Not a fan of traditional WordPress hosting? You can use a modern WordPress cloud hosting control panel to unmanage cloud servers. It allows experienced users to manage multiple servers and websites without trouble. Many users have chosen a WordPress hosting control panel because it integrates easily with other services.
These were once very technical, but they’re now user-friendly. They have already optimized the settings, so no tweaking is necessary. Traditional control panels, such as cPanel and Plesk, are complex and not designed for small servers.
You have to spend time with them to use all their features. But modern WordPress cloud hosting control panels are usually focused on smooth server configuration.
It fits the user’s needs—you can select Nginx, Apache, or Litespeed—and it offers a range of management and development features.
I don’t like cPanel; it is outdated and bloated with useless tools and tons of admin settings. I only love UIs that are visually appealing and simple to use.
So here are some modern cloud hosting control panels compatible with popular providers such as Vultr, Linode, DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Starlight, etc.
Ploi.io
Ploi is a robust cloud server management panel for various types of web apps. Ploi has a modern UI, but new users may find it confusing. Besides servers, Ploi supports other servers, including storage, Elasticsearch, load balancers, Valkey, and Docker.
It is my favorite because it is highly customizable and very developer-friendly. I also appreciate its minimalist UI, which is clean and devoid of unnecessary features.
It has both positive and negative aspects; it’s open source. The bad news is that Ploi does not suit LiteSpeed users and primarily targets Nginx. Moreover, you can’t use Apache, but this shouldn’t be a significant concern since it is getting older.
There’s also a significant drawback: Free, Basic, and even Pro plans lack essential features such as team management, file management, and site monitoring.
You need the Pro package to utilize features such as site cloning, automatic backups, and server monitoring. Access to all features requires the unlimited plan. However, the free version offers plenty of features for serious developers.
Key WordPress Features:
Ploti isn’t just about a hosting control panel for WordPress; it’s a server management platform for all kinds of servers. But it offers numerous features that easily integrate with WordPress. You can install SSL with HTTP/3 (or use your DNS provider for SSL).
When you connect to a server, Ploi automatically installs Nginx, fail2ban, MariaDB, Redis, UFW, and SSH. You can restart, stop, or disable them wholly or separately. They frequently update PHP versions; you can choose to use the latest or older versions.
It is a tricky method that may be overwhelming for a first-time user; however, the UI is clean, and you can select what to install or uninstall.
Although the free version lets you easily manage the site, it lacks a file manager, which can make troubleshooting issues more difficult.
You can, however, connect it to third-party software, such as File zilla.
Positive aspects:
- A free version with plenty of features.
- Features and services beyond WordPress.
- Highly customizable, allowing you to make tons of tweaks.
- Recent server stacks: Redis, fail2ban, Nginx, Docker, MariaDB, etc.
- Supports numerous server types (load balancers, databases, containers).
Negative aspects:
- You can’t use LiteSpeed or Apache; you’re stuck with Nginx.
- The Free, Basic, and Pro plans do not include certain basic features; therefore, you need to subscribe to the Unlimited plan to access them all.
FlyWP
FlyWP is a Docker-based cloud server control panel explicitly built for WordPress. You can easily connect, deploy, and manage your WordPress sites on cloud servers.
It has a modern interface and numerous features, but I feel that it’s a bit bloated. And utilize more additional server resources than other modest panels.
With FlyWP, each website runs in its Docker container, ensuring security and isolation. I think that’s the main difference between FlyWP and other server control panels.
FlyWP lets you deploy DigitalOcean servers without paying the additional charge. You can use Nginx or OpenLiteSpeed, both of which offer different cache layers and object caching. You can also use a different caching plugin like FlyingPress or something else.
FlyWP has a useful WordPress plugin, “FlyWP Helper,” for interacting with the panel. It enhances the speed and efficiency of WordPress sites by eliminating unnecessary elements, such as dashboard widgets, pingbacks, emojis, comments, link classes, etc.
You can migrate or clone your WordPress website to another server. They offer a free plan that lets you manage a server and one website, and you can upgrade to three paid plans (hobby to business). The hobby plan starts at $5/m for one server and includes unlimited sites. You have to maintain multiple servers with the business plan.
