MY ACCOUNT

NGINX vs Apache (and PHP-FPM) for WordPress: Concise Comparison

Choosing a web server for your WordPress project is a crucial decision. The two most popular solutions—Apache and NGINX—each have their own strengths. Both often rely on PHP-FPM for running dynamic PHP code, including WordPress itself. Let’s break down their core differences and ideal use cases.

Apache: Classic Flexibility

  • History: The original server for the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).
  • .htaccess Support: Allows easy, per-directory configuration—used by many plugins for redirects, rewrites, and security rules.
  • Compatibility: Nearly every WordPress plugin and theme is tested with Apache.
  • Ease of Use: Integrated into all control panels (cPanel, Plesk, ISPmanager), with rich documentation and community support.
  • Performance: Good for small and medium sites, but can be heavier under high concurrency.

NGINX: Modern Performance

  • Architecture: Event-driven and non-blocking, NGINX efficiently handles thousands of simultaneous connections.
  • Speed: Outperforms Apache for static files, high-traffic, and sites with heavy concurrency.
  • Resource Use: Lower RAM and CPU consumption.
  • Configuration: All rules are set in config files (no .htaccess); more secure but less dynamic.
  • Plugin Compatibility: Some plugins requiring .htaccess may need manual NGINX configuration.

PHP-FPM: The PHP Engine

  • What it is: PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) runs PHP scripts for both NGINX and Apache.
  • Why it matters: Decouples PHP from the web server—improves performance, isolates errors, allows independent tuning.
  • Use: Standard for NGINX+WordPress; increasingly popular with Apache for faster PHP execution.

Which to Choose for WordPress?

FeatureApacheNGINX
Flexibility+++ (.htaccess, plugin compatibility)+ (manual configs only)
Performance++ (good, but heavier at scale)+++ (fast, lightweight)
Static files+ (adequate)+++ (excellent)
Control panels+++ (cPanel, ISPmanager, Plesk)++ (Plesk, ISPmanager, custom)
High traffic++++
Setup+++ (easy for beginners)+ (requires admin skills)

Best for beginners or plugin-rich sites: Apache (with PHP-FPM for speed)
Best for high-traffic or resource-critical projects: NGINX + PHP-FPM

FAQ

Can I use NGINX and Apache together?
Yes—NGINX can proxy requests to Apache for compatibility with .htaccess features.

Is PHP-FPM required?
For NGINX, yes. For Apache, it’s highly recommended for better speed.

Will BotBlocker work with both?
Yes, BotBlocker is fully compatible with both servers, just ensure correct URL rewriting and PHP-FPM setup.

More about WordPress requirements

Internal Links (EN):

External Links (EN):

More in: