Plesk is more expensive: Cheaper alternatives for server management

IONOS is turning on the price screw, is now time for a change?

At the end of October, IONOS announced a price increase: For each Plesk license on VPS servers, an additional €5 per month is now due. What still sounds manageable for individual server operators quickly adds up to considerable additional costs for several instances. Especially for small businesses, agencies and freelancers who manage multiple customer projects, this can put a significant strain on the budget.

Explanatory memorandum: Increased licensing costs on the part of WebPros International, the developer behind Plesk and CPanel. But do you simply have to accept this increase in costs? Not at all! There are numerous powerful alternatives to web server management, both paid and completely free open source solutions.

What makes Plesk so special?

Before we delve into the alternatives, a quick look at Plesk itself. The software has established itself as a market leader in the field of web server management and offers an impressive range of functions:

Core features of Plesk:

Intuitive graphical user interface for Windows and Linux servers
Manage multiple domains, subdomains, and DNS settings
Email server management with spam filters and autoresponders
Database management (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL)
Automatic SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt
One-click installation for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and other CMS
Extensive backup and restore functions
Over 100 extensions for enhanced functionality
Multilingual user interface
WordPress Toolkit with Staging Function
Docker container support
Git integration for developers

Plesk is primarily aimed at professional hosts, agencies and IT service providers who need a comprehensive solution for managing multiple customer servers. The clear user guidance also makes it possible for less technically savvy users to handle complex server tasks.

The best alternatives to Plesk at a glance

1. cPanel – The international favourite

Licensing model: Paid (similar to Plesk, same provider)
Operating systems: Linux only (CentOS, CloudLinux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux)

cPanel is Plesk's biggest competitor and even more widespread internationally. While Plesk dominates in Europe, cPanel has a global market share of about 50 percent among web hosting customers.

The system impresses with its sophisticated and stable functions, which are based on a long development history. Particularly practical is the separation into two separate surfaces: Web Host Manager (WHM) is aimed at server management administrators, while cPanel itself is the end-user interface. This clear separation makes rights management much clearer. The backup and migration features are among the best in their class, and thanks to the huge community, you can quickly find help with virtually any problem. With Fantastico Auto-Installer, you can install over 50 different applications in just a few clicks, and WordPress integration works great. Performance and resource utilization are also very well optimized.

However, for cPanel you have to reach as deep or deeper into the pocket as for Plesk, because here too a paid license is required. A significant disadvantage is the lack of Windows support, cPanel runs exclusively on Linux systems. The interface also looks a bit less modern than the Plesk interface, even if the functionality convinces. Compared to Plesk, cPanel offers significantly fewer extensions, which can limit extensibility. In addition, native Windows server support is completely missing, Docker management is less extensively integrated, and Plesk's WordPress toolkit has no direct equivalent here (but can be retrofitted via plugins).

If you work exclusively with Linux servers and are looking for an established, paid alternative, cPanel is an excellent choice. The cost is comparable to Plesk, but the system offers a different approach that works better for some users.

2. Webmin / Virtualmin – The flexible open source solution

Licensing model: Free (open source under BSD license)
Operating systems: Linux, Unix systems, also Windows support

Webmin is one of the oldest and most mature open source management tools. Virtualmin builds on this and offers advanced features specifically for web hosting scenarios.

The biggest advantage of course lies in the cost-free, Webmin is completely open source and can be used without royalties. The functionality is impressively extensive with over 100 different modules covering virtually every aspect of server management. The system is extremely flexible and customizable, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your needs. It supports almost all Linux distributions and has an active community with good documentation. Virtualmin adds a Plesk-like user interface to Webmin specifically for hosting tasks, making typical web hosting scenarios much more convenient. Resource consumption is pleasingly low.

However, the user interface looks a bit outdated and is less intuitive than modern commercial solutions. This leads to a steeper learning curve, especially for beginners. One-click installers are less integrated than Plesk, and official support is only available in the paid version – in the free version, you rely on the community. In direct comparison to Plesk, the less modern and responsive interface is noticeable, there is a lack of an integrated extension library according to Plesk's model, the WordPress integration is not so extensively developed, and the backup functions are less conveniently solved.

For experienced administrators who value full control and adaptability, Webmin/Virtualmin is an excellent free alternative. The training time is higher, but the flexibility is unbeatable.

3. ISPConfig – The German open source standard

Licensing model: Free (open source under BSD license)
Operating systems: Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS)

ISPConfig is a control panel developed in Germany that is specifically designed to manage multiple servers. It is used by many European hosts.

