Software Alternatives & Startups

Apache HTTP Server VS Undertow

Compare Apache HTTP Server VS Undertow and see what are their differences

Apache HTTP Server

Apache httpd has been the most popular web server on the Internet since April 1996

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Undertow

Undertow is a webserver​ written in Java, providing both blocking and non-blocking API’s based on NIO.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Apache HTTP Server seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 71 times since March 2021.

social mentions
71 vs 0
Web And Application Servers popularity
97% vs 3%
alternatives listed
163 vs 86

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Apache HTTP Server
Undertow
Website httpd.apache.org undertow.io
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Apache HTTP Server 6 features
Undertow 5 features
  • Open Source
    Apache HTTP Server is open source, meaning it is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This promotes a large, active community that contributes to its maintenance and improvement.
  • Cross-Platform
    Apache is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Unix, Linux, and Windows, providing flexibility and widespread usability.
  • Highly Customizable
    It offers a modular architecture that allows users to enable or disable features as needed, and to extend functionality through modules.
  • Robust Documentation
    Apache provides comprehensive and detailed documentation, which makes it easier for users to install, configure, and troubleshoot the server.
  • Widespread Adoption
    With its long history and widespread use, Apache has proven to be reliable and trusted by many organizations worldwide, ensuring a level of trust and stability.
  • Rich Feature Set
    Apache includes many features out-of-the-box, such as SSL/TLS support, URL redirection, authentication, load balancing, and more.

Possible disadvantages

  • Performance Overhead
    Compared to some lightweight web servers like Nginx, Apache can have higher memory and CPU usage, which may not be ideal for high concurrency needs.
  • Complex Configuration
    Apache's extensive customization options can lead to a complex configuration process, which may be challenging for beginners or those without specific expertise.
  • Less Efficient in Serving Static Content
    While Apache is highly capable, it may be less efficient at serving static content compared to specialized web servers like Nginx.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    Due to its rich features and configurability, new users might face a steep learning curve when first setting up and using Apache HTTP Server.
  • Module Compatibility Issues
    Sometimes, third-party modules may not always be compatible with the latest versions of Apache, causing potential integration issues.
  • Performance
    Undertow is designed to be a lightweight and high-performance web server, which makes it particularly suitable for high-traffic applications.
  • Flexibility
    Undertow can be embedded in applications or run as a standalone server, offering developers flexibility in deployment.
  • HTTP/2 Support
    Native support for HTTP/2 is available, which can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of web applications.
  • Non-blocking IO
    The server supports non-blocking IO, enhancing its ability to handle numerous simultaneous connections efficiently.
  • Modular Architecture
    Undertow has a modular design, enabling developers to include only the modules that their applications need, which keeps the footprint small.

Possible disadvantages

  • Documentation
    While improving, documentation may not be as comprehensive or user-friendly as some competing web servers, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Ecosystem
    Undertow has a smaller ecosystem compared to more established servers like Apache or Nginx, which might limit available plugins, extensions, and community support.
  • Complexity
    The high level of configurability and flexibility can make Undertow more complex to set up and understand, especially for newcomers.
  • Community Support
    While Undertow has an active user base, it does not have as large or vibrant a community as some other web servers, which could affect the availability of third-party help and resources.
  • Less Proven in Production
    Compared to legacy web servers, Undertow is relatively newer and might not be as battle-tested in a wide variety of production environments.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Apache HTTP Server
Undertow

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Apache HTTP Server is generally considered a good and reliable web server.

Why this product is good

  • Apache HTTP Server is one of the most widely used and established web servers in the world. It is open-source, highly configurable, and supports a wide range of features through modules. Its robustness, extensive documentation, strong community support, and flexibility are some of the reasons it remains popular.

Recommended for

  • Developers and organizations looking for a reliable and versatile web server solution.
  • Those who need extensive customization and configuration options for their web environment.
  • Users who prefer an established platform with a large community and extensive documentation.
  • Teams that require compatibility with various operating systems and environments.

Overall verdict

  • Undertow is considered a good choice for developers seeking a performant and modular server. Its ease of use, combined with its flexibility to support various architectures, makes it a solid option, especially if you are working within a Java development ecosystem.

Why this product is good

  • Undertow is a lightweight and flexible web server that is highly efficient for handling both blocking and non-blocking requests. It is designed for high performance and is ideally suited for running scalable Java applications. Undertow is also the default web server in WildFly, which speaks to its robustness and reliability in enterprise environments.

Recommended for

  • Developers building Java applications
  • Teams looking for a lightweight and efficient web server
  • Projects requiring both blocking and non-blocking request handling
  • Deployments that need a server with good integration with Java EE and WildFly

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Apache HTTP Server 0 videos + Add
Undertow 3 videos + Add

No Apache HTTP Server videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Too Many Bones Undertow - Overview and Review

More videos

  • - Drenge - Undertow ALBUM REVIEW
  • - Tool - UNDERTOW Album Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Apache HTTP Server
Undertow
95% 95%
5% 5%
96% 96%
4% 4%
89% 89%
11% 11%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Apache HTTP Server no reviews yet
Undertow no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Apache HTTP Server 71 mentions
Undertow 0 mentions

View more

Tracking Undertow since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Apache HTTP Server and Undertow

When comparing Apache HTTP Server and Undertow, you can also consider the following products.