In this personal review, I would like to highlight the advantages of Litespeed hosting compared to traditional Apache hosting.
What did I notice? In my tests, I found that Litespeed not only offers impressive speed but also optimized performance, especially when processing concurrent requests.
Why is that? This is primarily due to the intelligent caching technology and the efficient handling of static and dynamic content that Litespeed enables. While Apache works well in many cases, Litespeed delivers significantly better response times and faster loading times, especially for high-traffic websites. Litespeed is also optimized for WordPress.
So: I'll share my specific results and experiences here to illustrate why switching to Litespeed hosting could be worthwhile for many website owners. It certainly has been for me!
All about Litespeed (with WordPress)
What is Litespeed?
Litespeed is a web hosting technology that uses the Litespeed web server to deliver websites faster and more efficiently.
Unlike traditional Apache web servers, Litespeed offers improved performance through its ability to process dynamic content faster and support a higher number of concurrent connections.
This is especially beneficial for high-traffic websites, as it significantly reduces loading times and optimizes the user experience. Litespeed hosting often also includes built-in features such as HTTP/3 support, caching mechanisms, and security features that further improve website performance and security.
These advantages make Litespeed hosting increasingly the preferred choice for businesses and web developers who value speed and reliability.
Speed comparison
| criteria | Litespeed | Apache | Nginx |
|---|---|---|---|
| architecture | Event-driven, asynchronous | Process-based | Event-driven, asynchronous |
| Static content | Very fast | Average | Very fast |
| Dynamic content | Optimized (by LSCache) | Average | Good, but no built-in caching solution |
| Caching system | Built-in LSCache support | No own caching | External caching (e.g. FastCGI cache) |
| Memory usage | Very low | High (more memory per request) | Low |
| CPU usage | Low, efficient | High because process-based | Low to moderate |
| Performance under high load | Very good | Weak | Very good |
| SSL support | Integrated optimization | Supported, but less efficient | Fast and efficient |
| HTTP/2 & HTTP/3 support | Full support | HTTP/2 support | HTTP/2 support |
| Availability | Commercial, paid | Open source, free | Open source, free |
| Compatibility with .htaccess | Yes, fully supported | Yes | No |
| popularity | Increasing, especially for WordPress | Still widespread | Very popular, especially for high-traffic sites |
| Easy configuration | Simply through LSPanel | More complex with performance tuning | Relatively simple |
| Multithreading | Yes | No | Yes |
| HTTP/3 support | Yes (fully integrated) | No | Yes |
Speed comparison: WordPress
Litespeed is particularly strong for websites with high traffic and dynamic content (e.g., WordPress). Nginx is well-suited for static sites and high loads, while Apache remains very flexible and widely used.
OpenLitespeed vs Litespeed Enterprise
Here is a clear comparison table between OpenLiteSpeed and LiteSpeed Enterprise:
| feature | OpenLiteSpeed | LiteSpeed Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open source, free (forever) | Commercial license, free trial (14 days) available |
| compatibility | CyberPanel, DirectAdmin | cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, CyberPanel and more |
| Cache Engine | Powerful cache engine | Even more powerful cache engine |
| .htaccess handling | Requires restart for new .htaccess files | Detects changes automatically without rebooting |
| Worker processes | Unlimited worker processes | Number of worker processes depending on the license |
| mod_security Engine | Industry standard mod_security library | Proprietary, more powerful mod_security engine |
| Rewrite Rules | Apache-compatible rewrite rules | Full Apache compatibility |
| SSL support | Standard SSL support | SSL Handshake Offloading |
| Support | Community support | Commercial support |
| Recommended use | Individual websites that are not updated frequently | Shared hosting, frequent updates |
While OpenLiteSpeed is available free of charge as an open source version and offers solid performance, LiteSpeed Enterprise is aimed specifically at enterprise and professional applications that require advanced features and support.
Overview of the differences:
- .htaccess: LiteSpeed detects changes automatically, OpenLiteSpeed requires a restart.
- ModSecurity: LiteSpeed uses an optimized proprietary engine, OpenLiteSpeed uses the standard ModSecurity v3.
- IT I: LiteSpeed supports ESI, OpenLiteSpeed does not.
- SSL handshake: LiteSpeed supports asynchronous SSL, OpenLiteSpeed does not.
- WordPress protection: LiteSpeed has built-in protection against brute force attacks, OpenLiteSpeed does not.
- Control Panels: LiteSpeed supports all Apache-compatible panels, OpenLiteSpeed only a growing selection.
