When shopping for a web hosting provider, an important aspect to consider is the type of control panel they have chosen to utilize. Since every host provides some type of interface, different control panel software has individual advantages and disadvantages.

While there are a number of control panels available on different web hosts, the following are the most popular:

• cPanel


• H-Sphere


• Ensim


• DirectAdmin


• InsPanel


• Plesk


• Helm


• CWIPanel


• Interworx


• Hosting Accelerator

cPanel is a control panel mostly used with Linux based systems, offering support for ten different variants of Linux. Currently there are no Windows or OS X versions available. With numerous features giving the user control over everything, it’s no wonder why they are the number one control panel used today.

H-Sphere provides support for both Windows and Linux based systems. This software offers complete automation of important functions with many features. Ensim also supports both operating systems. When compared to other control panels, it lacks a number of functions but provides a nice interface.

DirectAdmin only supports a few variants of Linux and lacks Windows support. The interface is well-organized but lacks many of the features found with other control panels. DirectAdmin claims to be the easiest control panel to use.

InsPanel is a Windows only control panel. Although the software offers many features, there is nothing unique and out of the ordinary.

Plesk is a highly used control panel interface. It’s available for both Windows and Linux based machines. Their interface resembles Windows XP and offers all the features cPanel provides. Unfortunately Plesk costs more than cPanel due to the dual operating system support.

Helm is another Windows only based system. There are numerous functions for full-customization. The interface is standard but offers one unique advantage – the ability to view billing information directly from the control panel. This is not a common characteristic found within control panels.

CWIPanel supports only Windows and has a standard interface. While they do offer a plethora of control panel options, CWIPanel is average for Windows server management. Interworx is a Linux-only control panel that provides a clean, well-organized environment and offers a few unique features.

The final control panel is Hosting Accelerator. This interface only supports Windows-based machines. The control panel is too busy and not well-organized. This software offers the most typical features.

cPanel continues to reign number one in the control panel industry. When selecting a web hosting provider, it’s important to review the control panel used to ensure maximum functionality with easy to use features.