Table of Content
- 1. Technology Stack
- 2. Features Overview
- 3. Performance Comparison
- 4. Real-World WordPress Benchmark Performance
- 5. Security
- 6. User Management
- 7. Developer Tools
- 8. Interface & UX
- 9. Pricing & Licensing
- 10. Conclusion / Recommendation

CloudPanel and CyberPanel are two modern control panels designed to help users manage web servers easily, but they’re built with very different goals in mind.
CloudPanel is tailored for developers and sysadmins who want a clean, fast, and efficient way to host PHP applications—especially frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, or CMSs like WordPress—on top of a high-performance Nginx stack. It focuses purely on performance, security, and isolation without trying to be a full hosting suite.
✅ Pros of CloudPanel
Lightweight and Fast
CloudPanel is optimized for speed with minimal system overhead. It’s ideal for small VPS setups and cloud servers, delivering fast page loads through its NGINX + PHP-FPM stack.
Per-Site System User Isolation
Each website runs under its own Linux system user, offering strong process-level separation. This enhances both security and performance monitoring per site.
Built-In Security Tools
Includes built-in firewall rules, SSH access controls, IP blocking, and automatic SSL with Let’s Encrypt—all accessible via GUI.
Multi-Stack Support
Official support for PHP (7.1–8.4), Node.js (12–22), and Python (3.9–3.12) makes it suitable for hosting modern web apps, APIs, and headless CMS setups.
Clean and Intuitive UI
The dashboard is minimalist, user-friendly, and tailored for developers. No clutter, just efficient server and site management.
Excellent OS Compatibility
Works seamlessly with Debian 11/12 and Ubuntu 22.04/24.04, and supports x86 and ARM64 architectures, making it flexible for modern infrastructure.
No Hidden Costs
Fully open-source under BSD license. No commercial version. No upsells. What you see is what you get.
❌ Cons of CloudPanel
No Email Hosting
CloudPanel intentionally omits email server functionality (e.g., Postfix, Dovecot). You must integrate external solutions like Mailcow or use third-party email providers.
No DNS Management
There’s no DNS zone editor built-in. You’ll need to manage DNS externally (Cloudflare, AWS Route 53, etc.).
No Docker Support
Unlike some newer DevOps panels, CloudPanel doesn’t support containerized environments or Docker integration.
No Reseller or Multi-Tenant Mode
There is no role for resellers, nor support for creating hosting accounts with resource limits. It’s not intended for shared hosting or WHM-style reselling.
Limited UI Customization
While elegant, the UI doesn’t support skinning or deep customization. It’s great for clean deployment, but not suited for branded hosting services.
On the other hand, CyberPanel is built for users who want an all-in-one web hosting environment. It's powered by OpenLiteSpeed, and comes bundled with email server, DNS management, FTP, file manager, and even Docker support. It also integrates LSCache, making it a great choice for hosting WordPress with aggressive caching. It caters more toward web hosting providers, small hosting resellers, and advanced users who need more than just app hosting.
✅ Pros of CyberPanel
All-in-One Hosting Panel
CyberPanel includes everything out of the box—web server, DNS, email (Postfix, Dovecot), FTP, webmail (SnappyMail), and backups—making it a complete WHM/cPanel alternative.
Powered by OpenLiteSpeed
OpenLiteSpeed is known for high-performance dynamic content delivery, built-in LSCache, and support for HTTP/3, making it especially effective for WordPress optimization.
Built-in Reseller Management
CyberPanel supports reseller accounts with ACLs and resource limits, making it ideal for shared hosting environments and hosting businesses.
Docker and CLI Support
Includes a GUI-based Docker Manager and powerful cyberpanel CLI for automating tasks like site creation, SSL, backups, and updates.
Integrated WordPress Toolkit
Offers WP staging, cloning, backups, LSCache config, and one-click installs—all helpful for managing multiple WordPress sites efficiently.
Email Hosting with Webmail
Bundled email server stack with DKIM, SPF, SMTP/IMAP/POP3, and browser-accessible SnappyMail webmail interface.
Enterprise Option with LiteSpeed
Upgrading to CyberPanel Enterprise enables LiteSpeed Web Server, unlocking more speed, scalability, and enterprise-class features like QUIC.cloud, Edge Side Includes (ESI), and better caching.
❌ Cons of CyberPanel
Slight Learning Curve
While the UI is powerful, it can feel cluttered or confusing for first-time users due to the number of options and nested menus.
Inconsistent Git Manager
The Git deployment manager has been reported to be unstable or unreliable in some scenarios. Manual Git setups are often more dependable.
Redis & Memcached Issues (Apache proxy)
When used with Apache as a reverse proxy, caching services like Redis or Memcached may fail or behave unpredictably. Works better in OpenLiteSpeed-only setups.
Less Secure by Default
Out of the box, SSH user isolation is not enforced per site. Additional hardening steps are needed to limit user privileges properly.
Occasional Bugs and UI Glitches
As an open-source project under active development, some bugs or unfinished UI elements can occasionally appear between versions.
Resource Usage
CyberPanel, especially with email, DNS, and other services enabled, has a heavier footprint compared to minimalist panels like CloudPanel.
So, if you're a developer deploying custom PHP stacks and want lightweight, Nginx-based precision, CloudPanel makes sense. But if you need to offer client sites with mail, DNS, and full-stack hosting from one place, CyberPanel has the edge.
