Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

cPanel VS AWS Direct Connect

Compare cPanel VS AWS Direct Connect and see what are their differences

cPanel logo cPanel

With its first-class support and rich feature set, cPanel & WHM has been the web hosting industry's most reliable, intuitive control panel since 1997.

AWS Direct Connect logo AWS Direct Connect

Create a dedicated network connection to AWS
  • cPanel Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-18
  • AWS Direct Connect Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-22

cPanel features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    cPanel offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate graphical user interface (GUI) that is accessible even to those with limited technical expertise, making server management simpler.
  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    The platform includes a wide range of functionality such as email management, domain management, database management, file management, and security tools, which cover most needs of web administrators.
  • Wide Adoption and Support
    cPanel is widely used across the web hosting industry, ensuring plenty of community support, tutorials, and troubleshooting resources available online.
  • Compatibility
    cPanel is highly compatible with a variety of third-party applications and services, facilitating seamless integration with popular software solutions.
  • Automated Updates and Backups
    The platform supports automated updates and backups, enhancing server reliability and data security without requiring constant manual intervention.
  • Built-in Security Features
    cPanel includes robust security features such as automatic SSL installation, firewalls, and protection against brute-force attacks, aiding data protection and server defense.

Possible disadvantages of cPanel

  • Cost
    cPanel licenses can be pricey, especially for small businesses or individual users. This makes it a less attractive option for those looking to minimize their hosting expenses.
  • Resource Intensive
    The platform can consume considerable server resources, which might not be ideal for websites running on limited resources or shared hosting environments.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, more advanced functionalities might have a steep learning curve, requiring users to spend additional time gaining proficiency.
  • Limited Customizability
    Users with specific needs may find cPanel somewhat restrictive as it does not offer the same level of customizability as some other control panel solutions.
  • Dependency on cPanel Support
    In case of any issues or requirements for updates, users are often dependent on cPanel’s support and update cycle, which might not always be timely.
  • Security Vulnerabilities
    As cPanel is widely used, it becomes a more attractive target for hackers. Despite built-in security features, this widespread adoption can lead to potential security vulnerabilities.

AWS Direct Connect features and specs

  • Consistent Network Performance
    AWS Direct Connect provides consistent network performance by establishing a dedicated private connection, reducing unpredictable internet variability.
  • Increased Bandwidth Throughput
    It allows for high bandwidth throughput, which is beneficial for transferring large data sets, supporting applications that require high-speed connections.
  • Reduced Latency
    Direct Connect offers lower latencies compared to typical internet connections as it leverages a direct link instead of routing through multiple networks.
  • Enhanced Security
    Provides improved security via a dedicated private connection, reducing exposure to external threats compared to standard internet connections.
  • Cost-effectiveness
    Use of AWS Direct Connect can be more cost-effective for high bandwidth data transfer by reducing egress charges associated with internet transfer.

Possible disadvantages of AWS Direct Connect

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Setting up AWS Direct Connect can be complex, involving coordination with AWS and third-party service providers to establish the physical connection.
  • Setup and Monthly Costs
    There are significant costs associated with setting up and maintaining AWS Direct Connect, which may not be justifiable for small-scale operations.
  • Limited Availability
    Direct Connect is not available in all regions or locations, which can limit its applicability for businesses in certain geographical areas.
  • Dependency on Physical Infrastructure
    As a physical connection, it relies on existing telecommunications infrastructure, which may be prone to disruptions or require maintenance.
  • Longer Provisioning Time
    Setting up the connection can take significantly longer compared to virtual connections due to the need for physical line installation and configuration.

Analysis of cPanel

Overall verdict

  • Overall, cPanel is a strong choice for web hosting management, particularly for those who seek ease of use and a plethora of features. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced users, providing tools that cater to a wide range of needs. However, it might be overkill for very simple or single-site applications and it comes with licensing costs that should be considered.

Why this product is good

  • cPanel is a widely used web hosting control panel that offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to manage their websites, emails, and server settings. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools that simplify the process of hosting management, including file management, domain management, and application installation. The ease of use, reliability, and wide range of features make it a popular choice for many web hosting providers and website owners.

Recommended for

  • Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a reliable web hosting management solution.
  • Individuals and businesses running multiple websites who benefit from centralized administration.
  • Web hosting providers looking for a robust platform to offer their customers.
  • Users wanting to manage emails, domains, and other hosting aspects through a single interface.

cPanel videos

Web Hosting & CPanel Guide - How To Easily Upload Your Website

More videos:

  • Review - cPanel Alternative AaPanel Features & Review Free Hosting Panel [Official]
  • Review - WHM/cPanel Review

AWS Direct Connect videos

AWS re:Invent 2018: AWS Direct Connect: Deep Dive (NET403)

More videos:

  • Review - Deep Dive on Global Connectivity with AWS Direct Connect Connections and AWS Transit Gateway
  • Review - EP-88 | AWS Direct Connect | Direct Connect Gateway | AWS LAG

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to cPanel and AWS Direct Connect)
Hosting
97 97%
3% 3
Web Hosting
0 0%
100% 100
Control Panels
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Hosting
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare cPanel and AWS Direct Connect

cPanel Reviews

  1. Best Reviews
    · Working at Best Reviews ·
    SPanel vs cPanel Comparison

    Both SPanel and cPanel have their unique strengths. SPanel excels in simplicity, speed, and affordability, making it ideal for VPS users seeking a lightweight and efficient control panel without breaking the bank. However, since it’s slightly younger on the market, it’s not yet compatible with many hosting providers.

