Since we introduced WPBeginner, we now have been on a venture to lend a hand our readers support their WordPress internet sites. And choosing the right internet server device can move a ways towards dashing up your website and developing a greater consumer revel in.

Now, you could be considering that opting for internet server device sounds a bit of technical. However this may generally come right down to which web hosting supplier you pick out. Generally, they are going to run both Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed on their web hosting servers.

In case you’re taken with what is going on at the back of the scenes and are in a position to discover your choices for internet server device, then you might be in the proper position!

On this information, we will be able to provide an explanation for the diversities between Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed. We will be able to examine their strengths and weaknesses that will help you make a choice the most suitable choice to your wishes.

Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed

Professional Tip: Want some further lend a hand dashing up your site? Why no longer go away it to the pros?

Our staff at WPBeginner can care for the entirety from server optimization to symbol compression and extra. Simply take a look at our Website Pace Optimization Carrier for extra main points!

Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: A Temporary Assessment

Apache, Nginx (pronounced ‘Engine X’), and LiteSpeed are all well-liked internet server device. Internet servers energy each and every site via turning in the content material out of your website to the consumer’s internet browser.

If you’re brief on time, then right here’s a snappy assessment of our comparability of Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed:

Internet Server Best possible For License
Apache Simple configuration for shared web hosting Loose & open-source
Nginx Awesome efficiency for high-traffic internet sites Loose & open-source
LiteSpeed Stability between efficiency & ease of use Paid, with unfastened model

Now that you just’ve noticed the abstract, we extremely counsel you stay studying to get our in-depth research of every instrument. This may occasionally let you make the proper selection to your website.

How We When compared Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed

To give you a good and thorough comparability of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, we adopted an manner that mixes hands-on revel in with cautious analysis:

  • Actual-International Enjoy: Our staff has hands-on revel in managing servers working Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed in more than a few environments.
  • Arms-On Trying out: A lot of our troubleshooting tutorials display you clear up commonplace site issues via appropriately configuring other internet servers.
  • Characteristic Comparability: We in comparison the important thing options of every internet server, together with efficiency metrics, structure, security measures, caching functions, and extra.
  • Use Case Research: We checked out other eventualities and beneficial the place every server could be easiest in accordance with its strengths and weaknesses.
  • Pricing Concerns: We seemed on the other licensing and pricing constructions of every internet server and famous that LiteSpeed calls for a paid license.
  • Sensible Software: We thought to be how clean it’s for newbies to get began and the way every server can scale as site visitors will increase.

We intention that will help you perceive the diversities between those well-liked internet servers and make an educated resolution that meets your wishes.

📣 Why Consider WPBeginner?

WPBeginner has been a relied on supply of lend a hand for WordPress customers since 2009. We’re dedicated to serving to customers construct, handle, and support their internet sites and on-line companies.

We have now years of revel in troubleshooting more than a few problems associated with internet server configuration, efficiency, and safety. That’s why we perceive the kinds of issues which you can face and clear up them.

Whilst our site these days makes use of the Nginx internet server, we needless to say many internet sites use Apache or LiteSpeed and be sure that our tutorials are useful to all of our readers.

We center of attention on real-world eventualities and sensible recommendation. That approach, we will be able to ensure that our suggestions are useful for newbies and skilled customers alike.

Wish to know extra about how we paintings? Check out our detailed editorial tips.

With all that stated, let’s get began with our Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed comparability. You’ll use the short hyperlinks under to skip to the subject you’re maximum fascinated by:

Ease of Configuration

It is necessary for newbies with the intention to configure a internet server simply. When this job is just too sophisticated, it will probably take a large number of time, which is able to go away you feeling annoyed.

On this phase, we’ll examine the configuration processes for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their finding out curves and to be had equipment.

Apache – Configuration

Configuring a internet server is quite technical and continuously comes to modifying a textual content report. On the other hand, Apache is in most cases thought to be essentially the most beginner-friendly.

