If you run a VPS or dedicated server with Linux, you probably know that managing websites manually using only SSH can be time-consuming — especially when it comes to adding domains, creating email accounts, or configuring SSL. That’s where a web hosting control panel comes in.
While many popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk are powerful, they can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are free and open-source control panels that run perfectly on Linux and can help you manage your server without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll explore the best free website hosting control panels for Linux, their features, and which one might be right for you.
1. CyberPanel
CyberPanel is a modern hosting control panel powered by OpenLiteSpeed, known for its high performance and low resource usage.
- Built-in OpenLiteSpeed web server
- One-click SSL with Let’s Encrypt
- Auto-installer for WordPress, Joomla, etc.
- Email management
- DNS management
- Git integration
Supported OS: CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu
Why Choose: If you want speed and easy WordPress hosting with LSCache.
2. Webmin / Virtualmin
Webmin Official Website | Virtualmin Official Website
Webmin is a classic web-based system administration tool, and Virtualmin is its module for hosting management.
- Apache/Nginx management
- MySQL/MariaDB and PostgreSQL support
- Email server configuration
- DNS, FTP, and firewall management
- User and quota management
Supported OS: Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux
Why Choose: If you want maximum control and flexibility with a lightweight footprint.
3. ISPConfig
ISPConfig is a well-established open-source control panel that can manage multiple servers from one interface.
- Supports Apache and Nginx
- Multi-server management
- Email, DNS, FTP, and database control
- Web-based file manager
- Reseller support
Supported OS: Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, Rocky Linux
Why Choose: Ideal for hosting companies or resellers who want to manage multiple servers.
4. aaPanel
aaPanel is a newer, yet user-friendly control panel featuring a clean interface and an app store.
- One-click installation of LNMP/LAMP stacks
- Database and FTP management
- SSL support
- Security management tools
- Docker support
Supported OS: CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian
Why Choose: If you prefer a clean UI with quick application deployment.
5. HestiaCP
Hestia Control Panel is a fork of VestaCP, offering a secure and modernized experience.
- Nginx + Apache or Nginx-only configuration
- Mail server support
- Let’s Encrypt SSL integration
- DNS management
- Backup system
Supported OS: Debian, Ubuntu
Why Choose: Lightweight and perfect for small to medium hosting setups.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Free Control Panel
- Security: Always keep your panel up to date.
- Community support: Larger communities mean faster help.
- Ease of use vs flexibility: Some panels are beginner-friendly, others require more technical knowledge.
- Resource usage: Match the panel to your server’s RAM and CPU.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a free website hosting control panel for Linux, you have plenty of solid choices:
- For speed lovers: CyberPanel
- For flexibility: Webmin/Virtualmin
- For multi-server setups: ISPConfig
- For simplicity: aaPanel
- For lightweight hosting: HestiaCP
By picking the right one, you can save costs while still enjoying a feature-rich hosting experience.
Tags: free hosting control panel linux, cyberpanel, ispconfig, webmin, aapanel, hestiacp, open source hosting panel, free cpanel alternative
