Discover how cPanel, Control Web Panel (CWP), Plesk, DirectAdmin, and CyberPanel are challenging the longtime industry leader with comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, features, security, and performance metrics to help you choose the perfect control panel for your enterprise, small business, or reseller operation. Find out which panel delivers the power you need without compromising your bottom line!
We understand that one of the most important factors to consider while setting up your business’s website is the control panel. That brings us to comparing different types of web hosting control panels. While it is true that you do not need a control panel to host your website, using one makes it easier and can help your site’s performance and server optimization. A control panel provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to manage your server, services, and automation tools. For example, control panels help you complete complicated tasks like setting up and managing email and databases.
There are many different control panel options out there to suit the varying needs of small businesses, website owners, and organizations. They vary in price, capability, usability, design and functionality. That’s why it’s important to be informed about the broader control panel landscape before deciding which one is best for you.
This article compares cPanel and CWP with other alternatives to help you decide which panel fits your needs.
Background Information
Selecting the correct panel that fits your needs and your budget is an important choice when setting up your server. The right tools and setup can improve your site’s performance and security without compromising your needs and ease of management.
In today’s SaaS market, there are several web hosting control systems available. For years, InMotion Hosting has supported and integrated cPanel within our hosting packages. However, in recent years, cPanel prices have continued to increase, and several other panels have begun to rise in popularity. One of the most prominent and top-performing control panels recently is “Control Web Panel” or CWP for short.
cPanel is the most well-known and commercially successful panel on the market. It has been praised for its robust feature set and ease of use. However, CWP (Control Web Panel), Plesk, DirectAdmin, and CyberPanel have all emerged as alternatives that also offer flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Overview of cPanel
Key Features and Functionality
User-Friendly Interface
Enhanced Web Tools
Extensive Knowledge-base
cPanel has become the industry leader for control panels due to several factors, but the most important reason for its popularity is its user-friendly interface. cPanel offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that caters to everyone from absolute beginners to the most experienced server administrators.
The cPanel user interface.
It also offers a broad feature set to help you grow your business and maintain your sites and other web tools as you need. Built into cPanel are tools to help with
Email Management
File management
Security tools
DNS tools
And many other tools you need to run your server.
Additionally, this control panel has an extensive library of tools and knowledge bases that provide detailed information to help you with most troubleshooting. Likewise, cPanel support is available 24/7 from most hosting companies, making it a well-supported and documented option.
Another example of the cPanel user interface.
Popularity and Widespread Usage in the Industry
cPanel is widely adopted and used by hosting providers all over the world. It is known for its reliability and capabilities, making it the go-to choice for many Web Hosts and Web Hosting customers. However, in recent years, their market share has been shrinking. Thus, allowing for rival panels to make a name for themselves in the Web Hosting industry.
History and Background
cPanel was founded in 1996 by J. Nicholas Koston as a simple web hosting interface for the web hosting company he was, at the time, working for. Soon after, he took that panel and started his company selling licenses for this management software. Over the years, it has become one of the most comprehensive and complete control panels on the market. Over the years, cPanel has introduced many significant updates and changes that have led to it solidifying its place as the industry standard for Web Hosting Panels.
On August 20th, 2018, cPanel agreed to an acquisition with Oakley Capital Investment Group. The same group owns the Plesk Hosting environment and is a competitor of cPanel. Once they took control of the company, the group started updating their licensing structure, with each subsequent year seeing price increases.
Overview of Control Web Panel (CWP)
Key Features and Functionality
Advanced Tools for Web Hosts
Tools for Account Management
Focused Development for a single OS option
CWP also offers tools built to simplify server management for web hosting providers. One of the key features is the ability to easily use and configure several different kinds of software to serve your site files, including Apache, Nginx, and Varnish.
It also provides powerful user account management tools, allowing you to create multiple user accounts with varying degrees of permissions and access levels. Its email management features allow users to set up and maintain email on the server. Security tools are also a major component, offering firewall configuration, antivirus integration, and automated security updates. The panel’s dedicated development team ensures these tools are regularly updated and expanded based on feedback and technological advancements.
Increasing Adoption and Relevance in the Industry
CWP is becoming one of the more used Management Panels today. Its low price point is attractive compared to well-known and expensive panels like cPanel or Plesk. We are seeing more companies offer CWP as a panel choice as more customers move away from traditional, expensive control panels for cheaper alternatives.
History and Background
Control Web Panel is a relatively new entry among Web Hosting Control Panels. It was designed to provide a cost-effective and feature-rich alternative to the more established commercial hosting management panels. CWP started in 2013 as “CentOS Web Panel”, with a strong focus on hosting on the CentOS operating system. The goal was to create a control panel that would simplify server management while providing the flexibility to customize and extend the platform to meet your needs.
