11 Questions about hosting on cPanel
Shared hosting can be difficult enough for new site owners to grasp. Pairing the server with the cPanel dashboard that is user-friendly, however, immediately introduces simple control of servers using a single click.
The best cPanel web hosting plans offer the ability to support unlimited domain names, MySQL databases, disk space, and monthly bandwidth on web hosting shared. Softaculous lets users swiftly install more than 400 open-source software applications.
The cPanel portal enables the owners of websites to control their hosting account and set settings for any domain name using a simple-to-understand graphic interface.
Hosting on cPanel can be the best choice for small companies eCommerce stores, small businesses, and websites that are independent and who are on budget plans.
The owners of websites can use cPanel to create FTP accounts, and email accounts, and to customize PHP settings for each domain. Simply sign in to your account via the web hosting service you use, and cPanel should just be only a few clicks away.
cPanel is only compatible only with a Linux-based hosting plan. The cost for licenses for dedicated, shared and VPS hosting differs based on the plan chosen and the web hosting provider.
Many shared hosting companies offer cPanel free of charge for shared hosting. Plans such as VPS hosting and dedicated servers offer users more control over licensing and installing the control panels they require.
Let’s take a look at the features in cPanel and compare them to other control panels.
1. What is hosting on cPanel?
The cPanel platform was originally created by a teenager to create a web-based control panel to Speed Hosting. It has since become one of the most widely utilized web panels on the market.
As you can observe, cPanel hosting also includes the cPanel portal. Owners of websites and hosting companies can easily move websites between plans that are cPanel-based, provided they use the same technologies.
A lot of budget hosting firms use cPanel as well as WHM as the standard method to develop shared Linux server platforms that are popular with millions of customers.
Main Features in cPanel and WHM:
- Domain Name Management: create subdomains, create multiple domains, and create aliases
- Website Publishing: run an Apache server with MySQL, PHP, and Softaculous
- Configure Email & FTP: use your choice of Webmail tools or File Manager
- Backups & Analytics: schedule automated file and database backups on websites
Managing one shared hosting account via cPanel is standard. But, combining WHM and cPanel allows for the administration of a virtual private or dedicated server.
WHM lets large servers with only a limited amount of usage to be split into smaller pieces. A cPanel-hosted host lets users configure their own web servers and domain names.
A web host can reduce costs (and encourage cheaper hosting plans) by developing their own control panel, or by using a less expensive option that has the same capabilities.
WHM and cPanel only operate on Linux-based operating systems, such as CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CloudLinux. Windows hosting users may need to look into Plesk or alternative options.
2. Why should I use cPanel
The primary goal of cPanel is to make the process of developing websites and managing accounts easier.
Website owners would otherwise require software to manage disk space using the command-line interface.
The most reliable cPanel hosting companies provide full-stack solutions, which include the operating system, web server, database and runtime extensions that are installed in advance.
Site owners can create unlimited email addresses, control parked domains, check analytics, and more with the easy-to-use interface. Installing scripts can be launched quickly and efficiently with Fantastico or Softaculous.
Main Benefits of cPanel:
- Hosting Unlimited Domain Names Easily deploy all your web resources using one platform
- Manage MySQL Databases Utilize the MySQL Database Wizard or phpMyAdmin
- Add email and FTP Accounts: Webmail options and the built-in file manager
- Configure PHP Settings: Choose the version of PHP that will run your scripts
- Install Software in seconds: Access more than 400 open-source software
- Increase security Secure your files with passwords and deny IP addresses
- Monitor Performance and Errors View stats related to traffic and performance
Web developers eCommerce sellers, small business owners and web designers are able to cut down on hosting costs by utilizing unlimited bandwidth offered by cPanel.
The best cPanel hosting solution offers customers support for unlimited email accounts, domain names and disk space as well as 24/7 customer service.
These deals typically include free SSL certificates for every domain that is registered to cPanel with AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt.
cPanel web hosting is simple to use with PHP scripts or MySQL databases. This allows you to build social networks, eCommerce stores forums, and wikis, and use CMS systems like WordPress and Joomla.