The system is completely free and offers one of its main strengths in multi-server management, you can manage multiple servers from a single interface. The user interface is based on Bootstrap and thus looks modern and responsive. As a German development, you benefit from a good German-speaking community and documentation. Reseller and multi-client management capabilities are extensive, and you can run and centrally manage multiple web, mail, and DNS servers in parallel. The automatic provision of SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt also works smoothly.

However, the installation and initial setup require in-depth Linux knowledge, which makes it difficult for beginners to get started. The community is active, but smaller than Webmin or cPanel. The range of extensions and plugins is manageable, and the one-click installers are not as extensive as Plesk. Compared to Plesk, the numerous integrated application installers are missing, there is no Windows support, the WordPress management is less conveniently solved, and premium extensions such as Plesk are in vain.

ISPConfig is ideal for professional hosts and administrators who manage multiple servers and value a European open source solution. Especially in Germany, it has a loyal user base.

4. KeyHelp – The free German alternative

Licensing model: Free (freeware, not open source)
Operating systems: Linux (Ubuntu, Debian)

KeyHelp was originally developed by the German hoster Keyweb and has been freely available for several years. The software combines simplicity with extensive functionality.

The program is completely free and has no domain restrictions, which is particularly attractive for resellers. The user interface is very clear and modern, which makes familiarization much easier. KeyHelp was developed especially for German users, but is available in several languages (German, English, Russian). Installation is quick and uncomplicated. The reseller capability with white label option allows you to offer the panel under your own branding. Standard web hosting features are well integrated, and development is active with regular updates.

However, KeyHelp is not open source, but closed source freeware, which makes adjustments to the code impossible. The community is smaller than established alternatives, and the range of extensions and plugins is limited. Only Ubuntu and Debian are supported as operating systems. Compared to Plesk, KeyHelp offers a smaller number of integrated application installers, the API is less extensive, multi-server management is completely missing, and premium features like Plesk are absent.

KeyHelp is perfect for small to medium-sized hosting projects and German-speaking users who are looking for a modern, free solution without a long training period. Especially attractive for resellers.

5. CloudPanel – The Performance Champion

Licensing model: Free (open source)
Operating systems: Linux (Debian, Ubuntu)

CloudPanel is a relatively new but very high-performance open source solution designed specifically for modern PHP applications and cloud environments.

The software is completely free and can be installed extremely quickly, in under 60 seconds you are ready to go. The tech stack is deliberately kept slim to achieve maximum performance. The user interface is modern and intuitive, so you can work productively quickly. CloudPanel is optimized for cloud hosting providers such as AWS, Digital Ocean or Google Cloud and uses Nginx and PHP-FPM for excellent performance. The consumption of resources is pleasingly low and the integration of Let’s Encrypt for free SSL certificates works flawlessly.

However, the focus is clearly on PHP applications, making the panel less suitable for other technologies. As a recent project, CloudPanel has a smaller community than established solutions. The feature diversity is not as pronounced as with long-term developed alternatives, and support is limited to Debian 10/11 (Buster/Bullseye). Important features such as email server management are completely missing, multi-server management is not possible, the backup options are rather basic, Windows is not supported, and an integrated reseller system does not exist.

CloudPanel is ideal for developers and agencies who want to host modern PHP applications (especially WordPress, Laravel) in the cloud and achieve maximum performance with minimal overhead.

6. Froxlor - Lightweight with power

Licensing model: Free (Open Source under GPL)
Operating systems: Linux (Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS)

Froxlor is a fork of the discontinued SysCP project and has become a solid, resource-saving alternative.

The software is completely free and is characterized by a very low resource consumption, which makes it particularly interesting for smaller servers. Since Froxlor is written in PHP, you can easily customize it with appropriate knowledge. An active developer community ensures continuous development. The event-based API enables flexible extensions, and many standard services such as Apache, nginx, Dovecot, and ProFTPd are supported. Installation is quick and easy.

The user interface looks functional, but not particularly modern – here functionality is clearly in the foreground. The feature scope is smaller than commercial solutions, the documentation could be more extensive, and one-click installers are less numerous. Compared to Plesk, an extensive extension library is missing, integrated application installers are less numerous, Windows support is not available, and the backup system is kept simpler.

Froxlor is suitable for resource-conscious administrators who prefer a lean, reliable, no-frills system. Particularly suitable for smaller hosting projects.

Out of competition as a ‘honorable mention’:
Ajenti - Modern and modular

Licensing model: Free (open source)
Operating systems: Linux only

Ajenti impresses with its modern, AngularJS-based user interface and a highly modular framework.

