Top 12 Control Panels of 2023: A Definitive Guide

If you are responsible for overseeing servers in web hosting, you likely recognize the significance of having a straightforward yet highly efficient method for monitoring and managing your hosting infrastructure. The optimal approach to handle the various processes associated with routine hosting tasks is through the utilization of a web hosting control panel.

Fortunately, many hosting companies have addressed this need by incorporating their own hosting control panel or Graphical User Interface (GUI). The use of a web hosting control panel enables you to monitor and adjust your server services from virtually anywhere with a stable internet connection. To assist you in navigating the options available on the market, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you identify the most popular choices and determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

Selecting the Right Hosting Control Panel

When opting for a user-friendly hosting control panel suitable for small businesses, it’s crucial to weigh various factors to ensure the ideal choice for your requirements. This section will delve into three pivotal considerations: compatibility with operating systems, the user interface, and scalability.

Compatibility with Operating Systems

A key consideration is the hosting control panel’s compatibility with your chosen operating system (OS). Different control panels support distinct OSs, making it essential to select one fully compatible with your server’s OS. For instance, certain control panels exclusively function with Linux-based systems like Debian, while others accommodate both Linux and Windows platforms.

User Interface

Another vital factor is the user interface (UI) of the hosting control panel.

The UI should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and user-friendly, catering to both novices and experienced users for efficient server management. A well-designed UI can save time and effort, a valuable aspect for small businesses with limited IT resources. Seek hosting control panels with a clean layout, straightforward navigation, and helpful tooltips to guide you through the management processes.

Scalability

Consider the scalability of the hosting control panel. As your small business expands, you may need to oversee an increasing number of websites, domains, and server resources. Opting for a control panel that scales with your business needs is essential, enabling effective management of multiple sites, databases, and email accounts.

Some hosting control panels offer advanced features like load balancing and clustering, facilitating efficient distribution of server resources and ensuring optimal performance as your business grows.

List Of The Most Popular cPanels 

1. Webmin:

Webmin serves as a web-centric control panel, providing a diverse set of tools for efficient administration of Linux-based servers. Accessed through a web browser, users can create accounts and manage various functions, including Apache, DNS, file sharing, and more. Notably, Webmin allows users to configure critical operating system elements, covering tasks such as user management, disk quotas, service control, and adjustment of configuration files.

Features:

• Versatile Branding Options
• User Account Management
• Task Scheduling Capabilities
• DNS Utilities
• Transparent System Information
• Package Management
• Web Administration
• System Configuration
• Security Setup
• File Handling
• Server Insight
• Database Management
• Swift Mobile User Interface
• Browser Control

2. CyberPanel:

CyberPanel is a web hosting control panel designed to streamline the management of web hosting environments. Tailored for seamless integration with the high-speed LiteSpeed web server, CyberPanel offers an intuitive interface for overseeing various aspects of hosting, including website and domain management, database administration, email configuration, and more, aiming to simplify the hosting experience.

Features:

• Continuous Development Support
• Auto Login
• Staging Sites
• Enhanced Security Features
• Backup Choices
• User-Friendly Interface
• Instant SSL
• ModSec and CSF Integration
• One-Click Installation
• LiteSpeed Cache
• Efficient FileManager

3. Ajenti:

Ajenti is an open-source, user-friendly web-based control panel and administration tool designed for efficient oversight of server infrastructure and applications. Serving as a centralized hub, Ajenti facilitates the configuration of various server elements, including system preferences, network setups, services, and applications. With a focus on streamlining server management, Ajenti caters to both experienced administrators and newcomers to server administration.

Features:

• Intuitive Dashboard
• Web Hosting Tools
• Integrated Web Server
• Service Management
• Optimal Performance
• Network Configuration
• Sleek User Interface
• Software Packages
• Frontend utilizing Single-page AJAX approach
• System Settings

4. HestiaCP:

Hestia Control Panel, or HestiaCP, is designed to simplify the administration of web hosting services and server configurations. Prioritizing a user-friendly interface, HestiaCP facilitates easy oversight of websites, domains, email accounts, databases, and various other elements of web hosting. This approach caters to both administrators and end-users, ensuring effortless management.

Features:

• DNS Management
• MultiIP Support
• User Control
• One-Click Apps
• Two-Factor Admin
• MultiPHP Support
• Create Nameservers
• SFTP Jails
• Proxy Cache
• Easy Clustering
• TLS Certificates
• Nginx Caching
• SSH Key Access
• Multiple Domains

5. CentOS Web Panel:

CentOS Web Panel, known as CWP, is a meticulously designed online control panel aimed at streamlining the management of web hosting environments and servers. Tailored specifically for servers operating on the CentOS system, CWP provides a straightforward interface for users to oversee a variety of server-related tasks, website management, and application administration through an intuitive graphical dashboard.

