Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed (Web Server Software Compared)

Since we launched WPBeginner, we now have been on a mission to assist our readers enhance their WordPress web sites. And choosing the right net server software program can go a great distance towards rushing up your web site and creating a greater consumer expertise.

Now, you is likely to be considering that selecting net server software program sounds a bit technical. However this may often come right down to which internet hosting supplier you decide. Sometimes, they are going to run both Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed on their internet hosting servers.

If you happen to’re interested by what goes on behind the scenes and are able to discover your choices for net server software program, then you’re in the fitting place!

On this information, we are going to clarify the variations between Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed. We are going to examine their strengths and weaknesses that can assist you select the most suitable choice in your wants.

Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: A Transient Overview

Apache, Nginx (pronounced ‘Engine X’), and LiteSpeed are all in style net server software program. Net servers energy each web site by delivering the content material out of your web site to the consumer’s net browser.

In case you are quick on time, then right here’s a fast overview of our comparability of Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed:

Net Server	Greatest For	License
Apache	Straightforward configuration for shared internet hosting	Free & open-source
Nginx	Superior efficiency for high-traffic web sites	Free & open-source
LiteSpeed	Stability between efficiency & ease of use	Paid, with free model

Now that you just’ve seen the abstract, we extremely suggest you retain studying to get our in-depth evaluation of every instrument. This can assist you make the fitting alternative in your web site.

How We In contrast Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed

To offer you a good and thorough comparability of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, we adopted an method that mixes hands-on expertise with cautious analysis:

• Actual-World Expertise: Our workforce has hands-on expertise managing servers working Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed in numerous environments.
• Palms-On Testing: A lot of our troubleshooting tutorials present you how you can remedy widespread web site issues by accurately configuring completely different net servers.
• Function Comparability: We in contrast the important thing options of every net server, together with efficiency metrics, structure, security measures, caching capabilities, and extra.
• Use Case Evaluation: We checked out completely different eventualities and advisable the place every server can be greatest based mostly on its strengths and weaknesses.
• Pricing Issues: We regarded on the completely different licensing and pricing buildings of every net server and famous that LiteSpeed requires a paid license.
• Sensible Utility: We thought-about how straightforward it’s for freshmen to get began and the way every server can scale as traffic increases.

We purpose that can assist you perceive the variations between these in style net servers and make an knowledgeable determination that meets your wants.

With all that mentioned, let’s get began with our Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed comparability. You need to use the fast hyperlinks beneath to skip to the subject you’re most desirous about:

Ease of Configuration

It is vital for freshmen to have the ability to configure an online server simply. When this job is simply too difficult, it will possibly take plenty of time, which might depart you feeling annoyed.

On this part, we’ll examine the configuration processes for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their studying curves and accessible instruments.

Apache – Configuration

Configuring an online server is pretty technical and sometimes entails modifying a textual content file. Nonetheless, Apache is usually thought-about probably the most beginner-friendly.

The primary configuration file is named httpd.conf or apache2.conf and is structured in a manner that’s straightforward to learn.

Apache additionally permits you to configure every listing individually utilizing .htaccess files. If you happen to use shared internet hosting, then you need to use this technique to manage server conduct while not having entry to the principle configuration information.

You possibly can see our information on the most useful .htaccess tricks for WordPress to study what you are able to do.

Plus, many internet hosting management panels additionally include graphical interfaces that simplify Apache’s configuration even additional. If you happen to aren’t snug with command-line instruments, then this makes it much more accessible.

General, Apache is simple to configure for easy and medium-difficulty duties and has loads of instruments to assist with the configuration.

Nginx – Configuration

Nginx has a steeper studying curve with regards to configuration. The server makes use of a distinct syntax with a extra command-line-based method. In easy phrases, syntax means the language that you just use to speak with the server software program.

You have to to edit a principal configuration file known as nginx.conf and create separate configuration information for every web site you wish to host (known as digital hosts).

Consider digital hosts as having completely different residences in the identical constructing – every web site will get its personal area and settings, however all of them share the identical server.

Whereas this offers you extra management over every web site’s settings, it’s extra difficult to arrange than Apache’s method.

Whenever you arrange Nginx, the configuration course of is extra guide than with Apache, and you’re anticipated to have a deeper understanding of net server ideas.

This makes it possibility when you’ve got a complicated understanding of servers and desire a better stage of management.

