cPanel vs. CWP: Comparing web server panels
According to W3Techs, over 80% of the world’s websites are managed through control panels. Without these tools, modern web hosting would be a lot more complex and costly.
Among the many options available, cPanel stands out as an absolute leader, having been around since 1996 and securing a solid reputation among hosting providers. On the other hand, CWP (Control Web Panel) has emerged as a popular free alternative in recent years. And who can resist a free alternative?
We are hosting pros here at SpaceLama, so we know all of the ins and outs of server panels. There are differences between cPanel and CWP that we’ll tell you about, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one fits your needs.
What are server panels?
Server panels are user-friendly web interfaces that let you manage your server and hosting without diving into the Linux command line. They streamline tasks like setting up domains and email, managing databases, installing SSL certificates, creating backups, and monitoring resources.
In short, they serve as control panels for your server: instead of wrestling with complex commands, administrators and even everyday users can execute tasks with just a few clicks. These panels are essential for hosting providers and website owners alike, saving time, minimizing errors, and making server management accessible to those without extensive technical expertise.
cPanel overview
Website: www.cpanel.net
cPanel is a classic among web hosting control panels. It was created on March 21, 1996. According to the latest data, cPanel is used by about 2.5% of sites where the control panel is known. This is about 0.2% of all sites on the Internet. Among web hosting providers, for example, Shopify uses cPanel in 8.5% of cases, and Amazon uses it in 2.8%.
Alongside cPanel is WHM (WebHost Manager), a tool that gives administrators deeper control for tasks like adding new sites, configuring server services, and managing updates. Essential server components, such as the Apache web server, PHP, and MySQL/MariaDB databases, are automatically updated through WHM.
cPanel isn’t just a pretty interface. It offers an API and command line for developers and advanced users. This flexibility allows for integration with other systems and task automation. Users can manage domains, email accounts, databases, backups, SSL certificates, security settings, and more, all within a clear graphical user interface (GUI). The statistics panel on the right provides real-time monitoring of resources like disk space, email accounts, and inodes.
In the Metrics section, you’ll find tools like AWStats, Webalizer, and bandwidth analysis. While data is collected from logs and displayed with a slight delay, it’s invaluable for estimating site load. If needed, site statistics can also be run manually through WHM.
There’s a wealth of add-ons available, including Softaculous, Fantastico, and WHMSonic, which simplify application installations. For instance, Fantastico supports over 650 installation scripts and is available on thousands of servers. Users can install popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, as well as forums, online stores, CRM systems, and educational platforms—all in just a couple of clicks.
cPanel operates on a paid model. Before 2019, licenses were charged at a fixed rate per server, making it accessible even for small hosting companies. However, the pricing structure shifted to a monthly model based on the number of accounts, significantly increasing costs for providers, especially those hosting hundreds of clients on a single server. For example, a basic license for one account costs $26 per month, while rates for resellers or providers with a large user base can soar to $65 and beyond.
CWP overview (Control Web Panel)
Website: https://control-webpanel.com/
Control Web Panel (CWP), formerly known as CentOS Web Panel, launched in 2013 as a free alternative to commercial web hosting control panels, designed to deliver a comparable feature set at minimal cost. Over the years, CWP has expanded its compatibility beyond CentOS to include distributions like AlmaLinux and other RHEL-based systems.
CWP equips administrators with nearly all the essential tools needed to manage servers and websites. Through the panel, you can easily add domains, manage DNS records, create databases, and monitor security and email. For instance, administrators can set up email accounts for employees, enable spam and virus protection, and configure email protocols to ensure smooth message delivery, using SMTP for sending and IMAP for receiving.
Database management is straightforward as well, with support for popular options like MariaDB and PostgreSQL. For advanced projects, MongoDB (a NoSQL database) is also available. Users can interact with these databases through familiar web tools like phpMyAdmin for MariaDB and phpPgAdmin for PostgreSQL, eliminating the need to use the command line.
Other key features include a built-in file manager with a code editor, detailed server logs, and advanced monitoring tools: Netdata, Monit, MySQL live monitoring, and even an AI bot for monitoring server health.
CWP is not just for managing a single site. It’s also ideal for client hosting. If you’re hosting websites for others, the panel allows you to create plans (or, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can call ‘em “packages”) that limit disk space, email accounts, and databases. You can also grant clients separate access, enabling them to manage their own sites.
To streamline payments and client interactions, CWP integrates with popular billing systems like WHMCS and Blesta. These modules help generate invoices, accept payments, send notifications, and even automate account creation on the server.
CWP comes equipped with built-in backup tools. Administrators can easily create backups of websites, emails, and databases, with straightforward restoration options when needed. If you’re migrating from another server or control panel (like cPanel), CWP simplifies the process, allowing you to transfer sites, accounts, and settings without the hassle of starting from scratch.
The project boasts an active online forum with over 30,000 users, 45,000 messages, and around 10,800 discussion topics. On peak days, the forum sees more than 8,300 concurrent users, with an average of 33 new members registering daily.
Additionally, CWP features a built-in migration tool that simplifies transitions from cPanel and between different CWP versions. This makes updating the system or switching to a new operating system a breeze.
cPanel vs. CWP
Installation and Requirements
cPanel officially supports licensed servers running CentOS, AlmaLinux, and CloudLinux, requiring substantial resources: at least 1 GB of RAM (with 2 GB recommended) and 20 GB of disk space. Installation can take up to 30 minutes and necessitates an active license.
CWP, on the other hand, can be installed for free on CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux, with minimum requirements starting at 512 MB of RAM (though 1 GB or more is recommended for stable operation). This makes CWP more accessible for small VPS deployments.
