lighttpd
Lightweight open-source web server built for low memory and CPU use.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux, Self-hosted
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 1
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- 0
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About lighttpd
lighttpd (pronounced "lighty") is a small, fast web server that has been around since 2003 and is still actively released. It was designed to handle many connections while using little memory and CPU, which is why it shows up on routers, embedded devices, Raspberry Pi setups and appliances as well as ordinary Linux servers. It serves static files, runs PHP and other apps through FastCGI, SCGI or CGI, and can act as a reverse proxy with mod_proxy; it supports TLS, HTTP/2, URL rewriting, compression and authentication through modules. Configuration lives in a single text file with conditional blocks, which is compact but less widely documented than nginx or Apache. It is free and open source under the revised BSD license, with no paid edition; you build it or install it from your distribution's packages on Linux, the BSDs and other Unix-like systems.
Best for: Admins who want a small, efficient web server for embedded devices, low-memory machines or simple sites..
Pros and cons
What works
- Low memory and CPU use, good for small and embedded hardware
- FastCGI support for PHP and other app runtimes
- Still actively maintained with regular security releases
- Permissive BSD license
Why people leave
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials than nginx or Apache
- No automatic HTTPS certificate management like Caddy
- Not aimed at Windows servers
lighttpd vs HAProxy
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | lighttpd | HAProxy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Linux, Self-hosted | Linux, Self-hosted |
Top lighttpd alternatives
See all 1- 1HaHAProxy42.3
Put HAProxy in front when you need load balancing and health checks across several servers.
Why people left lighttpd
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from lighttpd, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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lighttpd: common questions
What is lighttpd?
lighttpd: Lightweight open-source web server built for low memory and CPU use. Best for admins who want a small, efficient web server for embedded devices, low-memory machines or simple sites. Available for Linux, and you can host it yourself.
Is lighttpd free?
Yes. lighttpd is free, open-source software.
Is lighttpd open source?
No, lighttpd is not open source. Open-source alternatives include HAProxy.
What platforms does lighttpd run on?
lighttpd is available for Linux and Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to lighttpd?
The highest-ranked lighttpd alternatives right now are HAProxy. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
lighttpd vs HAProxy: what's the difference?
Both lighttpd and HAProxy are free and open source. HAProxy is open source and lighttpd is not. Both run on Linux.