Hosting enthusiasts who are resellers also utilize cPanel, WHM, and WHMCS extensively to oversee clients’ accounts and manage resources on several servers.
3. How much should a Web Hosting Plan with cPanel Cost?
The lowest hosting plan cost around $2 per month (sometimes even lower!). for one domain name approximately $5 or $4 per month for unlimited domains.
These accounts have an adjustable pricing structure based on the length of the contract is and the terms are used to bill.
A web hosting service may offer the same account at $9.99 under month-to-month billing. If you choose to sign up for an annual plan for three years that cost drops to $2.95 per month.
For the majority of cPanel hosting platforms, you’ll enjoy the lowest price with the longest contract.
In order to reduce the cost of cPanel’s licensing, some web hosting providers provide account management through a proprietary control panel.
Other web hosts employ an alternative control panel that has similar functionality such as Plesk, Webmin, Webuzo or DirectAdmin in lieu of cPanel.
A single cPanel license for use on a VPS or dedicated server can cost you $15 per month.
Web hosting providers offer bulk pricing on cPanel licensing and shared hosting services that lower the cost to just $1.
It is recommended to choose a hosting service that allows unlimited websites and support for customers.
4. How do I choose the most reliable cPanel Hosting provider?
Since the cPanel software is identical, across each hosting option it is important to consider a host’s complete package of hardware, software, and bonus offers to find the best long-term cPanel hosting service.
For example, some businesses offer free domain name registration with plans that amount to around $10-$15 per year. There are not many companies that offer unlimited bandwidth or SSD storage in their plans.
Companies that allow unlimited domains might have policies that limit the amount of CPU allocated to the scripts and databases installed. This is referred to as “throttling” and generally happens if there is a sudden spike in user traffic, as in the slashdotting effect when a link suddenly goes viral across social media.
What to Look for in the Top cPanel Hosting Plans:
- Unlimited resources Support for multiple domains and MySQL databases, email accounts, disk storage bandwidth and space on disks.
- High-quality hardware: Shared plans must include SSD storage (not HDD), if you are concerned about the performance.
- Domain names for free: Choose a hosting option with free registration, domain privacy and extended renewal time.
- Reliability and support: A minimum 99.9 percent uptime is standard for the industry. There is also 24/7 assistance through multiple communication channels.
- Install your application with just one click. Get started quickly with WordPress or another software to create your site, including eCommerce tools and blogging platforms.
- Many additional options: Hosting hosts often offer advertising credits for search engines and Content Delivery Networks.
All domains registered under top plans will get an unrestricted SSL certificate. To benefit from script installation features be sure that your business provides Softaculous and Fantastico extensions for cPanel.
The best cPanel web hosting service should provide 24/7 customer support through live chat. Additionally, it comes with an online website builder as well as comprehensive managed WordPress support. Managed WordPress hosting plans provide all the support you need.
And, then, you’ll can access the entire set of web development tools.
shared Linux hosting could be provided by businesses that offer similar hosting plans but with different control, panels to manage the settings of your account. This helps the web host in bulk licensing fees for cPanel however, the plans may offer less functionality.
5. What web hosting providers offer cPanel
Bluehost, A2 Hosting and InMotion Hosting are among the top options for hosting with cPanel.
These companies set benchmarks in the industry and are popular with millions of users around the globe.
Bluehost is among the best cPanel hosting plans available to WordPress users, even earning the recommendation of the WordPress team of the leadership at Automattic for more than 12 years.
The Top Web Hosts to Find the Best hosting plan from cPanel
- Bluehost is among the top web hosting companies with cPanel as their server.
- A2 Hosting: provides cPanel on shared, VPS and dedicated server plans that run Linux OS
- InMotion Host optimized shared and VPS hosting for high-performance applications
- HostGator is a reliable hosting platform that provides low-cost web development plans.
- GoDaddy: The world’s biggest registrar allows you to manage domains using the same tools you are used to using.
