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Apache HTTP Server vs Caddy

Apache HTTP Server logo

Apache HTTP Server

Web Development

The world's most used web server software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Caddy logo

Caddy

Cloud

Web server with automatic HTTPS by default

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache HTTP Server process-based or thread-based architecture consumes more memory per connection than nginx's event-driven model; Caddy smaller ecosystem than Nginx, so third-party guides and modules are fewer
  • They diverge on capability: Apache HTTP Server covers HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 support, Caddy covers Automatic HTTPS.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache HTTP Server and Caddy actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache HTTP Server and Caddy differ
AttributeApache HTTP ServerCaddy
Pricing modelUnknownOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Unix-like systemsLinux, macOS, Windows, Docker
CategoryWeb DevelopmentCloud
Founded1995Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache HTTP Server

  • HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 support
  • Virtual hosting
  • SSL/TLS encryption
  • URL rewriting
  • Load balancing
  • Compression
  • Authentication modules
  • Logging and monitoring

Only in Caddy

  • Automatic HTTPS
  • Caddyfile
  • Reverse proxy
  • Single binary

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache HTTP Server

  • Web hostingnot Caddy
  • Static site servingnot Caddy
  • Reverse proxynot Caddy
  • Load balancingnot Caddy
  • SSL terminationnot Caddy
  • Content deliverynot Caddy

Caddy

  • Sites and services where expired certificates have caused outages beforenot Apache HTTP Server
  • Small deployments where Nginx configuration is more effort than the problem warrantsnot Apache HTTP Server
  • Reverse proxying internal services with TLS without a certificate workflownot Apache HTTP Server

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache HTTP Server

  • Process-based or thread-based architecture consumes more memory per connection than nginx's event-driven model
  • Static file serving performance lags behind nginx, particularly under high concurrency
  • Module system flexibility can add overhead compared to nginx's streamlined single-purpose design
  • Configuration complexity for advanced features like reverse proxying is higher than nginx
  • Performance monitoring in hybrid and cloud environments requires additional tools beyond built-in diagnostics

Caddy

  • Smaller ecosystem than Nginx, so third-party guides and modules are fewer
  • Adding plugins means rebuilding the binary rather than loading a module
  • Under very high throughput Nginx generally still benchmarks ahead
  • Automatic certificate issuance needs outbound internet access, which complicates air-gapped deployments

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache HTTP Server

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache HTTP Server review.

Caddy

Free
  • CaddyFree
    • Full functionality
    • Commercial use permitted
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache HTTP Server if

  • You need http/1.1 and http/2 support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems.
  • You also want virtual hosting.
Apache HTTP Server review

Choose Caddy if

  • You need automatic https.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows, Docker.
  • You also want caddyfile.
Caddy review

Questions people ask

Is Apache HTTP Server or Caddy better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache HTTP Server starts at Free and Caddy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache HTTP Server or Caddy?
Apache HTTP Server starts at Free and Caddy at Free.
Does Apache HTTP Server or Caddy run on more platforms?
Apache HTTP Server runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems. Caddy runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, Docker.
Can I use Apache HTTP Server for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache HTTP Server best used for?
Apache HTTP Server is most often used for web hosting, static site serving, reverse proxy, load balancing. Of those, web hosting and static site serving are not what Caddy is typically brought in for.
What can Apache HTTP Server do that Caddy cannot?
Apache HTTP Server covers HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 support, Virtual hosting, SSL/TLS encryption, URL rewriting. Caddy covers Automatic HTTPS, Caddyfile, Reverse proxy, Single binary.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache HTTP Server: Is Apache HTTP Server free?

Yes. Apache HTTP Server is free, open-source software developed by The Apache Software Foundation. There are no licensing fees for any edition.

Source
Caddy: Is Caddy free?

Yes, open source under the Apache 2.0 licence, free for commercial use.

Apache HTTP Server: What is the latest stable version of Apache HTTP Server?

Apache httpd 2.4.68, released June 8, 2026, is the latest stable version from the 2.4.x branch and is recommended for all users. Apache httpd 2.2 is end-of-life (final release July 2017).

Source
Caddy: What does automatic HTTPS mean?

Caddy obtains certificates from Let’s Encrypt or ZeroSSL on first request and renews them before expiry, with no cron job or configuration.

Apache HTTP Server: Does Apache support .htaccess configuration files?

Yes. Apache HTTP Server supports per-directory .htaccess configuration files, allowing configuration without modifying the main Apache configuration file. This flexibility is a key differentiator from nginx.

Source
Caddy: Caddy or Nginx?

Caddy is dramatically simpler to configure and removes certificate management. Nginx has the larger ecosystem and better peak throughput.

Apache HTTP Server: How many Apache modules are available?

Apache includes 100+ modules for functionality like URL rewriting, reverse proxying, load balancing, caching, authentication, and scripting. Modules can be compiled statically or loaded dynamically at runtime using mod_so.

Source
Apache HTTP Server: Can Apache run on Linux?

Yes. Apache HTTP Server is fully supported on Linux (Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu), Windows Server, macOS, and Unix-like systems.

Source
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