Side by side
NGINX vs OpenResty
Both stand on web server software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
NGINX combines web serving and several proxy roles with caching, load balancing, and file-based configuration. Its free plan and wide platform coverage are useful, though it does not include a web application firewall.
Visit NGINX Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Visit OpenResty The facts
| NGINX | OpenResty | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | nginx.org | openresty.org |
| On web server software | #9 of 36 | #13 of 36 |
NGINX: what it does well
- Free open-source plan at no cost
- Supports HTTP/2, HTTP/3, and SSL/TLS SNI
- Provides caching, load balancing, and fault tolerance
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
What to know first
- Web application firewall is not included
- Requires self-hosted deployment
OpenResty: what it does well
Alternatives to NGINX Alternatives to OpenResty The whole list