- Hostinger the most affordable hosting service offered by cPanel for a variety of site owners
A2 Hosting is known for its capacity to keep its servers current with the most up-to-date PHP, MySQL and other extensions for cPanel.
In addition to ultra-fast infrastructure, a major specialization of A2 Hosting includes strong support for web and mobile development requirements.
Small business and eCommerce site publishers cannot do better than InMotion Hosting with its top hardware configurations and high-performance platform.
HostGator provides the best hosting service cPanel and has plans that work with the majority of websites.
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and Azure don’t provide cPanel hosting, aside from custom installation. Other server management tools are often available with cloud hosting services.
6. Do I Need a VPS Hosting or Shared Plan?
The majority of the top shared cPanel hosting plans are comparable to the basic VPS hosting plans with 1 VCPU and 1GB RAM. However, sometimes the RAM allocation on shared hosting plans is only 500MB-750MB.
The shared cPanel hosting plans can run MySQL, PHP or Perl scripts. For Windows, Java, Node.js, as well as ASP.NET solutions, you’ll have to choose between other plans or create your own VPS.
VPS plans with 1 vCPU as well as 1GB RAM are offered at prices of $5 or less per month. This is from many of the best cPanel web hosting companies.
You can also choose a Plesk or DirectAdmin admin panel that is an alternative to cPanel. Many VPS plans offer a different control panel for managing the server configurations and server settings.
A control panel is not included in the VPS. You can buy an individual license to cPanel at a cost of $15 per month.
For a lower cost, look at managed VPS plans that include the cPanel license. You can also utilize Webuzo or Plesk, DirectAdmin or Webmin for a less expensive or affordable cPanel alternative.
7. Do I need cPanel to host WordPress Hosting?
WordPress requires PHP as well as a MySQL-compatible database like MariaDB however, website owners don’t have to use a cPanel account to manage a WordPress hosting plan.
WordPress can be run on Linux or Windows servers using Apache, NGINX, Caddy, and other frameworks.
cPanel allows you to manage a web server in a shared environment, which provides security. It also offers an interface to perform routine administration tasks. It requires SSH access and some experience on the command line to do this.
How to Install WordPress Without cPanel:
- Download and extract the WordPress software from WordPress.org.
- Create a MySQL database and user account.
- (optional) Find and rename wp-config-sample.php (optional) Change the name to wp-config.php, then edit the file to include the database information.
- Upload WordPress files to your website server through an FTP account
- Navigate to the directory in which you’ve uploaded the files. Then, run the WordPress installation script.
The benefit of a cPanel hosting service is that you are able to run WordPress as well as your choice of more than 400 open-source scripts at a rate of less than $5 per month.
You should consider the top cPanel hosting plans that provide unlimited domains, unlimited bandwidth and SSD storage to increase your worth.
Managed WordPress platforms that don’t have a cPanel-like interface may offer more caching capacity as well as NGINX servers for developers who are professionals, as well as other upgrades such as WP-CLI.
If you’re just starting out, or just need a simpler option to WordPress or other web-based platforms, the cPanel web hosting package includes the ability to build websites.
8. How can I connect cPanel to a dedicated hosting or VPS Service?
One of the best decisions for a webmaster is to sign up for a dedicated server plan or VPS with a controlled by cPanel platform.
Your web hosting company will manage the server’s upgrade and updates automatically. They will also supply the tools needed to manage your website.
You may have to buy a cPanel license and then install the control panel onto a dedicated VPS. To get started with the hosting service, you will need to use WHM’s command line.
First, make sure your hardware meets the specifications for different operating systems. This requires a minimum 1.1GHz processor with 2 to 4GB memory and 20GB disk space.
How to Install cPanel on a VPS or Dedicated Server:
- Connect to your server via SSH and make sure you have Perl, cURL, and the Linux Screen utility installed.
- Once everything is verified run the following command: cd /home && curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest && sh latest
- When the installation script is finished, navigate in your web browser to https://yourdomainname.com:2087 to access WHM. Log in and complete the initial setup wizard.
- Create a cPanel account by going to the Home tab, then Account Functions > Create New Account in WHM. Enter your domain username, password, email address as well as an email address.
