Web hosting plays a critical role in today’s digital world, where websites power everything from personal blogs to billion-dollar businesses. At the centre of many hosting environments lies cPanel, a popular control panel known for its intuitive interface and rich feature set. However, to get the most out of cPanel—especially when deploying it on a Virtual Private Server (VPS)—you need to pair it with the right Linux operating system.
Choosing the Best Linux Operating System For CPanel & WHM Installation isn’t just about compatibility. It’s about optimizing performance, ensuring long-term security, minimizing system overhead, and guaranteeing reliable support and updates. With CentOS 7 support ending, businesses and developers alike are searching for the next best thing—and not all Linux distributions are created equal.
This blog post will look at different Linux distributions compatible with cPanel in 2025, weighing the advantages, disadvantages, and ideal use cases of each.
Why the Right Linux Distribution Matters for cPanel VPS Hosting
Choosing the appropriate Linux distribution for your cPanel VPS is not merely a matter of preference; it has tangible implications on your server’s performance, security, and manageability. Here’s why this decision is crucial:
1. Performance Optimization
Different Linux distributions handle system resources uniquely. Factors such as package management systems, default configurations, and kernel optimizations can significantly impact your server’s performance.
2. Security
Security is a cornerstone of any hosting environment. Some distributions offer advanced security features out-of-the-box, while others may require additional configuration. Ensuring your OS supports timely security updates and has a robust security model is essential.
3. Software and Feature Compatibility
cPanel has specific OS requirements and supports a limited set of Linux distributions. Using a supported OS ensures full compatibility with cPanel features and reduces the risk of encountering unforeseen issues.
4. Ease of Use & Community Support
An OS with comprehensive documentation and an active community can be invaluable, especially when troubleshooting issues or seeking optimization tips.
5. Stability and Longevity
Opting for a distribution with a long-term support (LTS) model ensures that your server receives updates and patches for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent migrations or upgrades.
What to Look for in a Linux OS for cPanel
| Key Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| cPanel Compatibility | Ensures seamless integration and functionality with cPanel. |
| Long-Term Support | Provides stability and reduces the frequency of major upgrades. |
| Security Features | Protects your server from vulnerabilities and external threats. |
| Cost | Impacts your hosting budget; some distributions are free, others are paid. |
| Community Support | Offers assistance and resources for troubleshooting and optimization. |
| Ease of Migration | Facilitates smooth transitions from other distributions or older versions. |
Officially Supported Linux Distributions by cPanel in 2025
As of 2025, cPanel officially supports the following Linux distributions:
| Operating System | Supported Versions | Support Status |
|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux | 8, 9 | Full Support |
| Rocky Linux | 8, 9 | Full Support |
| CloudLinux | 8, 9 | Full Support |
| Ubuntu | 20.04 LTS | Support ends June 30, 2025 |
1. AlmaLinux – The Community-Driven RHEL Fork
Overview
AlmaLinux emerged as a response to Red Hat’s shift in focus from CentOS to CentOS Stream. Developed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, it aims to provide a free, open-source, and community-driven alternative that is binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
✅ Advantages
RHEL Compatibility: Ensures seamless operation of applications designed for RHEL.
Free and Open Source: No licensing fees, making it cost-effective.
Long-Term Support: AlmaLinux 8 is supported until March 1, 2029, and AlmaLinux 9 until May 31, 2032.
Active Community: Robust community support with comprehensive documentation.
Migration Tools: Offers tools like ELevate for smooth transitions from CentOS.
❌ Disadvantages
Relative Newcomer: While rapidly gaining traction, it lacks the longstanding history of some other distributions.
Enterprise Support: May require third-party support for enterprise-level assistance.
Best For
Organizations seeking a free, stable, and RHEL-compatible OS with strong community backing.
Official Site
2. Rocky Linux – Upholding the CentOS Legacy
Overview
Founded by Gregory Kurtzer, the original creator of CentOS, Rocky Linux aims to continue the legacy of CentOS by providing a community-driven, RHEL-compatible distribution.
