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.
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: Features Comparison
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 their key features.
| Feature | cPanel | hPanel |
| Hosting Control | – Widely used control panel- Tools for managing files, databases, and security- Limited access to specific hosting provider features | – Custom panel 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- Detailed server stats on the side | – Focuses on website details- Left-side menu navigation – Click-based menu for browsing |
| User Interface (UI/UX) | – Text-based design with clear data- Familiar across many hosts | – Graphical design with charts- Visually engaging, less minimalist- Only on Hostinger, not other hosts |
| Performance & Technology | – Stable with regular updates- Built on older software | – Modern tech for faster updates – Uses feedback for improvements |
| Email Management | – Unlimited email accounts and forwards- Flexible storage allocation | – Up to 100 emails, 1GB storage per account – Includes domain expiration management |
| Features & Scripts | – Softaculous installer for 300+ scripts- Virus scanner, backups, SEO tools- Additional services from hosts like Bluehost | – Auto-installer for popular scripts- Cache, DNS, migration tools, SEO, and email management |
| Customer Support & Resources | – Extensive tutorials and knowledge base- Support quality varies | – Built-in support for tickets and chats – Detailed knowledge base by Hostinger- Fewer tutorials from other hosts compared to cPanel |
cPanel vs hPanel: 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 similar core functionalities as 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
Some providers, like Bluehost, enhance this with services like Cloudflare Premium for advanced security, PayPal integration for easy online payments, and tools to set up your Google My Business profile, boosting your site’s visibility and functionality.
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, ensuring a comprehensive package to manage and optimize your website efficiently.
cPanel vs hPanel: 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.
cPanel vs hPanel: Price Comparison
Understanding the costs of cPanel and 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
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost |
| Solo | $15.99 |
| Admin | $27.99 |
| Pro | $39.99 |
| Premier | $59.99 |
cPanel is offered with a licensing fee that varies by the number of accounts managed. The “Solo” plan is suitable for individuals or small businesses needing just one hosting account. Higher tier plans such as “Admin,” “Pro,” and “Premier” provide options for agencies and larger businesses that require more accounts, with pricing scaled accordingly.
However, if your hosting provider offers cPanel, the prices will also depend on their hosting plan’s prices.In Bluehost’s case, they offer a range of hosting plans with prices starting at $1.99 per month for basic shared hosting up to $91.98 per month for dedicated hosting, catering to various website needs and sizes.
hPanel Pricing
| Hosting Type | Starting Price |
| Shared Hosting | $1.99 |
| Cloud Hosting | $9.99 |
| VPS Hosting | $3.95 |
hPanel is included as part of Hostinger’s hosting packages, with no separate fee for the control panel itself. Pricing starts at $1.99 for shared hosting, suitable for beginners and smaller websites. More robust options like cloud and VPS hosting are available for businesses with greater needs, featuring enhanced resources and capabilities.
cPanel vs hPanel: Choosing Between the Two
cPanel is a well-established control panel used widely for Linux-based web hosting. It features a straightforward, text-based interface that’s easy for users of all skill levels to manage their websites.
This platform comes equipped with robust tools for handling files, databases, emails, and security. It’s ideal for those who need advanced features and the flexibility to switch between various hosting providers without needing to learn new interfaces. cPanel is also supported by a broad range of hosting companies, making it a versatile choice.
On the other hand, hPanel by Hostinger, offers a more modern, graphical interface that simplifies web hosting for beginners. It includes essential management tools and is regularly updated to enhance performance and usability based on user feedback.
hPanel is perfect for those who plan to stick with Hostinger long-term, as it integrates seamlessly with their services. However, it may limit your ability to move your site to another provider later on due to its exclusivity with Hostinger.
Takeaway
When comparing the differences between cPanel and hPanel, it’s quite clear they both provide essential tools for website management but cater to distinct user preferences and hosting environments.
cPanel has a wider range of features, including advanced server settings and security tools. hPanel, on the other hand, prioritizes a user-friendly interface and simplified navigation.
It’s also important to consider the hosting provider ecosystem. While cPanel is offered by numerous hosting providers, hPanel is exclusive to Hostinger only. This means that if you opt for cPanel hosting, you’ll have a broader range of options to choose from.
Finally, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements. If you prioritize ease of use and a clear interface, hPanel might be suitable. However, cPanel could be a better fit if you require advanced features and greater control over your hosting environment.
