nginx-ui vs 1Panel
Web-based server management tools compared
nginx-ui provides a browser interface focused on configuring and operating Nginx, while 1Panel covers broader Linux server tasks, application deployment, and AI services. Both are Go-based web projects for self-hosters and administrators, but their scope and licensing differ.
nginx-ui: Manage Nginx Through a Web Interface
nginx-ui is a self-hosted web interface for editing and operating Nginx configurations. It suits administrators who want a visual way to manage sites, certificates, logs, and multiple Nginx nodes, with Docker and standalone deployment options.
1Panel: Manage Linux Servers and AI Services
1Panel is a web-based control panel for managing Linux servers, containers, websites, databases, backups, and AI agents. It suits self-hosters and administrators who want a visual interface for common operations and app deployment.
| nginx-ui | 1Panel | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | Go |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 11.6k | 37.1k |
| Forks | 888 | 3.4k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- nginx-ui focuses on Nginx configuration, validation, reloads, logs, certificates, and multi-node configuration mirroring; 1Panel manages Linux hosts, files, databases, containers, websites, and applications.
- nginx-ui offers configuration history and restore, Nginx-specific monitoring, and MCP interfaces for AI agents; 1Panel includes an app store, backups with cloud storage integrations, and security controls such as WAF and log auditing.
- nginx-ui can be deployed as a single executable or with Docker; 1Panel is designed for Linux servers and its quick-start instructions require shell access.
- nginx-ui uses the AGPL-3.0 license, while 1Panel uses GPL-3.0.
- 1Panel has more listed stars and forks than nginx-ui: 37.1k stars and 3.4k forks, compared with 11.6k stars and 888 forks.
Choose nginx-ui if you…
- need a visual workflow specifically for editing, testing, and operating Nginx configurations.
- want configuration backups, version comparisons, restores, or mirroring across Nginx nodes.
- prefer a single-executable deployment option or need Nginx-focused certificate and log management.
Choose 1Panel if you…
- want one panel for Linux hosts, containers, databases, websites, and application deployment.
- need a curated app store, cloud-integrated backups, or security controls such as WAF and log auditing.
- want to manage AI agents and models alongside server applications.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.