The panel features a user-friendly interface for managing files/folders on the server. They offer Cloudflare integration, team roles, batch updates, and other features.
Positive aspects:
- Well-organized dashboard.
- A better security system for websites.
- A decent free plan for a single website.
- Password-free access with Magic Login.
- The file manager in the control panel.
Negative aspects:
- Not intended for apps besides WordPress.
- Team roles are exclusive to the business plan.
xCloud
xCloud is a cloud hosting control panel focused on WordPress but now supports other PHP-based applications, such as Laravel. I like the UI, but it’s a bit buggy, and the payment system can be confusing. As part of the control panel, xCloud offers managed hosting. I’m not sure, but I think they’re using Vultr to manage their servers.
You can integrate a server with any provider and use stacks such as OpenLiteSpeed or Nginx. They offer flexible plans, but the free version lacks many features.
Even using a budget VPS provider like Webdock, I achieved decent performance with xCloud. There are several reasons I like this cloud panel…
- Super-fast control panel that feels like a mobile app.
- Free plans allow you to host up to 10 websites on a single server.
- The file manager (something that’s missing from most cloud panels).
- It has an event log, so all the activities happen right in front of your eyes.
- Automated backups to Amazon S3, Cloudflare R2, etc.
- On the xCloud account, you can add and remove other users, even yourself. Freelancers and service providers will especially benefit from it.
- The “Playground” feature provides users with a temporary domain to host their site live for 24 hours. You can share your progress and make sure it’s good.
The entry-level plan starts at $5 per month per server. However, if you are handling high traffic, you can upgrade to the agency plan for $3 per server.
xCloud Managed Hosting starts at $5 per month. The Lite plan offers features such as 1 GB RAM, 25 GB SSD, 1 CPU, 1 TB bandwidth, and unlimited sites.
Using Cloudways Vultr‘s high-frequency entry-level plan, you’ll pay $16, but xCloud will charge $7.5. Even with its managed hosting, it remains more affordable than others. Now you can easily set up with Cloudflare CDN. So far, xCloud has received positive reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms. There are some bad ones for terrible support. I’m comfortable with xCloud. Some things are negative as well.
Its biggest problem is the support team’s slow response time. Although it offers live chat, the response time is unacceptable. It isn’t live chat. They will respond to your email later. I don’t recommend xCloud if you need immediate help. I know they’re still setting things up, and I’m excited to see things improving.
Positive aspects:
- Tiny file manager.
- Strong security features.
- Magic Login: Access your WordPress site without a password.
- “Playground” lets you host a site live for 24 hours on a temporary domain.
- The free plan includes essential features, and the premium plans are affordable.
Negative aspects:
- Slow updates on some features.
- Limited options for data centers in managed xCloud.
- I have had terrible experiences with customer support and payments.
RunCloud
Several new players are offering modern user interfaces and robust features. I still think RunCloud is an ideal server management tool for multiple CMSs. But it’s unlikely to appeal to novice or non-experienced users. It’s affordable, has more features with an improved interface, and performs better than most server management panels.
The clear interface enables you to manage server settings effectively. But RunCloud is not ideal for entry-level users; it is best suited for pros. I like the features, but it can be a bit tricky for beginners. It is more relevant to devs than average site owners.
The panel offers LiteSpeed, making it an ideal LiteSpeed web host. Multiple server stacks for different applications work with any type of cloud VPS. However, it includes numerous actual server administration features that make it ideal for Nginx users.
RunCloud supports most CMSs and frameworks, even custom PHP apps. The built-in file manager makes it easy to access your application files.
Compared to other WordPress cloud hosting control panels, such as SpinupWP and FlyWP, RunCloud is an advanced panel with features intended for coders. They use modern stacks, including Nginx, OpenLiteSpeed, MariaDB, and Redis.
Positive aspects:
- An easy-to-use file manager.
- You can use OpenLiteSpeed.
- Integrated caching: Nginx FastCGI.
