What Is CyberPanel?
What CyberPanel Is
CyberPanel is an open-source web hosting control panel for Linux servers. It is built around OpenLiteSpeed, a free web server, and gives you a browser interface for websites, domains, email, databases, DNS and SSL certificates.
A web server is the software that receives requests from visitors and sends back pages. Many panels work with Apache or Nginx. CyberPanel installs OpenLiteSpeed as its default web server, so its features assume that software is in use. Whether you need a panel at all is covered in panel vs command-line management.
OpenLiteSpeed, LiteSpeed and the Free vs Paid Model
CyberPanel is free to install, and its code is open source. Its web server, OpenLiteSpeed, is also free. LiteSpeed Enterprise is the commercial version of the web server, licensed per server. It adds features and support that some hosts want.
This creates a free-versus-paid split. You can run CyberPanel and OpenLiteSpeed without a licence fee, but some features are reserved for the paid edition, and paid add-ons may exist around the panel itself. Check the current documentation for which features each edition includes before you plan a production server.
Who Typically Uses CyberPanel
CyberPanel appeals to developers, freelancers and small hosts who want a free panel on their own VPS and are comfortable with Linux. Its OpenLiteSpeed focus also suits people who want that web server rather than Apache or Nginx.
The main trade-offs are a smaller ecosystem and community than the largest commercial panels, which means fewer third-party integrations and fewer ready-made guides. Free versions usually rely on community support, so plan how you will get help before a site depends on the server. Other free options are covered in free and open-source hosting panels.
Frequently asked questions
Is CyberPanel free?
The panel itself is free and open source, and OpenLiteSpeed is free to use. You still pay for the server, and some features may be available only through paid editions or add-ons. Read the current licence terms for each component you plan to use.
Does CyberPanel only work with OpenLiteSpeed?
CyberPanel is designed around OpenLiteSpeed, so that is the web server most of its features assume. Do not expect it to switch freely between Apache and Nginx like a more general panel. Check the documentation for current options before you plan a setup around a particular web server.