✅ Advantages
RHEL Compatibility: Maintains binary compatibility with RHEL.
Community-Driven: Emphasizes transparency and community involvement.
Long-Term Support: Rocky Linux 8 is supported until May 31, 2029, and Rocky Linux 9 until May 31, 2032.
Enterprise Adoption: Gaining traction among enterprises seeking a CentOS replacement.
❌ Disadvantages
New Project: As a relatively new initiative, it may have a smaller ecosystem compared to older distributions.
Support Structure: Relies heavily on community support, which may vary in responsiveness.
Best For
Users and organizations looking for a community-centric, RHEL-compatible OS that continues the CentOS tradition.
Official Site
3. CloudLinux OS – Tailored for Shared Hosting Environments
Overview
CloudLinux OS is a commercial Linux distribution designed specifically for shared hosting providers. It enhances server stability, security, and efficiency by isolating each tenant using Lightweight Virtualized Environments (LVEs).
✅ Advantages
Resource Isolation: Prevents a single user from monopolizing server resources.
Enhanced Security: Features like CageFS and a hardened kernel protect against various threats.
PHP Selector: Allows users to choose their preferred PHP version.
KernelCare Integration: Enables live kernel patching without reboots.
Long-Term Support: CloudLinux 8 is supported until May 31, 2029, and CloudLinux 9 until May 31, 2032.
❌ Disadvantages
Licensing Costs: Requires a paid subscription, which may not be ideal for all budgets.
Complexity: Additional features may necessitate a steeper learning curve.
Best For
Shared hosting providers and resellers aiming to maximize server stability and security.
Official Site
4. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS – The Developer-Friendly Choice
Overview
Ubuntu is renowned for its user-friendliness and extensive community support. While not traditionally associated with cPanel, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS has been supported by cPanel, offering an alternative for those familiar with the Debian ecosystem.
✅ Advantages
User-Friendly: Simplified installation and configuration processes.
Extensive Documentation: Abundant resources and tutorials available.
Regular Updates: Frequent security patches and updates.
LTS Support: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is supported by Canonical until April 2025.
❌ Disadvantages
Limited cPanel Support: cPanel support for Ubuntu 20.04 ends on June 30, 2025.
Compatibility Issues: Some cPanel features may not function identically as on RHEL-based distributions.
Migration Challenges: Transitioning from Ubuntu to a RHEL-based OS may require significant adjustments.
Best For
Developers and organizations already invested in the Ubuntu ecosystem, seeking short-term cPanel hosting solutions.
Official Site
Linux OS Comparative Analysis
| Feature | AlmaLinux | Rocky Linux | CloudLinux OS | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cPanel Compatibility | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support | ⚠️ Support ends June 30, 2025 |
| License Cost | Free | Free | Paid Subscription | Free |
| Security Features | Standard | Standard | Enhanced | Standard |
| Resource Isolation | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Support Duration | Up to 2032 | Up to 2032 | Up to 2032 | Until April 2025 |
| Ideal Use Case | General Hosting | Enterprise Environments | Shared Hosting Providers | Developer Environments |
Migration Considerations
For those currently using CentOS 7, it’s imperative to plan a migration strategy, as support has ended. Tools like AlmaLinux’s ELevate facilitate seamless transitions to supported distributions.
ELevate Tool: Assists in migrating from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 or 9.
cPanel Transfer Tool: Enables account transfers between servers running different OS versions.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Choice: AlmaLinux – Offers a stable, free, and RHEL-compatible environment with long-term support.
Best for Shared Hosting: CloudLinux OS – Provides advanced features tailored for multi-tenant hosting environments.
Best Community-Driven Option: Rocky Linux – Ideal for those seeking a transparent, community-focused OS.
Best for Ubuntu Enthusiasts: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS – Suitable for short-term deployments within the Ubuntu ecosystem.