Since we launched WPBeginner, we’ve got been on a mission to assist our readers enhance their Blogging platform web sites. And selecting the correct net server software program can go a good distance towards dashing up your website and creating a greater person expertise.
Now, you is likely to be considering that selecting net server software program sounds a bit technical. However it will often come right down to which internet hosting supplier you decide. Sometimes, they’ll run both Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed on their internet hosting servers.
For those who’re interested by what goes on behind the scenes and are able to discover your choices for net server software program, then you might be in the suitable place!
On this information, we’ll clarify the variations between Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed. We are going to examine their strengths and weaknesses that will help you select the most suitable choice in your wants.
Knowledgeable Tip: Want some further assist dashing up your web site? Why not go away it to the professionals?
Our group at WPBeginner can deal with every part from server optimization to picture compression and extra. Simply try our Web site Pace Optimization Service for extra particulars!
Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: A Temporary Overview
Apache, Nginx (pronounced ‘Engine X’), and LiteSpeed are all widespread net server software program. Internet servers energy each web site by delivering the content material out of your website to the person’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:
| Internet Server | Greatest For | License |
|---|---|---|
| Apache | Simple configuration for shared internet hosting | Free & open-source |
| Nginx | Superior efficiency for high-traffic web sites | Free & open-source |
| LiteSpeed | Steadiness between efficiency & ease of use | Paid, with free model |
Now that you simply’ve seen the abstract, we extremely advocate you retain studying to get our in-depth evaluation of every software. It will assist you to make the suitable alternative in your website.
How We In contrast Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed
To give 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 group has hands-on expertise managing servers working Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed in numerous environments.
- Arms-On Testing: Lots of our troubleshooting tutorials present you the right way to remedy frequent web site issues by appropriately configuring totally different net servers.
- Function Comparability: We in contrast the important thing options of every net server, together with efficiency metrics, structure, safety features, caching capabilities, and extra.
- Use Case Evaluation: We checked out totally different situations and beneficial the place every server could be greatest primarily based on its strengths and weaknesses.
- Pricing Issues: We regarded on the totally different licensing and pricing buildings of every net server and famous that LiteSpeed requires a paid license.
- Sensible Software: We thought-about how simple it’s for learners to get began and the way every server can scale as visitors will increase.
We purpose that will help you perceive the variations between these widespread net servers and make an knowledgeable determination that meets your wants.
📣 Why Belief WPBeginner?
WPBeginner has been a trusted supply of assist for Blogging platform customers since 2009. We’re dedicated to serving to customers construct, keep, and enhance their web sites and on-line companies.
We now have years of expertise troubleshooting numerous points associated to net server configuration, efficiency, and safety. That’s why we perceive the varieties of issues that you could be face and the right way to remedy them.
Whereas our web site at the moment makes use of the Nginx net server, we perceive that many web sites use Apache or LiteSpeed and ensure that our tutorials are useful to all of our readers.
We concentrate on real-world situations and sensible recommendation. That manner, we will make certain that our suggestions are useful for learners and skilled customers alike.
Wish to know extra about how we work? Check out our detailed editorial tips.
With all that mentioned, let’s get began with our Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed comparability. You need to use the short hyperlinks beneath to skip to the subject you’re most taken with:
Ease of Configuration
It is vital for learners to have the ability to configure an internet server simply. When this job is just too sophisticated, it might take lots of time, which may go away you feeling pissed off.
On this part, we’ll examine the configuration processes for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their studying curves and out there instruments.
Apache – Configuration
Configuring an internet server is pretty technical and sometimes entails enhancing a textual content file. Nevertheless, Apache is mostly thought-about essentially the most beginner-friendly.
The principle configuration file is known as httpd.conf or apache2.conf and is structured in a manner that’s simple to learn.
Apache additionally means that you can configure every listing individually utilizing .htaccess recordsdata. For those who use shared internet hosting, then you should use this technique to regulate server habits without having entry to the principle configuration recordsdata.
You’ll be able to see our information on essentially the most helpful .htaccess tips for Blogging platform 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. For those who aren’t snug with command-line instruments, then this makes it much more accessible.
Total, Apache is straightforward 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 relating to configuration. The server makes use of a special syntax with a extra command-line-based method. In easy phrases, syntax means the language that you simply use to speak with the server software program.
You will want to edit a major configuration file referred to as nginx.conf and create separate configuration recordsdata for every web site you wish to host (referred to as digital hosts).
Consider digital hosts as having totally different residences in the identical constructing – every web site will get its personal house and settings, however all of them share the identical server.