LiteSpeed – Configuration

LiteSpeed is designed to be suitable with Apache when it comes to configuration, which is a significant benefit in case you are already accustomed to Apache.

LiteSpeed additionally affords its personal net admin console, which simplifies server administration. Plus, it offers integration with a number of internet hosting management panels, which makes it simpler to configure.

Moreover, LiteSpeed helps .htaccess information, which is one other main profit in case you are used to Apache.

General, LiteSpeed affords ease of configuration due to its graphical consumer interface (GUI) instruments, particularly in case you are already accustomed to Apache.

🏅 Winner – Apache

Whilst you can configure all three server software program to run your web site, we discover that Apache is the best to configure. That is very true for freshmen and anybody coming from shared hosting.

We like that it makes use of easy syntax and user-friendly GUI choices in management panels. Plus, we recognize the comfort and suppleness of .htaccess information for controlling our web sites.

Efficiency

In case your web site must handle a lot of traffic, then it would be best to select an online server with nice efficiency. In our expertise, people who had been developed extra not too long ago might deal with some duties extra effectively.

For instance, they could use fewer system sources, deal with a number of connections higher, and serve your web site content material extra rapidly.

On this part, we’ll discover how Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed examine when it comes to efficiency. We are going to contemplate their completely different architectures, caching capabilities, and load-balancing strategies.

Apache – Efficiency

Apache makes use of a process-based structure. Unsure what meaning?

Consider Apache as a retailer that opens a brand new checkout counter for every buyer. Whereas this implies each customer will get their very own devoted service, it additionally means the shop wants more room and workers (extra reminiscence and processing energy) to deal with plenty of clients without delay.

Whereas that is less complicated to place into motion, the disadvantage is that it will possibly use many system sources when your web site has plenty of site visitors. This could result in slower response instances and better useful resource utilization.

Apache can improve performance using caching modules that retailer content material in reminiscence so it may be accessed extra rapidly. Nonetheless, its caching talents should not as efficient as what Nginx and LiteSpeed provide.

Apache may also improve performance by sharing incoming site visitors throughout a number of servers. Nonetheless, that is extra advanced than the choices that include Nginx and LiteSpeed as a result of it wants further configuration.

General, Apache is nice for small to medium websites or web sites with low site visitors. However when you’ve got a high traffic web site like ours, then you might discover that its efficiency suffers due to its process-based structure.

Nginx – Efficiency

Nginx affords glorious efficiency due to its event-driven structure. That implies that it will possibly deal with a lot of simultaneous connections utilizing a single course of. This enables it to make use of server sources extra effectively.

Nginx has built-in caching and load-balancing capabilities which can be higher than Apache’s. It additionally produces faster response times and a greater end-user expertise.

In our expertise, Nginx is a transparent chief with regards to efficiency, particularly in high-traffic circumstances. If you happen to get plenty of site visitors, then you’ll recognize its effectivity, scalability, and talent to carry out below stress.

LiteSpeed – Efficiency

LiteSpeed can be identified for its excessive efficiency and makes use of an event-driven structure.

Plus, it’s designed to be a drop-in substitute for Apache. Which means that it will possibly provide related efficiency to Nginx whereas working properly with Apache configurations.

LiteSpeed has its personal built-in caching mechanism known as LiteSpeed Cache. It has an important popularity and makes use of a plugin for simple WordPress configuration. The server additionally offers you complete load-balancing options.

In our testing, we discovered that LiteSpeed delivers glorious efficiency, much like Nginx.

It’s additionally straightforward to make use of when you’re accustomed to Apache. What’s extra, it’s particularly nice for WordPress customers due to its caching plugin.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

Whereas each Nginx and LiteSpeed are identified for top efficiency, we want Nginx.

It is because it makes use of a robust event-driven structure and a built-in caching system. We love the way in which it will possibly deal with massive quantities of site visitors whereas effectively utilizing sources.

Whereas LiteSpeed affords very excessive efficiency as properly, Nginx nonetheless leads barely with regards to general efficiency below stress.

Safety

Additionally, you will wish to pay shut consideration to the safety choices of every net server. One of many essential jobs of a server is to guard your web site from threats, together with hacking attempts and knowledge breaches.

On this part, we’ll examine the security measures of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their built-in protections and safety practices.

