Consider a website to be like a house. To maintain and manage different parts of the house, you need a set of tools. Similarly, a website control panel is your essential toolbox for managing your website’s hosting. It offers a straightforward interface to oversee various components, including domain names, email accounts, and applications.
While it’s possible to perform these tasks by directly logging into a server, it often requires technical expertise, as a single mistake can lead to a website malfunction. Therefore, using a control panel is a safer and more intuitive way for everyone to handle their website.
While cPanel is a well-established industry leader, newer options such as Hostinger’s hPanel are emerging. Both offer solutions for managing your website, but with different strengths. cPanel has a large community and extensive resources, while hPanel focuses on a clean and user-friendly interface.
In this comparison guide, we’ll take a closer look at hPanel and cPanel to help you decide which one might be best for your website.
cPanel vs hPanel: Overview
Launched in 1996, cPanel has become a staple in web hosting management, known for its robust features and reliability. It’s designed to simplify the management of hosting environments through a user-friendly graphical interface.
Learn more: How To Access cPanel – What You Need / Where To Find cPanel
Meanwhile, hPanel was developed by Hostinger and introduced to provide a tailored experience for its users with a focus on modern design and ease of use. It integrates the latest technologies and user feedback to enhance functionality and performance.
Shared Features
Both cPanel and hPanel offer essential tools for effective web hosting management:
- File and database management: Easy uploading, editing, and database setup.
- Email and domain management: Setup and control email accounts and domain settings.
- Security tools: Manage SSL certificates, secure FTP, and more to keep your site safe.
These features make both cPanel and hPanel comprehensive options for managing web hosting, each with its unique approach.
cPanel vs hPanel: Quick comparison table
Choosing the right control panel for web hosting involves comparing their features to see which one fits your needs best.
Here’s a simplified comparison of hPanel vs cPanel key features.
| Feature | cPanel | hPanel |
| Hosting control | – Industry-standard control panel – Tools for file, database and security management – Works across multiple hosting providers | – Custom-built by Hostinger – Similar tools as cPanel – Manages hosting details directly in the panel |
| Home page navigation | – Left-side tools menu – Search bar for quick access – Displays detailed server statistics | – Focuses on website details – Left-side menu navigation – Click-based menu for browsing |
| User Interface (UI/UX) | – Text-based design with a clear data view – Consistent experience across hosting providers | – Graphical design with charts and visual elements – More engaging but less minimalist – Exclusive to Hostinger |
| Performance & technology | – Stable performance with regular updates – Built on older software architecture | – Uses modern technology for faster updates – Continuously improved based on user feedback |
| Email management | – Unlimited email accounts and forwarding options – Flexible storage allocation | – Supports up to 100 emails with 1GB storage per account – Integrated domain expiration management |
| Features & scripts | – Auto-installer with 300+ scripts – Includes virus scanner, backups and SEO tools – Additional services available from hosting providers. For the same you can try Bluehost. | – Auto-installer for popular scripts – Includes cache management, DNS settings, migration tools, SEO and email management |
| Customer support & resources | – Large collection of tutorials and knowledge base articles – Support quality varies by provider | – Built-in ticket and live chat support – Detailed knowledge base maintained by Hostinger – Fewer tutorials compared to cPanel on other hosts |
Also read: Bluehost Control Panel: Features of a Web Control Panel
cPanel vs hPanel: Key features breakdown
Hosting control
Both cPanel and hPanel are web hosting control panels used to manage your website’s hosting environment, but they have distinct differences in features and user experience.
cPanel, a widely adopted industry standard, offers a comprehensive set of tools for server management. It includes essential features like file management (file manager, FTP access), database administration (MySQL databases, PHPMyAdmin), and security tools.
However, cPanel typically lacks direct access to hosting provider-specific features such as managing hosting plans, billing, or direct support contact. For these functions, users need to navigate to their hosting provider’s account panel.
In contrast, hPanel is Hostinger’s proprietary control panel. It provides core functionalities similar to cPanel, such as file management, FTP access, and database administration.
What sets hPanel apart is its integrated approach to hosting management. Users can handle tasks like viewing plan details, renewing subscriptions, and upgrading plans directly within the panel interface.
Additionally, hPanel includes tools for managing domains associated with the hosting account, offering a more seamless user experience compared to cPanel’s more modular setup.
