Nginx is more suitable for high-concurrency, static content and resource-constrained environments, because it adopts an event-driven architecture and low memory footprint; 2. Apache is more suitable for scenarios that require .htaccess flexibility or host traditional applications, because it supports directory-level configuration and rich modules; 3. In actual production, the advantages of both are often combined with Nginx as a reverse proxy and Apache to process dynamic content, so as to achieve both performance and flexibility.
When choosing a web server, Nginx and Apache are the two most popular options — both are open-source, powerful, and widely used. But they differ significantly in architecture, performance, and use cases. Here's a clear, practical comparison to help you decide which is better for your needs:

1. Architecture: Event-Driven vs Process-Driven
Nginx uses an event-driven, asynchronous architecture . It handles thousands of concurrent connections efficiently with minimal memory usage. Each worker process can manage many connections simultaneously without creating new threads.
-
Apache traditionally uses a process- or thread-based model (like
prefork
orworker
MPM). Each connection typically spawns a new thread or process, which can consume more memory under high load.
? Why it matters:
Nginx excels at handling high concurrency (eg, APIs, microservices, or traffic spikes). Apache can struggle here unless tuned well or paired with a reverse proxy like Nginx.
2. Performance & Speed
- Static content: Nginx is faster — often 2–3x more efficient at serving static files (HTML, CSS, images).
- Dynamic content: Both perform similarly when using PHP-FPM or external processors (like mod_php for Apache).
- Memory usage: Nginx uses less RAM under load — critical for resource-limited environments (eg, VPS, containers).
? Tip: Many settings use Nginx as a reverse proxy in front of Apache — get Nginx's speed for static assets and Apache's flexibility for dynamic content.

3. Configuration & Flexibility
-
Apache wins in simplicity and flexibility:
-
.htaccess
files allow per-directory config (great for shared hosting). - Rich module ecosystem (
mod_rewrite
,mod_ssl
, etc.).
-
-
Nginx uses a single, centralized config file:
- More predictable and secure (no per-directory overrides).
- Slightly steering curve for beginners.
?? Note: .htaccess
is convenient but adds overhead — Nginx forces you to optimize upfront by centralizing rules.
4. Use Case Recommendations
Scenario | Better Choice |
---|---|
High-traffic site or API | ? Nginx |
WordPress on shared hosting | ? Apache (due to .htaccess ) |
Microservices or containerized apps | ? Nginx |
Need fine-grained per-directory rules | ? Apache |
Low-resource environment (eg, Raspberry Pi) | ? Nginx |
Bottom Line
- Choose Nginx if: You care about speed, scalability, and efficiency — especially for static content or modern apps.
- Choose Apache if: You need flexibility,
.htaccess
support, or are managing legacy apps/modules.
Many production setups actually use both — Nginx as a reverse proxy/load balancer in front of Apache workers. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Not a one-size-fits-all answer — but now you know which fits your size.
The above is the detailed content of Nginx vs Apache Comparison. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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