. Webmin is primarily aimed at system administrators and IT professionals who are looking for a free yet powerful solution to manage their server environments. Thanks to its open architecture and the active community, Webmin is also of interest to individual users and developers who want to create their own modules and customisations.
KeyHelp
KeyHelp is user-friendly server management software developed by the Thuringian hosting provider Keyweb and made available to the public free of charge. KeyHelp requires a Linux operating system (Ubuntu LTS/Debian). It is distinguished by its comprehensive core functions required for managing server services and configuring web hosting packages. The software is free for anyone to use and provides an understandable and reliable alternative to other solutions. For users seeking extended functionality, KeyHelp additionally offers a paid Pro version that expands the application's range of features in various areas. KeyHelp is particularly suitable for users with varying budgets and technical knowledge, as it is easily accessible and operable for both beginners and experienced professionals. Its range of features is sufficient to manage both single servers and multiple servers within a company efficiently and cost-effectively, while continuous development and close collaboration with the community ensure that KeyHelp remains a powerful and customisable server management tool.
CloudPanel
The CloudPanel is a powerful and user-friendly control panel specifically developed for managing cloud servers. The software is provided free of charge by the German developer MGT-COMMERCE GmbH based in Berlin. The control panel is notable for its ease of use, high scalability and comprehensive features that enable multiple web projects to be integrated seamlessly on your own cloud infrastructure. In addition, CloudPanel offers numerous security features such as access control and firewall management to ensure the security of the infrastructure. Its resource-efficient architecture and the ability to run automated processes make CloudPanel an ideal choice for companies of all sizes that want to manage their cloud infrastructure efficiently and securely.
The best control panels for server management — comparison
The following table provides an overview of the key functions and features of the control panels presented here. This makes it easy to see the differences between the individual applications at a glance.
Conclusion: The best Control Panel for server management
To summarise, it is not possible to make a blanket statement about which is the best Control Panel for managing server settings and configuring web hosting packages. All applications on the market have their place and can reliably fulfil the tasks required of a Control Panel. Rather, individual requirements and personal preference play an important role in the decision for a particular solution.
If the Control Panel is not specified by the web hosting provider, it is certainly advisable to test several options to find out which software suits you best.
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