- Developer-friendly panel with tons of features.
- Depending on the plan, it offers backup up to 30 GB.
Negative aspects:
- No entry-level support.
- Uncomfortable for beginners.
- It’s a bit pricey compared to the opponents.
ServerAvatar
ServerAvatar is an easy-to-use cloud server management panel that offers modern software and an intuitive interface for managing cloud VPS. It is an Indian based hosting control panel for WordPress and others. I’d like to compare this to RunCloud, but its UI is more user-friendly and lets you choose any VPS within the dashboard.
You can try ServerAvatar for free to access its basic features. They clearly outline the fees. Starter plans cost $12/month and include all features for up to 5 servers.
It now has a lite version (free) that you can install on your server. Even though it’s quite stable, it still has some bugs; therefore, I advise against using it on serious websites.
However, if you’re an agency or small business, Pro is ideal at $29, offering features like team management, custom roles, and permission management.
ServerAvatar now offers internal cloud hosting, like xCloud, in partnership with DigitalOcean and Vultr. Yes, it is much cheaper than Cloudways.
Key Features:
With ServerAvatar’s simple setup, you can install WordPress, Git deployment, Node.js, Joomla, and other PHP apps. It allows you to install Apache, NGINX, OpenLiteSpeed, Redis, and MySQL/MariaDB on Linux. It features numerous security measures and supports third-party services such as GitHub, Telegram, Slack, and Cloudflare.
If you choose the ServerAvatar Pro plan, you can access all features, including team activities. Ideal solution for agencies managing large servers. They have a server monitoring tool that shows your server usage in real-time. Supports OpenLiteSpeed and other modern server stacks and dev-friendly features with WordPress themes.
Although it lacks several features, the friendly UI and simple pricing structure make it worth testing.
Positive aspects:
- Integrated file manager.
- Single-click staging solution.
- White label for the business plan.
- Multiple security settings for your website.
- Compatible with OpenLiteSpeed and the latest server stacks.
Negative aspects:
- No hybrid stacks like Nginx+Apache.
- It is expensive, and renewal prices can be high.
- Backup is unreliable—you need Google or S3 for remote backup.
SpinupWP
SpinupWP is a nice cloud host control panel specifically designed for WordPress. Its interface makes it seem that anyone can deploy a server and maintain sites.
SpinupWP is ideal for people who require a panel to maintain sites that require minimal maintenance. You can connect to any VPS or dedicated server, but it is easy for people who prefer DigitalOcean and Linode servers.
Despite its decent performance, the user interface isn’t ideal because of the lack of a file manager, PHP admin, and other essential features. Not much to see in the UI.
But here’s the thing… Prices: I’m unsure why they’re charging so much when there are multiple control panels with cheaper options. The panel is significantly pricier than alternatives. You can choose between individual and multi-user plans.
The personal plan includes unlimited sites and one server for $12 per month, with each additional server costing $5 per month.
The multi-user plan costs $39 per month, and the site monitoring feature lets you connect to 3 servers. However, you’ll have to pay $7/m for an additional server.
Key Features:
SpinupWP focuses solely on WordPress, and all features are designed to integrate seamlessly within the platform. The dashboard is responsive and doesn’t include unnecessary features, making it easy to manage a cloud server. It lacks advanced features, such as file manager and PHP admin, because of security concerns.
You can pick a subdomain or subdirectory. Enabling a multi-site network is as simple as changing a switch while creating a new site.
It enables full-page caching via FastCGI. Instead of using cache plugins, the full-page cache can improve your site’s performance. Built-in features include a server firewall, automatic patch updates, SSL, etc.
Since it lacks trendy features, it needs more dev-friendly settings. And you require significant effort to find a database and set up servers outside DigitalOcean.
SpinupWP is a reliable WordPress cloud hosting control panel; however, developers may not like it because it lacks features. If you prefer DO with pre-installed Nginx and FastCGI, setting it up is easy. But you cannot use the LiteSpeed or Apache server.
If you prefer a clean control panel with NGINX configurations on a cloud host like DigitalOcean, consider this one. The pricing is suitable for a couple of servers, but it becomes expensive for multiple servers.