The software is free and open source, with the user interface very modern and responsive. The modular design makes extensions particularly easy. As a Python-based solution, Ajenti provides a good basis for customization and supports various Linux distributions. The integration with modern developer tools works well and makes the panel interesting for technically savvy users.

However, Ajenti is mainly aimed at Linux professionals and is less suitable for beginners. The community is smaller than established alternatives, hosting-specific features are less extensive, and the documentation could be more detailed. Compared to Plesk, there are no comprehensive hosting features, there is no Windows support, the ecosystem of extensions is smaller, and integrated application installers are less numerous.

Ajenti is a great choice for tech-savvy users looking for a modern, customizable management interface and willing to configure more by themselves.

Comparison table: Plesk vs. alternatives

feature	Plesk	cPanel	Webmin/ Virtualmin	ISPConfig	KeyHelp	cloud panel	Froxlor
costs	+5€ (Ionos)	min. +15€	Free of charge	Free of charge	Free of charge	Free of charge	Free of charge
Open source	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Windows support	Yes	No	Well, yeah	No	No	No	No
Linux support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multi-server	Yes	Yes (WHM)	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Usabilty	⁇	⁇	⁇	⁇	⁇	⁇	⁇
Extensions/plugins	100+	Many	Moderate	Few	Few	Few	Few
WordPress integration	Excellent	Very good	Good	Well, yeah	Good	Excellent	Well, yeah
Email MGM	Excellent	Excellent	Very good	Very good	Good	No	Good
SSL (Let’s Encrypt)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Backup functions	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Basic	Basic
Docker support	Yes	Restricted	No	No	No	No	No
Reseller functions	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Learning curve	low	low	appropriation	appropriation	low	low	appropriation
Support & CommHelp	Commercial	Commercial	large	appropriation	small	small	appropriation

Which alternative is right for you?

Choosing the right Plesk alternative depends on your specific requirements:

You should stay with Plesk if:

You need to manage Windows servers
Make intensive use of the extensive extension ecosystem
You need professional support
Budget doesn't matter
Manage complex multi-server setups with Docker

Switch to cPanel if:

You only run Linux servers
You want an established, commercial solution with a large community
You are willing to pay similar costs to Plesk
You prefer the separate admin/user interface

Select Webmin/Virtualmin if:

You need maximum flexibility and adaptability
You have a good knowledge of Linux
Budget plays an important role
You need to manage many different services

Choose ISPConfig if:

You want to manage multiple servers centrally
You prefer a European open source solution
You run professional hosting with reseller functions
You are familiar with the Linux command line

KeyHelp is ideal if:

You prefer a simple, modern interface
You mainly offer standard web hosting
You want to use the solution as a reseller with your own branding
You want to get started quickly without complex configuration

CloudPanel fits when:

You host modern PHP applications in the cloud
Performance and speed are top priorities
You mainly manage WordPress sites
You want minimal resource consumption

Choose Froxlor if:

You prefer a lean, resource-saving system
You run smaller hosting projects
You want to customize the software yourself (PHP knowledge)
You can do without unnecessary bells and whistles

Migration: How to make the switch

Moving from Plesk to an alternative requires careful planning:

Step 1: Setting up a test environment

First, install the selected alternative on a test system and familiarize yourself with the operation.

Step 2: Backing up data

Create full backups of all websites, databases, email accounts, and configurations in Plesk.

Step 3: Gradual migration

First, migrate non-critical websites to test the process. Most alternatives offer migration tools or scripts.

Step 4: DNS conversion

Customize the DNS records after successful migration. Use low TTL values for faster propagation.

Step 5: Follow-up

Test all functions thoroughly: Websites, email sending/receiving, SSL certificates, cronjobs and backups.

Important: Schedule sufficient time and perform the migration outside of peak business hours. For business-critical systems, consider professional support.

Conclusion: Save costs without loss of comfort

The price increase of IONOS for Plesk licenses is annoying, but also offers the opportunity to rethink your own server infrastructure. While Plesk is undoubtedly a mature and powerful tool, there are now numerous alternatives that are completely sufficient or even better suited for many use cases.

Especially the open source solutions such as ISPConfig, Webmin/Virtualmin or CloudPanel have gained enormous functionality and user-friendliness in recent years. They offer the possibility to completely save on the annual license costs without having to do without essential features.

The decision for or against a change should be considered carefully and take into account the specific requirements of your project. In many cases, however, at least a test of a free alternative is worthwhile, the savings of 60 euros or more per year and server speaks for itself.

Tip: Use the free alternatives first on a test system or for less critical projects. So you can evaluate in peace whether the solution meets your requirements before you migrate productive systems.