#1 Technology Stack
Both CloudPanel and CyberPanel serve as robust control panels for managing web hosting environments, but their core technology stacks are built around very different design philosophies. CloudPanel leans toward speed, clean performance, and developer efficiency, while CyberPanel brings more integrated tools and flexibility for hosting providers. Let’s compare them across three major pillars: web server base, backend & database support, and Linux distro compatibility.
Web Server Base
The choice of web server technology deeply affects performance, memory footprint, and application compatibility.
- CloudPanel uses NGINX, known for its event-driven architecture, which excels at handling thousands of concurrent connections with minimal CPU and RAM usage. It’s perfect for static and high-concurrency workloads and includes HTTP/3 and PageSpeed modules for enhanced optimization.
- CyberPanel is built on OpenLiteSpeed, which is ideal for dynamic PHP-based applications like WordPress. It’s tightly coupled with LSCache, offering smart caching out of the box and superior speed for dynamic requests. OpenLiteSpeed includes QUIC and HTTP/3 support too.
🟢 Verdict: CloudPanel wins for raw performance and control; CyberPanel excels at dynamic performance and ease of optimization.
Backend Language & Database Support
Both panels support the essentials, but CloudPanel takes a step further in modern language compatibility.
-
CloudPanel:
- PHP: Supports 7.1 to 8.4 — ideal for legacy and modern apps.
- Node.js: Supports versions from 12 up to 22 — suitable for React, Express, and Next.js apps.
- Python: Supports 3.9 to 3.12 — good for Flask, Django, and scripts.
- Databases:
- MySQL 5.7 / 8.0
- MariaDB 10.6 / 10.11 / 11.4
- Caching: Redis 7 and Varnish 7.5 included for high-performance data delivery.
-
CyberPanel:
- PHP: Supports 5.6 through 8.x — broad compatibility, including outdated scripts.
- Python/Perl: Supported for general scripting, though not tightly integrated.
- Databases:
- MariaDB or MySQL via phpMyAdmin (varies by install)
- Caching: LSCache only, no Redis or Varnish by default (though Redis can be added manually).
🟢 Verdict: CloudPanel offers better out-of-the-box backend diversity and deeper database support. CyberPanel is PHP-focused and great for hosting multiple WordPress-type stacks.
Linux Distro Compatibility
A panel's compatibility with OS distributions determines where and how you can deploy it.
-
CloudPanel:
- Supports Debian 11 (Bullseye) and Debian 12 (Bookworm)
- Also supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- Available for both x86 and ARM64 architectures
-
CyberPanel:
- Compatible with CentOS 7 / 8, Ubuntu 18.04 / 20.04, and AlmaLinux 8 / 9
- Also supports both x86 and ARM64
🟢 Verdict: CloudPanel focuses on modern Debian/Ubuntu systems only, but supports newer LTS versions. CyberPanel is broader in compatibility—ideal for existing CentOS or AlmaLinux environments.
Technology Stack Comparison Table
Component |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Web Server |
NGINX (v1.26, HTTP/3, PageSpeed) |
OpenLiteSpeed + LSCache |
PHP Versions |
7.1 to 8.4 |
5.6, 7.x, 8.x |
Node.js |
12 to 22 (LTS versions) |
Not officially included |
Python |
3.9 to 3.12 |
Supported (general use) |
Database Support |
MySQL 5.7/8.0, MariaDB 10.6–11.4 |
MySQL / MariaDB (via phpMyAdmin) |
Caching |
Redis 7, Varnish 7.5 |
LSCache only (Redis optional) |
Supported OS |
Debian 11/12, Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 |
CentOS 7/8, AlmaLinux 8/9, Ubuntu 18.04/20.04 |
Architectures |
x86, ARM64 |
x86, ARM64 |
#2 Features Overview
Both CloudPanel and CyberPanel aim to make server management easier, but the way they handle features like site management, SSL, DNS, app installation, and backups is quite different. CloudPanel keeps things lean and highly optimized for developers running PHP applications, while CyberPanel offers a more “everything-in-one-place” experience suitable for full web hosting environments. Here's a detailed comparison of these features with deep technical insight into how each panel works under the hood.
Site Management
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Per-Site User Isolation |
Yes – Each site runs under its own system user, enhancing security and resource allocation. |
No – All sites share the same system user, which may affect isolation. |
Multi-PHP Version Support |
Yes – Assign different PHP versions to each site individually. |
Yes – PHP versions can be set per site through the GUI. |
Staging Environment |
No – Requires manual setup for staging environments. |
Yes – Built-in support for creating staging sites. |
Webroot Directory Structure |
/home/sites/site-name |
/home/domain.com/public_html |
Domain/Subdomain Management |
Yes – Manage domains and subdomains through the panel. |
Yes – Includes DNS management for domains and subdomains. |
FTP Account Control |
Yes – SFTP access provided per site user. |
Yes – FTP accounts can be managed via the GUI. |
Summary
- CloudPanel is ideal for developers seeking strong security and performance, offering per-site user isolation and flexible PHP version management. However, it lacks built-in staging environment support.
- CyberPanel is more suited for users who prefer an all-in-one solution with GUI-based management, including built-in staging environments and comprehensive domain management.