The primary configuration report is named httpd.conf or apache2.conf and is structured in some way that’s clean to learn.

Apache additionally permits you to configure every listing in my view the use of .htaccess information. In case you use shared web hosting, then you’ll use this way to keep watch over server habits while not having get entry to to the primary configuration information.

Editing the .htaccess File

You’ll see our information at the most valuable .htaccess tips for WordPress to be informed what you’ll do.

Plus, many web hosting keep watch over panels additionally include graphical interfaces that simplify Apache’s configuration even additional. In case you aren’t happy with command-line equipment, then this makes it much more available.

Total, Apache is straightforward to configure for easy and medium-difficulty duties and has a lot of equipment to lend a hand with the configuration.

Nginx – Configuration

Nginx has a steeper finding out curve in the case of configuration. The server makes use of a special syntax with a extra command-line-based manner. In easy phrases, syntax manner the language that you just use to keep up a correspondence with the server device.

It is important to edit a first-rate configuration report referred to as nginx.conf and create separate configuration information for every site you need to host (referred to as digital hosts).

Bring to mind digital hosts as having other flats in the similar development – every site will get its personal area and settings, however all of them percentage the similar server.

Whilst this will provide you with extra keep watch over over every site’s settings, it’s extra sophisticated to arrange than Apache’s manner.

Editing the NGINX Configuration File

Whilst you arrange Nginx, the configuration activity is extra handbook than with Apache, and you might be anticipated to have a deeper working out of internet server ideas.

This makes it a just right possibility in case you have a complicated working out of servers and need a better degree of keep watch over.

LiteSpeed – Configuration

LiteSpeed is designed to be appropriate with Apache when it comes to configuration, which is a big benefit if you’re already aware of Apache.

LiteSpeed additionally gives its personal internet admin console, which simplifies server control. Plus, it supplies integration with a number of web hosting keep watch over panels, which makes it more uncomplicated to configure.

Moreover, LiteSpeed helps .htaccess information, which is any other primary get advantages if you’re used to Apache.

Total, LiteSpeed gives ease of configuration on account of its graphical consumer interface (GUI) equipment, particularly if you’re already aware of Apache.

🏅 Winner – Apache

Whilst you’ll configure all 3 server device to run your site, we discover that Apache is the most straightforward to configure. That is very true for newbies and any individual coming from shared web hosting.

We love that it makes use of simple syntax and user-friendly GUI choices in keep watch over panels. Plus, we admire the benefit and versatility of .htaccess information for controlling our internet sites.

Efficiency

In case your site must care for a large number of site visitors, then you’ll want to make a choice a internet server with nice efficiency. In our revel in, those who had been advanced extra lately might care for some duties extra successfully.

As an example, they are going to use fewer device assets, care for more than one connections higher, and serve your site content material extra temporarily.

On this phase, we’ll discover how Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed examine when it comes to efficiency. We will be able to believe their other architectures, caching functions, and load-balancing tactics.

Apache – Efficiency

Apache makes use of a process-based structure. No longer positive what that implies?

Bring to mind Apache as a shop that opens a brand new checkout counter for every buyer. Whilst this implies each and every customer will get their very own devoted provider, it additionally manner the shop wishes extra space and body of workers (extra reminiscence and processing energy) to care for quite a lot of consumers directly.

Whilst that is more practical to place into motion, the disadvantage is that it will probably use many device assets when your website has a large number of site visitors. This may end up in slower reaction instances and better useful resource utilization.

Apache can support efficiency the use of caching modules that retailer content material in reminiscence so it may be accessed extra temporarily. On the other hand, its caching talents don’t seem to be as efficient as what Nginx and LiteSpeed be offering.

Apache too can support efficiency via sharing incoming site visitors throughout more than one servers. On the other hand, that is extra complicated than the choices that include Nginx and LiteSpeed as it wishes further configuration.

