Should You Use cPanel or DirectAdmin?

Pick the right control panel to meet your needs

What is a control panel?

cPanel and DirectAdmin are both examples of web-based control panels for managing web hosting servers. They provide a user-friendly interface that allows users to perform various tasks, such as creating email accounts, managing databases, and installing software, without having to use the command line. 

Overview of cPanel

cPanel is one of the most widely used control panels and is known for its convenient and clean interface along with its extensive functionality. It is a proprietary software and is typically used by larger hosting companies and web developers. cPanel supports a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, Unix, and Windows, and supports a wide range of web hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers. 

Overview of DirectAdmin

DirectAdmin is a less widely used alternative to cPanel, but it is known  primarily for its stability, speed, and low system requirements. It is also a proprietary software, but it is less expensive than cPanel and is often used by smaller hosting companies and web developers. DirectAdmin is designed to work with Linux and Unix-based operating systems and supports a wide range of web hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers. 

DirectAdmin logo

The Final Verdict

Overall, both are great options to manage your web server, but cPanel is more feature-rich while DirectAdmin is more focused on stability and low system requirements. More than any other factor, your system requirements and budget will ultimately help determine which to choose. If you would like our expert help or answers to questions regarding this topic, reach out to us here.