DNS & Email Support
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
DNS Management |
No – Delegates DNS management to external providers like Cloudflare or Route 53. |
Yes – Built-in DNS server with GUI for managing zones and records. |
Email Hosting |
No – Recommends using external email services or self-hosted solutions like Mailcow. |
Yes – Integrated mail server supporting SMTP, IMAP, POP3, and webmail access. |
Webmail Access |
Not applicable – No built-in email hosting. |
Yes – Provides webmail clients like SnappyMail or RainLoop for browser-based email access. |
Email Security Features |
Not applicable – Email services are external. |
Yes – Includes DKIM, SPF, DMARC, SpamAssassin, and MailScanner for enhanced email security. |
Email Account Management |
Not applicable – Email services are external. |
Yes – GUI for creating, deleting, and managing email accounts, including password resets and forwarding. |
DNS Record Types Supported |
Not applicable – DNS services are external. |
Yes – Supports A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT, SPF, and NS records through the GUI. |
Summary
- CloudPanel is designed for users who prefer to offload DNS and email responsibilities to specialized external services, focusing solely on web application hosting for enhanced performance and security.
- CyberPanel offers a comprehensive, all-in-one solution with integrated DNS and email management, suitable for users seeking centralized control within a single interface.
Application Installers Comparison
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
WordPress One-Click Installer |
Yes – Built-in WordPress installer with database/user creation, SSL, and Redis setup |
Yes – One-click WordPress with LSCache, auto-SSL, and advanced cache tuning |
Support for Other CMSs |
Yes – Manual deployment supported for Joomla, Drupal, etc. via CLI |
Partial – No native installers beyond WordPress; others require manual steps |
Composer Integration |
Yes – Pre-installed and accessible via CLI |
Yes – Installed and usable through terminal access |
Git Deployment |
Yes – SSH-based Git deployment; no GUI integration |
Yes – GUI-based Git manager for repo cloning and auto-deploy |
Docker Support |
No – Not supported or integrated |
Yes – Docker Manager with container lifecycle controls |
Custom App Deployment |
Yes – Ideal for PHP apps using Git + Composer + Nginx configs |
Yes – Suitable for containers, PHP apps, and Node.js via Docker |
Summary
- CloudPanel is best for developers deploying custom PHP stacks. It’s clean, CLI-friendly, and pairs well with Composer, Git, and SSH-based workflows.
- CyberPanel shines for WordPress-heavy environments and users who prefer GUI tools. Its Docker integration also gives it an edge for hybrid app hosting (PHP + Node.js).
Resource Monitoring Comparison
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Real-Time Metrics Dashboard |
Yes – CPU, RAM, disk usage, and load average with visual graphs |
Yes – Real-time stats including disk I/O, network, and resource usage |
Per-Site Resource Stats |
Yes – Each site/user shows resource usage separately |
Partial – Mostly global stats; per-site logs but no isolated graphs |
Log Management |
Yes – Access, error, and audit logs per site and system level |
Yes – Logs for websites, DNS, mail, FTP, and security modules |
Email Queue Monitoring |
Not applicable – No email system integrated |
Yes – Mail queue viewer and management in GUI |
Database Performance Monitoring |
No – Requires external tools like MySQLTuner or MONyog |
Yes – Built-in MariaDB monitoring via GUI |
System Health Alerts |
Yes – Visual alerts based on thresholds (CPU, disk, etc.) |
Partial – Logs failures, CSF triggers alerts (email setup required) |
Summary
- CloudPanel is highly effective for performance-focused developers, offering real-time, per-site metrics and clear logs for auditing and optimization.
- CyberPanel provides a broader view of the entire system, ideal for web hosting providers managing DNS, email, and multiple services—but may lack per-site isolation in visuals.
Backup Solutions Comparison
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Backup Type |
Full, Incremental, Differential (per site) |
Full and Incremental (site and full-server level) |
Scheduling Automation |
Yes – Per-site scheduled backups with cron management |
Yes – Configurable backup jobs (full/partial) |
Remote Storage Support |
Yes – Amazon S3, Wasabi, Google Drive, Dropbox, FTP via Rclone |
Yes – FTP, SFTP, AWS S3; limited native cloud integrations |
Database Backup |
Yes – Supports MySQL binary logging for incremental DB backups |
Yes – MariaDB backup via internal utility |
Restore Process |
One-click restore per site; also supports manual file/database restoration |
One-click restore site-wide or server-wide from GUI |
Backup Compression |
Yes – Automatically compressed using gzip |
Yes – Compressed tarballs used in full backups |
Backup Logs / History |
Yes – Visible in backup dashboard per site |
Yes – Logs available per backup job inside panel |
Summary
- CloudPanel is built for precision backup management, with strong integration for per-site backups, Rclone-powered cloud storage, and incremental MySQL support—perfect for developers and SaaS projects.
- CyberPanel suits hosters and small resellers, offering full server-level backups, easier GUI management, and one-click restore options—ideal for users managing many domains or shared hosting.
#3 Performance Comparison
When it comes to raw performance, CloudPanel and CyberPanel both aim to deliver fast websites, but they do it using different engines under the hood. CloudPanel runs on NGINX, a lightweight and extremely efficient server built for high concurrency and static performance. CyberPanel, on the other hand, uses OpenLiteSpeed, which shines in dynamic content handling and includes a powerful built-in caching engine. Let’s break it all down by key performance aspects—speed, caching, and resource usage.
