Caddy suits people deploying a web server or proxy who want automatic HTTPS and configurable reverse-proxy capabilities.
Free plan From $25 a month AndroidWebWindowsMacLinuxAPI+1
- Home
- Developer Tools
- Web Server Software
Best Web Server Software 2026
Facts read 29 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026
Web server software handles requests for websites and web applications. This list helps buyers compare software for Linux, self-hosted setups, Windows, macOS, web use and API work.
The standings: top 10
| Name | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Caddy | 5.8 | $25 a month | Free plan | Android, Web, Windows, Mac | 2 Oct 2026 |
| 02 Phusion Passenger | 5.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 7 Oct 2026 |
| 03 Mongoose Web Server | 5.5 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 04 CivetWeb | 5.3 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 5 Oct 2026 |
| 05 Static Web Server | 5.3 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, Web, Windows, Mac | 9 Oct 2026 |
| 06 Abyss Web Server | 5.0 | $59.95 one-time | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 4 Oct 2026 |
| 07 NaviServer | 5.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux | 30 Sep 2026 |
| 08 OpenResty | 4.9 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 29 Sep 2026 |
| 09 Apache HTTP Server | 4.8 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 29 Sep 2026 |
| 10 Hiawatha | 4.8 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 8 Oct 2026 |
Comparisons cover pricing, protocol support, platform support, extensibility and commercial support.
02
Phusion Passenger
MacLinuxSelf-hosted Record5.6 Visit
03
Mongoose Web Server
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+5 Record5.5 Visit
04
CivetWeb
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+4 Record5.3 Visit
05
Static Web Server
AndroidWebWindows+3 Record5.3 Visit
11
Oracle WebCenter Content
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+4 — Record4.8 Visit It suits organizations managing documents and records across business processes, particularly those with imaging, capture, and retention needs.
Before you choose
Check the pricing path
Before selecting a tool, see whether it includes a free plan or trial. Pricing models on the list include free and freemium options.
Paid-from prices vary between products: Abyss Web Server starts at $59.95, whereas LiteSpeed Web Server starts at $10 per month.
Match your platform
Platforms represented here are Linux, self-hosted, Windows, macOS, web and API environments. Confirm that the software fits the system where you will run or manage it.
Because Windows support has its own comparison field, review it whenever Windows is part of your setup.
Compare connection support
Check HTTP/2, HTTP/3 and WebSocket support to match each server to your application's connection needs.
Review extension options
Review the available plugin or module approach to understand how additional server features can be added. Check the listed extension model before you commit to a configuration.
Commercial support is another comparison field. Use it to see whether paid help is available for the software you are considering.
Questions
Which platforms do these web servers run on?
The category lists Linux, self-hosted, Windows, macOS, web and API environments as supported platforms.
Can I find a free web server plan?
Yes. Items on the list offer free plans. Pricing models include free and freemium options.
Do any options offer a free trial?
Some entries include a free trial. Check the individual product terms before choosing.
What web protocols can I compare?
The comparison fields include HTTP/2 support, HTTP/3 support and WebSocket support.
Can I check for Windows support?
Yes. Windows support appears as its own comparison field, alongside supported platforms.
More in Developer Tools
Accessibility Testing Software 169Log Management Software 111AI Coding Assistants 103Package Managers 93AI Agent Platforms 73Reverse Engineering Tools 73Integrated Development Environments 65Software Composition Analysis Software 65Artifact repository software 64Browser Automation Tools 62Version Control Software 62Container Registries 60Code Playground Software 58Continuous Integration Software 58Network Monitoring 55Kubernetes Monitoring 54Database Client Software 53IDE Software 53