HestiaCP: Features, Comparison, and Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Introduction

HestiaCP is a free, open-source web hosting control panel designed to simplify server management. It provides a user-friendly web interface, enabling users to manage websites, email accounts, databases, and more. HestiaCP is an excellent alternative to paid control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin, offering similar features without licensing costs.

Features of HestiaCP

1. Web Hosting Management – Supports Nginx as a reverse proxy with Apache as the backend.

2. MultiPHP Support – Allows running multiple PHP versions (7.4, 8.0, 8.1, etc.).

3. Database Management – Compatible with MariaDB and PostgreSQL.

4. User-Friendly UI & API – Provides an intuitive web panel and API support for automation.

5. Security – Includes a built-in firewall, Fail2Ban, and Let’s Encrypt SSL.

6. Lightweight and Fast – Optimized for performance with minimal resource usage.

7. Backup & Restore – Automated backup solutions for websites and databases.

HestiaCP vs Other Control Panels

HestiaCP vs CyberPanel

HestiaCP vs cPanel

HestiaCP vs DirectAdmin

Step-by-Step HestiaCP Installation Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your VPS

• Ensure you have a fresh Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or Latest installation.

• Use a non-root user with sudo privileges.

• Point your domain to your VPS IP using Cloudflare DNS or the DNS you are using.

Step 2: Download & Install HestiaCP

if you are not running the script as the root user. To fix this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Switch to Root User

Run the following command to switch to root:

Your prompt should change to #, indicating root access.

1. Download the HestiaCP Installation Script

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hestiacp/hestiacp/release/install/hst-install.sh

2. Run the Installation Command

Customize the installation options based on your needs. Example:

bash hst-install.sh --force \
--multiphp '8.1,8.0,7.4' --vsftpd no --named no --exim no --dovecot no \
--clamav no --spamassassin no --quota yes

• –multiphp – Enables multiple PHP versions.

• –vsftpd no – Disables FTP (use SFTP instead).

• –named no – Disables DNS server (use Cloudflare).

• –exim no, dovecot no – Disables email services (use Mailcow later).

• –quota yes – Enables filesystem quotas.

Option 2: for Full Installation Force Installation (Recommended)

Since this is a fresh setup, you can force the installation by running:

This will remove the conflicting admin group and proceed with the installation.

Step 3: Reboot and Access HestiaCP

Once the installation is complete, reboot your VPS  if not after installation:

sudo reboot

After rebooting, access HestiaCP via:

http://your-server-ip:8083

Use the admin credentials provided during installation.

Step 4: Secure HestiaCP with SSL

1. Log in to HestiaCP.

2. Go to Web → panel.yourwebsite.com → Edit.

3. Enable Let’s Encrypt SSL.

4. Save and restart the panel.

Step 5: Add a New Web Domain for FOSSBilling (our example)

1. Go to Web → Add Web Domain.

2. Enter: billing.yourwebsite.com

3. Save the settings.

Common Installation Errors & Solutions

Error: “This script can only be executed by root”

Solution: Run the command as root:

sudo su
bash hst-install.sh --force ...

Error: “Group admin exists”

Solution: Force installation with:

bash hst-install.sh --force

Error: SSL Not Working on HestiaCP Panel

Solution:

1. Check if port 8083 is open in your firewall:

   sudo ufw allow 8083

2. Ensure Cloudflare SSL is set to Full (Strict).

3. Enable Let’s Encrypt SSL in HestiaCP settings.

Conclusion

HestiaCP is a powerful and lightweight control panel that provides an excellent alternative to paid solutions. With its intuitive UI, security features, and free pricing, it’s an excellent choice for managing VPS hosting. If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments below and explore more tutorials at EngineerHow.com!