    🏁 Competitors: SPanel

SPanel vs cPanel Comparison
cPanel supports a wide range of hosting environments, from shared to dedicated. Its control panel allows users to easily manage multiple websites, email accounts, databases, and more. Whether users are small businesses using shared hosting or enterprises running dedicated servers, cPanel provides the flexibility and scalability to match any hosting setup.
Source: bestreviews.net
Top 12 Best VPS Control Panels for 2025
cPanel and DirectAdmin are two of the most popular hosting control panels. The latter offers a user-friendly interface and the ability to manage your website’s administrative functions. It also provides access to a number of online resources. However, cPanel has a much larger feature set, making it the obvious choice for those looking for a control panel to manage their...
Forget cPanel! 5 Free cPanel Alternatives That Will Manage Your Web Apps
Choosing the right free cPanel alternative requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences. By assessing your requirements, considering ease of use, compatibility, community support, performance, security features, customization options, and gathering feedback from other users, you can make an informed decision.
Source: webshanks.com
Explore Top VestaCP Alternative: Find the Perfect Control Panel for Your Hosting Needs
cPanel SoloAdminProPremier$15/mo$27/mo$39/mo$59/moSuited for small businesses, freelancers, or anyone needing just one hosting account.Created for small to mid-level agencies and businesses, application developers, and web designers only needing a few accounts.Optimal for mid-level businesses and large agencies that are growing. Allows for scalability.Created for data...
Source: cyberpanel.net
10 Best cPanel Alternatives and Competitors in 2022 and Beyond
We all know the popularity of cPanel. The simplicity that cPanel offers is the reason why most of the web hosts prefer it. But you should know that there are several other cPanel alternatives and competitors that offer the same functions.
Source: macpost.net

AWS Direct Connect Reviews

We have no reviews of AWS Direct Connect yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, cPanel should be more popular than AWS Direct Connect. It has been mentiond 20 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

cPanel mentions (20)

  • How to create a Node.js web server with cPanel
    Welcome to this article, where I guide you on creating your own Node.js Express web server with cPanel. This guide will apply for most domain registrars which offer hosting services with cPanel, such as Namecheap or Hostgator, but for this tutorial, we will be using Spaceship Shared Hosting. - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
  • The 2024 Web Hosting Report
    This category dates back to the “control panel” era of tools that are still used on shared VM hosts, such as cPanel. These tools automate common functions such as managing authentication, deployment of databases, etc. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • A few general questions about starting out.
    Most Likely scenario is that your client is using a service with something like cPanel setup. This is where they would get or set-up access credentials for you to then transfer the files via sftp. Essentially the same as copying files onto another hard drive, but over the internet. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Cloud VPS cPanel/WHM
    There is a way. Go to cpanel.net and buy a cPanel Pro for 30 accounts or an admin for 5 accounts or a solo for 1 account only. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What according to u is Easy Linux distribution for hosting sites?
    If you aren't in this to learn a lot, you may want to also consider a web hosting control panel like cPanel (not free), DirectAdmin(not free), webmin + virtualmin (free for multiple sites, virtualmin Pro is not free), Centos webpanel (not FOSS but free for non-Pro), Hestia control panel (FOSS), Plesk Obsidian (not free). Source: over 2 years ago
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AWS Direct Connect mentions (8)

  • Integrating Amazon SageMaker HyperPod Clusters with Active Directory for Seamless Multi-User Login
    Existing AD Setup (on-prem or AWS Directory Service): You must have an operational Active Directory environment. If on-premises, ensure network connectivity to AWS (e.g., via AWS Direct Connect or AWS Site-to-Site VPN). Alternatively, you can use AWS Managed Microsoft AD for a fully managed AD in the AWS cloud. - Source: dev.to / 16 days ago
  • AWS To Provide Free Data Transfer Out To Internet
    For larger datasets, or to set up a larger job to connect between an on-premises data center and AWS, the two most common options are Site-to-Site VPN and Direct Connect, both which come with a cost. AWS DataSync can also be set up to copy between on-premises and AWS, to automate moving data to a number of AWS services. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Bridging the Gap: Exploring AWS Direct Connect & AWS Site-to-Site VPN for Seamless Cloud-to-On-Premises Connectivity
    You can learn more about Direct Connect by exploring its official documentation. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • How far is my AWS region?
    The conclusion: in the cloud, do not guess anything when going through the internet. If you want to keep your data in your country, be sure that the network is encrypted (example for YugabyteDB: Encryption in transit) and to have predictable performance, use dedicated network (like AWS Direct Connect. Without it, connecting to a region in the same country is not a guarantee of taking the shortest route. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • Reducing Your Cloud Costs: An Operational Optimization Guide
    The same principle applies for transferring data from your cloud to on-premises locations, and tools like AWS Direct Connect, GCP Direct Peering, and Azure ExpressRoute which may offer lower cost per GB compared to transfers over the internet. Actual savings depends on the amount of data you are moving, and if you are below a certain threshold, it might not make sense. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing cPanel and AWS Direct Connect, you can also consider the following products

Plesk - Plesk puts all the automation, security, and technical tools an IT professional needs in one simple and easy to use dashboard.

Hostwinds - Hostwinds offers web hosting services and solutions.

Webmin - Webmin is a web-based interface for system administration for Unix.

Bluehost - One of the largest and most trusted web hosting services powering millions of websites. Join Bluehost now and get a FREE domain name!

CyberPanel - CyberPanel is web hosting control which is based on OpenLiteSpeed.

HostPapa - HostPapa is a web hosting service provider for the small businesses.