Apache – Safety

You possibly can enhance Apache’s safety utilizing safety modules and configurations, together with net utility firewall capabilities. This protects your web site in opposition to assaults like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.

Apache additionally offers choices for configuring entry management, SSL encryption, and extra.

Nonetheless, there’s a main draw back. There are such a lot of modules and configuration choices that selecting the most effective safety configuration can get very advanced.

Plus, it’s extra weak to assault due to its process-based structure. As a result of Apache makes use of extra server sources for every web site customer, it’s simpler for attackers to overload it with pretend guests and crash your web site.

In brief, though you can also make Apache safe, you’ll need to spend time fastidiously configuring and sustaining it.

Nginx – Safety

We contemplate Nginx to be a really safe net server. Its event-driven structure is much less weak than process-based servers like Apache.

We additionally love the big variety of highly effective security measures that Nginx affords. These embrace SSL encryption, entry management, and fee limiting, which may also help shield in opposition to DDoS attacks.

It additionally integrates properly with web application firewalls and different safety instruments.

All of because of this Nginx is designed with safety in thoughts and is more durable to assault than Apache.

LiteSpeed – Safety

We’re additionally impressed with LiteSpeed’s high-security requirements. It offers loads of security measures, like DDoS safety and brute force protection.

It additionally has an online utility firewall that protects in opposition to SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and different widespread net assaults.

LiteSpeed additionally helps SSL encryption and has choices for configuring entry controls.

We discover that LiteSpeed offers nice safety in opposition to widespread net threats. It has been designed with safety in thoughts.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

Whereas all three servers provide good security measures, we discover that probably the most safe possibility is Nginx. As a result of it has an event-driven structure and light-weight design, it affords fewer alternatives for hackers to assault it.

Apart from this, it affords a formidable variety of security features. We contemplate it to be probably the most safe of the three net servers out of the field.

Working System Help

Linux is the preferred working system for website hosting servers, which is why all main net server software program is designed to run very properly on Linux.

Nonetheless, some web sites use macOS or Home windows Server, and these have fewer net server choices.

On this part, we’ll check out the working system help for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed. We are going to discover which platforms they are often put in on plus any essential points to think about.

Apache – Working System Help

The massive good thing about Apache is that it’s suitable with many working programs. It runs easily on numerous Linux distributions, together with Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora. Plus, it has good help for macOS and Home windows.

And since it’s an open-source project with a protracted historical past, Apache has a powerful group supporting many OS platforms. This implies you’ll simply discover complete documentation and help for numerous working programs.

Nginx – Working System Help

Nginx additionally has excellent working system help. It’s most frequently used on Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Purple Hat. But it surely additionally runs properly on macOS, FreeBSD, and different Unix-based programs.

Nginx has good help for Home windows, however its efficiency is much less optimized for that working system. It performs greatest on Linux programs.

LiteSpeed – Working System Help

Sadly, LiteSpeed has help for the fewest working programs. That mentioned, it’s suitable with hottest Linux distributions like CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, and others.

It additionally has good help for management panels like cPanel and Plesk, which generally run on Linux-based programs.

The draw back is that LiteSpeed just isn’t designed for macOS or Home windows Server in the identical manner it’s for Linux. It’s constructed and extremely optimized to work greatest on Linux-based programs.

🏅 Winner – Apache

Apache and Nginx each have fairly good working system help. However we imagine the winner is Apache.

Apache affords glorious help for Linux, macOS, and Home windows. Whereas Nginx affords related help, Apache is barely higher as a result of its lengthy historical past.

LiteSpeed, whereas well-supported on Linux, doesn’t help macOS or Home windows.

Market Share

Questioning how in style every of those net servers is? Finding out the market share may also help you perceive which choices are used most frequently throughout the online.

On this part, we’ll have a look at the present market share of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed.

Apache – Market Share

Apache has been one of the in style net servers for a really very long time. However you must observe that its market share has been slowly reducing over time. This has occurred since sooner options like Nginx have come alongside.

Regardless of this, Apache continues for use on plenty of web sites as a result of it’s so straightforward to make use of. We’ve observed that it’s particularly in style with small to medium-sized web sites.

Actually, it’s nonetheless the default net server on many shared internet hosting plans. And plenty of of those internet hosting suppliers provide easy-to-use management panels to make configuration even simpler.