Whereas this provides you extra management over every web site’s settings, it’s extra sophisticated to arrange than Apache’s method.
If you arrange Nginx, the configuration course of is extra guide than with Apache, and you might be anticipated to have a deeper understanding of net server ideas.
This makes it a great choice in case you have a complicated understanding of servers and need 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 gives 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 recordsdata, which is one other main profit in case you are used to Apache.
Total, LiteSpeed gives ease of configuration due to its graphical person 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 learners and anybody coming from shared internet hosting.
We like that it makes use of easy syntax and user-friendly GUI choices in management panels. Plus, we admire the comfort and suppleness of .htaccess recordsdata for controlling our web sites.
Functionality
In case your web site must deal with lots of visitors, then it would be best to select an internet server with nice efficiency. In our expertise, those who have been developed extra just lately could deal with some duties extra effectively.
For instance, they might use fewer system assets, 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 take into account their totally different architectures, caching capabilities, and load-balancing methods.
Apache – Functionality
Apache makes use of a process-based structure. Undecided 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 employees (extra reminiscence and processing energy) to deal with a number of clients directly.
Whereas that is less complicated to place into motion, the downside is that it might use many system assets when your website has lots of visitors. This could result in slower response instances and better useful resource utilization.
Apache can enhance efficiency utilizing caching modules that retailer content material in reminiscence so it may be accessed extra rapidly. Nevertheless, its caching skills should not as efficient as what Nginx and LiteSpeed provide.
Apache may enhance efficiency by sharing incoming visitors throughout a number of servers. Nevertheless, that is extra complicated than the choices that include Nginx and LiteSpeed as a result of it wants further configuration.
Total, Apache is nice for small to medium websites or web sites with low visitors. However in case you have a high traffic website like ours, then you could discover that its efficiency suffers due to its process-based structure.
Nginx – Functionality
Nginx gives glorious efficiency due to its event-driven structure. That implies that it might deal with numerous simultaneous connections utilizing a single course of. This permits it to make use of server assets extra effectively.
Nginx has built-in caching and load-balancing capabilities which might be higher than Apache’s. It additionally produces quicker response instances and a greater end-user expertise.
In our expertise, Nginx is a transparent chief relating to efficiency, particularly in high-traffic circumstances. For those who get lots of visitors, then you’ll admire its effectivity, scalability, and talent to carry out below stress.
LiteSpeed – Functionality
LiteSpeed can also 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. Because of this it might provide related efficiency to Nginx whereas working nicely with Apache configurations.
LiteSpeed has its personal built-in caching mechanism referred to as LiteSpeed Cache. It has an excellent fame and makes use of a plugin for straightforward Blogging platform configuration. The server additionally provides you complete load-balancing options.
In our testing, we discovered that LiteSpeed delivers glorious efficiency, much like Nginx.
It’s additionally simple to make use of for those who’re accustomed to Apache. What’s extra, it’s particularly nice for Blogging platform customers due to its caching plugin.
🏅 Winner – Nginx
Whereas each Nginx and LiteSpeed are identified for prime efficiency, we want Nginx.
It is because it makes use of a strong event-driven structure and a built-in caching system. We love the best way it might deal with giant quantities of visitors whereas effectively utilizing assets.
Whereas LiteSpeed gives very excessive efficiency as nicely, Nginx nonetheless leads barely relating to general efficiency below stress.
📢 Questioning which server is true in your net visitors?
Chances are you’ll wish to select primarily based in your every day customer depend:
- Below 1,000 guests: Apache (best to handle)
- 1,000-10,000 guests: Apache or LiteSpeed
- Over 10,000 guests: Nginx or LiteSpeed (greatest efficiency)
☝ Word: Your wants could range relying in your website’s content material and options. And for those who run an internet retailer, then you definately’ll wish to be sure that your server can deal with high-traffic occasions like limited-time gross sales.
Defense
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 makes an attempt and knowledge breaches.
On this part, we’ll examine the safety features of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their built-in protections and safety practices.
Apache – Defense
You’ll be able to enhance Apache’s safety utilizing safety modules and configurations, together with net utility firewall capabilities. This protects your web site towards assaults like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
Apache additionally offers choices for configuring entry management, SSL encryption, and extra.
Nevertheless, there’s a main draw back. There are such a lot of modules and configuration choices that selecting the perfect safety configuration can get very complicated.
Plus, it’s extra weak to assault due to its process-based structure. As a result of Apache makes use of extra server assets for every web site customer, it’s simpler for attackers to overload it with pretend guests and crash your web site.
