Apache and Nginx are the two dominant web servers. Both are excellent; the right choice depends on your workload.

Nginx

  • Event-driven architecture handles many concurrent connections with low memory.
  • Excellent as a reverse proxy and for serving static files.
  • The default choice for modern app stacks (Node, Python, Ruby).

Apache

  • Extremely flexible with per-directory .htaccess configuration.
  • Huge module ecosystem and long history.
  • Deep integration with PHP via mod_php, and the traditional choice for shared/cPanel hosting.

Which to choose

  • High-concurrency, static-heavy, or reverse proxy: Nginx.
  • Legacy apps needing .htaccess, or a cPanel environment: Apache.
  • Best of both: Nginx in front as a reverse proxy, Apache behind it for PHP — a common, powerful combo.

On a VPS with full root access you can run either (or both), so pick what fits your application.