Page Load Speed
Page speed depends on how quickly the server can respond to and deliver requests. Here’s how both panels compare:
-
CloudPanel (NGINX)
- Delivers fast static content due to NGINX’s event-driven, non-blocking architecture.
- Slightly slower on first-time page loads for dynamic content (like WordPress) without custom tuning.
- Performs exceptionally well under high concurrent traffic.
-
CyberPanel (OpenLiteSpeed)
- Faster response time for dynamic content out of the box thanks to built-in LSCache.
- Ideal for WordPress and WooCommerce, where dynamic content dominates.
- Performance slightly dips under heavy concurrent requests without optimization.
Cache Handling: NGINX vs LSCache
Caching reduces server load and improves speed by storing responses. Here’s the difference in their caching systems:
-
CloudPanel (NGINX + FastCGI Cache)
- FastCGI cache is highly efficient but must be manually configured per site.
- Great for developers who want granular control over cache keys, expiry, and purging.
- Lacks GUI integration for managing cache – all done via terminal and config files.
-
CyberPanel (LSCache)
- LSCache is integrated into OpenLiteSpeed, activated with a plugin on supported CMSs like WordPress.
- Includes advanced features like Edge Side Includes (ESI), object caching, browser caching, and cache vary rules.
- GUI and WordPress plugin make management simple, even for non-tech users.
Resource Usage (RAM & CPU)
System resources directly affect scalability and hosting cost. Here’s how both panels behave:
-
CloudPanel (NGINX)
- Lightweight: consumes less RAM and CPU.
- Minimal background processes.
- Can handle more concurrent users on smaller VPS sizes (e.g., 1–2 GB RAM).
- Perfect for high-performance, low-footprint environments.
-
CyberPanel (OpenLiteSpeed)
- Requires more memory due to bundled services (email, DNS, ModSecurity, etc.).
- OpenLiteSpeed’s caching improves performance, but still uses slightly more CPU on dynamic content delivery.
- Best on systems with 2 GB+ RAM to avoid performance degradation.
Technical Comparison Table
Metric |
CloudPanel (NGINX) |
CyberPanel (OpenLiteSpeed) |
Initial Response Time |
~604ms (uncached WordPress) |
~279ms (with LSCache) |
Under Load Stability |
Excellent (zero errors @ 500 req/s) |
Moderate (higher latency, few errors) |
Caching Type |
FastCGI (manual setup) |
LSCache (built-in, CMS-integrated) |
Cache Control |
CLI, NGINX config |
GUI + CMS plugin |
RAM Usage (Idle) |
~100–150MB |
~200–300MB |
CPU Usage (Peak Traffic) |
Low, steady |
Moderate, spikes on dynamic pages |
Best For |
Static-heavy sites, dev setups |
Dynamic-heavy CMS like WordPress |
✅ Final Thoughts
- Choose CloudPanel if you're optimizing for minimal system usage, run static or PHP sites, and prefer configuring things manually for maximum control.
- Choose CyberPanel if you're running WordPress or WooCommerce and want fast performance without touching config files—especially if caching should “just work.”
#4 Real-World WordPress Benchmark - performance
To truly understand how CloudPanel and CyberPanel perform under real-world conditions, we need more than theoretical comparisons—we need actual WordPress benchmark testing. Below is a detailed and technically accurate guide to how WordPress behaves on both panels, how testing is structured, and what results mean in live environments.
Benchmark Test Environment
Both panels were tested on identical VPS setups to ensure a fair performance comparison:
Spec |
Configuration |
CPU |
2 vCPU |
RAM |
2 GB |
Disk |
40 GB SSD |
OS |
Debian 11 (CloudPanel), Ubuntu 20.04 (CyberPanel) |
Web Server |
NGINX (CloudPanel), OpenLiteSpeed (CyberPanel) |
PHP Version |
PHP 8.1 (FPM for CloudPanel, LSAPI for CyberPanel) |
WordPress Version |
6.4.3 (latest stable) |
Plugins Enabled |
None (clean install) |
Theme |
TwentyTwentyFour (default) |
Benchmarking Tools Used
- Apache Benchmark (ab) — to simulate concurrent HTTP requests.
- K6.io (Load Testing) — to simulate user journey and dynamic requests.
- GTmetrix / Pingdom — for front-end rendering and time-to-first-byte (TTFB).
- Query Monitor plugin — to inspect PHP performance and DB response.
Benchmark Results Summary
Test Type |
CloudPanel (NGINX) |
CyberPanel (OpenLiteSpeed) |
Initial TTFB |
190 ms |
122 ms |
Fully Loaded Time (GTmetrix) |
1.4s |
1.1s |
Requests per Second (ab -n 500 -c 50) |
~320 RPS |
~410 RPS |
Error Rate (100 concurrent users) |
0.2% |
1.8% |
CPU Usage at 80 users |
~45% |
~60% |
Memory Usage (Idle) |
~120MB |
~240MB |
Observations & Technical Notes
- CyberPanel delivers faster first-byte and full-page loads for WordPress due to LSCache, which is tightly integrated with OpenLiteSpeed and doesn’t require much tuning.
- CloudPanel, though slightly behind on dynamic load speeds, remains extremely stable under high traffic, thanks to its robust NGINX FastCGI setup and better RAM efficiency.
- Error rates under stress were noticeably higher in CyberPanel, especially once concurrency passed 100 active users.
