Overview

BlueOnyx is an open-source server management panel developed in Italy by SOLARSPEED.NET as a modernized fork of BlueQuartz, maintained continuously since 2008. It manages web, email, DNS, and file transfer services from a single web-based GUI, released under the Sun-modified BSD license with no per-site or per-user fees—a cost-effective alternative to cPanel/Plesk.

The latest BlueOnyx 5212R runs on AlmaLinux 10 and Rocky Linux (RHEL clones), with virtual site hosting, a complete mail stack, DNS management, SSH key and 2FA login management, phpMyAdmin, and API v2. For hosting providers that want to escape per-account licensing, BlueOnyx is an open-source choice among cloud server management tools—see Server Operations Tips.

Key Strengths

  • Zero license fees: Sun-modified BSD license is completely free with 0 per-site or per-user fees, keeping long-term cost well below commercial panels—see Small-Site Cost Control.
  • Continuously maintained: Iterated since 2008, with the latest 5212R supporting AlmaLinux 10 (RHEL 10 line) and built-in hardening plus frequent updates to reduce vulnerability risk.
  • Complete hosting features: Mail stack (SMTP/POP3/IMAP with anti-spam/anti-virus), DNS, FTP, 2FA logins, and virtual site multi-customer isolation work out of the box for daily host operations.
  • Automation and integration: API v2, WHMCS integration, SSH key management, 2FA logins, and phpMyAdmin support automated account provisioning and operations.
  • Migration-friendly: Built-in migration utilities (covering RHEL 8/9/10) and Imapsync email migration plus backup/restore support smooth moves from other panels.

Product Ecosystem

Control Panel Core

A web GUI manages virtual hosts, mailboxes, DNS, and FTP, with Chrooted Jails, SFTP, and a file manager for day-to-day server administration.

Virtual Site Hosting

Run multiple websites and customers on one server, each with isolated users, permissions, and settings—suitable for hosting providers serving end customers.

Mail Services

A complete mail stack with SMTP/POP3/IMAP, anti-spam and anti-virus integration, aliases, and 2FA authentication, plus Imapsync email migration—see GDPR Compliance Checklist.

API and Automation

API v2 and a WHMCS server module support automated account, site, and email management, integrating with automation workflows.

Extension Shop

The BlueOnyx Shop offers commercial plug-ins to extend billing, backup, and security capabilities for enterprise scenarios.

Limitations

  • Linux only: Only RHEL-family systems (AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux) are supported, with no support for Windows servers.
  • Smaller ecosystem: Community and plugins are far fewer than cPanel/Plesk, troubleshooting relies on official forums and docs, and commercial extensions are bought separately.
  • Few Chinese resources: The interface and documentation are primarily in English, raising the learning curve for Chinese users.
  • No official SLA: Updates follow the community's cadence, so enterprise SLAs and commercial support must be evaluated separately.

Use Cases

  • Hosting providers building their own panel (★★★★★): Free with no license fees, plus multi-customer isolation and WHMCS integration for serving end customers.
  • Enterprise IT internal management (★★★★): A web GUI for internal server management lowers the operations barrier.
  • Budget-conscious individual admins (★★★★): Open source and free with complete features for personal server management—see Budget VPS Options.
  • Windows server environments (★): Windows is unsupported; choose a commercial panel or other solutions for such environments.

Pricing

Item Reference Price Notes
BlueOnyx panel Free Sun-modified BSD license, no license fees
Commercial plug-ins Per-plugin Purchased via BlueOnyx Shop
System images Free download AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux ISO and virtual appliance

Note: The panel itself is free; commercial plug-ins and technical support are paid on demand, per the BlueOnyx site.

FAQ

  • Is BlueOnyx free? Yes. It is released under the Sun-modified BSD license and completely free, with no per-site or per-user fees—a good fit for budget-conscious hosts and individual admins.; see open source software market 2026.

  • Which systems does BlueOnyx support? AlmaLinux 10, Rocky Linux, and other RHEL clones (such as BlueOnyx 5212R); Windows is not supported. See Cloud Server Configuration Guide before deploying.

  • How does BlueOnyx compare with cPanel? BlueOnyx is free and open source with no license fees, while cPanel offers a larger ecosystem and more complete commercial support. See Server Selection Guide for trade-offs.

  • Can I run a hosting business with BlueOnyx? Yes. Multi-customer virtual site isolation, WHMCS integration, and API support self-service account provisioning for hosts.; see Baota panel server management.

  • How do I migrate to BlueOnyx? Built-in migration utilities, Imapsync email migration, and backup/restore support smooth moves from other panels—see Server Operations Tips.