Don’t like traditional WordPress hosting?
Perhaps you can use a modern WordPress cloud hosting control panel with unmanaged cloud servers. Also, it helps users manage multiple servers and websites and connect easily with third-party services. They were once technical, but now they’re user-friendly and optimized, requiring no adjustments.
Traditional control panels, such as cPanel and Plesk, are complex and not designed for small servers; you have to spend time learning to use their features.
And I don’t like cPanel; it’s outdated and cluttered with tons of unrelated admin settings. I only love UIs that are visually appealing and simple to use.
Modern control panels typically prioritize uncomplicated server configuration. They fit the user’s needs; you can select Nginx, Apache, or LiteSpeed, with dev features.
All right, here are modern WordPress cloud hosting control panels compatible with popular providers such as Vultr, Linode, DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, etc.
1. Ploi.io
Ploi is an open-source cloud server management panel and is my favorite because it is highly customizable and built for real devs.
I like its uncluttered UI, which is clean and devoid of unrelated features (but new users may find it confusing). In addition to standard servers, Ploi offers extra server types, including storage, Elasticsearch, load balancers, Valkey, and Docker.
Ploi has positive and negative aspects. The downside is that Ploi is better suited to Nginx and incompatible with LiteSpeed. They now offer OpenLiteSpeed with paid plans in the App Marketplace. Moreover, you can’t use Apache, but that’s not a major issue because it’s outdated.
There’s also a significant drawback: the free, basic, and even pro plans lack essential features such as team and file management, a firewall, and monitoring.
You need the Pro plan to use features such as site cloning, server insights, automatic backups, and server monitoring. Access to all features requires the unlimited plan. However, the free version offers plenty of features for normal users and developers.
Key WordPress Features:
Ploi 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 each or in combination. They often update PHP versions; you can choose to use the latest or older versions.
While Ploi can be challenging for beginners, its simple interface makes it easy to install or remove features. And so 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 FileZilla.
Highlights:
- 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).
- 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.
2. xCloud
What I said earlier isn’t relevant now, since xCloud is so involved. They are expanding the service beyond WordPress and redesigning both the website and the control panel.
xCloud is a stylish hosting control panel focused on WordPress but now supports other apps, such as Laravel, Node.js, n8n, and AI tools.
As part of the admin panel, xCloud offers managed hosting. Not sure, but I think they’re using Vultr to manage the servers.
Still, you can integrate a server with any server provider and use stacks such as LiteSpeed 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 panel, 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 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.
- It now offers several new features, including Cloudflare integration, full-page caching, and complete server migration.
The entry-level plan starts at $5 per month per server. If you have high traffic or manage multiple servers, you can switch 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 of RAM, 25 GB of SSD storage, 1 CPU, 1 TB of bandwidth, and unlimited sites.
Using Cloudways’ Vultr high-frequency entry-level plan, you’ll pay $16, but xCloud will charge $7.50. Even with its managed hosting, it remains more affordable than others.
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 pretty cool with using xCloud, but it does have some downsides. The biggest bummer is that support takes forever to get back to you. Now that they have addressed the earlier issues, xCloud offers a complete hosting solution for ALL users. I see they’re still getting things ready, and I’m looking forward to watching things get better.
Highlights:
- Tiny file manager.
- Full-page caching with Cloudflare.
- Slow updates on some features.
- Magic Login – access your WordPress admin without a password.
- Limited options for data centers in managed xCloud.
- I’ve had bad customer service
- The free plan includes essential features, and the premium plans are affordable.
3. 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 inexperienced users. It’s affordable, has more features with an improved interface, and performs better than most server management panels.
The clear interface makes it easy to manage server settings, 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’s more relevant to developers than to average site owners.
The panel offers LiteSpeed, making it an ideal choice for a LiteSpeed web host. Multiple server stacks for different applications work with any type of cloud VPS. And yes, RC includes multiple server admin features that make it ideal for Nginx users.
RunCloud supports most CMSs and frameworks, even custom PHP apps, and 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 designed for real users. And RC has modern stacks, including Nginx, OpenLiteSpeed, MariaDB, and Redis.
