A Control panel, also known as a web panel, aids in accessing the backend of the website. For instance, the server and many other technicalities. In addition, a control panel incorporates some handy tools. These tools are like shortcuts to managing complex tasks. Therefore, a control panel is vital for the users and the system administrators. That being said, the two famous control panels at present cPanel and Plesk. Nevertheless, selecting one of them isn’t easy. Wondering why? It is because both web panels are well-recommended, particularly for laypeople. Thus, today in this post, we will delineate the cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison, specifically stating the strengths and weaknesses of each.
OS Compatibility
Let’s start with the operating systems. You might already know that cPanel is compatible with Linux only, whereas Plesk is workable for Windows and Linux (all Linux distributions). So, to be precise, you can manage Linux servers with a cheap cPanel license and Linux plus Windows with a Plesk cheap license.
Naming the OSs: cPanel supports some Linux distributions: CentOS, CloudLinux, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, e.g., RHEL 7, and Amazon Linux. At the same time, Plesk readily supports Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL, CloudLinux, Amazon Linux, Virtuozzo Linux, Windows Server 2008 R2, & 2012 R2.
Control Panel Popularity
Now let’s talk about the popularity of these panels in the cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison. cPanel is more famous than Plesk. Moreover, cPanel is much older than Plesk in the control panel market. However, interestingly, Plesk has unparallel authority when it comes to Windows servers.
So, saying that both are competitors to each other isn’t wrong.
Although Plesk works for Windows and Linux, cheap cPanel wins the popularity game despite its support for Linux only. One of the compelling reasons seems to be the features alongside a vast user base of Linux users.
In addition, the users said that Plesk concentrates more on being accommodating to plenty of operating systems. Nevertheless, if it shatters, it becomes difficult to handle. However, cPanel focuses only on Linux and its distros. To be precise, not even all the distributions. Still, whatever it does, it does not leave any loophole.
Ease of Use & Interface
Now in the cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison, let’s look at the usability and interface.
Plesk has a cleaner and easy-to-navigate interface when it is about the interface. Recently, Plesk redesigned its user interface (UI) to boost the user experience (UX) with modern JavaScript technology. However, it provides only one interface for both users and server-side tasks. That often leads to accidental button or link pressing, deletion, etc., on the wrong side, eventually causing complexities, especially for the server-side.
On the other side, cPanel also incorporates a graphical user interface. Although it might not be as graphically modern as Plesk, it is still well-arranged and cleaner. cPanel also has customised its interface over the years. So, of course, it has become highly customised with respect to all; hosting providers, users, and resellers’ preferences. In addition, cPanel has two interfaces, a user interface and a server management interface. So users can have a free hand to navigate wherever and however they like. It is more like getting ahead of Plesk in this aspect.
In terms of ease of use, both control panels are accessible. Besides, one gets used to a control panel over time, whichever it is. Ultimately, it’s the user’s choice to prefer the single interface or use two different interfaces for separate working.
Baseline Features
Both panels seem equal in the basic feature category for cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison. For instance, the list of the basic features extends to the following but is not limited to:
- Creating and managing FTP accounts
- Database creation, remote access to MySQL, phpMyAdmin,
- Email accounts creation, modification, passwords, mailbox quotas, and so forth.
- Domain Name System (DNS) configuration, new domains, parked domains, subdomains, setups to redirects.
- Backups
- One-click installation of essential features.
After you buy cheap cPanel license and cheap Plesk license, you can unlock more features and manage your servers per your preferences.
Advanced integration Ease
Plesk offers ease for advanced integrations more than the cPanel. With the same interface in Plesk, users can integrate the easy to complex integrations.
In contrast, with cPanel, users need to do extra work, like using the command lines. So, it makes the integration process tricky and requires technical expertise.
Security
In terms of security, both control panels are top-tier. They ensure high-end security and support various security extensions. So cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison isn’t much diverging here. In particular, cPanel offers automatic SSL certificate installation, multi-factor authentication, IP address approvals and denials, and built-in support of CSF/LFD alongside password-protected directories.
Similarly, Plesk proffers domain security with DNS/ DNSSEC configuration, SSL, Plesk Firewall, support for Immunity 360, Fail2ban intrusion prevention, and many more.
