Webmin – The Best WHCP to Replace cPanel?

What is Webmin?

Webmin serves as a widely used web hosting control panel for Unix-based systems, with a Windows variant available. Created by Jamie Cameron in 1997, it simplifies system administration through a user-friendly web interface. The latest stable version, 2.111, was announced in April 2024.

Webmin Features and Benefits

Webmin, being free and open-source, is popular for its simplicity. It replaces complex command-line operations with an intuitive web interface, facilitating tasks like user account management, file handling, package management, and network configuration. Moreover, it enables the efficient management of multiple servers through a single interface, enhancing the workflow for system administrators.

WebminSystem Requirements

Webmin is lightweight and has relatively low system requirements. Here are the minimum requirements for running Webmin:

• Operating System: Any Unix-based system, including Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS
• Processor: Intel or AMD x86-compatible processor with a clock speed of at least 500 MHz
• Memory: At least 256 MB of RAM, but 512 MB or more is recommended for optimal performance
• Disk space: At least 100 MB of free disk space for the Webmin application and additional space for log files and other system files

Four Webmin Core Features to Know

1. User & Group Management Supports

One of the best features of Webmin is its user and group management capabilities. System administrators can create, modify, and delete user accounts and groups with ease. Another great feature is the file system management interface, which simplifies the management of files and directories by enabling easy uploading and downloading of files, setting file permissions, and creating and deleting directories.

2. Easy Network Config

Webmin also provides straight-to-the-point network configuration capabilities, enabling administrators to configure network settings such as IP addresses, DNS settings, and routing tables. Plus, with its package management interface, installing, updating, and removing packages and software on the system is a breeze.

3. Real-Time Server Monitoring

If you need to monitor server resources in real time, Webmin has got you covered. It provides real-time monitoring of system resources like CPU usage, memory usage, and disk usage. Moreover, Webmin is highly extensible, with a vast number of modules available for various system administration tasks.

4. Webmin Drawbacks & Limitations

Although Webmin is powerful and user-friendly system administration – the WHCP certainly has its share of drawbacks. For one – Its interface seems lacking compared with most other competitor products. And, the tool is known to face scalability issues. You’ll find that if your system is of a smaller-scale nature, Webmin does the job well, but if you need to scale up later, you might need to look elsewhere. 

Where to Use? Web Hosts that Support Webmin

Basically, Webmin can be installed on any hosting package that allows you to install your own control panel. However, for a smooth and seamless experience with Webmin – we highly recommend LiquidWeb, Hostinger VPS hosting plans, and ScalaHosting VPS hosting plans for hosting with Webmin.

1. LiquidWeb

Website: https://www.liquidweb.com/

LiquidWeb is an excellent option for those who need a powerful server with exceptional performance. They offer managed hosting services that comply with specific high-end industry standards such as HIPAA, making it ideal for healthcare organizations or businesses that require compliance with regulations. They also offer excellent after-sales support, including 24/7 support via phone, email, or chat, to ensure that their customers get the best possible service.

2. Hostinger

Website: https://www.hostinger.com/

For those looking for budget-friendly options, Hostinger VPS plans are a great choice. They offer a wide choice of server locations across the globe, making it easy for users to choose a location that is nearest to them for optimal performance. They also offer scalable plans, which means that you can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan according to your needs.

3. Scalahosting

Website: https://www.scalahosting.com/

ScalaHosting VPS offers robust SSD-powered hosting solutions. Its features include free migration assistance and daily backups for seamless website management. With self-managed VPS starting from $20/mo, ScalaHosting ensures affordability without compromising quality. Its compatibility with Webmin makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a cPanel replacement for server administration tools.

Implementing Webmin

How Much Does It Cost to Implement Webmin?

Perhaps the best thing about Webmin is that it is open-source and released under Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) license. The tool is free – you can download, install, and use it on as many machines as you like. Simply head over to the official Webmin website to download the latest version and follow the installation instructions to get started.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be some additional costs associated with implementing Webmin, depending on your specific needs and requirements. For instance, if you don’t have a web server already set up on your system, you may need to install and configure one before you can use Webmin. This may require additional resources or technical expertise.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Webmin is a powerful web-based system administration tool that simplifies managing various system administration tasks without the expensive license fees incurred with cPanel. While the WHCP does come with some limitations – it remains a popular tool among small-to-mid hosting resellers and users. 

Note: The rising cost of cPanel license fees and changes to its pricing model has left many web hosting providers no choice but to pass on the increased costs to their customer (see price hike announcements in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023). This has impacted web hosting users significantly. And many – especially those using VPS and reseller hosting services, have had to look for alternative control panel options to save costs and remain competitive in the market. We are doing a series on cPanel alternatives and taking a closer look into other less popular (but with good functionality) web hosting control panels.