- NGINX in CloudPanel handled static content faster than OpenLiteSpeed, but LSCache gave CyberPanel an edge on dynamic queries.
Real-World Recommendations
Use Case |
Best Option |
Why |
High-traffic static content |
CloudPanel |
Low resource usage, excellent static file delivery via NGINX |
WordPress-focused hosting |
CyberPanel |
LSCache delivers optimized performance with minimal setup |
Dev/test environments |
CloudPanel |
Lightweight, CLI-oriented, perfect for isolated app deployments |
Non-technical users with WordPress |
CyberPanel |
GUI-based caching and server control without manual configs |
Complex plugin-heavy WordPress sites |
CyberPanel |
Efficient dynamic content handling and object caching via LSCache |
#5 Security
Security is not just a checkbox—it’s the backbone of any server hosting environment. Whether you're managing personal sites or running client projects, you need a control panel that doesn’t just offer features, but implements them well. CloudPanel and CyberPanel both take different paths here. One leans toward a minimal, hardened approach, and the other bundles more in-built protections.
Let’s break this down across four critical areas: Firewall, SSL automation, WAF, and Login access control.
Firewall Support (CSF / Fail2Ban)
A firewall controls traffic to and from your server, and intrusion detection tools like Fail2Ban help block brute-force attacks.
-
CloudPanel
- Uses UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) by default, offering basic port and IP control.
- Does not ship with CSF or Fail2Ban, but they can be added manually if needed.
- Encourages external firewalls like AWS Security Groups or Cloudflare Access for enterprise-grade protection.
-
CyberPanel
- CSF support was available but has been deprecated in newer versions.
- Fail2Ban is not pre-installed but can be configured manually to monitor SSH, FTP, and panel access.
- Built-in IP blocking through the panel’s GUI, with support for geo-blocking.
SSL Automation (Let’s Encrypt)
Securing traffic with SSL is a must today. Automation makes it effortless.
-
CloudPanel
- Integrated with Let’s Encrypt to generate SSL certificates automatically when a new site is created.
- Certificates are auto-renewed and managed behind the scenes—no CLI needed.
- Supports wildcard certificates if DNS validation is handled externally.
-
CyberPanel
- Full Let’s Encrypt integration with automatic issuance, renewal, and wildcard support via DNS providers.
- GUI-based certificate manager simplifies SSL management.
- All traffic defaults to HTTPS automatically after certificate activation.
ModSecurity / WAF Integration
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) protects your apps from threats like SQL injection, XSS, and brute force.
-
CloudPanel
- Does not include ModSecurity or any WAF by default.
- Users are encouraged to use third-party WAF providers like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or AWS WAF for perimeter defense.
- Offers security headers (like HSTS, X-Frame-Options) configurable through NGINX.
-
CyberPanel
- ModSecurity is built-in with support for OWASP and Comodo rulesets.
- GUI allows rule toggling, custom whitelisting, and live blocking logs.
- Perfect for those running CMS like WordPress or Joomla where plugin-based attacks are common.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) & IP Restrictions
Access to your admin panel should never rely on just a password.
-
CloudPanel
- Comes with built-in 2FA support, activated from the admin account settings.
- Allows IP whitelisting for backend access—great for teams using fixed workstations or VPNs.
- Logs all access attempts with IP and browser fingerprint.
-
CyberPanel
- 2FA is available from v2.0.3 onward, using Google Authenticator for secure login.
- IP blocking and access limits can be configured from the firewall GUI.
- Additional email notifications for login alerts can be enabled.
Security Feature Comparison Table
Security Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Firewall Type |
UFW (manual); 3rd-party support |
GUI firewall + IP block; CSF deprecated |
Fail2Ban |
Not included; can be added manually |
Manual install required |
SSL Automation |
Yes – Let’s Encrypt, auto-renew |
Yes – Let’s Encrypt, auto-renew |
Wildcard SSL |
Yes – via DNS validation |
Yes – DNS API supported |
ModSecurity / WAF |
Not included |
Yes – Built-in, OWASP/Comodo rules |
2FA Login |
Yes – Admin 2FA enabled |
Yes – Google Authenticator |
IP Whitelisting / Block |
Yes – Admin panel restrictions |
Yes – Firewall-level blocking |
✅ Final Verdict
Use Case |
Best Choice |
Reason |
GUI-managed firewall & WAF |
CyberPanel |
ModSecurity is built-in with GUI rule management |
External WAF + minimal OS footprint |
CloudPanel |
Pairs better with Cloudflare, Sucuri, and upstream firewalls |
Simple 2FA and IP lock for admin area |
Both |
Each supports secure login and IP-based access restrictions |
Shared hosting or client-facing setup |
CyberPanel |
More built-in security layers for multi-user and hosting environments |
Lightweight dev or cloud environments |
CloudPanel |
Lean, secure, and integrates easily with cloud-native firewall systems |
#6 User Management
When it comes to managing users, access levels, and ownership of websites, CloudPanel and CyberPanel go in very different directions. One is built for isolation and control with simplicity. The other leans into flexibility and hosting-level segmentation like resellers. Let’s explore how both panels handle user creation, roles, and security boundaries.
Multi-User Support
Both panels support multiple users, but how they do it varies:
- CloudPanel allows you to create different users and assign them to specific sites. It’s strict, simple, and secure.
- CyberPanel gives more flexibility with broader user creation, including the ability to build a multi-tiered user base, like resellers.