Interface
cPanel is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it the “gold standard” for shared hosting, with millions of sites relying on its intuitive design. CWP has a less polished interface, leaning more towards a “system” level than a “user” level. However, recent updates have introduced a revamped dashboard and integration with modern metrics like Netdata.
Functionality
Both panels provide domain management, DNS, MySQL/MariaDB, email, and SSL capabilities. The key difference is that cPanel offers many features out of the box, fully automated (think Apache/PHP auto-updates), advanced backups, and integration with Softaculous. CWP focuses on flexibility. While it’s free, some features (like ClamAV antivirus or premium firewall modules) are only available in the Pro version for $1.49 per month.
Security
cPanel benefits from regular updates and vulnerability patches, thanks to its large user base, making it a preferred choice for major hosting providers like Hostinger and SpaceLama. The security landscape for CWP is mixed, as of early 2022, around 185,000 servers running CWP were identified, making it a target for attacks. However, developers were quick to address critical vulnerabilities, and users have access to a built-in auto-update mechanism.
Support and Community
cPanel offers official 24/7 support, comprehensive documentation, and a vast knowledge base. CWP has cultivated an active community, with its official forum hosting over 30,000 users and tens of thousands of messages, but professional support is limited to the Pro version.
Cost
The cost difference is significant. Following the 2019 pricing policy changes, cPanel licenses for resellers and hosting providers have seen multiple price hikes, driving many to seek alternatives. In contrast, CWP’s basic version is completely free, and the Pro version is available for a nominal fee, making it appealing for startups and small VPS deployments.
Performance
Reviews indicate that cPanel tends to be more stable under high load, which is crucial for shared hosting environments. CWP is often favored for VPS setups with 1-2 sites, where minimizing costs is a priority.
| Feature | cPanel | CWP (Control Web Panel) |
| Installation & Requirements | Supports CentOS, AlmaLinux, CloudLinux- Requires licensed server- Minimum 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)- 20 GB disk space- Installation ~30 minutes | Supports CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux- Free installation- Minimum 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)- More accessible for small VPS |
| Interface | User-friendly, “gold standard” for shared hosting- Intuitive design used by millions of sites | Less polished, more system-level focus- Recently improved dashboard with modern metrics like Netdata |
| Functionality | Domain management, DNS, databases, email, SSL- Many automated features (Apache/PHP updates, backups)- Softaculous integration | Similar basic features- More flexible/customizable- Some features (ClamAV, firewall) in paid Pro version ($1.49/month) |
| Security | Regular updates and vulnerability patches- Trusted by major hosts (Hostinger, SpaceLama) | History of vulnerabilities (185k servers targeted in 2022)- Quick fixes and auto-update mechanism available |
| Support & Community | Official 24/7 professional support- Extensive documentation and knowledge base | Active community forum (30,000+ users)- Professional support only with Pro version |
| Cost | Requires paid license- Price hikes since 2019 impacting resellers and hosts | Free basic version- Pro version available for $1.49/month- Attractive for startups and small VPS |
| Performance | More stable under high load, ideal for shared hosting | Preferred for low-cost VPS hosting with few sites (1-2) |
Who is each panel best for?
The choice between cPanel and CWP largely hinges on project scale, budget, and the technical expertise of your team.
cPanel is the go-to for large hosting providers and companies that prioritize stability, reputation, and premium support. It’s regarded as the industry standard in shared hosting, with an interface familiar to millions. The availability of official support and regular updates helps minimize risks. Major players like Hostinger, SpaceLama & GoDaddy incorporate cPanel in their offerings, as brand trust and customer convenience directly impact retention and sales. However, the licensing costs can be steep, making it a pricey option for small projects, sometimes comparable to the server’s price itself.
In contrast, CWP (Control Web Panel) is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and enthusiasts looking to cut costs while retaining customization flexibility. The free version meets basic needs for managing domains, databases, and email, while the Pro license is a mere $1.49 per month. This affordability makes CWP a popular choice for VPS or dedicated server owners who are comfortable handling configurations themselves and don’t mind a less polished interface. Its popularity is further evidenced by an active community of over 30,000 forum participants and hundreds of thousands of deployed servers.
In summary, cPanel is the choice for those seeking a turnkey solution with minimal risk, willing to pay for brand reliability and support. CWP appeals to those who value control, low costs, and community over expensive licenses.
OK, so here’s the deal. Both cPanel and CWP help simplify managing web servers, websites, databases, and email, but they do it in different ways. cPanel is used by over 2.5% of websites, offering a stable platform with regular updates and 24/7 support. That’s why big providers like SpaceLama stick with it. However, the higher costs, especially after those 2019 price changes, can be a big hurdle for small businesses.
On the flip side, CWP is all about accessibility. The free version has enough features for VPS management, and the Pro license is just $1.49 a month. It’s cheap! And, with a strong community and recent updates for AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, CWP is becoming more popular. It has some downsides though, like a less user-friendly interface, occasional security issues (not good!), and very limited support right out of the box.
If you’re a hosting provider, a growing startup, or a company that values reliability, cPanel is your best bet. But if you’re a VPS owner, an enthusiast, or a small business looking to save money and stay flexible, give CWP a try.
In the end, a control panel is just a tool. Your project’s success depends on how well it fits into your workflow, scale, and development plans. And that’s where SpaceLama comes in!
Our web hosting solutions are tailored to fit every budget and need, whether you’re launching a personal blog, an eCommerce site, a business platform, or a llama resort in a galaxy far, far away!
Choose from our reliable shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting plans that offer top-notch performance, robust security, and exceptional customer support.
Visit our pricing page to explore our hosting options and find the perfect plan for you. Don’t wait! Get started with SpaceLama today and experience seamless hosting that scales with you!