Control panels greatly simplify server administration: they provide a convenient interface for managing websites, email, databases, users, domains, and more.
Below is an overview of the most popular panels you can install on a dedicated server, along with installation instructions and supported operating systems.
Plesk
Plesk is a commercial control panel suitable for both administrators and end users.
Supported OS:
-
Linux: Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 11, AlmaLinux 8/9, Rocky Linux 8/9
-
Windows Server: 2019, 2022
Installation Guide:
👉 [Official Plesk Documentation]
cPanel / WHM
cPanel is one of the most popular control panels for Linux servers. It comes bundled with WHM.
Supported OS:
-
AlmaLinux 8/9
-
Rocky Linux 8/9
-
CloudLinux 8/9
(CentOS 7 is supported but no longer recommended)
Installation Guide:
👉 [How to Install cPanel]
ISPmanager
ISPmanager is a lightweight, flexible panel suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Supported OS:
-
Debian 11
-
Ubuntu 22.04
-
AlmaLinux 8/9
-
Rocky Linux 8/9
Installation Guide:
👉 [How to Install ISPmanager]
Webmin / Virtualmin
Webmin is a free panel for administering Linux/Unix servers, and Virtualmin is an add-on for managing hosting.
Supported OS:
-
Debian 10/11/12
-
Ubuntu 20.04/22.04
-
CentOS 7
-
AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux 8/9
Installation Guides:
👉 [Webmin Installation Guide]
👉 [Virtualmin Install Script]
HestiaCP
HestiaCP is a free, lightweight panel with a simple interface and strong web server support.
Supported OS:
-
Debian 11
-
Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04
Installation Guide:
👉 [HestiaCP Installation Guide]
DirectAdmin
DirectAdmin is a paid control panel with low resource usage and straightforward management logic.
Supported OS:
-
AlmaLinux 8/9
-
Rocky Linux 8/9
-
Debian 11/12
-
Ubuntu 20.04/22.04
-
FreeBSD (limited)
Installation Guide:
👉 [DirectAdmin Installation Guide]
OS Support Comparison Table
| Panel | Ubuntu | Debian | AlmaLinux / Rocky | CentOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plesk | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| cPanel | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| ISPmanager | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| Webmin | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| HestiaCP | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| DirectAdmin | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️* |
⚠️ — support may be limited or discontinued soon.
* DirectAdmin has limited FreeBSD support but does not support Windows.
Conclusion
When choosing a control panel, consider:
-
Your server’s system requirements
-
Budget (paid or free panel)
-
Your experience with Linux/Unix
-
Project requirements: need for Docker, WordPress, Nginx, email support, etc.
For beginners and small businesses, Plesk or ISPmanager are excellent choices.
For experienced users, Webmin or HestiaCP may be more suitable.