Mobile Accessibility
All web-related technologies must have a Mobile Accessibility feature that caters to all users and anywhere. Plesk wins this accessibility phase because it offers a mobile app supporting iOS and Android systems. On the other hand, cPanel has no mobile app for cPanel users.
Language Support
Both control panels support multiple scripting languages. Plesk supports two configurations; Windows and Linux. So, it can support ASP, Microsoft ASP.NET, PHP, CGI, FastCGI, Perl, and Python languages. Similarly, cPanel supports Perl, PHP, Ruby on Rails, CGI, XML/XSLT, and JSP with help from Tomcat and Python.
Admin Panels
Let’s move on to admin access in cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison. Plesk uses the same login for end-users and server-side administration. However, cPanel suggests separate logins for users and administrators regarding access levels. User-side access uses cPanel, while server-side administrative access uses WHM (WebHost Manager).
Backups
Plesk provides incremental and complete backups from individual user accounts to an entire server. By total, it means backup of new data changes from the last time, and comprehensive means all data regardless of the time. Allowed backup solutions are Dropbox, Acronis, Google Drive, and AWS S3. Also, you can schedule backups and even turn on the password protection feature and secure sensitive data.
Likewise, cPanel offers compressed (information in a compact format), uncompressed, and incremental backup options. It can be on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Furthermore, cPanel stores the data in the local backup directory of the server and allows manual backups.
Licensing
One needs a Plesk license and cPanel license to start using the control panels. You can either buy from the original company or the partner companies. The partners also offer authorised software and licenses like null-free version cPanel license and discounted prices if certified.
Trial Options & Period
cPanel offers a 15-day trial license, while Plesk provides a 14-day trial license. The motivation behind this is that the trial period helps users understand and test the features. So that they can know what the respective products can do.
Control Panel Pricing
Pricing, which influences the users’ decision, also differs for cPanel vs Plesk. So here, you need to be aware of the two scenarios.
- If you purchase them directly from the provider company, Plesk is the winner. In addition, cPanel prices have changed (increased) recently. Therefore, Plesk becomes more cost-effective than cPanel for users.
cPanel Accounts & Pricing
- Solo = $15.99/ month – One hosting account
- Admin = $24.99/ month – Up to 5 accounts
- Pro = $35.99/ month – Up to 30 accounts
- Premier = $53.99/ month – Up to 100 accounts
Plesk Editions & Pricing
- Web Admin Edition – 10 domains = $12/ month (for both VPS and Dedicated)
- Web Pro Edition – 30 domains = $18.50/ month (for both VPS and Dedicated)
- Web Host Edition – unlimited domains = $30.50/ month for VPS and $54.50/ month for dedicated
- Partners = $250/ month (for both VPS and Dedicated)
- The second scenario is when you buy them from a web hosting company within a hosting plan. Here cPanel wins the price battle. That means cPanel hosting average pricing starts at less than or up to $5. Therefore, many users prefer to have cheap Linux Hosting with cPanel. This way, they can efficiently manage the hosting and acquire a perfect control panel.
Customer Support
Customer Support is one of the sought-after attributes of any service or product nowadays. Its availability and quality directly affect the reputation of the provider company or business. Usually, the users with managed web hosting services do not need the support. However, the users relying on the self-managed services are on their own for everything from setup to monitoring. Therefore, getting trapped and calling for assistance is common. Luckily, both panels offer perfect-professional support and guaranteed solution for whatever the user needs help with. However, cPanel vs Plesk’s detailed comparison deviates here pretty significantly.
cPanel emergency support via phone 24/7 costs the user $65 for one-time. Also, you can submit a support ticket or use the vast knowledge base by cheap cPanel (which mostly resolves the issue quickly).
Plesk’s customer support is free and is accessible unconditionally (24/7/365) with no restriction on call or chat. Besides, any Plesk account and any user without the partnership limitation can access this help.
Wrapping Up!
Be wise while deciding on the control panel, as it will influence your hosting endeavours. You can start by looking at the cPanel vs Plesk detailed comparison and make an informed decision.
All in all, both cPanel and Plesk have perfect features. Selecting one in 2022 depends on the OS choice and the user preferences. In particular, if you are using the Windows OS, Plesk is the only option from both as you can’t use cPanel. You can opt for any of the cPanel and Plesk if you have Linux. Lastly, you can consider the features and tools, security, pricing, support, etc., to choose one if you have both options.