Briefly, though you can also make Apache safe, you will have to spend time fastidiously configuring and sustaining it.
Nginx – Defense
We take into account 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 safety features that Nginx gives. These embrace SSL encryption, entry management, and price limiting, which may help defend towards DDoS assaults.
It additionally integrates nicely with net utility firewalls and different safety instruments.
All of which means that Nginx is designed with safety in thoughts and is more durable to assault than Apache.
LiteSpeed – Defense
We’re additionally impressed with LiteSpeed’s high-security requirements. It offers loads of safety features, like DDoS safety and brute pressure safety.
It additionally has an internet utility firewall that protects towards SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and different frequent net assaults.
LiteSpeed additionally helps SSL encryption and has choices for configuring entry controls.
We discover that LiteSpeed offers nice safety towards frequent net threats. It has been designed with safety in thoughts.
🏅 Winner – Nginx
Whereas all three servers provide good safety features, we discover that essentially the most safe choice is Nginx. As a result of it has an event-driven structure and light-weight design, it gives fewer alternatives for hackers to assault it.
Moreover this, it gives a formidable variety of safety features. We take into account it to be essentially the most safe of the three net servers out of the field.
Working System Assist
Linux is the preferred working system for website hosting servers, which is why all main net server software program is designed to run very nicely on Linux.
Nevertheless, 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 Assist
The massive advantage of Apache is that it’s suitable with many working methods. 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 challenge 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 methods.
Nginx – Working System Assist
Nginx additionally has excellent working system help. It’s most frequently used on Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Crimson Hat. Nevertheless it additionally runs nicely on macOS, FreeBSD, and different Unix-based methods.
Nginx has good help for Home windows, however its efficiency is much less optimized for that working system. It performs greatest on Linux methods.
LiteSpeed – Working System Assist
Sadly, LiteSpeed has help for the fewest working methods. 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 usually run on Linux-based methods.
The draw back is that LiteSpeed will not be 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 methods.
🏅 Winner – Apache
Apache and Nginx each have fairly good working system help. However we imagine the winner is Apache.
Apache gives glorious help for Linux, macOS, and Home windows. Whereas Nginx gives related help, Apache is barely higher on account of its lengthy historical past.
LiteSpeed, whereas well-supported on Linux, doesn’t help macOS or Home windows.
Market Share
Questioning how widespread every of those net servers is? Finding out the market share may 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 probably the most widespread net servers for a really very long time. However it is best to observe that its market share has been slowly reducing over time. This has occurred since quicker options like Nginx have come alongside.
Regardless of this, Apache continues for use on lots of web sites as a result of it’s so simple to make use of. We now have seen that it’s particularly widespread with small to medium-sized web sites.
The truth is, it’s nonetheless the default net server on many shared internet hosting plans. And lots 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 essentially the most used net server on the web, overtaking Apache in 2019.
It’s widespread due to its excessive efficiency and environment friendly useful resource utilization. In our expertise, it’s a sensible choice for high-traffic web sites and on-line shops.
LiteSpeed – Market Share
LiteSpeed has additionally skilled progress available in the market over the previous few years. Whereas it doesn’t have the market share of Apache or Nginx, its reputation is continually rising.
It’s changing into particularly widespread throughout the Blogging platform group on account of its excessive efficiency and LiteSpeed Cache plugin, which may present excessive speeds for Blogging platform 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 reputation, Nginx’s excessive efficiency and talent to deal with giant visitors volumes make it the general market chief.
Default Internet Server for Common 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. Nevertheless, some internet hosting suppliers provide a alternative of net server software program.
This part lists some widespread internet hosting suppliers and the first net server software program they usually provide. This could present a straightforward comparability that will help you when selecting a internet hosting supplier primarily based in your wants.
On this helpful 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 out there 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 choice | 🟢 | 🟡 | |
| A2 Internet 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 possibly can see within the desk, Apache and Nginx can be found with hottest suppliers.
Nevertheless, particular net server availability could depend upon the kind of internet hosting plan you select. Some internet hosting suppliers could permit you to use an alternate net server by buying a particular plan or license.
For essentially the most correct and up-to-date info, please contact your internet hosting supplier.
Value
By now, you is likely to be questioning how a lot that is all going to price. Properly, solely one in all 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 – Value
Apache is open-source software program and is totally free to make use of. There are not any licensing charges related to Apache. This makes it a really enticing choice 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. It will cowl the prices of the server {hardware}, working system, and different software program required to run Apache.
