Comparing cPanel and Plesk: A Simple Guide

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What is cPanel?

cPanel is a popular control panel used for hosting websites. It has an easy-to-use interface that allows users to:

  • Create and manage email accounts

  • Set up addon domains and subdomains

  • Monitor website statistics

  • Create backups

  • Schedule cron jobs

What is Plesk?

Plesk is another hosting control panel, mainly used on Linux servers, though it also supports Windows. With Plesk, you can

  • Set up new websites

  • Manage reseller accounts

  • Configure email accounts

  • Edit DNS entries

The latest version of Plesk is called Plesk Onyx (version 17).

User Interface

  • cPanel:
    • Simple, graphical interface.

    • Lets you manage features like FTP accounts, mailing lists, and PGP keys from the main dashboard.

    • Command-line and API-based access for automation.

    • Access cPanel on secured port 2083 or non-secured port 2082.

  • Plesk:
    • User-friendly interface with support for coding in PHP, JavaScript, Perl, Ruby, Python, Java, and .NET.

    • Organized sections for faster navigation.

    • Role-based access for different users.

    • Access Plesk on secured port 8443 or non-secured port 8880.

How to Access

  • cPanel Access:
    • If you know your server name: https://ServerName:2083

    • Use your server’s IP address: https://Server-IP-Address:2083

    • Use your domain name: https://domain.com:2083

  • Plesk Access:
    • Open your browser and type: https://domain:8443

    • Use your server’s IP address: https://Server-IP-Address:8443

    • Use your server name: https://ServerName:8443

You’ll see a login screen where you can enter your username and password.

Operating System Support

  • cPanel:
    • Works only on Linux-based systems.

    • Compatible with CentOS, CloudLinux, and Red Hat.

    • Does not support Windows.

  • Plesk:
    • Supports both Linux and Windows operating systems.

    • Works on Debian, Ubuntu, CloudLinux, Virtuozzo, and Red Hat (versions 6 and 7).

    • Also supports Windows Server versions 2008 R2, 2012, and 2012 R2.

Reseller Support

  • cPanel: Fully supports resellers by allowing them to manage name servers, IP pools, and individual user accounts.

  • Plesk: Does not directly support resellers but allows creating reseller profiles using the “Service Plans” feature.

Database Management

  • cPanel:
    • Create databases and database users.

    • Assign database users to databases with specific permissions.

  • Plesk:
    • Supports MySQL and MS SQL databases.

    • Allows creating databases and database users easily.

Security Features

  • cPanel:
    • Password-protected directories

    • IP address blocking

    • SSL/TLS encryption for secure websites

    • GnuPG keys for data encryption

  • Plesk:
    • Active Directory integration

    • Social media login authentication

    • Built-in anti-spam services

    • Fail2Ban intrusion prevention system

Similarities Between cPanel and Plesk

Both cPanel and Plesk offer:

  • Strong security options

  • Powerful tools for website and server management

  • Command-line access

  • Domain management:

    • Renew domains, edit DNS, forward domains, manage subdomains, and register new domains.

  • Email management:

    • Create email accounts, set up forwarders, and manage spam filters.

  • FTP management:

    • Create FTP accounts, manage passwords, and set file system quotas.

  • File system access through a web-based interface

  • SSH user and key management

  • Database management

  • Backup management

  • Application support for tools like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and ZenCart.

Final Thoughts

Both cPanel and Plesk are excellent control panels for hosting websites. Your choice depends on your specific needs, such as operating system preference, coding requirements, and reseller support. No matter which you choose, both offer strong features to help you manage your hosting efficiently.

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