Highlights:
- An easy-to-use file manager.
- Integrated caching: Nginx FastCGI.
- Developer-friendly panel with tons of features.
- Depending on the plan, it offers backup up to 30 GB.
- Uncomfortable for beginners (No entry-level support).
- It’s a bit pricey compared to alternatives.
4. FlyWP
FlyWP is a Docker-based cloud server control panel explicitly built for WordPress, and you can easily connect, deploy, and manage your WordPress sites on cloud servers.
With FlyWP, each site runs in its own Docker container, ensuring security and isolation, which I think is the main difference from other server control panels.
It lets you deploy DigitalOcean servers without paying the additional charge. You can use Nginx or OpenLiteSpeed, both of which offer different caching layers.
FlyWP has a handy WordPress plugin called “FlyWP Helper” that makes it easy to interact with the panel. It speeds up your website by removing unnecessary elements like dashboard widgets, scripts, pingbacks, emojis, comments, and link classes.
The panel features a simple UI for managing files/folders on the server. It includes Cloudflare integration, team roles, batch updates, and other features.
And you can easily migrate or clone your WordPress site to a different server/account. But it feels bloated because it consumes more server resources than modest panels.
Highlights:
- Password-free access with Magic Login
- A decent free plan for a single website
- Better security system with Patchstack
- Easily accessible file manager in the control panel
- Not intended for apps besides WordPress
- Team roles are exclusive to the business plan.
5. ServerAvatar
ServerAvatar is a simple cloud server management panel that lets you easily manage your cloud VPS using modern software and a user-friendly interface. It is an India-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, and starter plans cost $10/month and include all features for up to 5 servers. Supports OpenLiteSpeed and other modern server stacks with WordPress themes.
However, if you’re an agency or a small business, Pro is ideal at $25 and offers features such as team management. ServerAvatar now offers internal cloud hosting, like xCloud, in partnership with DigitalOcean and Vultr, and 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.
SA has numerous security features and supports third-party services such as GitHub, Telegram, Slack, and Cloudflare.
If you choose the ServerAvatar PRO plan, you can GET all features, including team access, and it is ideal for agencies managing large servers.
It is a hybrid control panel that lets you choose between managed and unmanaged. Includes a server monitoring tool that shows your server usage in real-time. Although it lacks several features, its friendly UI and pricing make it worth trying.
Highlights:
- White label for the business plan.
- Multiple security settings for your website.
- No hybrid stacks like Nginx+Apache.
- Compatible with OpenLiteSpeed and the latest server stacks.
- It is expensive, and renewal prices can be high.
- Backup is unreliable—you need Google or S3 for remote backup.
6. SpinupWP
SpinupWP is a nice cloud host control panel specifically designed for WordPress. Its interface makes it seem that anyone can provision a server and run sites. SpinupWP is ideal for people who require minimal maintenance. You can connect to any VPS or dedicated server, but it is easier for people who prefer DigitalOcean or Linode.
Despite its decent performance, the user interface isn’t ideal due to the lack of a file manager, a 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, given that there are many cheaper control panel options. The panel is significantly pricier than alternatives.
You can choose between personal and team plans. The personal plan offers unlimited websites and one server for $12 per month. Each additional server is $5 per month.
Key Features:
SpinupWP focuses solely on WordPress, with features that integrate seamlessly with the platform. The UI is clean and doesn’t include unnecessary features, making it easy to manage a cloud server.
But it lacks SOME features, such as file manager and a PHP admin, due to security concerns. Even managed hosts like FlyingHost have those features.
You can pick a subdomain or subdirectory, enabling a multi-site network is as simple as changing a switch while creating a new site.
Full-page caching via FastCGI can enhance your site’s performance compared to traditional caching plugins. For enterprise-level caching, you can also use a CDN such as FlyingCDN. Built-in features include a firewall, automatic patch updates, SSL, etc.
It lacks modern features, needs more developer-friendly settings, and requires significant effort to locate the database and set up servers outside DigitalOcean.