Overview of Plesk
Key Features and Functionality
A multitude of features for web hosts
Advanced site migration tool
Compatible with IIS, Windows, Linux, and Apache
Plesk has a lot of attractive features for website owners. Their WordPress Toolkit, for example, allows website owners to have complete control over plugins, themes, and testing before launching new web pages and sites. It can run on all types of servers and is packed with many features. It is important to note that, due to its abundance of features and advanced capabilities, such as supporting Windows, it does require more processing power than other control panels.
For entrepreneurs starting on their website journey, the Plesk Sitejet Builder is an easy way to build a website with limited or no coding knowledge. It also integrates seamlessly with the Plesk control panel.
Plesk supports multiple backend languages, efficient database management, mail server management and various automation features. It supports scalability for when your business grows, and offers tech support and troubleshooting for when you need assistance.
History and Usage in The Industry
Plesk launched in 2001 and has since been deployed to over 380,00 servers across the globe. It focuses mainly on the Windows Server environment, but also supports Linux, which isn’t the case for other control panels.
Although it is marketed as being beginner-friendly, some of its more advanced tools and features require deeper technical know-how. This means it is not likely to be the best option for complete beginners.
Its industry partners are Red Hat, Alibaba Cloud, Automattic, AWS Partner Network, Digital Ocean, and Scaleway. Their compatibility with all these hosting partners has established Plesk as one of the main competitors of cPanel in the industry.
Overview of DirectAdmin
Key Features and Functionality
Straightforward and functional
Cost-effective and affordable
Built-in security filter
DirectAdmin is a cost-effective, simpler alternative to many of the control panel options out there. It is much easier to use and navigate, making it an attractive option for website owners with limited technical expertise. It is lightweight and doesn’t require as much processing power as other control panels.
The flip side of DirectAdmin’s simplicity is that it doesn’t have the advanced features and functionalities of other control panels, such as cPanel. It is also less scalable and only supports the PHP programming language, making it less flexible and even unusable for some website owners. However, it’s a good option if your needs are straightforward, and your client base, business growth, and traffic count remain fairly consistent.
DirectAdmin’s flexible pricing, customer support options, and speed will also be attractive to many website owners.
History and Usage in The Industry
DirectAdmin launched in 2003, making it one of the older control panel options in the industry. According to the DirectAdmin website, it has since launched over 1,400 features and has been deployed in over 130 countries. It can function in at least ten of the most widely spoken languages, which is a testament to its widespread adoption across the world.
DirectAdmin’s lack of Windows support means many website owners opt for Plesk instead, but the loss is compensated by those seeking a more straightforward, cost-effective control panel solution. Administrators responsible for managing multiple hosting accounts will also value its user-friendliness and low setup barriers. With the ever-increasing costs of doing business in a fast-paced and ever-changing world, DirectAdmin is one of the most cost-effective cPanel alternatives available.
Overview of CyberPanel
Key Features and Functionality
Combines a control panel and a high-performance web server.
Advanced user permissions and customizations
Straightforward management of DNS records and MySQL database
CyberPanel is a control panel that runs in LiteSpeed and OpenLiteSpeed environments. It’s built-in automated tasks reduce the need for extra processing power or add-ons, making it a highly efficient option. It can handle tasks of high-traffic websites, including sudden spikes in traffic, making it a good option for large and globalized enterprises. The user interface is straightforward to use, and the customizable and extensive administrator access options make it a good option for organizations with multiple users.
History and Usage in The Industry
Having launched in 2017, CyberPanel is one of the latecomers to the control panel industry. However, it was the first control panel to support the OpenLiteSpeed server and later LiteSpeed Enterprise. This was an important step for optimizing server management and offering higher-speed control panel possibilities. In the years after its launch, CyberPanel included more and more services in its offering, such as email, DNS, and FTP Server functionalities. Its release of its WordPress Manager and Root File Manager tools in 2022 made it even more accessible to users, and it continues to grow its client base each year.
CyberPanel has been adopted by many WooCommerce and WordPress stores for its ability to boost dynamic content delivery by 20% through its LSCache system. Considering its ability to handle heavy amounts of traffic, it requires fewer CPU and RAM resources than one would expect. Although it holds a lot less of the market than cPanel, it has an active forum and user community and has been introducing new services or features every year. With its robust customer service options and free-to-use model, CyerPanel’s user base will continue growing.
Types of Control Panels Compared
Cost
cPanel
As of the writing of this article, the cost of a basic entry-level VPS with 5 cPanels comes to $29.99/Month. The premier license required for a Dedicated server is $60.99/Month for the general public. However, authorized hosts can provide a discount. As stated before, these prices are likely to increase, as they have increased year over year every year since they were acquired in 2018.
CWP
CWP offers a free option for the basic version or a paid pro version starting at $0.99/Month. There are no limits to the number of accounts you can have on a server. In contrast, you must upgrade your cPanel to add more accounts.
Plesk
Plesk offers a free 2-week trial and the Web Admin Edition with VPS hosting starts at €11.91/month ( $13.50/month) for 10 domains. Their Web Pro Edition, which allows up to 30 domains, is €21.07/month ($23.88/month), and their Web Host Edition (unlimited domains) costs €38.49/month ($43.63/month). They also offer Business Plans with partner discounts of up to 45%. For dedicated hosting, the prices are the same, apart from €52.24/month ($59.21/month) for the Web Host Edition.
Direct Admin
DirectAdmin prices range from $5/month (the Personal Plus option, which includes two accounts and 20 domains) to $29/month (the Standard option, which includes an unlimited number of accounts and domains). The Lite ($15/month, 10 accounts and 50 domains) and Standard options include a free installation. It offers a 30-day free trial for recurring licenses (monthly, quarterly, or yearly).
CyberPanel
CyberPanel is a free-for-life control panel with OpenLiteSpeed, allowing an unlimited number of domains. Running it with LiteSpeed Enterprise costs between $0-97/month, depending on the number of domains, PHP workers and memory limits. Add-ons are not included in either option.
User Interface and Ease of Use
cPanel
The Interface is known for its intuitive nature and is well documented, with most questions being a quick Google search away. This makes the interface widely recognized and easy to use.
CWP
Also user-friendly but with a different layout. It offers a strong and flexible experience once users are accustomed to the interface. Documentation for the interface and software is worked on by its user community, and hosting companies adopt the software.
Plesk
Plesk has a clean, easy-to-use interface, allowing users to navigate through the menus and options without much difficulty. Icons make the most commonly used features easy to find, as well as the search bar. Through the help menu, users can watch tutorials and access frequently asked questions.
Direct Admin
DirectAdmin’s interface is one of the most straightforward, even for users who lack digital literacy. The neat and simple design is intuitive to follow and is task-oriented, and the ‘Wizards’ provide step-by-step procedures. Users can also customize the interface based on their preferences, from color schemes to menu layouts.
CyberPanel
Although the CyberPanel interface may not be as modern as its competitors, it is relatively easy to navigate and use. All the tools and menus are available to the user via a traditional sidebar, and these are also grouped by relevance (for example, all options related to user access and permissions are housed under ‘Users’).
Features and Functionality
cPanel
Provides extensive features including email and file management, security, and integration with third-party applications. It is known for constantly updating its software and tends to be among the first to implement new features, tools, and technologies.
CWP
Offers a comparable feature set with unique tools and customizations, beneficial for those looking for a tailored solution. Its focused nature allows the developers to improve the software and build new tools and features. It is highly configurable, and you can expand its features and functionality with ease. Additionally, the library provided by the community continues to change, and updates will continue to grow as more users adopt it.
Plesk
Plesk, supporting Linux or Windows, offers automation and management tools for customer databases, websites, email, servers, security, and storage. The WordPress Toolkit allows users to have an overview of instances at scale, organize and manage plugins and themes, and test new features. Its ability to support multiple backend languages also makes it one of the easiest control panels to adopt.
Direct Admin
The lightweight structure of DirectAdmin results in higher speeds, less strain on resources, and simplicity of use. It offers a number of customization options, such as interface language and layout, and time-saving features like Reseller Packages (pre-defined account packages which eliminate the manual tasks of account set-ups).
CyberPanel
CyberPanel’s built-in OpenLiteSpeed is one of its main selling points, making the hosting preparation process much more efficient. The one-click installation feature also saves time and leaves less room for error, and its robust security features include backups, a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) issuance tool, and the removal of malicious users or files. Regular updates are needed to ensure the latest version is installed and no site vulnerabilities remain.
Resource Usage and Performance
Stress Testing Results: We ran identical servers with identical websites one with cPanel and one with CWP, and we tested the sites sending high amounts of active traffic to the sites. In our test, CWP performed just as well as cPanel, demonstrating almost identical efficiency in resource usage for both panels.
cPanel Test Results:
CWP Test Results:
“The results of the benchmarking tests performed by our Systems engineering team were rather surprising! It demonstrates that the performance of both control panel stacks align very closely against each other, vastly unlike the licensing costs of each respective panel. This gives our customers a less expensive alternative option, without sacrificing server and website performance.”
