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Both offer a one-click and auto installation platform that integrates with website control panels like Plesk, ISPmanager, DirectAdmin and cPanel.
These "Auto Install" programs are used by more developers than any other on the market today. Providing a multitude of scripts. Some free and some paid.
As we look at both of these popular script installers, the User Interface can be a time saver, and a deciding factor. Softaculous is known for a better user interface than Fantastico. Both do provide very good options for the end user.
This should not make a difference in the decision you make, unless you need those extra scripts for your project. Look at what is required compared to what each offers before you make your final decision.
When comparing Softaculous and Fantastico, the number of scripts can be over whelming
Fantastico offers over 300 scripts, Softaculous offers over 440 scripts.
In our opinion, the type of scripts are more important than just the numbers. Fantastico only provides PHP scripts, which makes the library a bit limited. Softaculous offers PHP, Pearl, JAVA and many other types of scripts. Some scripts with Softactulous include Ratings, Demos, Importing Apps from Auto-Installers to User Reviews.
Softaculous surpasses Fantastico with over 450 scripts compared to Fantastico's 315, offering faster updates, features like auto-backups and cloning, and support for multiple control panels (cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin). Fantastico, limited to cPanel, has a dated interface and slower updates, possibly risking security. Softaculous is favored for its versatility, while Fantastico suits basic needs but is declining due to limited support.
Softaculous and Fantastico are both popular auto-installers used for deploying web applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal on hosting servers, but they differ in several key aspects. Softaculous offers a broader range of over 400 scripts, significantly more than Fantastico's roughly 315, providing greater flexibility for users needing diverse applications. Softaculous also features a more user-friendly interface, faster installation times, and advanced functionalities like automated backups, one-click upgrades, and cloning/staging options, making it more robust for managing complex websites. Fantastico, while simpler and lightweight, is less frequently updated, with a narrower script selection and fewer features like backup or migration tools. Additionally, Softaculous supports more control panels, including cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, whereas Fantastico is primarily tied to cPanel. Overall, Softaculous is generally preferred for its extensive script library and modern features, while Fantastico may appeal to users seeking a basic, straightforward installer.
The debate will no doubt continue forever and not everyone will say that one is better than the other, but most hosting companies are slowly starting to migrate to Softaculous.
Some benefits included with Softaculous:
Most downloaded apps and scripts with Softaculous
With Softaculous users can review the apps and scripts through a useful online directory. If you wish to install an app or script, just click "Install" and fill in the required information.
With Fantastico users install applications with just one click though the interface. Fantastico may not provide the same technical support.
Softaculous has started to become more popular than Fantastico. Many hosting companies still use Fantastico and probably will. The hosting company you choose will make a difference, and it is important to look at the features, including the script libraries. Make sure to compare all the features before selecting a Host and if you need specific tools, make sure the right ones are included with your hosting account.
We recommend Softaculous over Fantastico for the many features. In fact, we offer Softaculous installed for free with all our web hosting packages
Softaculous maintains a comparison page at this website: Softaculous Compare. In addition, a majority of cPanel users (87%) also recommend Softaculous over Fantastico.
With over 10 years of experience working at major organizations and agencies. His expertise spans across various mediums including digital, social media, video, and print. Adam has...
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