Which Web Hosting Control Panel Should I Choose Between cPanel and Plesk?

It can be difficult to choose the ideal web hosting control panel for your project. You would prefer to pick the option that enjoys strong community support and is the most well-liked. This is the point where a cPanel vs. Plesk comparison is useful. These two are the most widely used web hosting control panel programs available, with cPanel coming in first.

Both platforms are easy to use and provide a wealth of features that allow users to streamline the web hosting process. To determine why these two platforms are the best control panel software, we will compare them in this blog.

What is a web hosting control panel?

You can efficiently manage your hosting infrastructure with the aid of software or a tool called a web hosting control panel. The majority of hosting providers offer their hosting control panel. With the aid of a control panel, you can quickly and easily manage all intricate system processes through the admin interface. A control panel software can be used to perform even the most complex tasks, such as server migration, optimization, switching, etc., saving a significant amount of time and money. When choosing a web hosting control panel, you should also take into account things like cost-effectiveness, community support, and security.

If you require support or assistance with Plesk Server Management, please contact us.

Two of the best web hosting control panels are contrasted: Plesk vs. cPanel

Both cPanel and Plesk have been available on the market for a while. Both platforms provide a vast array of distinctive features.

Since its initial release in 1996, cPanel has grown to be the most popular control panel tool. Contrarily, Plesk was only made available in 2001, and ever since, it has been the main control panel for servers running Windows.

Interface and Usability

Having personally managed both cPanel and Plesk, we discover Plesk to have a fairly straightforward and uncluttered Graphical User Interface (GUI). In terms of usability, Plesk triumphs over cPanel.

Plesk's user interface is heavily influenced by Windows. Icon-based displays make it easier for users to navigate through them because they resemble the Windows control panel. In Plesk, each feature is categorized in the left sidebar under the appropriate headings. Additionally, this grouping gives the interface a cleaner, less cluttered appearance.

Features are poorly arranged and organized in the cPanel dashboard. In comparison to Plesk, this makes the interface appear more cluttered.

Operating System Support

Despite being compatible with both Windows and Linux distributions, Plesk is primarily used as a control panel for servers running Windows. On the other hand, cPanel is a widely recognized industry standard for Linux hosting plans despite being restricted to Linux distributions. Therefore, it would be wise to select the cPanel platform if you decide to go with Linux-based hosting plans.

Functionalities

Both Plesk and cPanel provide a nearly identical set of features needed to manage a server system effectively. Some of the most popular and practical features provided by both cPanel and Plesk include domain name system (DNS) management, database management (MySQL, PostgreSQL), file management, additional software installations, backups, email account management, SSL certificate management, SSH access, and log file access.

Even though both allow for the addition of new applications, Plesk makes it simpler to use Git and Docker than cPanel does. To run them on cPanel, there are alternative solutions. However, it is comparatively challenging.

Security

Both cPanel and Plesk provide a robust array of tools that assist in keeping your server safe and secure. You can install Let's Encrypt SSL certificates with cPanel, and it will renew them for you each year. Other security features offered by cPanel include password-protected directories, Leech protection, IP blocking, Hotlink protection, GNUPG keys, SSH access, and two-factor authentication.

Contrarily, Plesk provides its users with tools like fail2ban (a program that checks log files and stops intrusions), email antispam, and Plesk firewall support.

Performance

The performance of cPanel, which is a web hosting control panel, is far superior to Plesk's. Fully optimized for quick page loading is cPanel. In comparison to Plesk, cPanel requires less memory, and tasks related to server administration can be completed quickly and easily there.

Plans and Costs

It is impossible to compare the prices of Plesk and cPanel directly because the total cost depends on add-ons and other elements. However, cPanel appears to cost more than Plesk when you look at the base plans.

The Plesk pricing options and plans are listed below.

Summary

Both control panels provide many features and functionalities that are similar. The final decision to select one depends entirely on the operating system your web server is running, even though there are some differences between them, such as operating system support, usability, pricing, etc.

cPanel is suggested if the system is based on Linux. Plesk is the ideal option for Windows.

We can be of service if you're looking for a partner who can help you with cPanel Server management and support. Reach out to us right away!