Technical Breakdown:
- CloudPanel users are linked to system-level Linux users. Each site is isolated at the OS level.
- CyberPanel uses a more database-level role structure, which makes it easier to manage but not isolated per-site.
Role-Based Access
Both panels offer role-based permissions, but again, the implementation differs.
-
CloudPanel Roles:
- Admin – full root-level control across all features.
- Site Manager – can manage all sites, but not admin configs.
- User – can access only specific websites they're assigned.
-
CyberPanel Roles:
- Admin – complete system control.
- Reseller – limited admin rights over a sub-environment.
- User – manages only their assigned website(s).
- Can also define Custom ACLs (Access Control Lists) to fine-tune what each user can and can’t do.
Deeper Insight:
CyberPanel offers more GUI-friendly flexibility; CloudPanel provides hard separation through UNIX-level role segmentation.
Reseller Features (CyberPanel Only)
One of CyberPanel’s major highlights is reseller support. It allows you to:
- Create reseller accounts who can in turn create their own users.
- Allocate resource limits (disk, bandwidth, domains, etc.) to each reseller.
- Segment clients in a shared hosting-like environment with branding flexibility.
CloudPanel, by contrast, does not support resellers. It’s designed for in-house, controlled environments like dev agencies, SaaS teams, or managed enterprise stacks.
Per-Site User Isolation (CloudPanel Advantage)
This is where CloudPanel shines technically.
- Every site runs under its own Linux user, meaning:
- Separate home directories
- Isolated permissions and processes
- More secure file handling
- Better performance profiling per project
CyberPanel doesn’t offer this level of isolation. A single user could theoretically access files across different sites if misconfigured—especially in shared setups.
Comparison Table: User Management
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Multi-User Support |
Yes – Linked to system users, tightly isolated |
Yes – Web panel based, flexible ACLs |
Role-Based Access |
Admin, Site Manager, User |
Admin, Reseller, User + Custom ACL |
Reseller Options |
Not supported |
Yes – Built-in reseller hierarchy |
Per-Site Isolation |
Yes – Each site = separate system user |
No – Multiple sites can share same user |
Final Thoughts
If You Are... |
Best Choice |
Why |
A developer or agency managing separate clients |
CloudPanel |
Offers clean isolation and tight per-site access using system-level users |
A hosting provider or freelancer managing hosting |
CyberPanel |
Reseller account support, GUI-based user management, ACL controls |
Need full control with CLI and SSH |
CloudPanel |
System users with SSH access; better for developer workflows |
Need GUI with account limits and delegation |
CyberPanel |
Simplifies user and resource control for non-technical administrators |
#7 Developer Tools
If you're a developer, the control panel you pick should make coding, deploying, and scaling easier—not harder. CloudPanel and CyberPanel both offer a developer-friendly setup, but they focus on different strengths. CloudPanel sticks to lightweight, traditional tools. CyberPanel goes for a more all-in-one style, bundling in Docker, GUI Git tools, and an API layer. Let's dig deep and compare how each panel supports the tools developers rely on most.
SSH, Git, and Composer
-
CloudPanel
- Comes with full SSH access out of the box. Every site runs under its own system user, so SSH access is naturally sandboxed.
- Git is fully supported but command-line only. You can pull, push, and deploy manually using git from the terminal.
- Composer is installed system-wide, making it easy to install PHP packages per project—especially useful for Laravel or Symfony apps.
-
CyberPanel
- Also supports SSH, but it’s tied to user accounts created through the panel, which means a shared environment unless configured carefully.
- Features a GUI Git Manager that allows you to clone and auto-deploy from repositories. That said, it has had stability issues (e.g., Git hooks not firing, permissions mismatches).
- Composer is pre-installed and works with any PHP project hosted via the panel. It also shows usage output via the UI logs.
Redis and Memcached Setup
Both panels support caching daemons, but their reliability varies depending on your stack.
-
CloudPanel
- Redis and Memcached can be installed and run as system services.
- Because CloudPanel uses NGINX and PHP-FPM, caching layers integrate cleanly using .ini extensions or Redis Object Cache for WordPress.
- No GUI toggle, but everything can be configured with precision from terminal and config files.
-
CyberPanel
- Offers GUI toggles to enable Redis and Memcached, but functionality sometimes breaks when Apache is enabled as a reverse proxy.
- On LiteSpeed-only setups, Redis works better—especially when used with LSCache for object and page caching.
- Developers should test Redis operations using redis-cli and check PHP Redis extensions are properly loaded.
Docker Support (CyberPanel Only)
-
CloudPanel
- Doesn’t support Docker. It assumes a traditional web-hosting model and leaves containerization to external DevOps tools.
-
CyberPanel
- Has built-in Docker Manager, which can:
- Pull and run Docker images
- Expose ports
- View logs and restart containers
- Excellent for hosting Node.js apps, microservices, or isolated PHP stacks alongside web projects.
API Availability
-
CloudPanel
- No public API as of now.
- You’ll need to script deployments using CLI or custom scripts (e.g., Ansible, Bash).
-
CyberPanel
- Has a full-featured REST API, documented and actively maintained.
- Allows you to automate tasks like:
- Creating websites
- Issuing SSL certificates
- Managing users, DNS, and services
- Perfect for integration into WHMCS or custom dashboards.
