[JAY]

A quick, practical comparison to help you choose. All four are free.

aaPanel

• Web server: Nginx, Apache or OpenLiteSpeed (your choice)
  
• Mail/DNS: available through plugins
  
• Best for: one or a few sites on a VPS, with lots of tools in one interface
  

CyberPanel

• Web server: OpenLiteSpeed (or LiteSpeed Enterprise)
  
• Mail/DNS: built in
  
• Best for: fast WordPress hosting with LSCache, and hosting for clients
  

HestiaCP

• Web server: Nginx, optionally with Apache
  
• Mail/DNS: built in
  
• Best for: a lightweight, open-source all-rounder with a strong CLI; former VestaCP users
  

CloudPanel

• Web server: Nginx, with Varnish support
  
• Mail/DNS: not included (use external providers)
  
• Best for: performance-focused PHP, Node.js and Python apps on cloud servers
  

Rules of thumb

• Need email on the same server? Look at CyberPanel or HestiaCP.
  
• Mostly WordPress and want speed? CyberPanel.
  
• Running Node.js or Python apps next to PHP? CloudPanel.
  
• Want a big toolbox in one interface? aaPanel.
  

Which one do you run, and why? Add your experience below.