If you want to start running a website, there are many things that you’ll need to do. However, one of the most important tasks might be choosing an excellent web panel. Though there are multiple options available, the two market leaders are cPanel and Plesk.
So, cPanel vs Plesk what’s the best web panel? Both of these options have several pros and cons to consider. For example, they both come packed with a lot of features and have an easy-to-use interface. However, Plesk will be compatible with more server operating systems. cPanel might be slightly more expensive, depending on which plan you purchase. Ultimately, though, the one that’s best for you will depend on the way you intend to use the web panel.
However, often choosing the right web panel will require you to consider multiple different options, to find the right choice. To help you make this decision, let’s take a closer look at the biggest differences between cPanel and Plesk.
What is a Web Hosting Panel?
First, though, let’s briefly look at what a web hosting panel is and why it’s important. A web hosting panel is a graphical interface, which provides all the tools you need to control your website. In most cases, you’ll be able to access this tool through your web browser.
As the internet has evolved, it’s become easier than ever for you to run a website. One of the biggest reasons for this is the development of web hosting panels. In the old days, you had to code everything for your site manually. This took a lot of time and required special skills. Now, with a few simple clicks, you’ll be able to take control of your site.
The type of web hosting panel that you choose will determine how easy it will be for you to control your website. Because of this, it’s worth putting aside a little more time, to find the web hosting panel that will work best for you.
What are the Elements of a Web Hosting Panel?
There are a few essential elements that a web hosting panel will need to have. First, it should allow you to manage your domain information. It should also make managing your mailbox and files easy. Finally, you should expect your web hosting panel to have some basic tools to help you track your site.
There are a few basic elements that you should expect from a web hosting panel. These basic tools are needed for you to perform the most online functions.
First, you will want to find something that will keep all your domain names in one place. This information can often be very difficult for you to keep track of, especially if you’re running multiple websites at once. In some cases, a web hosting panel will allow you to start a new subdomain, which can be a great way of expanding your site.
You should also expect to have a web hosting panel to help you manage your mailbox. It’s common for you to set-up an email that is associated with your site. You should be able to view any messages from your web panel. In some cases, you might want to forward the mail to another email address.
You’ll also want to find something that makes it easy for you to manage your files. This will ensure that you can keep track of everything on your server. It will allow you to add or remove files as appropriate. This is especially important if you’re running a large site, which can often have a lot of files that you need to manage.
Finally, most web hosting panels will offer some basic logging tools. For example, you’ll be able to know how people are visiting your website. It might also be able to help you find which sites are using the most bandwidth. These features will allow you to manage your site, so you can make informed decisions.
In most cases, though, web hosting panels will go beyond the basics, offering you additional features. For example, you might be able to set-up regular backups or migrate your files from one server to another. As we’ll explore later, both cPanel and Plesk offer many advanced options for you to try.
cPanel vs Plesk: Which is the Best Choice?
Two of the most popular web hosting services are cPanel and Plesk. There are several key areas to consider when deciding which of these services you should use. Each of them has different strengths and weaknesses. As a result, the best one for you will depend on personal choice.
When considering which type of web panel you should use, there are a few things for you to take into account. For example, you want to make sure that you’re getting a user interface that’s easy to use. You also need to get something that offers plenty of features. Let’s take a closer look at some of these considerations, to see how cPanel and Plesk stack up.
cPanel vs Plesk: Which has the Best User Interface?
Both cPanel and Plesk offer an excellent user interface, making them very easy to use. However, they take a different approach. While cPanel focuses on features, Plesk has a greater focus on domains.
At first glance, both the cPanel and Plesk user interfaces can appear very similar. However, they operate in a slightly different way. The best way to understand this is by looking at how each web hosting service operates.
cPanel puts a greater focus on the features and making them as easy for you to find and use as possible. As a result, these will be the first things that you see when you open the panel. The website domains will be listed in a side panel. You’ll be able to customize which features appear in the main panel.
In cPanel, you’ll need to go through the features tab to change the settings for each website. For example, if you wanted to set up a forwarding address, you’ll need to click on the Email tab, then choose which domain you want to customize.
On the other hand, Plesk places a greater focus on each domain. For example, when you select a domain, it will only show the features that apply to that site. As a result, to set-up a forwarding email, you’ll need to select that domain, then move to the email section.
While they might take a different approach to the user interface, there are a few features that both cPanel and Plesk share. First, they are both easy to learn. There is a lot of support available online, with a large user base, who like to share helpful tips and insights. This will ensure that you will be able to start using these web panels to control your site very quickly.
They also both have clearly labeled each aspect of the site. This will make it easier for you to navigate through the interface, particularly if you are looking for a specific feature or function.
It should also be noted that they both have dedicated support services. You will be able to call these numbers if you ever get into a problem and the skilled teams will be able to help you work through the issue. However, with cPanel, you’ll need to pay for assistance. With Plesk, a 24/7/365 service is included as part of the price.
When deciding which interface to choose, there are a few things that you might want to consider. For example, you might want to think about how many sites you want to have. If you want to have several, it might be easier to use Plesk. Ultimately, though, it will come down to your personal preference.
