Best NGINX Alternatives
The top-ranked NGINX alternative is Apache HTTP Server (Open Source). The best free option is Caddy (open source).
NGINX is a high-performance web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer. People seek alternatives for simpler configuration, automatic HTTPS, built-in features, or different performance and licensing trade-offs.
1Apache HTTP Server
Open SourceThe long-standing, highly configurable open-source web server with a vast module ecosystem.
2Caddy
Open SourceModern web server with automatic HTTPS and a simple configuration file.
3HAProxy
Open SourceReliable, high-performance TCP/HTTP load balancer and proxy server.
Traefik
FreemiumCloud-native reverse proxy and load balancer with automatic service discovery.
LiteSpeed Web Server
FreemiumHigh-performance web server compatible with Apache configs and optimized for PHP.
Envoy
Open SourceHigh-performance edge and service proxy designed for modern microservices.
Microsoft IIS
FreeWindows-native web server integrated with the .NET stack and Windows Server.
Lighttpd
Open SourceLightweight, low-memory web server optimized for speed-critical environments.
OpenResty
Open SourceNGINX-based platform bundling Lua scripting for building dynamic web gateways.
Kong Gateway
FreemiumScalable open-source API gateway built on top of NGINX and Lua.
Cherokee
Open SourceLightweight, high-performance web server with a graphical admin interface.
Tomcat
Open SourceOpen-source Java servlet container and web server for Java applications.
NGINX alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to NGINX?
Apache HTTP Server is ranked first on this list (Open Source). The ranking combines our base score with readers' votes, so it can change.
What is the best free alternative to NGINX?
The highest-ranked free or open-source options here are Apache HTTP Server, Caddy and HAProxy.
Which NGINX alternatives work on Mac?
Apache HTTP Server, Caddy, HAProxy and Traefik run on macOS.
Which NGINX alternatives work on Linux?
Apache HTTP Server, Caddy, HAProxy and Traefik run on Linux.
Know a NGINX alternative we missed? Suggest it — we review submissions before they go live.