Reviewing the Top Open-Source Web Hosting Control Panels for Cost-Effective Site Management

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Table of contents

  • ISPConfig
  • Webmin
  • CWP
  • Virtualmin
  • VestaCP
  • Ajenti
  • Froxlor
  • Managing a website cost-effectively
  • FAQ

The best web hosting control panels

1- ISPConfig

ISPConfig is a popular open-source control panel for Linux servers. As of 2024, Linux powered over 90% of the public cloud infrastructure. ISP offers a simple and intuitive web interface for managing websites, email accounts, FTP accounts, databases, DNS, and more. ISPConfig also supports multi-server setups and can manage multiple servers from a single control panel.

2- Webmin

Webmin is a web-based system admin tool with a graphical user interface to manage system configurations, including user accounts, Apache web server settings, DNS, and file sharing. Webmin also provides a comprehensive interface for managing various aspects of your server, including software packages, network configuration, firewall settings, and more. Its modules cover many system administration tasks. In 2022, 475 people downloaded it per week on average.

3- CentOS Web Panel (CWP)

CentOS Web Panel manages web hosting on CentOS servers. It includes features like Apache and Nginx web servers, PHP and MySQL support, email management, firewall configuration, and more. CWP is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for open source web hosting.

4- Virtualmin

Virtualmin is a powerful and flexible control panel that integrates with Webmin and is specifically designed for managing virtual hosts. It supports multiple virtualization technologies, including KVM, OpenVZ, and Xen, and provides tools for managing Apache, PHP, MySQL, and other services. Virtualmin offers domain and website management, email hosting, database management, DNS configuration, SSL certificate management, and more. With more than 150,000 installations globally as of 2023, it’s the most comprehensive and popular open-source control panel available.

5- VestaCP

Vesta Control Panel (VestaCP) is a simple and lightweight control panel for managing web hosting on Linux servers. It includes features like Apache or Nginx web servers, PHP and MySQL support, email management, DNS, and more. As of April 2024, Apache was used by 30.1% of all the websites with known web servers, and Nginx was used by 34.2%. The panel is known for its clean and intuitive interface.

6- Ajenti

Ajenti is a Python-based control panel that offers a clean and user-friendly interface for managing servers and websites. It supports Apache, Nginx, MySQL, PostgreSQL, FTP, DNS, and more. Ajenti also has a plugin system that allows you to extend its functionality, email server configuration, firewall setup, and more. While Ajenti has a community forum where users can seek help and support, it may not have the same level of documentation and community support as some other control panels. Users find it more challenging to troubleshoot issues or find answers to their questions.

7- Froxlor

Froxlor is an open-source server management panel that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It offers features like Apache and Nginx web servers, PHP and MySQL support, email management, DNS, and more. Froxlor is written in PHP and uses a modular architecture. Froxlor includes various security features to help protect servers and websites, such as firewall configuration, SSL certificate management, and automatic security updates.

The significance of cost-effective website management

Studies reveal that if your website user experience is poor, 89% of consumers will turn to a competitor. A lot of novices sign up for website features they don’t actually need. Before you start exploring your options, determine whether you need to enhance some pages or create a website from scratch. Consider your type of business: a simple blog will have vastly different requirements from an e-commerce website.

Knowing the standard price range will enable you to allocate your budget reasonably and avoid overspending on unnecessary services or features.

Consider hiring a freelance web developer on Freelancer, Upwork, or Fiverr. Around 36 percent of all companies outsource their web design activities, according to PayPal. 40% of US freelancers have at least a college degree. Another recent study showed that 54% of Google employees were freelancers.

If you’d rather work with a local team, search for affordable web development services in your area.

FAQ

Why do I need a web hosting control panel?

You need a web hosting control panel to manage your servers and hosted services.

Do I need cPanel for web hosting?

cPanel is a popular and commonly used panel, but the free alternatives in this article can fulfill its functions.

What is the difference between Webmin and Virtualmin?

While Webmin controls and edits OS configurations, Virtualmin manages virtual server hosting. Virtualmin is a Webmin module.