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Why Choose LiteSpeed Over Apache?

Category: Getting Started
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At KnownHost, we provide high-performance Managed VPS and Dedicated Servers powered with Apache by default. However, for customers who need enhanced speed, security, and efficiency, upgrading to LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) can be a game-changer.

First of all, what is Litespeed?

LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) is an advanced, high-performance web server that serves as a drop-in replacement for Apache. It is known for its exceptional speed, lower resource consumption, and robust security features, making it an ideal choice for websites with high traffic or dynamic content.

Key Benefits of LiteSpeed Over Apache

1. Performance & Speed

  • Up to 6x faster performance for static content and up to 50% faster for dynamic content compared to Apache.
  • Uses event-driven architecture, unlike Apache’s process-based approach, which reduces CPU and memory usage while handling thousands of connections efficiently.
    • Apache uses a process-based model where each request spawns a separate process or thread. This approach consumes more memory and CPU, especially under high traffic loads. (Think 1:1)
    • LiteSpeed, on the other hand, uses an event-driven model, meaning a single process can handle multiple connections simultaneously. This significantly reduces resource consumption while allowing the server to scale more efficiently.
    • As a result, LiteSpeed can handle more concurrent users without increasing hardware requirements, leading to improved performance and lower server costs.
  • Built-in page caching (LSCache) that rivals Nginx and surpasses Apache’s performance with traditional caching modules.
https://www.litespeedtech.com/benchmarks/wordpress

2. Lower Resource Consumption

  • Requires fewer CPU and RAM resources, making it ideal for servers handling high concurrent requests.
  • Reduces the overhead caused by Apache’s reliance on multiple worker processes.

3. Enhanced Security

  • Built-in DDoS protection with features like bandwidth throttling and connection limits.
    • Protect against Layer7 Attacks via reCAPTCHA
    • Protect against Layer4 Attacks via Per-Client Throttling
  • Advanced mod_security rules and real-time malware detection.
  • Brute force attack mitigation for CMS platforms like WordPress
    • Provides protection based on drop, deny, throttle, or captcha.

4. Seamless Compatibility

  • Fully compatible with Apache’s .htaccess, mod_rewrite, and mod_security.
  • No need to change configurations or website files when switching from Apache.
  • Supports popular control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin

5. Superior PHP Performance

  • Works natively with LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache), an advanced caching plugin for WordPress, Magento, Joomla, and other CMS platforms.
  • Handles PHP requests faster than Apache with LiteSpeed’s PHP LSAPI, reducing load times and improving site responsiveness.
    • Unlike Apache’s mod_php or PHP-FPM, LiteSpeed’s LSAPI is specifically optimized for PHP execution, reducing overhead and improving efficiency.
    • LSAPI allows PHP processes to remain persistent, minimizing startup times and significantly improving request handling.

When Should You Choose LiteSpeed?

If any of the following apply to your website or server environment, LiteSpeed is an excellent choice:

  • High-Traffic Websites – If your website experiences large amounts of concurrent traffic, LiteSpeed ensures fast load times with minimal server strain.
  • E-Commerce Sites – Platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop benefit from LiteSpeed’s caching and optimized PHP handling, improving customer experience and sales.
  • Resource-Limited Servers – If you’re on a VPS or a dedicated server where performance optimization matters, LiteSpeed significantly reduces resource consumption. Allowing you to do more with less.
  • Security-Conscious Businesses – Built-in DDoS protection and enhanced security features help keep your website safe without third-party tools.
  • WordPress & CMS Users – With LSCache and enhanced PHP performance, WordPress, Joomla, and other CMS-powered sites experience faster page loads and reduced TTFB (Time to First Byte).

Why Upgrade to LiteSpeed with KnownHost?

At KnownHost, we make upgrading to LiteSpeed effortless. Our team handles the installation, configuration, and optimization, ensuring a seamless transition from Apache to LiteSpeed. With our Managed VPS and Dedicated Servers, you get premium support, top-tier performance, and the reliability you need for your business. Get even further performance with our Managed NVMe VPS’s!

Ready to upgrade to LiteSpeed? Contact our sales team today and enhance the performance of your websites!

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