Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

cPanel VS Cockpit Project

Compare cPanel VS Cockpit Project 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.

Cockpit Project logo Cockpit Project

Makes it easy to administer Linux servers via a web browser.
  • cPanel Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-18
  • Cockpit Project Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-22

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.

Cockpit Project features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Cockpit provides a web-based user interface that simplifies server management tasks. It is intuitive and easy to use, even for those who may not have deep system administration experience.
  • Real-Time Monitoring
    Cockpit offers real-time monitoring of system resources and performance. This allows administrators to quickly identify and address potential issues as they arise.
  • Multi-Server Management
    With Cockpit, users can manage multiple servers from a single dashboard. This is particularly useful for administrators who manage complex environments with numerous servers.
  • Linux Integration
    Cockpit is well-integrated with Linux systems and supports various distributions like Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu. It takes advantage of existing system APIs and commands, making it very efficient.
  • Lightweight
    Cockpit is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources. It runs only on demand, minimizing its impact on the server.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, Cockpit allows customization and community contributions. This leads to continuous improvement and the addition of new features.

Possible disadvantages of Cockpit Project

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Cockpit may lack some advanced features and functionalities that are available in more comprehensive server management tools. This might be a limitation for larger enterprises with complex needs.
  • Web-Based Interface
    While the web-based interface is a pro for ease of use, it might be seen as a con in environments where command-line interface (CLI) is preferred for its speed and flexibility.
  • Security Concerns
    As a web-based tool, Cockpit might pose security concerns, especially if it is exposed to the internet. It is pivotal to secure the Cockpit service properly and adhere to best practices for web security.
  • Dependent on Systemd
    Cockpit relies heavily on systemd for its operations. This can be a limitation for users who prefer or are required to use alternative init systems.
  • Feature Parity
    Compared to other dedicated management solutions, Cockpit might not offer feature parity. Users may miss certain specialized functionality found in more targeted tools.

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.

Analysis of Cockpit Project

Overall verdict

  • Overall, the Cockpit Project is a good choice for those looking to manage Linux servers through a web-based interface. It strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making it a reliable tool for monitoring and managing servers.

Why this product is good

  • The Cockpit Project is beneficial for users seeking a simple and intuitive graphical interface to manage their Linux servers. It offers features such as real-time monitoring, easy configuration of services, and seamless integration with existing system tools. Cockpit is particularly appealing due to its web-based interface, reducing the need for complex command-line operations, thereby making server management more accessible and efficient for both novice and experienced administrators.

Recommended for

  • Small to medium business administrators who need a straightforward way to manage Linux servers.
  • IT professionals who prefer a graphical interface over command-line tools.
  • System administrators seeking a quick overview and control of multiple Linux systems in real-time.
  • Educational institutions that need an easily comprehensible tool for teaching Linux server management.

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

Cockpit Project videos

No Cockpit Project videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to cPanel and Cockpit Project)
Hosting
77 77%
23% 23
Control Panels
59 59%
41% 41
Server Management
79 79%
21% 21
VPS
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using cPanel and Cockpit Project. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

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

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

Cockpit Project Reviews

Explore Top VestaCP Alternative: Find the Perfect Control Panel for Your Hosting Needs
Cockpit serves as a superb resource for novice sysadmins, providing them with a seamless way to carry out fundamental tasks such as storage management, journal inspection, and service initiation or cessation. Services launched via Cockpit can also be halted using the terminal, while errors encountered in the terminal can be monitored through the Cockpit journal interface.
Source: cyberpanel.net
6 cPanel Alternatives
Cockpit is designed to manage small and medium-sized business networks more so than web applications. It’s more suitable for advanced users familiar with the terminal. Backed by Red Hat, the administration tool has stable, updated integrations for RAID backup configurations, virtualization, and file sharing.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Cockpit Project should be more popular than cPanel. It has been mentiond 168 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 / 11 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
View more

Cockpit Project mentions (168)

  • KDE is finally getting a native virtual machine manager called "Karton"
    Do we really need another GUI for kvm/qemu? I was thinking that https://cockpit-project.org cover the idea to develop something like Karton, but who am I to think so =). - Source: Hacker News / 17 days ago
  • The GUI Way of Using Linux (How To Use Cockpit on CentOS)
    You can get the info about cockpit on the official website. But, the most convenient way to configure it is here in this blog. So, without wasting any second, let’s start with the practical. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • OS question for new build DIY Nas
    I would personally prefer a hypervisor as the base OS and VMs for every role, like separate VM for NAS functionality, separate VM for media, etc. As per hypervisor, I would recommend taking a look at Proxmox as a good enough Linux-based and low-resource demanding hypervisor. Another Linux option would be pure KVM on any Linux distro you like + Cockpit and Cockpit machines (https://cockpit-project.org/) to manage VMs. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for a webinterface to controll server/nas/linux box
    See title, and I prefer a interface thats opensource. I want to setup my nas system, controll services and maybe do terminal work aswell. Ive experimented with cockpit ( https://cockpit-project.org/ ) wondered if there are better or different tools out there. They have plugins I like but also mis. No minecraft stuff, no vm controll (They dropper docker for something else) Redhat ?!? Source: over 1 year ago
  • How to manage local logs
    No problem, journald is in fact structured logging and it provides all you need to do efficient searching, correlation and archival. There is actually a nice web interface too as part of cockpit-project.org although it is nothing like Kibana of course. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing cPanel and Cockpit Project, 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.

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

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

Control Web Panel - (Former CentOS Web Panel) Free & PRO Linux Web Hosting Control Panel

Hostwinds - Hostwinds offers web hosting services and solutions.

Ajenti - Web administration panel for servers and custom hardware