PufferPanel
PufferPanel: A capable free panel for Linux operators managing multiple game servers. Ranked #16 of 32 in Game Server Control Panels by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Linux multi-server management.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Linux multi-server management
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported games7 Days to Die, ARK, Arma 3, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Counter-Strike: Source, Don't Starve Together, Eco, Factorio, Garry's Mod, Minecraft Bedrock, Minecraft, PocketMine, Rust, Satisfactory, Squad, Starbound, TeamSpeak 3, Terraria, Team Fortress 2, Unturned, Valheim, Vintage Story, Project Zomboid
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source panel for managing multiple servers in one interface.
- Templates, Docker environments, and remote nodes support repeatable provisioning.
- Web files, SFTP, permissions, RCON, Telnet, and modpack support cover daily tasks.
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment puts installation and maintenance on the operator.
- Backup capability is basic rather than a full backup automation workflow.
- Access is centered on supported Linux systems, Docker, and web management.
Our verdict on PufferPanel
PufferPanel is a free, open-source, web-based control panel for running multiple game servers from one interface. It is aimed at personal users, small networks, and larger server networks that want centralized server controls, file access, provisioning, and multi-user administration. Deployment is self-hosted on supported Linux distributions or through Docker, making it a fit for operators who manage their own infrastructure.
Its strongest practical feature is the combination of template-based provisioning, Docker-based server environments, and remote node management. These capabilities support repeatable server creation across a distributed setup instead of limiting administration to one machine. The panel also includes web file management, SFTP access, RCON and Telnet support, user permissions, and access controls. CurseForge modpack support adds a useful path for supported modded game workflows, while the listed game coverage includes Minecraft, ARK, Rust, Factorio, Terraria, Valheim, and other server software.
PufferPanel’s free and open-source model makes it straightforward to evaluate without a paid tier structure. The trade-off is operational ownership: self-hosted software requires the operator to handle deployment, environment management, and ongoing administration. Backup support is described as basic, so teams seeking a dedicated backup automation workflow may need a different control panel or supporting tooling. Choose PufferPanel for free Linux-based multi-server management with Docker, remote nodes, and permissions. Choose an alternative if managed hosting, a hosted control plane, or deeper backup operations are the priority.
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PufferPanel pricing
PufferPanel fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported games | 7 Days to Die, ARK, Arma 3, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Counter-Strike: Source, Don't Starve Together, Eco, Factorio, Garry's Mod, Minecraft Bedrock, Minecraft, PocketMine, Rust, Satisfactory, Squad, Starbound, TeamSpeak 3, Terraria, Team Fortress 2, Unturned, Valheim, Vintage Story, Project Zomboid |
| Deployment model | Self_hosted |
| Server provisioning | Yes |
| Mods and plugins | Yes |
| Scheduled backups | Not verified |
| Managed server limit | Not verified |
| Role access controls | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Docker, CurseForge |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pufferpanel.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PufferPanel integrations
PufferPanel lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Docker
- CurseForge
Alternatives to PufferPanel
- AMPA feature-rich paid panel for managing diverse self-hosted game-server deployments.9.4
- GameCPA flexible, low-cost control panel for operators managing multiple game-server nodes.9.3
- GameServerAppA broad cloud control panel with automation, integrations, and community revenue tools.9.1
See all PufferPanel alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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