Quick answer: Apache vs Nginx: both run in Plesk. Nginx is often faster as reverse proxy; Apache is more flexible with .htaccess.
Apache and Nginx are the two most widely used web servers worldwide. Both deliver your website to visitors – but they work differently and have different strengths. This overview helps you choose the right web server for your project.
Note: Detailed installation guides can be found in the articles in the left navigation.
The most important differences at a glance
| Feature | Apache | Nginx |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Process-based – each connection gets its own thread | Event-based – one instance handles thousands of connections simultaneously |
| RAM usage | Higher (more processes = more RAM) | Lower (remains stable even under high load) |
| .htaccess | Yes – per-directory configuration possible | No – all settings are central |
| Performance with many simultaneous visitors | Weaker – RAM usage increases proportionally | Strong – remains stable even with thousands of connections |
| Modules | Many modules, dynamically loadable | Modules compiled in, less choice |
| Use as reverse proxy | Possible, but not optimal | Perfectly suited – one of its main strengths |
| Beginner-friendliness | Easier – .htaccess allows quick changes | Slightly more complex – configuration only centrally |
Apache – The All-Rounder
Apache is the older of the two and has been the standard on most servers for decades. Its greatest strength is flexibility: With .htaccess files you can set individual rules for each directory without restarting the server. This is ideal for shared hosting where many users work on one server and each needs their own settings.
Apache suits you if:
- You run WordPress, Joomla or other CMS (which often rely on .htaccess)
- You use shared webspace and can't change server-wide settings
- You need many individual rewrite rules per directory
- You want to dynamically load and unload modules
Nginx – The Performance Specialist
Nginx was developed to solve the C10K problem – handling 10,000 simultaneous connections on one server. Its event-based architecture keeps RAM usage low even under high load. This makes it ideal for high-traffic websites, APIs and as a reverse proxy in front of other services.
Nginx suits you if:
- You expect many simultaneous visitors
- You want to run a reverse proxy in front of Apache or other services
- You have little RAM available (e.g. small VPS)
- You run a game server or an API
- You want to serve static content (images, videos) quickly
The best solution: Combine Apache + Nginx
In practice, many servers use both together: Nginx as a reverse proxy in front of Apache. This gives you the best of both worlds:
- Nginx handles all incoming connections – fast and resource-saving
- Static files (images, CSS, JavaScript) are served directly by Nginx
- Dynamic content (PHP) is forwarded by Nginx to Apache
- Apache processes the complex rewrite rules and .htaccess files
This combination is often called "Nginx Reverse Proxy in front of Apache" and runs on many production systems.
Which hosting product suits what?
| Product | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Webspace (Shared Hosting) | Apache – because of .htaccess support |
| VPS / Root Server (small) | Nginx – saves RAM |
| VPS / Root Server (large) | Nginx + Apache combined – maximum performance and flexibility |
| Game Server | Nginx – as reverse proxy for web interfaces |
Quick installation guide
Install Apache (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2 -y
sudo systemctl enable --now apache2Install Nginx (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx -y
sudo systemctl enable --now nginxDetailed installation and configuration guides can be found in the articles in the left navigation.
Related guides
- Set up webspace
- Change nameservers – domain won't connect
- DNS not working / propagation
- Set up SSL correctly
- SPF, DKIM & DMARC (email)
- Email with your domain
- Make website faster
- Domain & DNS hub
Order webspace: nexorahost.com