- Navigate to https://yourdomainname.com:2083 to access the cPanel interface.
One of the main benefits of cPanel hosting is the possibility to share the bulk usage licence with a hosting firm that hosts millions of domains.
Your hardware will cost you another $15 per month for cPanel.
Web hosting providers often give their clients the choice of multiple control panels as well as operating system options when they offer VPS. This is because of the cost of hosting.
Site owners have the option of weighing using cPanel with CentOS, Ubuntu, or CloudLinux as opposed to using a different control panel (Plesk, DirectAdmin, or Webuzo) with other configurations.
9. How do I obtain an absolutely free SSL certificate?
The major IT companies, web browsers and standards bodies that regulate internet use have joined forces to ensure that basic security and encryption are universal across all sites.
AutoSSL is part of the WHM that a host can enable for users of cPanel and the Let’s Encrypt project belongs to the Internet Security Research Group. Both offer similar features and security to a site owner.
Check that you are using a shared hosting plan that comes with a no-cost SSL certificate for every domain that is listed in cPanel. It is a common feature you can find with the most reliable hosting providers.
Installing an SSL Certificate through cPanel
- Log into your cPanel account and navigate through the Security section. Click on the SSL/TLS Status button (or Let’sEncrypt SSL in the event that AutoSSL is disabled).
- In AutoSSL you can check the domains you wish to protect, and select the Run AutoSSL button. Let’s Encrypt users should look for the Issue a New Certificate section, and then click the +Issue button on each domain to be secured.
- Wait a few minutes for the programs to perform their work. Once they are done the page will update with a successful notification.
Business websites and eCommerce sites might want to upgrade to SSL/TLS certificates that have more sophisticated features. This can increase confidence in your business and also provide additional security for customers.
Webmasters should be prepared to pay around $30 per year to purchase advanced SSL certificates with business identification verification. However, prices can easily go up to thousands based on the amount of authentication required.
10. Which web host offers Free Domain Names?
The hosting providers listed as our top choices for cPanel hosting each offer a free domain name upon the opening of a brand-new account.
The domain credit you receive for free will cover the initial year of a new registration. However, you must pay for renewals in the future. If you opt to terminate your hosting account prior to the time that the first year is finished, the host will usually deduct the cost of registration from your refund.
cPanel Hosting plans with a Free Domain Name:
Web Hosts | Shared Hosting Prices |
Bluehost | $2.95 per month |
InMotion Hosting | $2.29 per month |
A2 Hosting | $2.99 per month |
Hostinger | $2.59 per month |
HostGator | $2.64 per month |
GoDaddy | $2.99 per month |
SiteGround and iPage are reputable web hosts that offer similar perks and simple website administration, but they do not utilize cPanel.
Some providers instead choose to build their own management panels, which provide the same functionality for their users, and also provide customer support.
11. How do I get started with a cPanel Web Hosting Service?
Selecting a cPanel hosting service is the initial step on your journey to shared hosting. We consider the standard environment to be among the safest and easy-to-use platforms in the industry.
To evaluate your options, you should read reviews and host vs. comparisons. This will allow you to find the provider that offers the greatest features, the most affordable price, and also the best customer service.
After you’ve purchased your plan, you will establish your account details. Your host will most likely email you instructions for logging into cPanel.
When you sign up to a new hosting account using cPanel, the required web server, extension for the operating system and database and programming language extensions, are readily available to you.
Datacenter engineers maintain these elements and apply regular security upgrades and patches to software applications. A website builder tool is offered to some businesses.
The root domain you specified when signing up will be used to manage the other add-on or parked domains on the account.
You can then make use of the GUI to create FTP and email accounts, issue SSL certificates, as well as complete other tasks.
Use the File Manager as an alternative to FTP for uploads of files and downloads. If not, you can rely on Softaculous and the MySQL Database Wizard to install and create numerous websites.
We have highlighted the best cPanel hosting firms on the market for small-scale businesses professional web development firms blogs, eCommerce shops, and other professionals.