Tired of your shared web hosting due to bad support and frequent downtimes? You must consider migrating from shared hosting to a Linux VPS or Dedicated Server for best-performing websites and web apps. Let’s have a look at Free VPS Hosting Control Panels (cPanel Alternatives)
However migrating to VPS or a Dedicated server, might not sound too cool, unless you are a tech-savvy person, as you will have to play with the Linux command line on a VPS or Dedicated server. To solve that problem and to keep your transition smooth from shared hosting to a Linux VPS, you will need to use a control panel like cPanel/WHM on VPS or a dedicated server.
A Control panel is a popular tool used to manage your hosting package. You can do all sorts of things with it: manage your domain names, install web applications, create and manage email accounts, upload website files, etc. You can use web hosting control panels with a VPS, SSD VPS, Cloud VPS, or a Dedicated Server.
Of course, you can do all of this directly by logging into the server. However, this requires some development and server administration knowledge. One mistake – and the whole site may be broken.
Moreover, web panels or control panels are usually intuitive and simple and save you time to manage multiple web applications such as WordPress, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Magento, and a lot more.
In short with the help of control panels you can effectively manage the Linux servers and multiple websites, be it a VPS or a dedicated server.
Let’s take a look at the web hosting control panels (or admin panels) that you can use to manage your VPS or dedicated server. And yes, they are completely free to set up and use.
6 Free Linux Server Hosting Control Panels (cPanel Alternatives)
These days, control panels are popular because they help webmasters interactively manage the environment of their web projects. Couple that with how easily they make experts useless.
- ISPConfig
- AAPanel
- CentOS Web Panel
- VestaCP
- CyberPanel
- CloudPanel
In fact, a complete novice can efficiently administer his server and manage more than one site…powered by a few clicks.
You can find lots of panels on the internet. All of them have different designs and scopes of features.
Features Comparison Table
Certain features are common among the following web control panels. These include DNS, email, database, and FTP management and administration.
However, some features are limited to certain panels, so some do not support features like IPv6 or multi-server management as others do. The following table clearly mentions the features of each Linux VPS control panel.
Comparison of Free Linux VPS & Dedicated Server Control Panels| Linux Control Panels | ISPConfig | AAPanel | CentOS WebPanel | VestaCP | CyberPanel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Linux OS | Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, Debian | Debian, Ubuntu, & CentOS | CentOS | RHEL / CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu | CentOS, Ubuntu |
| Frontend Framework | PHP | PHP | PHP | PHP | PHP |
| Backend Framework | PHP | Python | PHP | PHP | Python |
| Web Servers | Apache / Nginx | Apache / Nginx / OpenLiteSpeed | Apache / Nginx Web Server | Apache / Nginx | OpenLiteSpeed |
| DNS Management | BIND, MyDNS, PowerDNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PHP Versions | PHP 5.x / 7.x | PHP 5.x / 7.x | PHP 5.x / 7.x | PHP 5.x / 7.x | PHP 5.x / 7.x |
| Email Management | IMAP, POP3, IMAPS, POP3S, SMTP | Sendmail, Postfix | Postfix | Yes | Yes |
| FTP Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Database Management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File Manager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Server / User Management | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| – | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download |
| Hire Us to Setup Server | Setup Server | Setup Server | Setup Server | Setup Server | Setup Server |
ISPConfig
ISPConfig was created back in 2005 by the German company projektfarm GmbH. It’s come a long way since then and is super powerful. To the point where it might be a bit intimidating for noobs.
But have no fear, because, with its extensive documentation and ability to control pretty much all server functions, you’ll be able to customize ISPconfig to do exactly what you want.
The general takeaway you should have with ISPConfig is this – you build out your server the way you want to and then use ISPConfig as a sort of GUI to manage what you’ve already built out.
AAPanel
CPanel is a very simple hosting control panel that works on CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu. I would opt for CentOS 7 as some of their one-click applications (such as a DNS Manager) are only available for CentOS; they also recommend CentOS on the forums, albeit nowhere else.
With this amazing panel, it’s possible to manage websites, databases, and FTP accounts by default. A DNS Manager is also there, but only for CentOS 7. It also contains a mail server with a simple click.
It offers various flavors of Nginx, Apache, MySQL, PHP Static/PHP-FPM (PHP 5-7+), Redis, Memcached, etc, that must be installed simply by a click; and if you’re not on CentOS, the build compiles these by default – this stage can be a little time consuming, especially if you’re on a budget VPS.
CentOS Web Panel
CentOS Web Panel (CWP) is a web hosting control panel that centers around easy and quick management of the hosting environment over your Dedicated server or VPS. As its name applies it is to be installed on Servers running CentOS.
CentOS is one of the most popular server operating systems due to its free license, easy management, and large number of tutorials available over the Internet.
CWP, in short, is a great fast, and free tool to manage a starting small reseller business or a commercial website and is a great choice when you do not want to be bound by the pesky limits implied on every shared hosting environment.
It gives you free roam over the core system and allows you to modify it on the go as your needs suit it.
CWP can be requested to be installed on any of the VPS and Dedicated Server machines. You can play around and learn how to manage your services with CentOS Web Panel in a matter of minutes.
VestaCP
Vesta CP is a freeware and open-source control panel. It is one of the most popular as well as a simple and lightweight panel for server management. It has everything needed to create and manage server functions, you will be able to work with users, domains, and databases.
