The Best Open Source Web Servers for 2025

This list of best open source web servers for this year is followed by guidelines on which one to choose and why, and how to get started.

- Dhaval Gajjar

As we move into 2025, the demand for robust, reliable, and cost-effective web hosting solutions has never been higher. Whether you're launching your first website or scaling an enterprise-level application, the web server you choose can make or break your site's performance. Enter open source web servers—free, customisable, and packed with power, they're the backbone of modern web infrastructure.

But with so many options available, how do you know which open source web server is right for you? In this guide, we'll explore the best open source web servers of 2025, breaking down what each one offers, why you should consider using them, and how to get started.

An open source web server is a type of software that serves web content to users over the internet. It listens for requests from web browsers and responds by delivering the appropriate web pages, files, or other resources. Open source web servers are developed and distributed with a source code that is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute.

Best open source web servers for 2025

Apache HTTP Server

Apache HTTP Server, commonly known as Apache, is one of the oldest and most widely used web servers globally. It is highly customisable and has supported many advanced web technologies over the years.

Market share: Apache held a significant market share of around 25-30% in the web server market in 2024.

Ideal use cases

Enterprise applications: Due to its flexibility and reliability, Apache is ideal for hosting enterprise-level websites.

Dynamic websites: Supports PHP, Perl, and other server-side scripting languages.