Features:

• User-friendly management interface
• Security Settings
• Integration of SPF & DKIM
• Backup & Restore
• FTP Setup
• Management of SSL certificates
• Server Configuration
• Script Installer
• Real-time monitoring of the MySQL process
• User Management
• System Monitoring
• Dashboard-based hardware monitoring
• Support Resources

6. cPanel:

cPanel presents a unified platform empowering users to efficiently oversee all aspects of their websites and hosting environments through a single, user-friendly interface. Serving as an all-encompassing control panel, cPanel streamlines a multitude of tasks, making it an essential tool for both novices and seasoned web administrators. With its robust feature set and intuitive layout, cPanel serves as a potent resource, providing individuals, businesses, and web hosting providers the ability to manage and govern their online presence with ease and effectiveness.

Features:

• Database Launch
• DNS Configuration
• File Management
• Spam Filtering
• Collaborative Tools
• SSL Implementation
• Script Installation
• Email Hosting
• Database Creation
• Resource Monitoring
• Website Publishing
• Cron Automation
• Domain Control

7. AAPanel:

AAPanel is a well-known web hosting control panel designed to simplify the management and administration of web hosting environments and servers. Featuring a user-friendly and feature-rich interface, AAPanel empowers both experienced administrators and beginners to effectively oversee various aspects of their hosting infrastructure. The platform offers an intuitive and visually appealing dashboard, facilitating easy navigation and management of server resources, websites, and applications.

Features:

• User-Friendly
• Web Server
• Database Administration
• Security Features
• One-Click Installations
• Email Management
• File Manager
• Server Monitoring
• DNS Configuration
• Backup/Restore
• Collaborative Tools

8. Froxlor:

Froxlor is meticulously crafted to streamline the administration of web hosting services and server setups. Offering a suite of functionalities, Froxlor enables users to oversee domains, email accounts, FTP accounts, databases, and more. Catering to web hosting providers, system administrators, and individuals managing self-hosted websites, Froxlor delivers a user-friendly interface for efficient management of web hosting and server administration tasks.

Features:

• Quota Management
• Customer Management
• Custom PHP Setup
• SSL Certificate Handling
• Resource Control
• Access via FTP
• Web Statistics
• DNS Management
• MySQL Database Management
• Tailored php.ini Settings
• Utilize Let’s Encrypt
• Individual IP Addresses
• Tools for Resellers

9. Sentora:

Sentora is an open-source web hosting control panel specifically designed for Linux distributions. Serving as a no-cost hosting control panel, it streamlines server management tasks. This freely downloadable open-source software not only provides initial access without charges but also encourages continuous improvements and collaborative contributions.

Features:

• Quota Control
• Community Involvement
• Multi-Client Setup
• Reseller Capability
• Versatile APIs
• Custom Branding
• Diverse App Store
• Module Variety
• Language Support

10. ZPanel:

ZPanel, also recognized as the ZPanel Control Panel, was an open-source web hosting control panel crafted to simplify the management of web hosting environments and servers. Offering a user-friendly interface for both server administrators and end-users, ZPanel facilitated the management of websites, domains, email accounts, databases, and other hosting-related services. Designed to work on various operating systems, including Linux distributions like CentOS, Ubuntu, and Debian, it provided versatility for different server setups.

Features:

• Web Hosting
• Cross-Platform Compatibility
• Open Source
• Web Server
• Database Administration
• Email Hosting
• File Management
• Security Features
• One-Click Installations

11. ISPConfig:

ISPConfig is an open-source, browser-based control panel designed to simplify the management of web hosting environments. Catering to both individual users and hosting providers, ISPConfig offers a comprehensive set of tools for configuring, administering, and monitoring web servers, domains, websites, email accounts, databases, and more.

Features:

• Multilingual Interface
• Security Settings
• Manage multiple servers
• User Management
• Web Server Management
• FTP Access
• Mail Servers Management
• Administrator login
• One control panel
• Customization
• Backup and Restore
• DNS Server Management
• Statistics and Monitoring
• Reseller and Customer Support
• Client Login
• Reseller Login

12. Vesta Control Panel:

Vesta Control Panel, commonly known as VestaCP, is a free web hosting control panel designed to simplify the management of multiple websites through a unified interface. This platform empowers users to effortlessly create and manage email accounts, FTP accounts, MySQL databases, and oversee DNS records. Vesta CP stands out as a preferred choice, particularly for those new to web hosting, thanks to its intuitive design and incorporation of advanced technologies. The user-friendly dashboard provides an uncomplicated approach to website management.

Features:

• Swift Backups
• DNS Management
• Multi-Domain Hosting
• Built-in Security
• Web File Manager
• Sleek Interface
• Cron Job Scheduler
• SSL Certificate Management
• PHP and Webmail Support
• Firewall Configuration
• DKIM Integration

Summing up

The hosting panels mentioned above are the most popular, and they receive regular updates in terms of new features and issue fixes. We hope that our review of hosting cPanel’s will help you make a more informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs.

There is no such thing as a flawless web hosting management system; only the one that is most suited to your needs. Certain hosting cPanel’s cater to professional users, however other solutions need a less sophisticated level of web hosting administration expertise.

It’s a good idea to utilize a renowned and well-supported hosting administration package, like as Plesk or cPanel. That way, if you decide to move hosts in the future, you won’t have to deal with any issues.