> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.merlinpanel.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.merlinpanel.com/welcome/advantages.md).

# Advantages

Choosing to use Merlin Panel has a multitude of advantages over the traditional approach to managing your business online

## Centralised Approach

We created Merlin Panel because we were tired of having to manage 10+ different accounts for 10+ different websites to manage our online business. Merlin Panel connects all of these core services into one easy to use platform

## A Fraction of the price

Merlin Panel offers three packages [Essential Package](https://merlinpanel.com/package/essential), [Professional Package](https://merlinpanel.com/package/professional) and the [Commerical Package](https://merlinpanel.com/package/essential) at £45, £89 and £115 per month respectively.

An example comparison using comparative products (based on 5 seats):

| Our Feature          | Competitor                                                              | Their Monthly Pricing     |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Live Chat            | [Intercom](https://www.intercom.com/pricing)                            | £32-£80 + £50 for 5 seats |
| DNS Management       | [CloudFlare](https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/plans/)                   | £16-£160                  |
| Website Editor       | [Squarespace](https://www.squarespace.com/)                             | £8-£24                    |
| Store                | [Shopify](https://www.shopify.co.uk/pricing)                            | £23-£242                  |
| Custom Forms         | [JotForm](https://www.jotform.com/pricing)                              | £24-£80                   |
| Email Accounts       | [Google Mail](https://domains.google/intl/en-GB/getting-started/email/) | £4.60-£9.20 per user      |
| Newsletters          | [MailChimp](https://mailchimp.com/pricing/?currency=GBP)                | £8.16-£12.24              |
| Social Media Manager | [Buffer](https://buffer.com/pricing/publish)                            | £12-£80                   |
| Hosting + SSL        | [GoDaddy](https://uk.godaddy.com/hosting/business-hosting-plans)        | £14.99-£37.99             |
| **Competitor Total** | **9 Logins**                                                            | **£192.76-£812.24**       |
| Merlin Panel Total   | 1 Login                                                                 | £45-£115                  |

## Support

Plus our pricing includes something that software can't offer, a dedicated team of professionals available for support at just a Slack message, email or phone call away.

* Regular platform security updates included 
* Free minor bug fixes and changes 
* We respond to questions within 24 hours 
* Changes made usually within 5 business days 
* Dedicated Slack channel to communicate with us
* Hourly rate on future work discounted by 10%

## Hassle-free Hosting

We offer industry-leading security and hosting for all our Merlin packages as standard. Peace of mind to know our team has got your back.

* HTTPS secured website 
* SHA-265 SSL certificate 
* Fully encrypted sessions 
* Complete audit history and external backups 
* GDPR compliment data storage
* Advanced DDoS protection