Comparing open source VPS management control panels

Managing a Virtual Private Server (VPS) efficiently requires a robust control panel. Open-source panels offer flexibility, low cost, and a wide range of features. Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular open-source VPS control panels to help you choose the best fit for your hosting environment.

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1. CyberPanel

Overview:
CyberPanel is a modern web hosting panel powered by OpenLiteSpeed, focused on speed and ease of use.

Key Features:

• OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed Enterprise support
• One-click installs (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
• Built-in firewall and SSL management
• Docker and Git integration

Pros:

• Fast and user-friendly
• Great for performance-focused users
• Active development

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Best with LiteSpeed stack

Website: https://cyberpanel.net/

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2. Webmin

Overview:
Webmin is a web-based system administration panel for Unix-like systems.

Key Features:

• Full system management (users, services, networking)
• Modular plugin support
• Works across many Linux/Unix platforms

Pros:

• Extremely flexible
• Lightweight
• Large plugin ecosystem

Cons:

• Outdated UI
• Less intuitive for new users

Website: http://www.webmin.com/

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3. CloudPanel

Overview:
CloudPanel is a sleek and lightweight panel optimized for PHP-based cloud servers.

Key Features:

• Support for multiple PHP versions
• Built-in monitoring tools
• Easy SSL setup and user access controls

Pros:

• Clean, modern UI
• Optimized for PHP apps
• Quick deployment

Cons:

• No email support
• Limited to PHP-only stacks

Website: https://www.cloudpanel.io/

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4. ISPConfig

Overview:
ISPConfig is a powerful panel for managing web, mail, DNS, and FTP on multiple servers.

Key Features:

• Manage one or more servers
• Apache and Nginx support
• Reseller and client functionality

Pros:

• Feature-rich
• Multi-server support
• Multilingual

Cons:

• Setup complexity
• Less intuitive UI

Website: https://www.ispconfig.org/

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5. HestiaCP

Overview:
A modern fork of VestaCP, HestiaCP aims for simplicity and reliability.

Key Features:

• Apache/Nginx support
• DNS, email, firewall, backups
• One-click SSL

Pros:

• Clean and minimal UI
• Easy to install
• Actively maintained

Cons:

• Basic compared to others
• Limited scalability

Website: https://www.hestiacp.com/

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6. Virtualmin

Overview:
Virtualmin builds on Webmin with a focus on managing web hosting environments.

Key Features:

• Virtual host and domain management
• Apache/Nginx, MySQL/PostgreSQL support
• Email/DNS integration

Pros:

• Flexible and feature-rich
• Multi-user ready
• Large community

Cons:

• Cluttered UI
• Takes time to configure

Website: https://www.virtualmin.com/

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7. aaPanel

Overview:
aaPanel provides a simple UI for managing LNMP/LAMP stacks with optional paid plugins.

Key Features:

• One-click LNMP/LAMP installation
• Cron, database, file, and SSL management
• Plugin marketplace

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• Clean interface
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Plugin upsells
• Smaller user base than others

Website: https://www.aapanel.com/

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8. Froxlor

Overview:
Froxlor is a lightweight panel for small hosting environments or personal servers.

Key Features:

• Apache/Nginx support
• DNS, FTP, and resource control
• Let's Encrypt SSL

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Community-driven

Cons:

• Fewer features
• Not ideal for large deployments

Website: https://froxlor.org/

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Conclusion

Choosing the right VPS control panel depends on your technical skills, preferred stack, and required features. Here's a quick guide:

• CyberPanel: Best for speed and modern stacks (OpenLiteSpeed).
• Webmin: Ideal for advanced sysadmins with broad system-level needs.
• CloudPanel: Perfect for managing PHP-based apps on cloud servers.
• ISPConfig: Best suited for multi-server and reseller environments.
• HestiaCP: Great for small, simple setups.
• Virtualmin: Strong choice for hosting companies or advanced users.
• aaPanel: A clean, beginner-friendly option with optional add-ons.
• Froxlor: Lightweight and effective for basic VPS setups.

Evaluate your environment and goals carefully, and you’ll find the right control panel for your infrastructure.