If you opt for DO with pre-installed Nginx and FastCGI, setup is straightforward; however, you cannot use LiteSpeed or Apache servers.
Yes, SpinupWP is a reliable WordPress cloud hosting control panel, but it has limited features that may not meet developers’ needs. Also, the pricing is OK for 1 server, but it rises sharply with multiple servers.
Highlights:
- Quite expensive.
- You get full root access.
- Built-in server-side caching.
- Incompatible with LiteSpeed and lacks many advanced features.
- WordPress-specific features and one-click WordPress admin login.
- Setting up cloud servers can be difficult, except for DigitalOcean.
7. ServerPilot
ServerPilot is another solid dashboard for managing cloud servers, and it may look like a mediocre panel. Yet, its simple UI makes it easy for both beginners and DEVS.
Although not as modern as xCloud, it can handle all kinda VPS with Nginx/Apache. And there are drawbacks, including no free version and no LiteSpeed.
For instance, it tends to be less expensive than SpinupWP, but you will need at least a business plan to handle it properly. It also charges a separate fee per application, so you will need to pay for each app you install, in addition to server charges.
The user interface feels a bit bare and offers only a few features. It lacks caching and optimization features, so you need a PRO plugin like FlyingPress for WordPress.
I know that ServerPilot is a good fit for those who want basic NGINX features. Also, the metrics help you better understand CPU and memory usage across your servers.
You may not like ServerPilot if you prefer modern features and LiteSpeed. Another thing is… using ServerPilot for multiple servers and websites can be costly, as each server or website incurs separate charges, leading to higher costs.
Highlights:
- Simple user interface
- Cost-effective for a few websites
- There’s a separate price for each app
- The entry-level plan lacks essential features
- There isn’t LiteSpeed, and it lacks modern features.
8. SPanel
SPanel is an enterprise-level 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. Yeah, it’s from a popular hosting company called ScalaHosting.
But it is suited for people who want powerful features and need to manage many servers and agencies. Cheaper than Plesk or cPanel. Supports any VPS with APIs.
It presents two pricing options: fully managed and self-managed. Self-managed is a cheap option for users who like to handle things themselves.
The first plan starts at $10 and allows up to 5 accounts. Fully managed service includes expert support for server and account problems.
SPanel’s live chat lets you connect with a technician instantly. It starts at $20 for up to 5 accounts, and yes, it’s cheaper since the price is based on accounts, not servers.
Key Features:
SPanel has some cool features that make it different from other cloud hosting panels. You can add users to the admin interface and set their access levels to restrict them to specific features. Also, it integrates with Softaculous, enabling the easy installation of WordPress, Drupal, OpenCart, and other popular frameworks.
Here is a special feature you can’t find in other panels: it lets you manage all your email accounts with automated responses and filtering.
SPanel allows for white-labeling, so you can upload your logo, customize the control panel with your brand, and remove SPanel branding.
SPanel is not recommended for small VPSs or average websites, as you may feel overwhelmed, but it is an economical and robust option for multiple servers.
Highlights:
- Not for small VPSs
- Softaculous auto installer
- Email boxes for all your domains
- Many developer-friendly features with root access
- A complicated user interface
- It is not intuitive for a beginner to use
- Use free OpenLiteSpeed or your enterprise version.
To Wrap It Up
WordPress cloud hosting control panels like FlyWP, SpinupWP, and xCloud are suitable options for anyone looking to host their websites securely. ClusterCS, RunCloud, and Ploi.io are advanced panels for more than WordPress.
Traditional panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and WebUzo can host WordPress but are mainly suited for enterprise use and lack modern features.
Usually, server management platforms target users who want cheap, high-performance hosting with the benefits of VPS or dedicated servers. Because VPS offers decent TTFB and is well-suited to high-traffic, dynamic sites.
Compared to shared hosting, VPS is faster because it provides enough resources. If you have many clients or servers, you should use a reliable WordPress hosting control panel, but it can benefit even a small site.
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