A web server primarily works as computer software for delivering internet content. In short, the web server stores, processes, and delivers required web pages or information to end users without issues.
NGINX and Apache are two of the most renowned web servers in the market that perform the above-mentioned critical tasks or roles appropriately.
But which one of these web servers is suitable for your business needs? This comprehensive NGINX vs Apache guide will help you make an informed decision.
NGINX and Apache Overview
Let us begin evaluating NGINX and Apache thoroughly.
NGINX
Igor Sysoev created NGINX, a leading web server, two decades ago. The web server was released in 2004 to resolve the C10k issue appropriately.
Simply put, C10k is a challenge web servers experience when managing 10,000 concurrent requests or connections simultaneously.
NGINX has become an exceptional web server from an energy consumption, stability, and performance point of view in recent years.
Apache
Apache is officially called the Apache HTTP Server. Robert McCool created the prominent web server. The Apache Group released the revolutionary web server in 1995.
Initially, the server was considered a valuable alternative to the Netscape Communication web server. There is no denying Apache has dominated the web server market for the last three decades or so.
Apache is known for offering several features, including simplified configuration, results-driven community support, IPv6 support, and many more.
Apache vs NGINX Comparison
When selecting an impactful web server, you must consider several attributes, like compatibility, content handling or management, architecture, community support, and more.
Here is a detailed comparison of Apache and NGINX described below:
– Server Architecture
When it comes to server architecture, you must give importance to architecture and scalability. Both these facets help web servers operate and perform to the next level.
As far as NGINX and Apache are concerned, the former utilizes event-driven architecture. Furthermore, the latter depends on a process-based architecture.
In reality, these architectures massively impact the performance of Apache and NGINX web servers when managing high-traffic loads.
NGINX relies on event-driven models that are efficient in managing numerous connections simultaneously. Apache is dependent on process-based models that focus more on correctness than speed.
– Scalability
The performance of NGINX is independent of hardware resources a great deal. The web server can easily handle various connections simultaneously.
NGINX can transfer the traffic load to different servers when needed. The said ability helps enhance the reliability and performance of web applications.
Apache has improved its performance scalability-wise over the years. Still, the web server heavily relies on crucial hardware resources, including CPU and memory.
– Security and Compatibility
The security features alongside the OS (Operating system) and language compatibility allow web servers to improve their performance considerably.
Using the NGINX web server, you can take advantage of SSL termination, access control, and other security features. Additionally, it supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols.
As a secure web server, Apache is suitable for HTTPD server connections. However, it excels in safeguarding websites against DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.
NGINX is compatible with various leading platforms, including:
- Windows
- MacOS
- Linux
Apache also supports multiple operating systems, such as:
- MacOS
- Linux
- Windows
Apart from platform compatibility, NGINX supports languages with a FastCGI interface. While reviewing NGINX vs Apache, we found that Apache also supports many languages like PHP, Perl, Ruby, Python, and more.
– Content Management and Module System
- Content Management
NGINX relies on a configuration file when exploring requested files and setting up index files. A configuration file helps the NGINX web server in optimizing its performance.
Moreover, the web server efficiently manages both types of content: static and dynamic.
However, NGINX is known for delivering static files faster than Apache, using asynchronous architecture. For static web content, NGINX should be your preferred choice.
As far as Apache goes, this web server uses a file-based approach when delivering static content. That said, it performs better when delivering dynamic content.
When evaluating Apache vs NGINX, we learned that Apache mainly uses its internal components to deliver dynamic content. However, NGINX requires additional external support to execute dynamic content.
- Module System
Module systems allow NGINX and Apache web servers to enhance their performance significantly. In other words, module systems are helpful when extending the core functionalities of NGINX and Apache.
NGINX is an open-source web server software comprising core and third-party modules. These modules enable NGINX to perform various tasks like web traffic management, caching, reverse proxying, media streaming, and more.
Apache consists of multi-processing modules (MPMs) that respond to various server requests accordingly. These modules allow Apache to perform additional tasks like SSL encryption support by rewriting URLs.
Community Support
NGINX uses numerous channels to resolve customers’ queries timely. For instance, users can benefit from learning resources available on its website.
These resources include webinars, blog posts, documentation, datasheets, and more. You can access various community forums across different social media platforms as well.
Apache has also offered tons of helpful documentation and information, including release notes, setup guides, tutorials, etc., that allow you to troubleshoot common issues related to the popular web server easily.
You can get help from the Community Development Project, which focuses on open-source projects. The Apache Software Foundation regularly supervises this project and strives to improve community health.
According to this Apache vs NGINX review, both web servers offer top-notch customer support to their users.
When Should We Prefer NGINX Over Apache?
We should prefer NGINX over Apache when managing high-traffic websites that contain static content. NGINX helps users smoothly handle concurrent connections at the same time.
When Should We Prefer Apache Over NGINX?
You can choose Apache over NGINX if you use a shared hosting environment. Moreover, Apache is a better choice than NGINX if your website depends on dynamic content specifically.
NGINX vs Apache for WordPress
Luckily, you can use both web servers to manage WordPress websites accordingly. NGINX is a suitable option, considering its better performance than Apache. However, Apache and NGINX support WordPress equally.
As you might know, Google will close Business Profile Websites in March 2024. Therefore, transfer your existing website to WordPress or create a new one using a leading content management system.
You should go with the NGINX web server as it can easily manage high-traffic loads. That’s why NGINX is more beneficial for WordPress websites.
NGINX vs Apache Reddit
Reddit is a famous interactive platform where users exchange their views, ideas, experiences, and information with others.
Fortunately, users have shared their views about the leading web servers, including Apache and NGINX. According to one user, NGINX is easier to configure than Apache.
One user suggested Apache is a good web server, but it ultimately depends on your choice. Similarly, one user indicated that NGINX handles static content smartly.
To host PHP applications easily, one should go with Apache; another user shared their views.
Web Server Software Statistics
- 34.1% of all sites with known web servers use NGINX.
- 30.2% of all sites with known web servers utilize Apache.
Which Leading Companies Use Apache?
Various popular companies use Apache, such as:
- Salesforce
- Dropbox
- eBay
- Spotify
Which Leading Companies Use NGINX?
Several famous tech organizations use NGINX, such as:
- Alipay
- Tiktok
- Zoom
Which Are the Top Web Servers in the Market?
Apache and NGINX aside, users can consider utilizing various other web servers, depending on their business requirements and target market needs. These multiple web servers are:
- LiteSpeed
- Microsoft IIS
- Node.js
- Google Servers
- Tengine
- Envoy
- Caddy
- Cowboy
- Cloudflare Server
- Kestrel
- Tomcat
Apache vs NGINX Wrap-Up – Which Web Server is Best
We hope you liked our NGINX vs Apache comparison guide that helps you differentiate between the prominent web servers hassle-free.
NGINX typically employs asynchronous, event-driven architecture, while Apache relies on a process-driven architecture. From the compatibility point of view, both web servers support leading operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
However, both web servers, i.e., NGINX and Apache, can work exceptionally well, depending on the demands or requirements of your business.
Last but not least, you have to decide which web server suits your small or large business. The choice is yours!