Positive aspects:
- You get full root access.
- Built-in server-side caching.
- WordPress-specific features.
- One-click WordPress admin login.
- Uncluttered and easy-to-use panel.
Negative aspects:
- Too expensive.
- Incompatible with LiteSpeed.
- Lacks many advanced features.
- Setting up cloud servers can be difficult, except for DigitalOcean.
ServerPilot
Serverpilot is another solid platform for managing cloud servers. Although it appears similar to other cloud panels, its user-friendly interface makes cloud hosting easy for beginners and pros alike. Despite not being as modern as xCloud, it can handle all kinds of VPSs using Nginx/Apache. The UI is empty, and there aren’t many features.
It has some negative aspects, such as the lack of a free version and the absence of LiteSpeed. ServerPilot offers three plans: Economy, Business, and First Class.
The economy plan costs $5 per server/month but includes only basic features, with no monitoring or support. For instance, it tends to be less expensive than SpinupWP, but you will need at least a business plan to handle it properly.
ServerPilot also charges a separate price per application, so you will need to pay for each app you install, besides server charges.
It is ideal for those who want essential stuff, notably Nginx users. Professionals trust it. You may not like ServerPilot if you prefer modern features and LiteSpeed.
It is not an ideal choice if you want to manage multiple servers and websites, as it charges separate prices for each. Therefore, your bill will continue to increase.
Positive aspects:
- Brotli compression
- Simple user interface
- Cost-effective for a few websites.
Negative aspects:
- There’s a separate price for each app
- Feature limitations for the Economy plan
- There isn’t LiteSpeed, and it lacks modern features.
SPanel
SPanel is an enterprise-level web server control panel and an ideal alternative to cPanel and Plesk. It is definitely not for people who like easy-to-use panels like SpinupWP. But it is ideally suited for people who want powerful stuff and need to manage hundreds of servers/agencies. Also cheaper than Plesk or cPanel.
SPanel supports any VPS with APIs. It offers two pricing options: fully managed and self-managed. Self-managed is a cost-effective option for users who like to handle things themselves. The first plan starts at $10, and you can have up to 5 accounts.
Fully managed service includes technical support for server and account issues. SPanel’s live chat lets you connect with a technician instantly. It starts at $20 for up to 5 accounts. It’s cheaper since the price is based on accounts, not servers.
Key Features:
SPanel has several unique features that distinguish it from other managed cloud hosting panels. You can add additional users to the admin interface and set their access levels, restricting each user’s access to specific features.
It integrates with Softaculous, enabling the easy installation of WordPress, Drupal, OpenCart, and other popular CMSs. Users can manage all their email accounts with automatic replies and filtering options.
SPanel supports white-labeling, allowing you to upload your logo, add your brand to the control panel, and remove SPanel branding. You can use it if you manage multiple sites/servers and need better pricing and performance.
Positive aspects:
- Softaculous auto installer.
- You can get a fully managed service.
- Manage email boxes for all your domains.
- Many developer-friendly features with root access.
- Use free OpenLiteSpeed or your enterprise version.
Negative aspects:
- A complicated user interface.
- It is not intuitive for a beginner to use.
To Wrap It Up
WordPress cloud hosting control panels, such as FlyWP, SpinupWP, and xCloud, are suitable for those who want to host websites in a secure environment. ClusterCS and Ploi.io are advanced server panels for more than WordPress.
You can host WordPress with traditional hosting control panels, such as Plesk, SPanel, GridPane, etc., but they are primarily for enterprise levels. Most server management platforms are designed for users seeking cheap, high-performance hosting with the benefits of VPS or dedicated servers. Usually, VPSs deliver decent TTFB metrics.
Each has a significant user base but lacks modern creativity to make changes. Cloud VPS is suitable for high-traffic websites and dynamic documentation sites.
Compared to shared hosting, VPSs are faster because they provide more resources. If you have many clients or servers, you should use a solid hosting control panel for WordPress. A cloud server with a stable admin panel can benefit even a small site.
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