If you are looking for an alternative to Plesk, the first step is to check out the leading panels on the market. We have selected 4 of the top panels available from which you can choose what you need: free or non-free, lightweight or multi-functional, with additional features or just a classic web panel.

CloudPanel

CloudPanel is a free server control panel with a focus on simplicity. This alternative to Plesk allows you to run static HTML/CSS/JS websites, PHP, Node.js, Python, and WordPress applications with an easy-to-use installation wizard. CloudPanel has over a decade of experience in hosting management. Built primarily for websites.

The CloudPanel interface

Important features:

• Integration with Cloudflare and IP/bot blocking
• MySQL & Maria DB for web applications
• A graphical file manager interface and SSH/FTP connection
• A cron task scheduler
• Its built-in Vhost editor allows you to easily modify your NGINX configuration
• Free Let's Encrypt certificates with auto-renewal

cPanel

The commercial cPanel provides a rich set of server tools for business right from the start. The panel is aimed at all sizes of business, from individual freelancers to large corporations. Pricing differs from Plesk and is based on the size of the business – it charges according to the number of accounts in the panel: 1, 5, 30, or up to 100.

The cPanel interface

Important features:

• Website builders and monitoring
• Email and shared calendars
• Backup, transfer, and file management
• Domains, sub-domains, and DNS zone management
• Running databases using MySQL Wizard, phpMyAdmin, and various other tools

DirectAdmin

The DirectAdmin commercial panel is designed with speed and simplicity in mind. The panel uses minimal server resources while maintaining uptime. The pricing for this panel is divided into three levels: 2 accounts and 20 domains, 10 accounts and 50 domains, and unlimited.

The DirectAdmin panel interface

Important features:

• A ticketing system to support your customers
• Customize your own dashboard theme
• Anti-spam tools
• Full usage statistics
• Automatic crash recovery

Ispmanager

The commercial ispmanager panel has a wide range of features, enough to satisfy any server admin. Ispmanager is an affordable alternative to Plesk. The panel has three types of plans: for personal use – up to 10 sites, with a possible increase of up to 50 sites plus Docker, or an upgrade to an unlimited number of sites with all the add-ons. The panel is mainly intended for web developers and administrators.

The ispmanager panel interface

Important features:

• Integration with DDoS Guard, Cloudflare, and Fail2ban
• Automatic backups to S3 storage
• MySQL, MariaDB, Percona, and PostgreSQL for web applications
• A graphical file manager interface and SSH/FTP connection and a built-in file editor with programming language highlighting
• A cron task scheduler
• The built-in editor allows you to easily modify your NGINX configuration
• Free Let's Encrypt certificates with auto-renewal
• Integration with CloudLinux
• Mail handling and the Roundcube mail client

You can also install a free version of ispmanager for two weeks or try our demo to familiarize yourself with all its features.