We use both but I prefer DirectAdmin. What I like about DA over Cpanel is that it is lighter, slimmer and uses less server resources. I'd like the fact that DA is not Intertwined into the server OS. An example would be that when Cpanel crashes so does the server not so with DA. I also like the true addon domain structure in DA. Cpanel shows the addon domain as a Directory (subdomain) of the main account. DA gives it a complete and isolated file structure not tied to the main account other than resource allotment. You can delete your main domain in DA and add it back in without creating the account over and you can use any domain as a default. I can do anything in DA that I can do in CPanel. It just a different way of doing it. My biggest gripe about DA is the file manager is a little weak compared to CPanel. Since I do not use the built in file managers in either it doesn't matter to me.
They are both good panels so it becomes a preference thing. If you are fairly new to managing your own server, then you probably should opt for CPanel as IMO it's the only advantage it has over DA.
Myself prefer DA than cPanel.
Coz myself prefer Debian than CentOS and cPanel do not run in Debian.
another thing I like about DA is it is much more lighter than cPanel like wat Namepad said.
But honestly, on features wise cPanel win, but I don't use most of those features.
And 1 more thing I like about DA is the price is cheaper than cPanel, lol.
But since most customers prefer cPanel, so using cPanel is necessary to get more customers, lol.
Not a coincidence that it is used by the most important Hosting Companies.
Just a note. We have more DirectAdmin users than CPanel users. You stated feature wise Cpanel would win. From an end user stand point, I already stated what an end user could do with DirectAdmin that you can not do with CPanel. What can you do in Cpanel that I cannot do with DA.
Now, if you are talking about the WHM part, sure then I would agree with you, assuming you needed that to help you manage a server. DA is a Control Panel only, it is not meant to run or manage your server.
Definitely cPanel, offers a more user friendly environment and supports more resources.
Please clarify.
The cPanel includes more resources than DirectAdmin. You may review and compare the interfaces which indicate the different of resources each control panel offers.