What Features Come With Plesk And cPanel?
Both of these web panels have several features for you to choose from. They both offer important base features, like domain and file management. However, there are a few features that will set each site apart. For example, Plesk offers automatic updates to WordPress sites, so you’ll be able to keep your site secure. On the other hand, cPanel automatic back-ups and restorations.
Often, the features offered will be one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding which web panel you want to use. Both cPanel and Plesk come equipped with plenty of features, so you’ll be able to get a lot of functionality from them.
Because of this, they share a few common features. For example, they both have features that will allow you to manage your domain, emails, and files. They both offer tools that will let you set up and manage databases.
Another big shared feature is the ability to see key stats about your websites. For example, you’ll be able to see the amount of traffic that you’re receiving. They also offer security features, such as SSP to make sure that your site is protected from hackers. Both cPanel and Plesk also have tools that will allow you to incorporate other popular web scripts into your websites.
However, despite the many features that they share, there are a few things that set these web panels apart. For example, Plesk will allow you to automatically update your WordPress sites. This will ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and patches as soon as they become available.
On the other hand, cPanel will allow you to automatically back-up and recover your files. This will ensure that you can recover if your website ever goes offline.
Based on this, both platforms come with a ton of useful features. Because of this, unless you are planning on using some very specialized tools, you should be able to use both of these web panels to manage your site.
What Server Operating System Supports cPanel and Plesk?
Before you purchase one of these web panels, you want to make sure that your system will be able to support it. In this area, Plesk will often be suitable for a wider array of servers. It will be able to run on both Windows and Linux systems. However, cPanel is designed for Linux platforms.
This is one of the most significant differences between these web panels. However, it’s also one of the most important things to think about when deciding which option you want to select. You need to make sure that you’re getting something that will be compatible with your server.
The cPanel software has been designed to be compatible with CentOS, Cloud Linux, and RedHat Enterprise Linux. While there might be some backdoor ways to get it to work on a Windows server, it’s generally recommended that you avoid these methods.
On the other hand, Plesk is compatible with a wider array of server operating systems. For example, you will be able to run it on most Linux servers. However, it will also be compatible with those that are running Windows. Because of this, Plesk tends to be one of the most widely available web panels.
Which is Cheaper cPanel or Plesk?
Finally, you might want to think about how much it will cost to purchase these web panels. In this area, cPanel will be more expensive than Plesk. However, the price you’ll pay will depend on the plan that you purchase.
There are a few ways that you’ll be able to get these web panels. First, you might purchase a web hosting service, that includes access to these web panels. However, the second option is to purchase a subscription to them yourself.
If you’re purchasing a subscription, there are multiple tiers for you to consider, depending on the services that you intend to use. Each of these levels comes at a different price. Because of this, you’ll need to think about how you intend to use the web panel, to find the best subscription level for you. This should change as your site grows, or if you decide to purchase more domains.
You might also want to consider any additional services which you’ll need to pay for. As an example, cPanel will charge you if you use their phone support services.
The current monthly costs of each web panel are laid out in the table below.
| Plesk Costs | cPanel Costs |
| Web Admin Edition-$10 | Solo-$15 |
| Web Pro Edition-$15 | Admin-$20 |
| Web Host Edition-$25 | Pro-$30 |
| Premier-$45 |
How Do I Know Whether I Should Choose cPanel or Plesk?
Both of these web panels will make an excellent choice for any project. Because of this, you might want to base your choice on the operating systems that your servers are using, the costs you’re willing to pay, and which one you prefer using.
As we’ve seen, both of these web panels have a lot of strengths. Because of this, they’ve both attracted a strong fanbase, which will ensure that you’ll be able to get a lot of support from the community. This will allow you to get help if you ever encounter any problems.
In most cases, you’ll need to decide which web panel you want to use based on your personal preferences. For example, you’ll need to consider the type of server that you’re using, to make sure that it will be compatible with the web panel.
It’s also important that you think about the way that you intend to use the web panel. For example, you need to get some specialized features and tools, which will only be available on one platform. In other cases, you might have a set budget.
However, in most cases, it will come down to the interface. While both are designed to be very functional, you might prefer using one over the other. Because of this, you might want to watch some video tutorials. This will give you a good idea of how each of these platforms’ functions, so you’ll be able to choose the one that will suit your style of web management best.
Related Questions
- Do you need a web panel to run a website? Technically, you won’t require a web panel to run a website effectively. However, you will need to do everything by hand. As a result, you’ll need to have excellent coding skills and be prepared to spend hours running the site. As a result, many people choose to use web panels to take the stress and complexity out of managing a website.
- What’s the difference between a web panel and WordPress? These have been designed for two different purposes. WordPress is meant to make it as easy as possible for you to manage the content on your site. On the other hand, a web panel will give you more control over every aspect of the experience. For example, you’ll be able to control the backend and domain aspects, which you can’t do from WordPress.
Final Thoughts
There is no simple answer to whether cPanel or Plesk is best. As we’ve seen, each of them has several pros and cons for you to consider. As a result, you’ll need to consider the way that you intend to use the web panel, to find the one that will be best for you.
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