◦ Comprehensive security
◦ 24/7 support
VPS → Best Control Panels
Best VPS control panels: Free and paid
VPS hosting gives you power and flexibility—but managing your server manually isn’t always efficient. That’s where a control panel comes in. It simplifies everything from software installs to DNS setup to email and database management.
Let’s compare the top three VPS control panels worth considering, whether you’re managing client sites, hosting apps, or running a growing ecommerce operation.
Get premium VPS hosting
High-performance VPS hosting that delivers unrivaled power, the fastest speeds available, and 24/7 expert support
What is a VPS control panel?
A VPS control panel is a web-based interface that lets you manage your virtual private server without needing to rely on the command line. It helps you:
- Set up domains and subdomains
- Manage email accounts and databases
- Install and update software
- Configure firewalls and backups
- Monitor resource usage
You can think of it as your VPS’s mission control—streamlining routine tasks so you can focus on your business, not your server’s backend.
Why your choice of control panel matters
Before jumping into the comparison, it’s important to understand how your control panel can impact:
- Ease of use: Some panels are beginner-friendly with visual tools, others assume you know server basics
- Security: The best panels include robust security options like SSL, firewalls, and backup tool
- Compatibility: Some panels only work on certain operating systems or have different licensing models
- Long-term costs: Licensing fees can vary dramatically, especially as you scale up the number of sites or accounts
Free vs paid VPS control panels
If you’re shopping around, you’ll see both free and paid control panels marketed for VPS use, but they’re not created equal.
Free control panels like Webmin, CyberPanel, and VestaCP can help you get started with basic site and server management, especially if you’re on a tight budget. That said, they often come with:
- Limited support
- Fewer built-in tools or integrations
- Minimal updates or patch cycles
- Greater reliance on command-line troubleshooting
Paid control panels—like cPanel, Plesk, and InterWorx—offer a more polished experience with premium features and stronger documentation. With a paid panel, you typically get:
- Full-featured GUIs with robust app installers
- Better security configurations out of the box
- Regular updates and vendor support
- Easier multi-site and user account management
If uptime, security, and client management are critical to your VPS use case, a paid control panel is usually the smarter long-term investment.
Comparing the top VPS control panels (cPanel vs Plesk vs InterWorx)
| Feature | cPanel | Plesk | InterWorx |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS Compatibility | Linux | Linux, Windows | Linux only |
| User Interface | Clean, familiar | Highly intuitive | More technical |
| Multi-site Management | Strong | Excellent | Strong |
| License Cost (Starting) | $15/mo+ | $13/mo+ | $20/mo+ (flat rate) |
| Built-in Security | ModSecurity, CSF | Fail2Ban, SSL | Firewall, SSL |
| 1-Click Apps | Softaculous | Built-in + 1-click | ScriptWorx |
| Best For | Hosting companies | Agencies + Windows | Developers & resellers |
1. cPanel for VPS
cPanel is the industry standard for a reason—it’s packed with features, widely supported, and instantly familiar to most hosting clients.
Key features:
- Intuitive file manager, email tools, and DNS control
- WHM integration for multi-site management
- Softaculous for 1-click WordPress and app installs
- Robust security features via ModSecurity and CSF
Best for: Hosting providers, freelancers managing lots of client sites, or anyone already used to the cPanel/WHM ecosystem.
2. Plesk for VPS
Plesk offers a more modern interface and adds Windows support, which makes it a solid choice for developers with mixed environments.
Key features:
- Works on both Linux and Windows VPS
- Built-in WordPress Toolkit for fast site setup
- Automatic updates and staging environments
- Supports Git integration and Docker
Best for: Agencies, web developers, and businesses that use Windows-based hosting.
3. InterWorx for VPS
InterWorx is a lesser-known but powerful option geared toward developers and resellers. It features a node-based structure and flat-rate pricing.
Key features:
- NodeWorx for admins and SiteWorx for end users
- Easy clustering for load balancing
- ScriptWorx for 1-click software installs
- Lower cost at higher scale
Best for: Resellers and technical users who want a cost-effective, scalable solution.
How to choose the right control panel for your VPS
Choosing the right control panel depends on your experience, budget, and use case:
- Go with cPanel if you want widespread compatibility, easy multi-site management, and strong support
- Choose Plesk if you need Windows compatibility or want a visually modern interface with premium tools like the WordPress Toolkit
- Pick InterWorx if you’re price-conscious at scale or want a technical, developer-focused setup with reseller-friendly features
FAQ about VPS control panels
Next steps for choosing the best VPS control panel
Picking the right VPS control panel makes server management easier, more secure, and scalable—whether you’re running a single site or managing hundreds.
Start by identifying what OS you’re using, how technical your team is, and how much time you want to spend in the backend.
When you’re ready to upgrade your hosting to a high-quality VPS, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been leading the industry for decades, because our VPS servers are fast, cloud-based for easy scalability, and unbeatably reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.
Click below to learn more or start a chat to talk to one of our VPS hosting experts right now.
Additional resources
VPS: A Beginner’s Guide →
A complete beginner’s guide to virtual private servers
Plesk VPS benefits →
9 key benefits that a Plesk control panel can bring to your VPS server
What is managed VPS hosting? →
Benefits, use cases, and how to decide if it’s right for you
Brooke Oates is a Product Manager at Liquid Web, specializing in Cloud VPS and Cloud Metal, with a successful history of IT/hosting and leadership experience. When she’s not perfecting servers, Brooke enjoys gaming and spending time with her kids.