Home page navigation
The home page is crucial for users, providing essential info and navigation. In cPanel, the latest update emphasizes a “Tools” option. It organizes features into two main menus on the left, with tools in the middle. Server stats like IP, CPU, RAM, and processes are on the right. Specific details, like CPU usage, are easy to find in dedicated panels. A search bar speeds up finding options, keeping things organized despite the many choices.
hPanel’s home page focuses on showing vital website details, like HTTPS security and WordPress updates, avoiding overwhelming users with lists. Navigation is straightforward: for resource usage, users go to Hosting > Resource Usage. Using AJAX, menus expand without reloading the page, making navigation smooth and quick.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
A control panel’s appearance is crucial for user experience. cPanel uses a text-based design that some may find dated, like its resource manager. Despite this, it presents data clearly, making it easy for beginners. As a default for many providers, its familiar interface aids navigation, though it may seem old-fashioned.
hPanel, in contrast, features a graphical design with charts and visual aids, appealing to newcomers. Yet, its visual richness may not suit minimalists. Exclusive to Hostinger, it stands out but isn’t seen by users on other hosts.
Performance and technology
A web hosting control panel’s underlying technology can impact its performance and user experience. A panel built with modern technology may be able to complete tasks faster and more efficiently
Now, cPanel is a widely used control panel known for its stability and regular updates. However, it’s built on older software. The update process can also depend on the hosting provider, as some may customize the panel or delay updates, leading to slight variations in the cPanel experience between different providers.
On the other hand, hPanel is a newer control panel that utilizes modern technology. This allows smoother transitions between menus and faster updates. Additionally, the developers of hPanel incorporate customer feedback to improve features and performance.
Email management
When managing a website, handling emails efficiently is crucial for outreach and registrations. cPanel offers unlimited email addresses and customizable storage per account, ideal for handling large volumes of emails, such as newsletters. Storage is generally sufficient, with limits usually based on file counts rather than space.
Meanwhile, hPanel allows up to 100 email addresses, each with 1 GB of storage, and provides domain expiration dates, useful for dedicated email campaign domains.
Features and script installation
Features are critical for the functionality of your control panel and even a minor missing feature can lead to significant inconvenience. For instance, many control panels, including cPanel, come with multiple one-click install scripts such as the Softaculous installer, which allows you to install over 300 scripts effortlessly. cPanel also includes a virus scanner, resource manager, backups, SEO optimization and performance tools.
Bluehost enhances this with services like Cloudflare Premium for advanced security. It also includes PayPal integration for easy online payments and tools to set up your Google My Business profile, boosting your site’s visibility and functionality.
Read more: Exploring cPanel: Key Topics for Optimizing Web Hosting Management
On the other hand, while hPanel lacks Softaculous, it compensates with its own auto-installer for quick script installation and offers features such as cache management, one-click DNS flushing, auto-migration, SEO tools, performance tools and email management.
Pricing & value for money
Understanding the costs of cPanel vs hPanel is essential for budgeting your web hosting needs. This allows you to choose the most suitable control panel based on both your financial and technical requirements.
cPanel pricing
cPanel offers a range of licensing options to cater to various user needs:
- Solo: Priced at $26.99 per month, this plan is ideal for small businesses, freelancers or individuals requiring a single hosting account.
- Admin: At $32.99 per month, this plan supports up to 5 accounts, making it suitable for small to mid-level agencies, businesses, application developers and web designers.
- Pro: For $46.99 per month, this plan accommodates up to 30 accounts, designed for mid-level businesses and large, growing agencies seeking centralized server management.
- Premier: Priced at $65.99 per month, this plan includes up to 100 accounts, with additional accounts available at $0.45 each. It’s tailored for data centers, enterprise-level businesses and larger web hosts.
- WP Squared: At $84.99 per month, this plan offers up to 10 WordPress sites, providing powerful automation, optimized performance and advanced security for hosting providers, agencies and small to medium-sized businesses. Additional sites can be added at $0.40 each.
These pricing tiers are designed to offer flexibility and scalability, ensuring that users can select a plan that aligns with their specific hosting requirements.
hPanel pricing
Hostinger offers a range of hosting plans, each including the hPanel control panel at no additional cost:
- Shared hosting: Ideal for beginners and small websites, plans start at $2.99 per month.
