What are the differences between cPanel and WHM?

What is cPanel?

cPanel is a popular control panel that makes website and server management tasks easier for website administrators and users. By providing a user-friendly interface, you can manage tasks such as email accounts, file management, database operations, and more. cPanel is designed to simplify the management of websites, making it accessible even for those who may not have extensive technical knowledge. Its intuitive interface allows users to perform complex tasks with just a few clicks, making it an essential tool for website administrators.

What is WHM?

WHM, which stands for Web Host Manager, is a control panel designed specifically for server administrators. It allows you to manage all cPanel accounts on the server and helps optimize server resources, security, and performance. WHM provides a higher level of control over the server compared to cPanel, making it suitable for hosting providers and server administrators who need to manage multiple websites and accounts. WHM’s comprehensive tools enable administrators to perform tasks such as creating and managing cPanel accounts, monitoring server health, and configuring security settings.

cPanel and WHM: Key Differences

In the web hosting world, the terms cPanel and WHM are frequently heard. These two control panels are used for different purposes in website and server management. While they are often used together, understanding their key differences is essential for effective management of your hosting environment. Here is a summary of the key differences between cPanel and WHM:

cPanel: User-Friendly Website Control Panel

cPanel is designed for website administrators and users. This control panel provides tools for managing email accounts, file management, database operations, and more, all through a user-friendly interface. cPanel is typically used by individual website owners or small business owners who need to manage their websites without delving into the complexities of server management. Its graphical interface simplifies tasks, allowing users to focus on their content and business rather than technical details.

WHM: A Control Panel Developed for Server Administrators

WHM, on the other hand, is created for server administrators. This control panel allows you to manage all cPanel accounts on the server. Additionally, it helps optimize server resources, security, and performance. WHM is essential for web hosting providers or anyone managing a dedicated server or VPS. It provides the necessary tools to create cPanel accounts for clients, manage server-wide settings, and ensure the server runs efficiently. WHM’s powerful features make it indispensable for managing large-scale hosting environments.

Main Differences Between cPanel and WHM

1. Target Users: cPanel caters to website administrators and users, offering tools for managing individual websites. WHM is developed for server administrators, providing broader control over server management tasks.
2. Access Levels: cPanel is focused on website management tasks such as email, files, and databases. WHM provides access to more comprehensive server management tasks, including account creation, resource allocation, and security configurations.
3. Account Management: cPanel is associated with a single website or domain, allowing users to manage one account at a time. WHM, on the other hand, is used to manage multiple cPanel accounts on a single server, making it ideal for hosting providers and resellers.
4. Features and Tools: cPanel provides tools for website management and maintenance, making it easy for users to manage their sites. WHM, however, offers features for performing operations at the server level, such as creating cPanel accounts, managing server resources, and configuring security settings.
5. Licensing: cPanel and WHM are offered by the same company but typically require separate licenses. While cPanel is used for managing individual websites, WHM is needed for server-wide management, and thus, both may be necessary depending on your hosting environment.