cPanel

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to cPanel

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to cPanel.

Web-based hosting control panel for Linux servers that simplifies managing websites, domains, email, files, databases, and server configuration. Used by web hosts and site owners to administer and automate hosting and server tasks.

Alternatives List

#1
YunoHost

YunoHost

Debian-based server distribution with a web admin, app catalog, SSO and automated TLS/DNS/email setup for easy, maintainable self-hosting.

YunoHost screenshot

YunoHost is a Debian-based server distribution designed to make self-hosting accessible by providing a web administration interface and an integrated app catalog. It focuses on simplifying common sysadmin tasks (users, domains, certificates, email) while offering reproducible app installation and upgrades.

Key Features

  • Web admin panel for managing domains, users, services, firewall, updates, and logs
  • App catalog with one-click install/upgrade and standardized packaging via the YunoHost app framework
  • Integrated user management and SSO portal for installed apps
  • Automated TLS certificate issuance/renewal (Let’s Encrypt/ACME) and certificate management
  • Built-in email stack support (e.g., SMTP/IMAP) with tooling for deliverability checks and DNS guidance
  • Backup and restore tools for system and apps (including app-specific backup hooks)
  • Command-line tools (yunohost CLI) mirroring most admin functions for automation

Use Cases

  • Personal “home server” to run common apps (cloud, notes, media, password manager) under one domain
  • Small organizations hosting collaboration tools with centralized user accounts and access control
  • Quickly deploying and maintaining a curated set of web apps on a VPS with predictable upgrades

Limitations and Considerations

  • App availability and update cadence depend on the community-maintained catalog; some apps may lag upstream or have packaging constraints
  • Primarily targets single-server deployments; it is not a Kubernetes-style multi-node orchestrator

YunoHost is well-suited for people who want a managed, cohesive self-hosting experience without assembling every component manually. Its value comes from the combination of Debian stability, integrated identity and domain tooling, and a consistent app packaging/maintenance model.

2.8kstars
329forks
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#2
DockSTARTer

DockSTARTer

DockSTARTer is a CLI tool that helps you install and maintain Docker, Docker Compose, and a curated set of Docker Compose app stacks using a guided, menu-based workflow.

DockSTARTer screenshot

DockSTARTer is a command-line tool that streamlines setting up and maintaining a Docker + Docker Compose environment for running common self-hosted applications. It provides a guided, menu-driven experience to install prerequisites, generate configuration, and deploy/update curated Compose “app stacks” consistently.

Key Features

  • Menu-based CLI to select, configure, and manage supported Docker Compose application stacks
  • Installs and updates core prerequisites (Docker Engine, Docker Compose, and related dependencies) on supported Linux hosts
  • Generates and manages a structured configuration (e.g., environment variables and Compose files) for repeatable deployments
  • Built-in workflows for pulling updated images and recreating containers (update/upgrade routines)
  • Curated library of commonly used services with standardized defaults to reduce manual Compose authoring

Use Cases

  • Quickly bootstrap a homelab server with Docker Compose apps (media, monitoring, utilities)
  • Standardize deployments across multiple machines with consistent configuration patterns
  • Simplify ongoing maintenance by re-running update routines to refresh images and containers

Limitations and Considerations

  • Primarily targets Linux hosts and users comfortable operating from a shell
  • Focuses on Docker Compose stacks (not a Kubernetes/orchestrator-first workflow)

DockSTARTer is best suited for users who want a repeatable, guided approach to deploying and maintaining a set of popular Docker Compose services without building every stack from scratch. It acts as an opinionated “starter kit” for homelab-style Docker environments and ongoing updates.

2.5kstars
293forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running