As someone who uses shared or reseller web hosting, I initially had reservations about DirectAdmin and had some complaints about it. However, I started using it to familiarize myself with the platform, and while it had some disadvantages compared to cPanel, over time it has matured. I haven't used cPanel web hosting for almost a year now.

Recently, I heard that my current provider was being sold or merged, so I migrated my websites to a backup provider using DirectAdmin-to-DirectAdmin migrations, which were easy to do even as a low-level user. I appreciated being able to do this on my own without needing technical support.

Moving forward, I'm hesitant to use cPanel web hosting because manual migrations take more time, even if they are cPanel-to-cPanel, and I value having backups and the ability to easily move in case of issues. I hope that cPanel can offer something similar or that reliable web hosting providers start offering DirectAdmin reseller hosting alongside or instead of cPanel.

Full disclosure, I started using a cPanel provider for reliability and reputation but found it difficult due to the migration process.

While everyone has their own experience, my experience with DirectAdmin is different. Especially cPanel customers tend not to like it, and using DA can result in losing business due to its issues.

 For example, a customer opened a ticket yesterday because they couldn't edit their files using the file manager. This customer was using a Laravel app that uses many custom file extensions, and we discovered that the file extension should be in /etc/mime.types after checking and doing research on Google. We haven't faced similar problems with other panels.

DirectAdmin is an easy-to-use and convenient web hosting control panel that is the fastest and least resource-intensive of all existing commercial hosting panels. One key distinguishing feature is the availability of free and regular updates throughout the entire period of use.

Debugging and configuring mod_rewrite rules can be time-consuming without using available tricks. One approach is to use logs, where a block of code is inserted into .htaccess next to the mod_rewrite rules. Another method is to use a redirect, where values of variables in the address bar of the browser can be viewed, such as %{THE_REQUEST} and %{HTTP_HOST}.

Your hesitation to use cPanel web hosting in the future, particularly due to the time-consuming manual migration process, is understandable. Having backups and the ability to easily move in case of issues are essential features that you appreciate in DirectAdmin.

It's possible that cPanel may offer similar migration capabilities or that reliable web hosting providers will start offering DirectAdmin reseller hosting alongside or instead of cPanel. It's always beneficial to have multiple options to choose from that align with your specific needs and preferences.

DirectAdmin and cPanel are both popular web hosting control panels that offer a range of features for managing websites, domains, email accounts, databases, and more. Here are some key points to consider when comparing them:

1. User Interface: DirectAdmin has a simpler and more lightweight interface compared to cPanel, making it easier for beginners to navigate. cPanel, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich and visually appealing interface, but it can be overwhelming for new users.

2. Cost: DirectAdmin generally carries a lower price tag compared to cPanel, making it a more budget-friendly choice for individuals or small businesses.

3. Customization: cPanel provides more customization options, allowing users to personalize their control panel experience with custom themes and branding. DirectAdmin, while it offers some customization options, is relatively limited in this aspect.

4. Third-Party Integrations: cPanel has a wider range of third-party integrations and supported plugins, making it a versatile platform for expanding functionality. DirectAdmin, although it supports some integrations, may have a more limited selection.

5. Migration Process: As you mentioned earlier, migrating websites from cPanel to cPanel can be a somewhat cumbersome process, especially compared to DirectAdmin's straightforward migration capabilities within its own system.


few additional points to consider when comparing DirectAdmin and cPanel:

1. Resource Usage: DirectAdmin is known for its lightweight nature and efficient resource usage, making it a good option for servers with limited resources. cPanel, on the other hand, may consume more system resources due to its feature-rich interface and broader functionality.

2. Security: Both DirectAdmin and cPanel offer security features such as SSL certificate management, firewall configurations, and password protection. However, cPanel has a more extensive security suite and is often considered to have more robust security measures in place.

3. Community and Support: cPanel has a larger user base and a more active community, which means there is a wealth of resources available online, including forums and tutorials. DirectAdmin also has a support community, but it may be smaller in comparison. Consider the availability of dоcumentation, support forums, and the responsiveness of the respective communities when evaluating your options.

4. Familiarity and Preference: If you have been using DirectAdmin for some time and have become familiar with its interface and functionality, you may prefer to stick with it. Similarly, if you have previous experience or preference for cPanel and its features, it may be a more natural choice for you.

DirectAdmin is the future of web hosting, and cPanel is a relic of the past. The days of manual migrations and cumbersome interfaces are numbered. With DirectAdmin, you can easily move your sites between providers without breaking a sweat.
Who needs a user-friendly interface when you have the power of a robust control panel? cPanel is holding onto its outdated ways, while DirectAdmin is pushing the boundaries of what's possible.