Apache vs Litespeed Servers – Which Is Best?

Speed vs Flexibility: Deciding between LiteSpeed and Apache

January 20, 2023

LiteSpeed vs Apache: Which server reigns supreme?

When it comes to choosing a web server for your website, two popular options are Apache and LiteSpeed. Both are open-source and widely used, but they have some key differences that may make one a better choice for your specific needs.

Apache is one of the oldest and most widely used web servers in the world. It is known for its reliability and flexibility, and is supported by a large community of developers. The company has been a presence in the industry since 1995 and has continued to excel. While Apache can operate on Windows servers, it is optimized for performance on Linux-based systems. Apache can handle a large number of simultaneous connections, and supports a wide range of modules and technologies, such as PHP and Ruby on Rails.

Apache supports all server operating systems, including Windows instances
The Apache platform is completely free to use and well-documented if you decide to manage it by yourself

LiteSpeed, on the other hand, is a newer web server that is designed to be faster and more efficient than Apache. It uses a unique event-driven architecture that allows it to handle a large number of connections with less resource usage. LiteSpeed also includes built-in caching and optimization features, which can significantly improve the speed and performance of your website.

LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) is a proprietary solution offered by LiteSpeed Technologies. First launched in 2003, it is marketed as an alternative to Apache and is able to read Apache configuration files, perform the same functions, and work seamlessly with control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.

In terms of performance, LiteSpeed is generally considered to be faster than Apache. However, Apache may be a better choice for websites that need to support a wide range of modules and technologies, or for those that require a high level of customisation.

Apache vs Litespeed Servers: Comparison

Feature	LiteSpeed	Apache
Performance	Faster	Slower
Resource usage	Low	High
Built-in caching	Yes	No
Built-in optimization	Yes	No
Modules and technologies support	Growing	Wide range
Customisation	Limited	High
Community support	Growing	Established
License	Open-source	Open-source

When choosing between Apache and LiteSpeed, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the resources you have available. If you need a fast and efficient web server, LiteSpeed may be the best choice. If you need a more flexible and customisable web server, Apache may be a better option.

In conclusion to Apache vs Litespeed Servers, both options are powerful and reliable web servers, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs. If you are looking for performance, LiteSpeed may be the best choice, while Apache is the best choice if you are looking for flexibility and customisation. It’s also worth considering that, as open-source software, both servers have a large and active community of developers continuously improving and updating them.

Litespeed uses an event-driven design, allowing it to serve static content at a speed up to six times faster compared to Apache.
The platform is unmatchable when it comes to compressing pages.
LiteSpeed powers some stable and secure servers. On top of all the rules and measures you can apply, there is advanced DDoS attack protection that significantly lowers the risk of downtimes during high load.
Ideal for bigger enterprise projects and high-traffic websites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to improve the performance and efficiency of your website, it’s worth considering LiteSpeed as an alternative to Apache. However, before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate your specific needs and the resources you have available. I recommend trying out both servers and see which one performs better for your use case. Also, don’t forget to check out the documentation and community support for each server to ensure that they have the features and support you need. If you need assistance in choosing the right web hosting for your website, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions that you may have.