-Erik M. Soroka, Director of Information Technology and Dedicated Server Product Line Manager
Security
cPanel
Has a proven security track record with regular updates to address vulnerabilities. They tend to stay on top of issues and push out updates almost daily to help secure your hosting and pass along needed updates.
CWP
Features strong security measures with proactive updates and community vigilance. With the full community working on issues, vulnerabilities, and bugs are very quickly identified and generally fixed very quickly. By focusing on the RHEL environment only, they can focus on vulnerabilities and prevent issues that come from supporting multiple OS types.
Plesk
Features many different security measures to prevent loss of data, site vulnerabilities, and user protection. They have an extensive knowledge base and help desk, educating users on topics such as setting up account restrictions, multi-factor authentication, SSL/TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificates, various compliances, and more specific topics like ‘clickjacking’ (malicious hyperlinks hidden behind legitimate, clickable content).
Direct Admin
The ‘Login Keys’ feature allows users to set up multiple passwords with added restrictions, such as password expiration dates. Their login systems are also designed to detect and prevent brute force attacks, and allow certain IP addresses to be ‘blacklisted’. Their active forum community also allows users to communicate with one another about security concerns and share advice on how to use the robust security features.
CyberPanel
Through the CyberPanel blog, users are kept abreast of the latest security features and how to use them. They include automated scheduled backups, remote storage set-up, SSL Certificate issuance, a web application firewall, and Immunity (a feature that locates and eliminates malicious files). Should any security concerns arise, CyberPanel provides comprehensive explanations and updates to its user community.
Support and Documentation
cPanel
cPanel provides an extensive document library of all its tools and resources. Additionally, the web hosting industry has been documenting the software for over 20 years, and there are entire libraries of information available on cPanel documentation.
CWP
CWP is not as well-documented, but between the developer community and web hosting companies adopting this panel, more information about CWP and documentation can be found on various forums like Stack Overflow; you just have to look for it.
Plesk
Plesk provides comprehensive and targeted support for its users, splitting out their needs into three categories: users, hosters or providers, and developers. Each of these categories includes guides relevant for that user group (e.g., the ‘Reseller’s Guide’ for users, or the ‘Remote API Guide’ for developers). The Release Notes provide real-time updates on fixes and changes and include a legend to help users understand them more easily.
Direct Admin
Direct Admin’s knowledge base resembles the clean, modern look of its user interface, neatly categorizing its support documentation. From ‘Getting Started’ to ‘Web Servers’, there are several options the user can navigate to, based on their question or concern. The DirectAdmin user community can communicate directly with the support team or with each other via the forums option, which continually grows the knowledge base. These forums are neatly organized into categories such as ‘Modifications / Add-ons’ and ‘Technical Discussion’.
CyberPanel
The CyberPanel knowledge base features a search bar that users can type directly into. Below this, there is a range of categories in which the documentation is sorted, including ‘Troubleshooting’, ‘WordPress Manager’, and ‘DNS’. Its ‘Community’ includes a Facebook group of over 8,000 members and an active GitHub community.
Mobile Capabilities
cPanel
cPanel is accessible on mobile by downloading and logging in through the cPanel mobile app. To make mobile use even easier, ensure you’re using a responsive theme, the shortcuts, and the search function.
CWP
CWP was created for desktop or server environments and doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app or interface. It can be accessed on a mobile device through a web browser if needed.
Plesk
The Plesk Mobile application for iOS and Android is designed to be as easy to use as the desktop version. It’s important to note that site owners and administrators may have to take additional steps, such as installing the Plesk Mobile Center extension, to access all features and functionalities.
DirectAdmin
DirectAdmin does not have its dedicated app for its control panel, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers. Third parties have been releasing unofficial apps for Android and IOS, but none of these seem to be officially endorsed by DirectAdmin and may be unreliable.
CyberPanel
Similarly to DirectAdmin, CyberPanel does not have a dedicated mobile app. Community and forum discussions indicate that access via mobile web browsers is not always reliable or functional.
Third-Party Integrations
cPanel
cPanel and Web Host Manager (WHM), which works alongside cPanel, integrates with a wide array of third-party software, all serving different purposes. For each third-party integration, developers can create a link in the cPanel interface for easy locating and use. They support multiple API authentication methods, including API tokens, secure remote logins, and access hash authentication.
CWP
CWP ships with many third-party integrations, making managing your Linux virtual private server or dedicated server easier. Its API offers many integration options for third-party applications and programs.
Plesk
Plesk comes with pre-installed third-party applications that power basic hosting functions on the server. In addition, users can install and manage several other third-party applications, ensuring all their website needs are met.