Total, Apache is just right for small to medium websites or internet sites with low site visitors. However in case you have a heavy-traffic website like ours, then you could to find that its efficiency suffers on account of its process-based structure.

Nginx – Efficiency

Nginx gives very good efficiency on account of its event-driven structure. That signifies that it will probably care for a lot of simultaneous connections the use of a unmarried activity. This permits it to make use of server assets extra successfully.

Nginx has integrated caching and load-balancing functions which can be higher than Apache’s. It additionally produces quicker reaction instances and a greater end-user revel in.

In our revel in, Nginx is a transparent chief in the case of efficiency, particularly in high-traffic stipulations. In case you get a large number of site visitors, then you are going to admire its potency, scalability, and skill to accomplish beneath rigidity.

LiteSpeed – Efficiency

LiteSpeed may be recognized 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 probably be offering an identical efficiency to Nginx whilst operating effectively with Apache configurations.

LiteSpeed has its personal integrated caching mechanism referred to as LiteSpeed Cache. It has a super popularity and makes use of a plugin for simple WordPress configuration. The server additionally will provide you with complete load-balancing options.

LiteSpeed Cache advanced settings

In our trying out, we discovered that LiteSpeed delivers very good efficiency, very similar to Nginx.

It’s additionally clean to make use of should you’re aware of Apache. What’s extra, it’s particularly nice for WordPress customers on account of its caching plugin.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

Whilst each Nginx and LiteSpeed are recognized for top efficiency, we want Nginx.

It’s because it makes use of an impressive event-driven structure and a integrated caching device. We adore how it can care for massive quantities of site visitors whilst successfully the use of assets.

Whilst LiteSpeed gives very excessive efficiency as effectively, Nginx nonetheless leads fairly in the case of total efficiency beneath rigidity.

📢 Questioning which server is correct to your internet site visitors?

It’s your decision to make a choice in accordance with your day by day customer depend:

  • Below 1,000 guests: Apache (highest to control)
  • 1,000-10,000 guests: Apache or LiteSpeed
  • Over 10,000 guests: Nginx or LiteSpeed (easiest efficiency)

Observe: Your wishes might range relying for your website’s content material and contours. And should you run an on-line retailer, then you definitely’ll wish to ensure that your server can care for high-traffic occasions like limited-time gross sales.

Safety

You are going to additionally wish to pay shut consideration to the protection choices of every internet server. One of the vital essential jobs of a server is to offer protection to your site from threats, together with hacking makes an attempt and knowledge breaches.

On this phase, we’ll examine the protection options of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, specializing in their integrated protections and safety practices.

Apache – Safety

You’ll support Apache’s safety the use of safety modules and configurations, together with internet utility firewall functions. This saves your site in opposition to assaults like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.

Apache additionally supplies choices for configuring get entry to keep watch over, SSL encryption, and extra.

On the other hand, there’s a primary problem. There are such a lot of modules and configuration choices that opting for the most efficient safety configuration can get very complicated.

Plus, it’s extra at risk of assault on account of its process-based structure. As a result of Apache makes use of extra server assets for every site customer, it’s more uncomplicated for attackers to overload it with pretend guests and crash your site.

Briefly, even supposing you’ll make Apache protected, it is important to spend time sparsely configuring and keeping up it.

Nginx – Safety

We believe Nginx to be an excessively protected internet server. Its event-driven structure is much less susceptible than process-based servers like Apache.

We additionally love the massive selection of robust security measures that Nginx gives. Those come with SSL encryption, get entry to keep watch over, and fee proscribing, which is able to lend a hand offer protection to in opposition to DDoS assaults.

It additionally integrates effectively with internet utility firewalls and different safety equipment.

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

LiteSpeed – Safety

We also are inspired with LiteSpeed’s high-security requirements. It supplies a lot of security measures, like DDoS coverage and brute drive coverage.