Nginx – Value
Nginx, like Apache, can also be open-source software program and is free to make use of. There are not any licensing charges or every other kind of payment for the software program.
As with Apache, the software program is free. Nevertheless, you’ll have to think about internet hosting prices, which give you important assets like server {hardware}, an working system, and extra.
LiteSpeed – Value
In contrast to Apache and Nginx, that are free, LiteSpeed is available in totally different variations with totally different worth tags. Whereas there’s a free primary model referred to as OpenLiteSpeed, the full-featured variations can price anyplace from $10-$100+ per thirty days, relying in your wants.
Nevertheless, this price is often constructed into your internet hosting plan, so that you usually received’t pay for it instantly. So it could imply that internet hosting plans that use LiteSpeed price greater than related plans utilizing Apache or Nginx.
🏅 Winner – Apache and Nginx (Tie)
The winner when it comes to price 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 decisions for any person who doesn’t wish to pay any licensing prices for his or her net server software program.
Whereas LiteSpeed gives a free model, the paid variations present important options that come at a price. In order for you an internet server with free licensing, then Apache and Nginx are the clear decisions.
Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: Which Is the Greatest?
The only option for website hosting software program will change relying in your wants.
Apache remains to be a wonderful alternative for a lot of customers. It’s broadly out there, simple to make use of, and freed from cost. It’s the default net server utilized by many shared internet hosting suppliers.
For those who’d prefer to get began with Apache, then we extremely advocate signing up with Bluehost. They’re beginner-friendly, reasonably priced, and even provide an enormous low cost to WPBeginner readers with our Bluehost coupon code.
Nevertheless, we will’t advocate Apache for websites that count on to get a number of visitors. In that case, Nginx is a more sensible choice due to its superior efficiency.
SiteGround is a wonderful managed internet hosting supplier that makes use of Nginx server software program. It’s constructed for prime efficiency, which is why we really use it for the WPBeginner web site.
Alternatively, many Blogging platform customers are contemplating LiteSpeed. Whereas it’s costlier, it’s simple to make use of like Apache and has lots of the efficiency advantages of Nginx.
Moreover that, you possibly can simply configure its cache from the Blogging platform dashboard utilizing the LiteSpeed Cache plugin.
For those who’d like to make use of LiteSpeed, then we advocate Hostinger. They provide reasonably priced 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 | 🥇 | ||
| Functionality | 🥇 | ||
| Defense | 🥇 | ||
| Working System Assist | 🥇 | ||
| Market Share | 🥇 | ||
| Internet hosting Suppliers | 🥇 | 🥇 | |
| Value | 🥇 | 🥇 |
Continuously Requested Questions About Internet 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 internet server?
An internet server is software program that shops, processes, and delivers content material out of your web site to the person’s browser. This contains net pages, photographs, movies, and different knowledge. You’ll be able to consider it as a supply system between your web site and an internet browser.
Do I want an internet server to have a web site?
Sure, a web site wants an internet server to be accessible on the web. It’s the software program that makes your website’s content material out there to the world.
Is an internet server the identical as a server machine?
No. Whereas the time period ‘server’ is usually used to consult with each, an internet server is software program, whereas a server machine is the bodily {hardware} (pc) that runs the online server software program. You’ll be able to have a number of net servers working on a single server machine.
What does it imply for an internet 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 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 identical time. They’re extra environment friendly and use system assets higher.
What’s load balancing, and why would I want it?
Load balancing works like having a number of doorways to enter a busy retailer. When one entrance will get too crowded, individuals are directed to different doorways.
This spreads out customer 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 visitors.
What’s caching, and the way does it enhance efficiency?
Internet servers can use various kinds of caching. Caching shops ceaselessly accessed knowledge in a brief 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. Nevertheless, some net servers like LiteSpeed provide each free and industrial paid variations with totally different function units and help.
Can I alter my net server later if wanted?
Sure, you possibly can change your net server, however it could require some effort. You might want to switch your web site recordsdata, reconfigure the server settings, and probably replace your DNS information. If this isn’t accomplished appropriately, then your web site can expertise downtime.
Can I run an internet server on my residence pc?
Sure, you possibly can run an internet server on your own home pc (Home windows, Mac) for improvement and testing. Nevertheless, for a manufacturing web site, we advocate you select a dependable website hosting supplier.
We hope this comparability between Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed helped you select the perfect net server in your Blogging platform web site. You might also wish to see our newbie’s information on the right way to host a web site or our skilled decide of the quickest Blogging platform internet hosting.
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