ISPManager can be a bit pricey, particularly when managing multiple domains and subdomains is required.

Using crаcked versions isn't advisable. Among the free alternatives, FastPanel and VestaCP are the only ones I'm familiar with. Which is superior?

While both FastPanel and VestaCP offer free alternatives to ISPManager, they lack the enterprise-grade features and reliability expected in professional hosting environments. FastPanel's speed is impressive, but its limited customization options may hinder advanced users.
VestaCP's user-friendliness is commendable, but its resource management could be more efficient. Neither can truly replace ISPManager's robust functionality and support.

I'd recommend checking out FastPanel or Hestia if you're in the market for a no-cost control panel. It's worth noting that Vesta is no longer actively developed, so if you're looking for something along those lines, Hestia is a solid alternative as it continues to receive updates and improvements.
Among the free options available, FastPanel stands out as a top choice due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface.

You'll find that FastPanel is a versatile tool that can handle a variety of tasks tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you're setting up websites, managing databases, handling email configurations, scheduling tasks with cron jobs, or deploying WordPress with just a few clicks, FastPanel streamlines these processes efficiently.

It also excels in setting up and configuring fundamental web server components like PHP and more. This control panel is designed to enhance your workflow, offering a seamless experience for both novices and seasoned professionals in the web development ecosystem.