DirectAdmin
Users can easily add and integrate third-party plugins for functions like backups, one-click app installers, and malware scanning. Its ability to integrate with critical third parties, such as the Cyber Security Framework (CSF), makes it an attractive control panel to many.
CyberPanel
Compared to other control panels, options to integrate third-party software is limited. However, it integrates seamlessly with important tools such as WebHost Manager (streamlining the management of several key functions) and Softaculous (a program that facilitates the simple and speedy installation of over 400 applications, including WordPress).
Customization Capabilities
cPanel:
The cPanel interface is customizable in several ways. It has extensive administrator access options, allowing them to customize access permissions based on needs or role, making it a great option for organizations with multiple users. Users can also organize icons and locate frequently used features quickly and easily. Its advanced customization options make it the control panel of choice for organizations that require more control, more flexibility, and scalability.
CWP:
CWP offers several options to customize and extend the platform to meet your needs, though not as many as cPanel. For customized CWP modules, users are required to contact the support team.
Plesk:
Users can change the Plesk layout to match their organization’s branding through title, logo, theme, and favicon changes. They can also rearrange or remove home screen widgets, change the interface language, and add custom buttons (which link to an external website, for instance).
Direct Admin:
Users can customize the interface according to their preferences. These range from visuals (such as color schemes and menu layouts) to functionalities (customized workflows, admins, and resellers). Users can also change the interface language and overall layout.
CyberPanel:
Users can change the theme, design, and color of the interface, as well as add custom CSS code. Its built-in plugin store also allows users to add new features or customize existing ones.
Migration Considerations
Before starting the migration process, make sure you have backed up all your data and are compliant with the prerequisites (which can include root access to both servers and the pre-installation of the control panel you’re migrating to on the new destination server).
DirectAdmin, Plesk, cPanel, CWP, and CyberPanel all have built-in migration tools or plugins, making the process a lot easier. However, some components may need to be manually set up or adjusted in the new environment, particularly if specific configurations, customizations, or plugins have been added which are not easy to transfer. Website owners should take note of these before the migration process to ensure their work and website flow is not disrupted.
If you know your migration may be complicated due to a high amount of customizations or complex settings, third-party services can help. Though it may come with an extra cost, it can provide reassurance of uptime, reliability, and full functionality.
Once the migration is complete, users should test their site and all the functionalities of their new control panel to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Which Control Panel is Best for My Company?
Enterprise orgs
For large-scale organizations and enterprises, reliability, uptime, scalability and security will be key considerations. As these organizations often operate globally, customization possibilities in terms of languages, localized third-party software integration considerations, and user access will also be important. They require control panels that are able to execute large-scale operations easily and quickly.
Small businesses
Small business owners need to consider several aspects when choosing a control panel. They need to balance reliability with cost efficiency, as their budget will be more constricted than larger organizations. They will also need to consider control panels which offer robust customer support, because they may have less technical expertise in their team than larger organizations.
Resellers
For resellers, flexibility is a key consideration. Their clients will be operating in a multitude of different languages, programming languages, countries, and industries, and the control panel they choose needs to cater to this. They need to be able to easily and quickly create and manage client websites and user access permissions, and require robust customization features.
Web Hosting Control Panel Comparison
Key Takeaways for Your Decision
cPanel: The industry standard with the most extensive documentation and features, but the highest cost
CWP: Best value option with performance comparable to cPanel at a fraction of the cost
Plesk: Best for Windows server environments and WordPress management
DirectAdmin: Most affordable option for basic hosting needs
CyberPanel: Excellent free option for high-traffic WordPress sites using LiteSpeed
Conclusion
CWP, Plesk, Direct Admin, and CyberPanel are all becoming more popular solutions for users looking for cPanel alternatives. They provide more cost-effective solutions for those who want to move away from cPanel without sacrificing performance or drastically reworking hosting configurations. Their affordable licensing is quickly becoming a default option for users willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and familiarity to find a better solution at a much better price point. For users using the Windows operating systems in particular, Plesk will be the control panel of choice.
However, cPanel has earned its place as the leader in the control panel rightfully. As the oldest and most well-established control panel, with over two decades of documentation and a highly active and global community, it continues to dominate in the industry. It is an amazing product that is simple to use as a new web hosting user, and is considered the most comprehensive and reliable control panel by many across the globe. It is a secure tool that will help you quickly and easily get up and running with less manual system setup. Using the information provided to you in this post, we hope you can find the right solution for your needs and budget. If you want to test out CWP, a great place to start is with our VPS Hosting and Dedicated Hosting lines, where we offer the pro versions.