It additionally has a internet utility firewall that protects in opposition to SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and different commonplace internet assaults.

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

We discover that LiteSpeed supplies nice coverage in opposition to commonplace internet threats. It’s been designed with safety in thoughts.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

Whilst all 3 servers be offering just right security measures, we discover that essentially the most protected possibility is Nginx. As it has an event-driven structure and light-weight design, it gives fewer alternatives for hackers to assault it.

But even so this, it gives an excellent selection of security measures. We believe it to be essentially the most protected of the 3 internet servers out of the field.

Running Device Fortify

Linux is the most well liked working device for internet web hosting servers, which is why all primary internet server device is designed to run rather well on Linux.

On the other hand, some internet sites use macOS or Home windows Server, and those have fewer internet server choices.

On this phase, we’ll check out the working device beef up for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed. We will be able to discover which platforms they are able to be put in on plus any essential problems to believe.

Operating System

Apache – Running Device Fortify

The large good thing about Apache is that it’s appropriate with many working programs. It runs easily on more than a few Linux distributions, together with Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora. Plus, it has just right beef up for macOS and Home windows.

And since it’s an open-source undertaking with a protracted historical past, Apache has a powerful neighborhood supporting many OS platforms. This implies you are going to simply to find complete documentation and beef up for more than a few working programs.

Nginx – Running Device Fortify

Nginx additionally has superb working device beef up. It’s maximum continuously used on Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Pink Hat. But it surely additionally runs effectively on macOS, FreeBSD, and different Unix-based programs.

Nginx has just right beef up for Home windows, however its efficiency is much less optimized for that working device. It plays easiest on Linux programs.

LiteSpeed – Running Device Fortify

Sadly, LiteSpeed has beef up for the fewest working programs. That stated, it’s appropriate with hottest Linux distributions like CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, and others.

It additionally has just right beef up for keep watch over panels like cPanel and Plesk, which generally run on Linux-based programs.

The drawback is that LiteSpeed isn’t designed for macOS or Home windows Server in the similar approach it’s for Linux. It’s constructed and extremely optimized to paintings easiest on Linux-based programs.

🏅 Winner – Apache

Apache and Nginx each have lovely just right working device beef up. However we imagine the winner is Apache.

Apache gives very good beef up for Linux, macOS, and Home windows. Whilst Nginx gives an identical beef up, Apache is fairly higher because of its lengthy historical past.

LiteSpeed, whilst well-supported on Linux, does no longer beef up macOS or Home windows.

Marketplace Percentage

Questioning how well-liked every of those internet servers is? Finding out the marketplace percentage allow you to perceive which choices are used maximum continuously around the internet.

On this phase, we’ll have a look at the present marketplace percentage of Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed.

Web Server Market Share

Apache – Marketplace Percentage

Apache has been one of the crucial well-liked internet servers for a long time. However you must word that its marketplace percentage has been slowly lowering over the years. This has took place since quicker possible choices like Nginx have come alongside.

In spite of this, Apache continues for use on a large number of internet sites as a result of it’s so clean to make use of. We have now spotted that it’s particularly well liked by small to medium-sized internet sites.

In reality, it’s nonetheless the default internet server on many shared web hosting plans. And plenty of of those web hosting suppliers be offering easy-to-use keep watch over panels to make configuration even more uncomplicated.

Nginx – Marketplace Percentage

Nginx has truly grown in marketplace percentage lately. It’s now essentially the most used internet server on the web, overtaking Apache in 2019.

NGINX Market Share

It’s well-liked on account of its excessive efficiency and environment friendly useful resource utilization. In our revel in, this is a sensible choice for high-traffic internet sites and on-line retail outlets.

LiteSpeed – Marketplace Percentage

LiteSpeed has additionally skilled expansion out there over the last few years. Whilst it does no longer have the marketplace percentage of Apache or Nginx, its reputation is continuously rising.

