cPanel is a widely popular Web Hosting Control Panel (WHCP), but it’s not the only option available. Various other powerful WHCPs allow users to manage their web hosting accounts with ease, many of which are free to use. These alternatives provide a Graphic User Interface (GUI), making them accessible even to those with limited technical knowledge. Here are seven free alternatives to cPanel you can consider.
1. SPanel
Website: https://www.spanel.io/
SPanel is a free control panel developed by ScalaHosting. It is available exclusively on ScalaHosting’s VPS Cloud plans. SPanel offers a user-friendly GUI with features like PHP version selection, WordPress installer, File Manager, and more. It also supports smooth migration from cPanel, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a cost-effective option.
Where to Get SPanel: Available through ScalaHosting’s VPS Cloud plans.
2. Webuzo
Website: https://webuzo.com/
Webuzo, developed by Softaculous, is a LAMP stack WHCP designed for Cloud environments. It offers essential features like FTP user management, DNS handling, and database management. Although Webuzo has a free version, it comes with some limitations compared to its paid counterpart.
Where to Get Webuzo: Available on several hosting providers like Interserver and A2 Hosting or install it on any VPS running CentOS, Red Hat, or Ubuntu.
3. Site Tools by SiteGround
Website: https://www.siteground.com/
SiteGround’s Site Tools is a proprietary control panel offered to their customers as a replacement for cPanel. It provides a simple, user-friendly interface with a comprehensive set of tools for managing your hosting account. While it’s currently exclusive to SiteGround customers, it may become more widely available in the future.
Where to Get Site Tools: Exclusively available through SiteGround.
4. Webmin
Website: http://www.webmin.com/
Webmin is a versatile control panel designed for Unix-based systems, including Linux and, to some extent, Windows. It’s highly customizable and offers modules like Virtualmin and Usermin for extended functionality. Webmin is free and open-source, making it a popular choice for those who prefer flexibility.
Where to Get Webmin: Available for installation on any compatible Linux distribution.
5. aaPanel
Website: https://www.aapanel.com/
aaPanel is a lightweight WHCP that runs on CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu. It provides an intuitive GUI with one-click installation for various web services like Nginx, Apache, and PHP. It’s ideal for those looking for an easy-to-use control panel with minimal resource requirements.
Where to Get aaPanel: Available for installation on compatible VPS plans, such as those offered by Rose Hosting.
6. CentOS Control Web Panel
Website: http://centos-webpanel.com/
CentOS Web Panel (CWP) is a comprehensive WHCP designed for CentOS-based servers. It offers features like Apache Web Server, PHP version selector, database management, and more. CWP is free, but uninstalling it requires a fresh OS installation.
Where to Get CentOS Web Panel: Available on CentOS-based VPS plans from providers like Altushost.
7. ZPanel
Website: http://zpanelcp.sourceforge.net/
ZPanel is a free, open-source WHCP that works on both Windows and Linux systems. It offers a GUI-driven interface that simplifies web server management. Despite its age, ZPanel remains a viable option for those seeking a cost-effective control panel.
Where to Get ZPanel: Available for download on SourceForge, with limited hosting provider support like A2 Hosting.
Conclusion: Free Alternatives Do Exist and Are Readily Accessible
While cPanel and Plesk dominate the WHCP market, there are several free alternatives available that offer robust features and ease of use. These alternatives provide viable options for those looking to avoid the recent cPanel price hikes or simply seeking a different experience. Whether you prefer SPanel’s integration with ScalaHosting, the flexibility of Webmin, or the simplicity of aaPanel, there’s a free WHCP to suit your needs.
