Caddy

Name: Caddy
Brand: Caddy
Rating: 3.2 (3 reviews)

Claim this tool Editor reviewed

Modern web server with automatic HTTPS

Hosting & Deployment Server Management Security

Visit Website

FreeVisit Website

Reviews onG2

3 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Automatic HTTPS

Biggest con

Smaller community than nginx

TL;DR - Caddy

Caddy is a web server with automatic HTTPS and simple configuration
It obtains and renews TLS certificates automatically with zero configuration
Free and open-source

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Caddy?

Editorial review

Caddy serves websites with automatic HTTPS. No certificate management, no complex configuration-point Caddy at your site, and it handles SSL certificates, renewals, and redirects automatically. The config file is human-readable. The defaults are sensible. When you need more, the module system extends capabilities. Developers tired of Apache and Nginx configuration complexity choose Caddy for a web server that does the right thing by default.

Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcecaddyserver.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Automatic HTTPS
Simple configuration
Good performance
Modern and well-designed
Single binary

Cons

Smaller community than nginx
Less plugins/modules
Some advanced features missing
Commercial license for some uses
Less enterprise adoption

Ratings Across the Web

3.2(3 reviews)

Caddy holds an aggregate rating of 3.2 out of 5 from 3 reviews across G2, last checked May 29, 2026.

G23 reviews

3.2/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Web serverAutomatic HTTPSReverse proxyHTTP/3Config APIOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 20, 2026

Free

Open source

Automatic HTTPS
HTTP/3
Reverse proxy
No enterprise paywall

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Caddy worth the price?

100/100

Caddy's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a fully-featured modern web server with automatic HTTPS for free.

There are no licensing fees, making it an outstanding value compared to proprietary alternatives. This model is best for individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises looking for a powerful and cost-effective web server solution.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No direct hidden costs; sponsorship is optional

Requires self-hosting infrastructure costs

Potential for community support reliance

How Caddy Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial web servers like Nginx Plus, which can cost thousands of dollars annually for advanced features and support, Caddy offers a similar feature set, including automatic HTTPS and HTTP/3, completely free. Even open-source alternatives like Apache or Nginx require manual configuration for HTTPS, which Caddy automates, providing superior ease of use at no cost.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover

$99Free with your review

Review Caddy, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

Best Caddy Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

CloudwaysPaid

Managed cloud hosting platform

4.7

NginxFreemium

High-performance web server, reverse proxy, and load balancer

4.5

NorthflankFreemium

Deploy any project in seconds, in our cloud or yours, with a comprehensive developer platform.

4.9

CleavrPaid

Server management for modern apps

ZeaburFreemium

Your AI DevOps Engineer handling all your infrastructure needs, so you can focus on coding.

See all hosting & deployment tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Caddy vs CloudwaysHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Caddy vs NginxHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Caddy vs NorthflankHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Hosting & Deployment Tools Best Server Management Tools Best Security Tools Best Free Hosting & Deployment Best Free Server Management Best Free Security

Caddy FAQ

How does Caddy simplify website deployment and security?

Caddy serves websites with automatic HTTPS, handling SSL certificates, renewals, and redirects automatically. This eliminates the need for manual certificate management and complex configuration, streamlining the deployment process.

What kind of user benefits most from Caddy?

Developers who are frustrated with the complexity of configuring traditional web servers like Apache and Nginx will find Caddy beneficial. It is designed for those who prefer a web server that offers sensible defaults and automatic HTTPS.

How is Caddy priced?

Caddy is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to utilize its core functionalities. However, some specific uses may require a commercial license.

Which teams would find Caddy suitable for their infrastructure?

Teams focused on Hosting & Deployment, Server Management, and Security would find Caddy suitable. Its automatic HTTPS and simple configuration streamline operations for web serving.

Can Caddy's capabilities be extended beyond its core features?

Yes, Caddy's capabilities can be extended through its module system when more advanced functionalities are needed. This allows users to customize and expand its features beyond the sensible defaults.

How does Caddy compare to Nginx for web serving?

Caddy offers automatic HTTPS and simpler, human-readable configuration compared to Nginx, which is often chosen for its extensive plugin ecosystem and larger community. While Nginx has more enterprise adoption, Caddy focuses on ease of use and modern design.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Caddy?

The main trade-offs when choosing Caddy include a smaller community and fewer available plugins/modules compared to more established servers. Additionally, some advanced features might be missing, and certain uses may require a commercial license.

Source: caddyserver.com

Guides & Articles

Best Free Security Tools in 2026

Features Caddy

Best Free Hosting and Deployment Platforms in 2026

Expert guide

Best Self-Hosted PaaS Platforms in 2026

Expert guide