Managing a virtual server comes with plenty of challenges: selecting the right configuration, installing the necessary software, and much more. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make is how to interact with your server. After all, it’s great when the interface is user-friendly, the functionality is extensive, and managing a VPS is straightforward.
That’s where server control panels play a key role. They simplify server management by giving you tools to handle resources like databases, files, and user accounts, while also keeping track of the server’s performance.
To make your choice easier, we’ve analyzed some of the best free server control panels available. This overview will help you evaluate their capabilities and choose the one that best suits the unique requirements of your project.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Control Panel
- Database Management
Most control panels come with default support for MySQL, but more advanced ones, like Hestia Control Panel, also include support for PostgreSQL. Ensure the panel meets your database requirements. - Functionality
Depending on your project’s needs, check if the panel provides essential features, such as system backups and restoration, network configuration (IP addresses, ports, firewalls), user access management, and additional tools like performance monitoring, task automation, or script management. - Security
It’s crucial to examine the panel’s security capabilities. Look for features such as SSL certificate management, data encryption, activity logging, and robust access controls (authentication, permission settings, etc.). - Compatibility
Verify that the control panel is compatible with your chosen operating system and web server. Many panels, including Webmin, ISPConfig, support popular options like Apache and Nginx. Some, like Hestia, even allow combined setups such as Apache + Nginx.
Webmin
Webmin is a web-based interface that allows you to configure your server through a graphical dashboard. This open-source control panel is free to use and is well-known for its flexibility and extensive range of features. You only need a browser to access the host.
With Webmin, you can manage user accounts, update and configure the system, install, update, and remove software packages, view system logs and emails, configure the firewall, set disk quotas to control space usage by other users, and create virtual hosts.
Key Features:
- System Resource Monitoring: Monitor essential system resources such as CPU, memory, disk usage, and network activity, helping you track the server’s health and performance.
- User-Friendly Interface: Webmin provides an intuitive interface that allows you to manage services like Apache, DNS, LDAP, DHCP, and more, all through a simple graphical dashboard.
- Webmin offers hundreds of modules and dozens of themes, many of which are included in the standard distribution, providing extensive customization and personalization options.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster;
- RAM: At least 1 GB;
- Disk Space: At least 100 MB of free storage.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Ubuntu 20.04 and above;
- Debian 11 and above;
- Rocky Linux 9;
- AlmaLinux 9 and AlmaLinux 8.
Best For:
Advanced users who want full control and flexibility.
We have guides available for installing Webmin on both Debian and RHEL-based distributions.
Fastpanel
Fastpanel is a free control panel for VPS. The panel meets key requirements for server software, including functionality, intuitive interface, compatibility with popular operating systems, and different localizations.
Key Features:
- Automatic installation of Apache and Nginx web servers;
- Support for both MySQL and PostgreSQL databases;
- Option to choose a specific PHP version for each individual site;
- Free SSL certificates with Let’s Encrypt support;
- Built-in file manager;
- Firewall management;
- Management of MySQL databases, DNS records, FTP accounts, and Cron tasks;
- One-click app installation for tools like GIT, fail2ban, memcached, Redis, image optimization utilities, SpamAssassin filter, and WordPress management.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster;
- RAM: At least 1 GB;
- Disk Space: At least 5 GB of free storage.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Ubuntu 20.04 and above;
- Debian 11 and above;
- AlmaLinux 8.
Best For:
Users seeking a beginner-friendly panel with a focus on website management.
We also offer a guide to help you install and configure Fastpanel on your server.
Hestia
Hestia is one of the most popular and user-friendly website management panels available. It allows you to add new websites, manage emails and databases, schedule tasks with Cron, handle updates, and much more.
Hestia comes pre-packaged with all the essential software needed for website and email functionality, saving you from having to install it manually.
Key Software Included:
- NGINX as a web and proxy server;
- Apache as a backend server;
- PHP-FPM for application hosting;
- Bind for DNS management;
- Exim as a mail server (with ClamAV and SpamAssassin for security);
- Dovecot for POP3/IMAP email access;
- MariaDB for database handling;
- Vsftpd for FTP services;
- Firewall (iptables) with Fail2Ban for access monitoring.
Additionally, Hestia offers a built-in file manager and supports configuration uploads directly through the browser, making it highly convenient.
In terms of security, Hestia allows you to configure 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) using apps such as Google Authenticator. You can also set up an IP whitelist for extra protection.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster;
- RAM: At least 1 GB;
- Disk Space: At least 10 GB of free storage.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04;
- Debian 11 and above.
(Note: Hestia is currently not supported on Ubuntu 24.04)
Best For:
Beginners or users with low-resource VPS.
To help you get started, we’ve prepared a detailed guide on how to install Hestia step by step.
ISPConfig
ISPConfig is a multilingual, open-source Linux hosting control panel that allows you to manage one or multiple servers, handle email, FTP, and other tasks. One of the advantages of ISPConfig is its multilingual support and an active community.
Key Features:
- Multi-user Environment: Create accounts for clients, partners, and employees with different permissions.
- Security: Comprehensive security features, including support for two-factor authentication, event logging, a malware scanner, antivirus protection, and spam filters for email.
- Extensive Mail Features: Includes black, white, and grey lists, auto-responders, DKIM authentication, Mailman mailing list management, XMPP for instant messaging, and more.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster;
- RAM: At least 1 GB;
- Disk Space: At least 10 GB of free storage.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Ubuntu 20.04 and above;
- Debian 11 and above.
Essential Software Installed:
- Apache or Nginx;
- PHP;
- MySQL/MariaDB;
- Postfix;
- Dovecot;
- ClamAV;
- BIND9;
- Fail2Ban;
- rsync;
- Cron;
- Logrotate;
- ISPConfig Control Panel;
- OpenSSL.
Best for:
Advanced users who need a highly configurable and multi-server control panel.
You can follow our guide to install and configure ISPConfig on your server.
CloudPanel
CloudPanel is built for simplicity and speed, catering to web developers and businesses hosting applications. One of its major advantages is the availability of advanced server management features. The panel also offers a stack of fast technologies built from lightweight components for optimal performance, along with a set of tools to enhance server-level security.
Key Features:
- Web Server Management: CloudPanel supports the installation and configuration of popular web servers like Nginx and Apache, allowing for quick deployment and management of websites.
- Database Management: Simplifies the creation, deletion, and management of databases (MySQL, MariaDB), which is crucial for dynamic web applications.
- User and Permission Management: Allows you to create and manage user accounts and set their access rights to various resources and services on the server.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster;
- RAM: At least 2 GB;
- Disk Space: At least 10 GB of free storage.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Ubuntu 22.04 and above;
- Debian 11 and above.
Best For:
Developers looking for a lightweight panel for PHP apps.
You can follow our guide to install and set up CloudPanel on your server.
Conclusion
Selecting the best control panel for your VPS hinges on your individual requirements:
- Experienced users may opt for Webmin or ISPConfig due to its versatility;
- For beginners and those managing websites, FastPanel or Hestia offer an easy-to-use experience;
- Developers hosting PHP applications may prefer CloudPanel.
While paid server management panels tend to offer more advanced features, free alternatives are often just as capable. They are regularly updated and come with active user and developer communities who are ready to assist with any challenges. Additionally, free panels are usually designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering simple, intuitive interfaces that make them ideal for those new to server administration.
Try out these panels to determine which one suits your workflow and VPS configuration the most. With the right panel, VPS management can be much more streamlined!
Further Resources
We regularly update and expand our articles on free VPS control panels. Check out our dedicated section for tutorials and the latest insights.
