Hosting a website is a lot easier than it used to be. These days, we have what’s called a control panel, an interface that allows us to manage, install, and control every aspect of a hosting service. That means the apps and plug-ins you download, your emails, metrics, and much more. This blog will discuss everything about cPanel vs Plesk: Which One Works Best?
cPanel is for sure the most popular, and chances are, the hosting provider that you opt for will integrate it into your subscription service. Another popular control panel, though, is called Plesk, and deciding which one works best for your site isn’t necessarily an easy task. Though they both provide the same service, each one comes with its own features, add-ons, and levels of compatibility. Keep reading to find out which one works best for your site’s requirements.
What is cPanel?
cPanel has been available for almost 30 years, supporting internet users with convenient server and website management. It’s no doubt the most popular choice when it comes to control panels and makes web hosting much more accessible to everyone. Whether it’s managing metrics, running key applications, or for enhancing your website’s security, using cPanel means having all this in one easy-to-reach, easy-to-understand interface.
The Linux-based cloud host is available to be installed manually on your own web server or by opting for a web host that uses it. Though cPanel is a little more expensive than Plesk, the pricing structure is more flexible, and there are more plans to choose from. Some of cPanel’s key features are as follows:
Key Features
Effortless Migrations: cPanel offers free migration services; you can either leave the hard work to cPanel or use the Transfer Tool and take care of it yourself. Either way, migrating accounts is made convenient and simple.
Add-Ons A-Plenty: cPanel can host a wide variety of plug-ins and add-ons, all of which, when combined effectively, can bolster your site’s performance and increase traffic substantially. Plug-ins are available for security, mailing, and more.
Enhanced Security: cPanel means greater security for your website and its users. Exclusive technologies are built-in and seamlessly integrated, running in the background with little needed in the way of configuration. Server security tools include cPHulk, ModSecurity, and Host Access Control.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Makes hosting much cheaper
- Managing a site takes up much less time
- Setting up free SSL certificates is simple
- Automatic backups and restorations are available
- Site upgrades are simple
Cons
- Geared further toward entry-level users
- Stability isn’t always consistent
What is Plesk?
Plesk is a sure-fire rival of cPanel, and while it’s not as popular or widely used, its security tools and services are almost unmatched. Established in 2001, the Germany-based platform and control panel provider puts its main focus on security, offering enhanced tools like a high-quality firewall, DDoS protection, malware protection, and more. Plus, with its one-click installations, adding apps and add-ons couldn’t be more convenient.
Though it’s cheaper to run cPanel, there are various platforms out there offering hosting that’s compatible with Plesk. Whether or not you should choose Plesk relies on your requirements and what you expect from your control panel. For example, Plesk has much greater database and server support. Some of its key features are:
Key Features
Enhanced Security: Plesk makes security its top priority, ensuring that anyone that employs it, along with their site’s users, are kept well protected. It includes many of the features you’ll likely expect, such as a firewall and DNS protection, but it also includes options like multi-level administration, making it ideal for businesses as well as personal use.
Self-Repairs: Should your Plesk panel run into any unexpected issues, or if the apps you’ve installed become faulty, the self-repair tool will keep your site running properly. Also, it allows you to track and disable faulty domains, and observe the level of RAM and CPU being used for these processes.
Reliable File Management: Uploading, extracting, and archiving files on a mass scale is made much easier with Plesk. Plus, you can easily search through them too. File types include TAR, RAR, TAR.GZ, and TGZ.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flexible and extensive customizing
- A great choice for various types of hosting
- Doesn’t require much disk space
- Available in a number of languages
- Easy to install new features
Cons
- Plesk uses a lot of disk space to perform backups
- Not compatible with Windows
Summary
cPanel vs. Plesk: who’s the winner? Put simply, there is no obvious winner. Both of these control panels are consistent and reliable, meaning anyone who wants to set up a website will benefit from using either one. There are some minor differences, however, like the types of servers, databases, and scripting that they’re compatible with.
It’s fair to say, though, that if you’re new to the world of web hosting and need something that’s both intuitive and easy for novices, cPanel is probably your best bet. If you’re more focused on security than overall ease of use, Plesk is likely the right choice. After all, Plesk puts a real focus on its security services, integrating industry-leading protocols and protective measures upon installation.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with cPanel vs Plesk, as both make website hosting much more convenient and less time consuming than you’d experience by not using a control panel.