It’s changing into particularly well-liked throughout the WordPress neighborhood because of its excessive efficiency and LiteSpeed Cache plugin, which may give excessive speeds for WordPress internet sites.

🏅 Winner – Nginx

The present marketplace chief when it comes to marketplace percentage is Nginx. Whilst Apache nonetheless holds a powerful presence and LiteSpeed is becoming more popular, Nginx’s excessive efficiency and skill to care for massive site visitors volumes make it the whole marketplace chief.

Default Internet Server for Fashionable Webhosting Suppliers

Maximum continuously, site homeowners make a choice their web hosting supplier first after which merely use the default internet server presented via that compny. On the other hand, some web hosting suppliers be offering a selection of internet server device.

This phase lists some well-liked web hosting suppliers and the main internet server device they generally be offering. This must supply a very simple comparability that will help you when opting for a web hosting supplier in accordance with your wishes.

On this to hand desk, we display the main (default) internet server presented via every web hosting supplier as a inexperienced dot and any secondary choices presented as a yellow dot.

Host Notes Apache Nginx LiteSpeed
Bluehost Makes use of Apache; Nginx to be had 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 balance 🟢
DreamHost Makes use of Apache, Nginx is an possibility 🟢 🟡
A2 Webhosting 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 see within the desk, Apache and Nginx are to be had with hottest suppliers.

On the other hand, explicit internet server availability might rely on the kind of web hosting plan you select. Some web hosting suppliers might will let you use another internet server via buying a different plan or license.

For essentially the most correct and up-to-date knowledge, please touch your web hosting supplier.

Price

Through now, you could be questioning how a lot that is all going to price. Neatly, simplest any such internet servers in fact prices cash. However you most often gained’t pay for this your self as a result of it’s constructed into your web hosting plan’s pricing.

On this phase, we’ll examine the associated fee concerns for Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, exploring their licensing fashions and attainable bills.

Apache – Price

Apache is open-source device and is totally unfastened to make use of. There aren’t any licensing charges related to Apache. This makes it an excessively sexy possibility for people, small companies, and big organizations that experience tight budgets.

Whilst the device itself is unfastened, you will need to word that you’re going to nonetheless wish to pay for a web hosting plan. This may occasionally duvet the prices of the server {hardware}, working device, and different device required to run Apache.

Nginx – Price

Nginx, like Apache, may be open-source device and is unfastened to make use of. There aren’t any licensing charges or another form of price for the device.

As with Apache, the device is unfastened. On the other hand, you’ll need to believe web hosting prices, which give you very important assets like server {hardware}, an working device, and extra.

LiteSpeed – Price

Not like Apache and Nginx, which might be unfastened, LiteSpeed is available in other variations with other value tags. Whilst there’s a unfastened fundamental model referred to as OpenLiteSpeed, the full-featured variations can value any place from $10-$100+ monthly, relying for your wishes.

On the other hand, this value is generally constructed into your web hosting plan, so that you generally gained’t pay for it immediately. So it should imply that web hosting plans that use LiteSpeed value greater than an identical plans the use of 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 unfastened to make use of with none licensing charges. This makes them very good possible choices for any consumer who doesn’t wish to pay any licensing prices for his or her internet server device.

Whilst LiteSpeed gives a unfastened model, the paid variations supply very important options that come at a price. If you need a internet server with unfastened licensing, then Apache and Nginx are the transparent possible choices.

Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed: Which Is the Best possible?

Your best option for internet web hosting device will alternate relying for your wishes.

Apache remains to be a very good selection for plenty of customers. It’s broadly to be had, clean to make use of, and freed from fee. It’s the default internet server utilized by many shared web hosting suppliers.

In case you’d love to get began with Apache, then we extremely counsel signing up with Bluehost. They’re beginner-friendly, reasonably priced, or even be offering an enormous cut price to WPBeginner readers with our Bluehost coupon code.

