Caddy vs Nginx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Caddy and Nginx comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Caddy is a web server with automatic HTTPS and simple configuration
- • It obtains and renews TLS certificates automatically with zero configuration
Nginx
High-performance web server
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • High-performance web server powering a large share of the internet
- • Reverse proxy, load balancer, and cache in one tool
| At a Glance |  Caddy |  Nginx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | API Tools |
Rating | 88/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Caddy | Nginx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCDN | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Caddy and Nginx Compare
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Free · 88/100 score
Nginx
High-performance web server
Free tier available · 71/100 score
Caddy is a hosting & deployment tool. Nginx is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Caddy is free. Nginx is freemium.
Go with: Caddy
Want the highest-rated option?
Caddy: 88/100. Nginx: 71/100.
Go with: Caddy
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Caddy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Caddy is free. Nginx is freemium. Go with Caddy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Caddy is a hosting & deployment tool. Nginx is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Caddy scores higher: 88/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
Caddy
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 71
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Nginx
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Caddy (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caddy or Nginx better?
Caddy scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Caddy is free and Nginx is freemium.
What are Caddy and Nginx used for?
Caddy: Modern web server with automatic HTTPS. Nginx: High-performance web server.
What does Caddy cost vs Nginx?
Caddy is completely free. Nginx is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.