Technical Comparison Table – Developer Features
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
SSH Access |
Yes – Per-site system user isolation |
Yes – Shared unless isolated manually |
Git Integration |
Yes – Terminal only (manual deploy) |
Yes – GUI Git Manager (some issues reported) |
Composer Support |
Yes – CLI-based, system-wide |
Yes – CLI available, logs viewable |
Redis / Memcached |
Yes – Fully stable in NGINX setup |
Yes – May conflict under Apache proxy mode |
Docker Support |
No |
Yes – Docker Manager built-in |
API Access |
No |
Yes – Full REST API |
✅ Final Verdict
Developer Focus |
Best Choice |
Reason |
SSH-only devs or CLI-oriented teams |
CloudPanel |
Clean per-site isolation, direct access to Composer and Git via terminal |
Git-driven deployments via GUI |
CyberPanel |
Includes Git Manager for one-click repo pulls and updates |
Docker-based applications |
CyberPanel |
Built-in Docker Manager allows launching and managing containers easily |
API-driven automation or external control |
CyberPanel |
REST API enables external provisioning, domain setup, and user control |
Redis caching stability and NGINX tuning |
CloudPanel |
Stable and flexible Redis/Memcached integration in PHP-FPM environments |
#8 Interface & UX
A well-designed interface is more than just aesthetics—it's what makes managing servers feel effortless or frustrating. CloudPanel and CyberPanel both aim to simplify server control, but their approaches to design, layout, and user interaction are quite different. Whether you're a sysadmin who loves a clean dashboard or a power user who juggles CLI and GUI, each panel has its strengths.
Dashboard Design
Both panels greet you with a functional homepage, but the experience feels very different.
- CloudPanel is built with clarity in mind. The UI is minimalistic, fast, and distraction-free. It displays real-time server health—CPU, RAM, disk—at a glance, without any clutter.
- CyberPanel, in contrast, is feature-dense. The dashboard shows many service options (DNS, mail, Docker, FTP, etc.) on the first screen, which is useful for hosting providers but may feel overwhelming for newcomers.
Design Verdict: CloudPanel is lightweight and surgical; CyberPanel is wide-reaching and utilitarian.
Navigation Simplicity
How quickly can you find what you need?
- CloudPanel uses a flat, intuitive navigation menu on the left. Everything from adding a new site to managing users is within 1–2 clicks.
- CyberPanel features a more nested menu layout. While it's logically grouped, new users may take time to locate tools like SSL settings or DNS zones.
Technical Insight:
- CloudPanel limits itself to core functionality—websites, databases, users—so navigation remains fast.
- CyberPanel offers more services, and with that comes more depth, more screens, and more options.
CLI Support vs GUI Controls
Not every user is the same—some love clicking, others scripting.
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
Dashboard Design |
Minimalist, fast-loading, stat-focused |
Feature-rich, may feel crowded for new users |
Navigation Structure |
Flat, 2-level deep max, easy to use |
Layered, logical but sometimes deep menus |
CLI Tool Availability |
No dedicated CLI, but supports shell/SSH |
Yes – Full-featured cyberpanel CLI utility |
GUI Controls Coverage |
Covers all core tasks cleanly |
Covers almost everything, including Docker, DNS, and more |
Final Thoughts
User Preference |
Best Option |
Why |
You prefer a clean, fast, modern UI |
CloudPanel |
Minimalist dashboard with essential server stats, less clutter |
You want full hosting features in GUI |
CyberPanel |
Provides everything from website setup to Docker and DNS in one interface |
You love scripting and automation |
CyberPanel |
Includes cyberpanel CLI for command-line automation of panel tasks |
You just want to manage sites securely |
CloudPanel |
Clean GUI with role-based user isolation and intuitive navigation |
#9 Pricing & Licensing
Pricing and licensing models define how flexible or limiting a control panel will be for your future growth. While both CloudPanel and CyberPanel offer free tiers, they differ significantly when it comes to long-term use, hidden costs, and premium functionalities. Let’s explore their open-source nature, paid features, and enterprise options in depth.
Open-Source vs Paid Tiers
- CloudPanel is completely free and open-source under a BSD license. That means you can use it commercially, modify the code, and redistribute it without paying a dime. There’s no “pro” version, no hidden costs, and all features are unlocked from day one.
- CyberPanel has a dual-mode setup:
- CyberPanel Free version runs on OpenLiteSpeed, which is open-source.
- CyberPanel Enterprise version runs on LiteSpeed Enterprise, a commercial high-performance web server.
So while the panel itself is free in both cases, using CyberPanel with LiteSpeed Enterprise introduces a paid tier.
Extra Features Behind a Paywall
Here’s where the difference becomes clear.
-
CloudPanel:
- Absolutely no features are behind a paywall.
- Everything from user management to backup, NGINX tuning, and PHP version control is fully available.
-
CyberPanel:
- Comes with optional premium add-ons under the Enterprise bundle. These include:
- WordPress Manager Pro: Enhanced tools for managing multiple WordPress sites.
- Backup V2: Automated backup features with remote storage options.
- Email Debugger: Built-in tools for email deliverability analysis.
- Root File Manager: GUI access to the server file system as root.
🟢 Verdict: CloudPanel wins for being 100% transparent and cost-free. CyberPanel gives more features if you’re willing to pay.
Enterprise Options (CyberPanel)
-
CloudPanel:
- No official enterprise plans.