Nginx – Market Share

Nginx has actually grown in market share lately. It’s now probably the most used net server on the web, overtaking Apache in 2019.

It’s in style due to its excessive efficiency and environment friendly useful resource utilization. In our expertise, it’s a good selection for high-traffic web sites and online stores.

LiteSpeed – Market Share

LiteSpeed has additionally skilled development out there over the previous few years. Whereas it doesn’t have the market share of Apache or Nginx, its recognition is continually rising.

It’s changing into particularly in style inside the WordPress group as a result of its excessive efficiency and LiteSpeed Cache plugin, which might present excessive speeds for WordPress web sites.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

The present market chief when it comes to market share is Nginx. Whereas Apache nonetheless holds a powerful presence and LiteSpeed is gaining recognition, Nginx’s excessive efficiency and talent to deal with massive site visitors volumes make it the general market chief.

Default Net Server for Fashionable Internet hosting Suppliers

Most frequently, web site house owners select their internet hosting supplier first after which merely use the default net server supplied by that compny. Nonetheless, some internet hosting suppliers provide a alternative of net server software program.

This part lists some popular hosting providers and the first net server software program they sometimes provide. This could present a simple comparability that can assist you when selecting a internet hosting supplier based mostly in your wants.

On this useful desk, we present the first (default) net server supplied by every internet hosting supplier as a inexperienced dot and any secondary choices supplied as a yellow dot.

Host	Notes	Apache	Nginx	LiteSpeed
Bluehost	Makes use of Apache; Nginx accessible on some plans	🟢	🟡
SiteGround	Nginx with Apache as a fallback	🟡	🟢
Hostinger	Makes use of Apache; choices for Nginx & LiteSpeed	🟢	🟡	🟡
WP Engine	Makes use of Nginx for efficiency and stability		🟢
DreamHost	Makes use of Apache, Nginx is an possibility	🟢	🟡
A2 Hosting	LiteSpeed, choices for Apache & Nginx	🟡	🟡	🟢
HostGator	Makes use of Apache	🟢
GreenGeeks	LiteSpeed is environmentally pleasant			🟢
GoDaddy	Makes use of Apache, Nginx on some plans	🟢	🟡

As you’ll be able to see within the desk, Apache and Nginx can be found with hottest suppliers.

Nonetheless, particular net server availability might rely on the kind of internet hosting plan you select. Some internet hosting suppliers might can help you use an alternate net server by buying a particular plan or license.

For probably the most correct and up-to-date info, please contact your internet hosting supplier.

Price

By now, you is likely to be questioning how a lot that is all going to value. Properly, solely one among these net servers really prices cash. However you usually received’t pay for this your self as a result of it’s constructed into your internet hosting plan’s pricing.

On this part, we’ll examine the associated fee issues for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, exploring their licensing fashions and potential bills.

Apache – Price

Apache is open-source software program and is totally free to make use of. There aren’t any licensing charges related to Apache. This makes it a really engaging possibility for people, small companies, and enormous organizations which have tight budgets.

Whereas the software program itself is free, it is very important observe that you’ll nonetheless must pay for a internet hosting plan. This can cover the costs of the server {hardware}, working system, and different software program required to run Apache.

Nginx – Price

Nginx, like Apache, can be open-source software program and is free to make use of. There aren’t any licensing charges or every other sort of payment for the software program.

As with Apache, the software program is free. Nonetheless, you’ll have to think about internet hosting prices, which offer you important sources like server {hardware}, an working system, and extra.

LiteSpeed – Price

In contrast to Apache and Nginx, that are free, LiteSpeed is available in completely different variations with completely different worth tags. Whereas there’s a free primary model known as OpenLiteSpeed, the full-featured variations can value wherever from $10-$100+ monthly, relying in your wants.

Nonetheless, this value is often constructed into your internet hosting plan, so that you sometimes received’t pay for it instantly. So it might imply that internet hosting plans that use LiteSpeed value greater than related plans utilizing Apache or Nginx.

🏅 Winner – Apache and Nginx (Tie)

The winner when it comes to value is a tie between Apache and Nginx. Each are open-source and free to make use of with none licensing charges. This makes them glorious selections for any consumer who doesn’t wish to pay any licensing prices for his or her net server software program.