Vesta Control Panel can be an excellent choice for your server it runs quickly, is easily installed, and is constantly improved with regular updates and a wide range of community support.
Vesta CP has a compact and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to understand how to set up a database or work with Cron.
Vesta CP supports a pair of Apache + Nginx, as well as the SSL protocol, SNI, and DKIM. Besides Vesta CP has a fast backup and restore functionality.
CyberPanel
CyberPanel is a free, web-based hosting control panel designed for users and system administrators alike. Powered by OpenLitespeed, the open-source version of the Litespeed web server, it provides an easy-to-use management interface along with everything you need to host almost any type of website.
Aimed at providing an affordable, comprehensive alternative to many of the most popular web hosting control panels, Cyberpanel is packed full of features and optimizations to provide a high level of performance on any server.
Cyberpanel is designed to allow for easy installation on all common web hosting servers, therefore it’s installation requirements are very minimal and most setups will have no problem handling this control panel.
If you’re planning to host many websites from your server then we would advise a significantly higher level of RAM and available hard drive space to accommodate many users.
CloudPanel
CloudPanel.io is a robust cloud infrastructure management tool that offers a plethora of powerful features designed to simplify and streamline the administration and deployment of cloud-based resources. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive overview of CloudPanel.io’s remarkable offerings, shedding light on how it amplifies efficiency, ensures security, and empowers businesses with optimal control over their cloud environments.
Intuitive User Interface and Dashboard
It welcomes users with a sleek and intuitive user interface that facilitates effortless navigation and control. The dashboard provides a visually appealing overview of critical infrastructure metrics, enabling administrators to gather real-time insights into resource utilization, storage, databases, and more. This comprehensive overview enables businesses to make informed decisions concerning resource allocation and optimization.
Secure Hosting Environment
CloudPanel.io prioritizes security, providing robust measures to safeguard cloud environments. It offers secure hosting environments by implementing intrusion detection systems, firewall configuration, SSL management, and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). These layers of protection fortify the infrastructure against potential threats, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and reliability.
Application Deployment and Management
Simplifying application management, CloudPanel.io allows administrators to deploy applications effortlessly. It supports various popular programming languages such as PHP, Python, Node.js, and more. The intuitive interface allows for efficient addition, configuration, and monitoring of applications, granting administrators granular control and insight into the entire software lifecycle.
Database Management
Simplifies database administration by offering support for popular database management systems like MySQL and MariaDB. The platform enables straightforward creation, configuration, and monitoring of databases. With its intuitive interface, granular control over database access privileges, and efficient backup and restore capabilities, CloudPanel.io ensures seamless database management.
Advanced Analytics and Insights
Empowers businesses with comprehensive analytics and insights. By leveraging powerful monitoring tools, administrators can collect and analyze real-time performance data, enabling them to identify bottlenecks, optimize resource allocation, and troubleshoot issues promptly. Detailed reports and visualizations aid in assessing the overall health and efficiency of the cloud infrastructure.
CloudPanel.io offers an impressive array of features and functionalities that optimize the management of cloud infrastructure. Its intuitive user interface, automated scaling capabilities, and secure hosting environment empower businesses to leverage the full potential of their cloud resources. The platform’s robust application deployment and database management features further streamline operations, while advanced analytics and insights provide administrators with the necessary data to make informed business decisions. With CloudPanel.io, businesses can unlock the benefits of cloud computing without compromising on performance, security, or control.
FAQs About Free Linux VPS Hosting Control Panels
1. What Is A Linux VPS Hosting Control Panel?
Perhaps, you are a newbie who finds the term “VPS Hosting Control Panel” Greek. In basic terms, a web control panel can be simply described as a software or web interface developed to be used by web administrators for the management of domains, emails, databases, systems, file transfer protocols, and many other functions.
It is sometimes referred to as a web control panel, web admin panel, control panel, admin panel, or simply ‘panel’.
2. Which Web Control Panel Should I Adopt?
Your choice of a suitable web control panel would be governed by a number of factors such as;
a) Your budget: Some Linux VPS hosting control panels are free while some are not. The list above gives you a picture of great control panels you can use without spending a dime.
So, depending on your budget, you can either go for one of those listed above or select a paid one if you need more functionalities. However, it is important to note that these free ones are likely powerful and efficient enough for you.
b) Preferred Operating System: What OS do you have in mind? Most of the control panels support CentOS, Debian & Ubuntu.
c) Features: Certain attributes are common amongst web hosting control panels.
3. What Is An Open Source Linux VPS Hosting Control Panel?
Basically, an open-source Linux VPS Hosting control panel has its source code open or made available to the public for free use and modification. Software applications are usually under a license enforced by the government. And that concept forms the basis of the terms and conditions of use.
On the other hand, open-source control panels are not bound by the law — so there are no restrictions. Anyone—from anywhere and with any purpose—can the panel in total freedom. Can you see have an opportunity here?
4. What Is The Catch Behind Free VPS Hosting Control Panels?
These free hosting control panels offer limited community support and are recommended to be used by people who do have Linux operating system know-how or have an in-house Linux administrator to handle the support and issues.
Verdict
We have seen the common features of control panels and the unique features of each. We can also infer, from the foregoing, the importance of Linux VPS or dedicated server hosting control panels (cPanel alternatives) in the overall management of your website or web app.
Therefore, you can confidently choose the one that best appeals to you. Or you also have the option to send us your requirements and we will handle everything else on your behalf.
