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Looking for a Free cPanel Alternative? When you launch a WordPress site on a VPS, choosing the right control panel can make server management a breeze—or a headache. Free panels let you avoid hefty licensing fees while still delivering graphical dashboards, one-click installers, security tools, and automated backups. In this guide, you’ll discover the six best open-source control panels for WordPress, and learn why Virtualmin with Webmin stands out as the ideal choice.
1. Virtualmin with Webmin
Virtualmin is a powerful virtual hosting control panel built on top of Webmin’s proven system administration framework. It offers:
- Granular Domain Management: Create and manage hundreds of domains, subdomains, and mailboxes under one roof.
- One-Click WordPress Installer: Launch new WordPress sites in seconds with pre-configured PHP, MySQL, and Apache/Nginx settings.
- Resource Quotas: Set disk, bandwidth, and database quotas per virtual server.
- Integrated Security: Built-in firewall, fail2ban integration, and SSL certificate automation via Let’s Encrypt.
- Extensible Modules: Extend functionality with Webmin and Virtualmin plugins in Perl, Python, or shell scripts.
Why Choose Virtualmin?
Its combination of a modern UI, enterprise-grade features, and active community support makes it the perfect free control panel for beginner bloggers and professional agencies alike.
2. CyberPanel
Powered by OpenLiteSpeed, CyberPanel delivers blazing WordPress performance with features such as:
- LiteSpeed web server integration for improved PHP execution.
- One-click staging, cloning, and backup for WordPress sites.
- Docker container manager and REST API.
- Built-in email, DNS, and FTP support.
Ideal if you’re focused on speed and don’t mind learning a slightly different stack than traditional LAMP.
3. HestiaCP
HestiaCP is celebrated for its simplicity and speed:
- Nginx as a reverse proxy in front of Apache for efficient resource usage.
- One-click Let’s Encrypt SSL.
- Mail, DNS, and database tools baked in.
- Lightweight dashboard, perfect for low-traffic blogs.
If you need a no-frills, easy setup for small WordPress sites, VestaCP is a solid pick.
4. ISPConfig
ISPConfig shines in multi-server and reseller setups:
- Manage web, DNS, email, and FTP across multiple servers from one panel.
- Reseller accounts with granular permissions.
- Cluster support to balance loads.
- PHP-based plugins and API for custom automation.
Great for agencies or hosting providers managing dozens of client sites.
5. Ajenti
Ajenti brings a developer-first experience:
- Real-time resource monitoring and SSH terminal in the browser.
- File manager, Cron jobs GUI, and plugin system in Python.
- Minimalist, responsive interface.
Perfect for Python developers who want to manage WordPress and custom apps side by side.
6. Froxlor
Froxlor focuses on simplicity and multi-tenant hosting:
- Customer and reseller role management.
- Rate limiting and quotas on a per-domain basis.
- Integrated Let’s Encrypt support.
- Clean, intuitive dashboard.
Suited for small hosting outfits or businesses that host multiple WordPress sites for clients.
Why Virtualmin with Webmin Reigns Supreme
While all panels on this list are capable of running WordPress, Virtualmin with Webmin stands out because it offers:
- Flexibility to support both Apache and Nginx, PHP-FPM, and multiple database engines.
- Scalability for anywhere from a single blog to hundreds of high-traffic e-commerce stores.
- Security and Automation through built-in SSL, firewalls, and backups—all without add-ons.
- Community and Documentation unrivaled among free panels, ensuring you can find help whenever you need it.
If you’re serious about running WordPress on a VPS—whether you’re a solo blogger or an agency—you’ll save time, headaches, and money by choosing Virtualmin with Webmin.