- Cloud hosting: Designed for businesses requiring enhanced resources and performance, with plans starting at $7.99 per month.
- VPS hosting: Suitable for users needing dedicated resources and greater control, with plans beginning at $4.99 per month.
These updated pricing tiers ensure that users can select a hosting solution that aligns with their specific requirements and budget.
Customer support and resources
Access to customer support and thorough documentation are essential. Both cPanel and hPanel provide various resources to assist users. Due to its widespread use by many hosting companies, cPanel offers a wealth of tutorials and a comprehensive knowledge base filled with articles and videos.
However, it doesn’t provide direct customer support; instead, users must contact their hosting provider’s support team through the hosting panel. This means the quality of support can vary by provider.
In contrast, hPanel features built-in support menus that allow users to directly create support tickets and chat with the support team, all within the panel itself, streamlining the process. Hostinger, the sole provider of hPanel, also offers a detailed knowledge base specifically for hPanel users.
This makes hPanel’s support more centralized but also limited to Hostinger’s resources, potentially leaving some user questions uncovered unless they contact support.
Which to choose: hPanel vs cPanel?
Deciding between hPanel vs cPanel depends on your specific hosting needs, experience level and budget.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
When should you choose cPanel?
- You need a widely recognized, industry-standard control panel.
- You prefer a text-based, straightforward UI with extensive customization options.
- You want access to Softaculous for one-click script installation.
- You require unlimited email accounts and more advanced email management features.
- You use hosting providers that support cPanel and need a solution that works across different platforms.
- You plan to manage multiple websites on a Linux or Windows Server environment with ease.
- You need advanced features like WHM for reseller hosting and DirectAdmin as an alternative.
- You require integration with hosting solutions like Bluehost VPS Hosting or Bluehost Dedicated Hosting for high-performance sites.
If you’re looking for flexibility and a feature-rich environment, especially for managing multiple websites or running advanced applications, Bluehost’s cPanel is an excellent choice. With its integration with powerful tools and a strong community of support, it’s ideal for developers, businesses and users who want reliable hosting with a trusted control panel.
When should you choose hPanel?
- You prefer a modern, graphical user interface with charts and visual elements.
- You want a hosting control panel that integrates seamlessly with Hostinger’s services.
- You’re looking for a more cost-effective solution with hosting included.
- You need faster updates and optimizations, as Hostinger continuously refines hPanel.
- You want built-in customer support access directly within the panel.
- You are managing Virtual Private Servers (VPS) and need an intuitive dashboard for control.
- You want built-in tools to automate tasks like Cron Jobs and Git deployment.
Both panels offer powerful features for managing a website, but cPanel provides more flexibility for experienced users, while hPanel delivers a user-friendly experience tailored to Hostinger customers.
Read more: cPanel vs WordPress: Choosing the Best Hosting Solution
Final thoughts
Both cPanel and hPanel serve as efficient tools for website management, each with their own advantages. cPanel is ideal for users who need a widely adopted, feature-rich custom control panel with extensive third-party support, making it a top choice for developers and businesses requiring flexibility. On the other hand, hPanel stands out for its modern, intuitive graphical user interface and seamless integration with Hostinger’s services, making it more suitable for beginners and those looking for an all-in-one hosting solution.
Additionally, hPanel’s built-in automation tools, including cron jobs, simplify website file management. For those using Bluehost, their custom control panel offers a balance between ease of use and powerful functionality, making WordPress hosting and management simple for both beginners and experienced users. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific hosting provider, budget and preferences for ease of use.
FAQs
Yes, hPanel is included for free with Hostinger hosting plans.
No, since hPanel is exclusive to Hostinger, migrating from cPanel to hPanel would require moving your website to Hostinger’s hosting services.
hPanel is designed with a simpler, more intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners, whereas cPanel may require a learning curve.
Both panels offer strong security features, but cPanel has broader compatibility with third-party security tools, while hPanel is optimized specifically for Hostinger’s infrastructure. cPanel also provides enhanced password management tools, allowing users to secure their accounts effectively.
While hPanel offers a great user experience, one of its cons is that it’s limited to Hostinger and cannot be used with other hosting providers, unlike cPanel. By weighing these factors, you can choose the best control panel for your hosting needs. Whether you value variety of options and industry-wide flexibility or a modern, best choice for ease of use, both options provide reliable tools for managing your website efficiently.
