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Apache HTTP Server vs Django

Apache HTTP Server logo

Apache HTTP Server

Web Development

The world's most used web server software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Django logo

Django

Web Development

The web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

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; Django does not fully support asynchronous database access
  • They diverge on capability: Apache HTTP Server covers HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 support, Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT).
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apache HTTP Server and Django differ
AttributeApache HTTP ServerDjango
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Unix-like systemsLinux, macOS, Windows
Founded19952005

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

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 Django

  • Model-View-Template (MVT)
  • Object-relational mapping
  • Automatic admin interface
  • URL routing
  • Template engine
  • Form handling
  • Authentication system
  • Internationalization

What people use each for

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

Apache HTTP Server

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

Django

  • Web application developmentnot Apache HTTP Server
  • Content management systemsnot Apache HTTP Server
  • E-commerce platformsnot Apache HTTP Server
  • API developmentnot Apache HTTP Server
  • News websitesnot Apache HTTP Server
  • Social networksnot 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

Django

  • Does not fully support asynchronous database access
  • Monolithic design can feel restrictive for small-scale or lightweight applications
  • Batteries-included approach adds overhead if features are not needed
  • Slower framework evolution due to backward compatibility requirements

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache HTTP Server

Free

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

Django

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full web framework
    • Admin interface
    • ORM system

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 Django if

  • You need model-view-template (mvt).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want object-relational mapping.
Django review

Questions people ask

Is Apache HTTP Server or Django better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache HTTP Server starts at Free and Django at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache HTTP Server or Django?
Apache HTTP Server starts at Free and Django at Free.
Does Apache HTTP Server or Django run on more platforms?
Apache HTTP Server runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems. Django runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
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 Django is typically brought in for.
What can Apache HTTP Server do that Django cannot?
Apache HTTP Server covers HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 support, Virtual hosting, SSL/TLS encryption, URL rewriting. Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT), Object-relational mapping, Automatic admin interface, URL routing.

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
Django: What databases does Django support?

Django natively supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite3, and Oracle databases through its ORM, allowing developers to switch databases without rewriting code.

Source
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
Django: How does Django handle database schema changes?

Django includes a built-in migration system. Developers use makemigrations to create migration files and migrate to apply changes to the database schema.

Source
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
Django: Does Django support asynchronous programming?

Django added basic async/await support, but full asynchronous database access remains limited. The framework does not fully support asynchronous programming, which can be a limitation for real-time applications.

Source
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
Django: Is Django free and open source?

Yes, Django is free and open-source software maintained by the Django Software Foundation, founded in June 2008.

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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