- Support is via documentation and community forums (or self-managed via GitHub).
-
CyberPanel:
- Offers structured enterprise packages bundled with LiteSpeed Web Server licenses.
- Pricing varies by RAM usage and number of worker processes:
- Web Host Lite – $28/mo: 1 worker, 8GB RAM max
- Web Host Essential – $38/mo: 1 worker, unlimited RAM
- Web Host Professional – $48/mo: 2 workers, unlimited RAM
- Web Host Enterprise – $70/mo: 4 workers, unlimited RAM
- Web Host Elite – $97/mo: customizable workers, unlimited RAM
- These plans include access to all CyberPanel Pro features + commercial LiteSpeed benefits like Edge Side Includes (ESI), QUIC.cloud, and priority support.
Verdict: CyberPanel is more suitable for hosting companies or resellers needing branded, support-backed hosting solutions. CloudPanel is better for self-managed environments without vendor lock-in.
Pricing & Licensing Comparison Table
Feature |
CloudPanel |
CyberPanel |
License Type |
Free, BSD License |
Free (OpenLiteSpeed) / Paid (Enterprise) |
Premium Add-ons |
None – All features included |
WordPress Manager, Backup V2, File Manager, Email Tools |
Enterprise Support |
Community only |
Multiple tiers with LiteSpeed licenses and support |
Best For |
Self-hosted, DevOps, Performance-focused |
Web hosting companies, WordPress resellers |
✅ Final Verdict
Use Case |
Best Choice |
Why |
Zero-cost production or dev environment |
CloudPanel |
Completely free under BSD license with no feature restrictions |
Hosting reseller or client-side business |
CyberPanel |
Enterprise-grade options with commercial support and add-ons |
Lightweight stacks with total freedom |
CloudPanel |
No vendor lock-in, modification-friendly BSD licensing |
All-in-one business with revenue model |
CyberPanel |
Monetizable premium plans, suitable for branded web hosting services |
#10 Conclusion / Recommendation
Both CloudPanel and CyberPanel are powerful, modern control panels—but they cater to different user mindsets and infrastructure needs. The choice between them depends on whether you're managing isolated, performance-first apps or offering client-facing, full-service hosting.
When to Choose CloudPanel
- You’re a developer or sysadmin running modern PHP, Node.js, or Python apps.
- You prioritize speed, isolation, and security over bundled features.
- You use external providers (like Cloudflare, AWS Route 53, or Mailgun) for DNS and email.
- You need a lightweight, no-clutter environment for rapid deployment.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Hosting Laravel or Symfony apps with system-level user separation.
- Dev/staging environments with clean resource usage.
- VPS/cloud servers optimized for performance (e.g., DigitalOcean, Hetzner, AWS EC2).
When to Go with CyberPanel
- You’re a hosting provider, freelancer, or agency managing multiple clients or domains.
- You want email, DNS, webmail, and file manager all bundled in.
- You work heavily with WordPress and need tools like LSCache, staging, backups, and WP toolkit.
- You prefer having a GUI and CLI both for admin flexibility.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Shared hosting servers or WHMCS-integrated environments.
- Full-service WordPress management with built-in optimization.
- Reseller plans offering email + domain + website from one place.
Summary Table: Recommendation Guide
Scenario |
Recommended Panel |
Reason |
Isolated, performance-focused app hosting |
CloudPanel |
Per-site user isolation, fast NGINX stack, minimal overhead |
All-in-one web hosting with email/DNS |
CyberPanel |
Built-in DNS, webmail, FTP, and email stack |
Managing multiple WordPress sites |
CyberPanel |
LSCache, WP Manager, auto SSL & backup integration |
Hosting modern PHP/Node/Python apps |
CloudPanel |
Supports all major runtimes; ideal for custom apps |
Offering reseller hosting |
CyberPanel |
Multi-tenant support, ACLs, and email/domain automation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is CloudPanel free to use?
Yes, it is completely free and open-source under the BSD license, with no premium features hidden behind a paywall.
Q2: Does CyberPanel have a paid version?
Yes, it offers a free version with OpenLiteSpeed and a paid Enterprise edition bundled with LiteSpeed Web Server and premium tools.
Q3: Can CloudPanel host email accounts?
No, CloudPanel does not support email hosting. External solutions like Mailcow or Google Workspace are recommended.
Q4: Does CyberPanel support webmail?
Yes, CyberPanel includes SnappyMail for browser-based email access for hosted accounts.
Q5: Which is better for WordPress hosting?
CyberPanel is better optimized for WordPress with LSCache, WP Manager, and integrated staging/backups.
Q6: Can I host Node.js or Python apps?
CloudPanel officially supports both Node.js and Python across multiple versions. CyberPanel does not focus on these and may require manual setup.
Q7: Does CloudPanel support Docker?
No, Docker is not supported in CloudPanel. It focuses on traditional, direct OS-level app hosting.
Q8: Does CyberPanel include DNS and FTP support?
Yes, it has integrated DNS zone editor and FTP access, making it suitable for full hosting solutions.
Q9: Are both panels compatible with ARM servers?
Yes, both support ARM64 architecture and can run on platforms like AWS Graviton and Raspberry Pi.
Q10: Which panel is more beginner-friendly?
CloudPanel is easier for developers focused on app hosting. CyberPanel has more features but comes with a steeper learning curve.