Whereas LiteSpeed affords a free model, the paid variations present important options that come at a value. In order for you an online server with free licensing, then Apache and Nginx are the clear selections.

Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: Which Is the Greatest?

Your best option for website hosting software program will change relying in your wants.

Apache remains to be a superb alternative for a lot of customers. It’s broadly accessible, straightforward to make use of, and freed from cost. It’s the default net server utilized by many shared internet hosting suppliers.

If you happen to’d prefer to get began with Apache, then we extremely suggest signing up with Bluehost. They’re beginner-friendly, inexpensive, and even provide an enormous low cost to WPBeginner readers with our Bluehost coupon code.

Nonetheless, we are able to’t suggest Apache for websites that anticipate to get plenty of site visitors. In that case, Nginx is a better option due to its superior efficiency.

SiteGround is a wonderful managed hosting provider that makes use of Nginx server software program. It’s constructed for top efficiency, which is why we really use it for the WPBeginner web site.

Then again, many WordPress customers are contemplating LiteSpeed. Whereas it’s costlier, it’s straightforward to make use of like Apache and has most of the efficiency advantages of Nginx.

Apart from that, you’ll be able to simply configure its cache from the WordPress dashboard utilizing the LiteSpeed Cache plugin.

If you happen to’d like to make use of LiteSpeed, then we suggest Hostinger. They provide inexpensive internet hosting plans for companies of all sizes, and you will get an enormous low cost utilizing our Hostinger coupon code.

Here’s a desk that summarizes the winners for every class we mentioned:

	Apache	Nginx	LiteSpeed
Ease of configuration	🥇
Efficiency		🥇
Safety		🥇
Working System Help	🥇
Market Share		🥇
Internet hosting Suppliers	🥇	🥇
Price	🥇	🥇

Incessantly Requested Questions About Net Server Software program

After studying concerning the variations between Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, you should still have some questions on net servers. Listed below are solutions to a number of the questions we’re requested most frequently.

What precisely is an online server?

An online server is software program that shops, processes, and delivers content material out of your web site to the consumer’s browser. This contains net pages, pictures, movies, and different knowledge. You possibly can consider it as a supply system between your web site and an online browser.

Do I would like an online server to have an internet site?

Sure, an internet site wants an online server to be accessible on the web. It’s the software program that makes your web site’s content material accessible to the world.

Is an online server the identical as a server machine?

No. Whereas the time period ‘server’ is usually used to consult with each, an online server is software program, whereas a server machine is the bodily {hardware} (pc) that runs the online server software program. You possibly can have a number of net servers working on a single server machine.

What does it imply for an online server to be event-driven or process-based?

These phrases consult with the architectural method of the online server:

• Course of-based servers like Apache create a brand new course of or thread for every incoming connection. This may be resource-intensive with excessive site visitors.
• Occasion-driven servers like Nginx and LiteSpeed use a single course of or a small variety of processes to deal with many connections on the similar time. They’re extra environment friendly and use system sources higher.

What’s load balancing, and why would I would like it?

Load balancing works like having a number of doorways to enter a busy retailer. When one entrance will get too crowded, persons are directed to different doorways.

This spreads out customer site visitors throughout a number of servers, stopping any single server from changing into overloaded and slowing down your web site. It’s important for web sites with excessive site visitors.

What’s caching, and the way does it enhance efficiency?

Net servers can use various kinds of caching. Caching shops steadily accessed knowledge in a short lived storage location in order that it may be served extra rapidly with out having to retrieve it from its authentic supply each time. This reduces server load and improves web site loading instances.

Are net servers free?

Many net servers are open supply and free to make use of, together with Apache and Nginx. Nonetheless, some net servers like LiteSpeed provide each free and industrial paid variations with completely different characteristic units and help.

Can I modify my net server later if wanted?

Sure, you’ll be able to change your net server, however it might require some effort. You must switch your web site information, reconfigure the server settings, and probably replace your DNS records. If this isn’t accomplished accurately, then your web site can expertise downtime.

Can I run an online server on my house pc?

Sure, you’ll be able to run an online server on your own home pc (Windows, Mac) for improvement and testing. Nonetheless, for a manufacturing web site, we suggest you choose a reliable web hosting provider.

We hope this comparability between Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed helped you select the most effective net server in your WordPress web site. You might also wish to see our newbie’s information on how to host a website or our professional decide of the fastest WordPress hosting.

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