cPanel and WHM are two interfaces that work together as part of the same hosting management system, but they are designed for different tasks.

cPanel is used to manage an individual hosting account. It lets you handle websites, domains, email accounts, files, databases and other day-to-day hosting tasks.

WHM (Web Host Manager) is used to manage the server and create or administer cPanel accounts. It provides server-level controls for hosting administrators, reseller hosting users and anyone responsible for managing multiple hosting accounts.

In most cases, website owners use cPanel, while server administrators and reseller hosting users use WHM. Together, they provide a complete solution for managing both hosting accounts and the server they run on.

cPanel vs WHM at a Glance

Quick Take: cPanel and WHM are designed to work together rather than replace each other. WHM is used to manage the server and hosting accounts, while cPanel is used to manage the websites, email, files and databases within each hosting account.

What Is cPanel?

cPanel is a web-based hosting control panel that makes it easy to manage an individual hosting account through a browser. Instead of using command-line tools, you can perform everyday hosting tasks from a simple dashboard.

With cPanel, you can manage the resources assigned to your hosting account, including:

✓ Websites and domains

✓ Files and folders

✓ Email accounts and forwarding

✓ MySQL databases

✓ SSL certificates

✓ DNS settings for your hosting account

✓ Backups and restores (when available in your hosting plan)

cPanel is designed for people who need to manage websites without handling server administration. Its interface brings common hosting tools together in one place, making routine tasks quicker and easier.

Typical Users

✓ Website owners

✓ Bloggers

✓ Small businesses

✓ Web developers

✓ Online store owners

Common Use Cases

✓ Uploading and updating website files

✓ Adding new domains or subdomains

✓ Creating business email accounts

✓ Managing website databases

✓ Installing SSL certificates

✓ Taking or restoring backups (if supported by the hosting plan)

✓ Monitoring basic website and hosting account usage

cPanel is the interface you use to manage your own hosting account and the websites running inside it. It focuses on everyday website management rather than server administration.

What Is WHM?

WHM (Web Host Manager) is a web-based server administration interface used to manage a hosting server and the cPanel accounts hosted on it. It provides the tools needed to configure the server, create hosting accounts and control how hosting resources are assigned.

With WHM, administrators can manage server-wide settings and hosting accounts, including:

✓ Creating and managing cPanel accounts

✓ Creating hosting packages with predefined features and limits

✓ Setting disk space and bandwidth quotas

✓ Managing server services and system settings

✓ Configuring security settings

✓ Managing server backups

✓ Installing updates and maintaining the server

✓ Creating and managing reseller permissions

WHM is designed for users who are responsible for administering a server rather than managing an individual website. It provides centralized control over multiple hosting accounts from a single interface.

Typical Users

✓ Server administrators

✓ Reseller hosting users

✓ Hosting companies

✓ IT administrators

✓ Businesses managing multiple hosting accounts

Common Use Cases

✓ Creating hosting accounts for websites or clients

✓ Setting up hosting packages with resource limits

✓ Managing multiple cPanel accounts from one server

✓ Monitoring and maintaining server services

✓ Configuring backups and security settings

✓ Granting reseller access to other users

✓ Managing updates and overall server configuration

WHM is the interface used to manage the server and the hosting accounts running on it. It gives administrators the tools to control the hosting environment, while each hosting account is managed separately through its own cPanel interface.

How cPanel and WHM Work Together

cPanel and WHM are designed to work together as part of the same hosting management system. While WHM is used to manage the server and hosting accounts, cPanel is used to manage the websites and resources inside each hosting account.

A server administrator uses WHM to create hosting accounts and configure the server. When a new hosting account is created, it receives its own cPanel login. The website owner can then use cPanel to manage websites, domains, email accounts, files and databases without accessing server-wide settings.

This separation allows server administration and day-to-day website management to remain organized and secure.

How They Work Together

In Simple Terms

✓ WHM manages the server.

✓ WHM creates and manages cPanel accounts.

✓ Each hosting account receives its own cPanel.

✓ Website owners use cPanel to manage their websites and hosting resources.

✓ Server administrators use WHM to manage the entire hosting environment.

Which One Will You Use?

In most cases, you won't need to choose between cPanel and WHM because they are designed to work together. The interface you use depends on your role and the type of hosting you have. 

 Before Choosing a Hosting Plan

Before ordering a hosting plan with cPanel and WHM, consider:

✓ Whether you need shared hosting, reseller hosting, a VPS or a dedicated server

✓ Whether you need to manage one website or multiple hosting accounts

✓ Whether the server is managed or unmanaged

✓ The number of cPanel accounts included

✓ Backup, security and technical support options

✓ Whether the hosting plan can grow with your future requirements

If you're managing your own website, you'll typically use cPanel. If you're responsible for managing a server or multiple hosting accounts, you'll use WHM. On VPS and dedicated servers running cPanel & WHM, both interfaces work together to provide complete hosting management.