Apache vs. Nginx

Category: Web Servers · Updated 2026-10-30

Apache is a flexible, module-rich web server that supports per-folder .htaccess files. Nginx is an event-driven web server that is very efficient with static files and many simultaneous connections. Many sites use them together, with Nginx in front as a reverse proxy and Apache or PHP-FPM behind it.

The core difference: how they handle connections

Apache traditionally handles connections with processes or threads, chosen by a module called an MPM (prefork, worker or event). Nginx was designed from the start around an asynchronous, event-driven model where a small number of worker processes manage thousands of connections. Modern Apache with the event MPM narrows the gap, but Nginx typically uses less memory under heavy concurrent load.

Side-by-side comparison

Topic	Apache	Nginx
Architecture	Process or thread based (MPMs), event MPM available	Asynchronous, event-driven
Static files	Good	Excellent
Dynamic content	Can embed PHP with mod_php or use PHP-FPM	Passes requests to PHP-FPM or another backend
.htaccess	Supported, changes apply without restart	Not supported, edit the main config and reload
Modules	Loadable at runtime	Mostly compiled in, dynamic modules available
Typical role	Full web server, shared hosting	Web server, reverse proxy, load balancer

Configuration and .htaccess

Apache reads .htaccess files inside your site folders, so users on shared hosting can change redirects, access rules and PHP settings without touching the main configuration. That convenience costs a small amount of performance, because Apache checks for these files on each request. Nginx has no equivalent. All rules live in central configuration files such as /etc/nginx/nginx.conf, which are faster to process but require server access to change.

A rewrite rule that sends every request to index.php looks like this in each server:

# Apache (.htaccess)
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteRule ^ index.php [L]

# Nginx (server block)
location / {
    try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;
}

Which one should you choose?

Shared hosting or cPanel: you will usually get Apache or LiteSpeed, and that works well for WordPress and similar apps.
High-traffic sites and APIs: Nginx is a common choice for its low memory use and reverse proxy features.
Maximum compatibility with .htaccess: Apache or LiteSpeed.
Both together: Nginx in front for HTTPS, caching and static files, with Apache or PHP-FPM behind for the application.

In practice, application design, caching and database tuning have a larger effect on speed than the choice between the two.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nginx faster than Apache?

Nginx is usually faster and lighter for static files and for many simultaneous connections. For ordinary dynamic sites such as WordPress, the difference is small because most time is spent in PHP and the database, so caching matters more than the web server.

Can Apache and Nginx run together?

Yes. A common setup puts Nginx in front as a reverse proxy to serve static files, terminate HTTPS and cache responses, while Apache or PHP-FPM runs the application behind it.

Does Nginx support .htaccess files?

No. Nginx ignores .htaccess files completely. Rules must be written in the Nginx configuration and the service reloaded, which is why rewrite rules from Apache tutorials need to be translated.

Which is easier for beginners, Apache or Nginx?

Apache is often easier on shared hosting because .htaccess lets you change behavior from your own folder. On a VPS both need command-line configuration, and Nginx configuration files are shorter and easier to read for many people.

Which web server does WordPress need?

WordPress runs on Apache, Nginx or LiteSpeed. It needs PHP and a MySQL or MariaDB database, and any of these web servers can provide them. Pretty permalinks need rewrite rules, which are set differently on each server.

What is LiteSpeed and how does it compare?

LiteSpeed is a commercial web server with an open-source edition called OpenLiteSpeed. It reads Apache rewrite rules and includes a built-in page cache, so many hosts use it to speed up WordPress without changing site rules.