On the other hand, we will be able to’t counsel Apache for websites that be expecting to get quite a lot of site visitors. If that’s the case, Nginx is a better option on account of its awesome efficiency.

SiteGround is a superb controlled web hosting supplier that makes use of Nginx server device. It’s constructed for top efficiency, which is why we in fact use it for the WPBeginner site.

However, many WordPress customers are bearing in mind LiteSpeed. Whilst it’s costlier, it’s clean to make use of like Apache and has most of the efficiency advantages of Nginx.

But even so that, you’ll simply configure its cache from the WordPress dashboard the use of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin.

In case you’d like to make use of LiteSpeed, then we advise Hostinger. They provide reasonably priced web hosting plans for companies of all sizes, and you’ll get an enormous cut price the use of 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 🥇
Running Device Fortify 🥇
Marketplace Percentage 🥇
Webhosting Suppliers 🥇 🥇
Price 🥇 🥇

💡 Fascinated by switching internet servers after studying this newsletter? If that’s the case, you could wish to get in contact along with your web hosting supplier. Another way, take a look at our information on The best way to Transfer WordPress to a New Host or Server With No Downtime.

Incessantly Requested Questions About Internet Server Device

After studying in regards to the variations between Apache, Nginx, and LiteSpeed, you should still have some questions on internet servers. Listed below are solutions to one of the vital questions we’re requested maximum continuously.

What precisely is a internet server?

A internet server is device that retail outlets, processes, and delivers content material out of your site to the consumer’s browser. This comprises internet pages, pictures, movies, and different information. You’ll bring to mind it as a supply device between your site and a internet browser.

Do I want a internet server to have a site?

Sure, a site wishes a internet server to be available on the web. It’s the device that makes your website’s content material to be had to the sector.

Is a internet server the similar as a server system?

No. Whilst the time period ‘server’ is continuously used to confer with each, a internet server is device, whilst a server system is the bodily {hardware} (laptop) that runs the internet server device. You’ll have more than one internet servers working on a unmarried server system.

What does it imply for a internet server to be event-driven or process-based?

Those phrases confer with the architectural manner of the internet server:

  • Procedure-based servers like Apache create a brand new activity or thread for every incoming connection. This can also be resource-intensive with excessive site visitors.
  • Tournament-driven servers like Nginx and LiteSpeed use a unmarried activity or a small selection of processes to care for many connections on the similar time. They’re extra environment friendly and use device assets higher.

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

Load balancing works like having more than one doorways to go into a hectic retailer. When one front will get too crowded, persons are directed to different doorways.

This spreads out customer site visitors throughout a number of servers, fighting any unmarried server from changing into overloaded and slowing down your site. It is very important for internet sites with excessive site visitors.

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

Internet servers can use several types of caching. Caching retail outlets steadily accessed information in a brief garage location in order that it may be served extra temporarily with no need to retrieve it from its authentic supply each and every time. This reduces server load and improves site loading instances.

Are internet servers unfastened?

Many internet servers are open supply and unfastened to make use of, together with Apache and Nginx. On the other hand, some internet servers like LiteSpeed be offering each unfastened and industrial paid variations with other function units and beef up.

Can I modify my internet server later if wanted?

Sure, you’ll alternate your internet server, however it should require some effort. You wish to have to switch your site information, reconfigure the server settings, and most likely replace your DNS information. If this isn’t carried out appropriately, then your site can revel in downtime.

Can I run a internet server on my house laptop?

Sure, you’ll run a internet server on your own home laptop (Home windows, Mac) for building and trying out. On the other hand, for a manufacturing site, we advise you make a choice a competent internet web hosting supplier.

We are hoping this comparability between Apache vs Nginx vs LiteSpeed helped you select the most efficient internet server to your WordPress site. You may additionally wish to see our newbie’s information on host a site or our skilled pick out of the quickest WordPress web hosting.

In case you preferred this newsletter, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You’ll additionally to find us on Twitter and Fb.

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