- Licensing: LiteSpeed is licensed, OpenLiteSpeed is free and open source.
Switch to Litespeed – How does it work?
- First, you need to find a web hosting provider that supports Litespeed. Many providers offer Litespeed servers. Alternatively, you can install Cyberpanel on a VPS/root server and simply host Litespeed there yourself. I'll explain how to do this in the next step.
- Before you switch, create a backup of your website (e.g. with All-in-One Migrator). Then save the backup to your local hard drive.
- Then transfer your website data to the new Litespeed server. This can be done manually or with a tool.
- Change the DNS settings of your domain (e.g. at Cloudflare) so that it points to the new server.
- Finally, check that everything on your website is working.
Install Litespeed with CyberPanel (Ubuntu)
To use Litespeed, you'll need to install Cyberpanel on a VPS or root server, where you can then host Litespeed. This process is relatively simple and offers the opportunity to significantly increase your website's performance. Cyberpanel offers a user-friendly interface that makes installing and managing Litespeed effortless.
requirements
- A server with Ubuntu 18.04 (or higher).
- At least 2 GB RAM and 10 GB of free storage space.
- Static IP address on the server.
- Root access or sudo user.
Step 1: Update the server
Before you begin the installation, make sure your server is up to date:
apt-get update -y
apt-get upgrade -y
Then restart your server:
reboot
Step 2: Download CyberPanel installation script
Download the CyberPanel installation script:
wget https://cyberpanel.net/install.sh
Step 3: Installing CyberPanel
Start the installation script:
bash install.sh
A selection is displayed:
1. Install CyberPanel
2. Install Add-ons
3. Exit
Select the option 1 to install CyberPanel.
Step 4: Select LiteSpeed
Now select the type of LiteSpeed web server:
1. Install CyberPanel with OpenLiteSpeed
2. Install CyberPanel with LiteSpeed Enterprise
- OpenLiteSpeed is the free version and is sufficient for most requirements.
- LiteSpeed Enterprise offers advanced features, but is subject to a fee.
Above you can find a comparison between both versions
For this guide we choose OpenLiteSpeed (Option 1).
Step 5: Set password for the admin user
You will then be prompted to set the admin password:
Choose [d]fault, [r]andom or [s]et password: [d/r/s]
Choose either d for the default password or sto set your own password.
Step 6: Additional options during installation
You will be asked if you want to install additional features:
- JS/CSS files from JS Delivr load (Improves loading times in Asia):
y - Memcached extension for PHP install:
y - LiteSpeed Memcached install:
y - Redis extension for PHP install:
y - Redis install:
y
Step 7: CyberPanel successfully installed
After successful installation, you will receive an overview with the access data:
CyberPanel Successfully Installed
Visit: https://your-server-ip:8090
Panel username: admin
Panel password: your-password
Open the specified URL (https://your-server-ip:8090) in your browser to access the CyberPanel.
Step 8: Open firewall ports
If you have a firewall configured, make sure the following ports are open:
- Port 8090 for the CyberPanel.
- Port 80 and 443 for HTTP/HTTPS.
- Port 21 and 40110-40210 for FTP.
- Port 25, 587, 465 for email services.
- Port 53 for DNS services.
You can also check the status of CyberPanel:
nsystemctl status lscpd
Step 9: First steps in CyberPanel
- Log in: Log in with your login details.
- Create a website: Go to WEBSITES > Create a websiteEnter the domain name, PHP version, and other details to create your first website.
Step 10: Done!
You have CyberPanel with OpenLiteSpeed successfully installed and configured on your Ubuntu server. You can now manage your websites, set up SSL certificates, and use many other features.
Configuring the Litespeed Cache plugin
Tip: Use a preset
For quick configuration of the plugin you can use a preset:
I recommend using Advanced (or higher).
general
For General, it's important to enter the server IP. Guest Mode lets you decide whether you want to use it.
Litespeed Guest Mode does the following:
Guest Mode is a feature that allows website owners to provide easier access to certain content for visitors who aren't logged in. This mode allows guests to browse the website more quickly, although they won't be able to access all the features and personalized content available to logged-in users.
Guest Mode helps reduce server load and improve loading times by delivering simple, static content and processing fewer dynamic requests. This improves the experience for visitors, making them more likely to register or return later to learn more about the products or services offered. Overall, Litespeed Guest Mode makes using the website easier and faster.
Cache settings
These are my settings. It is important that the first button “Enable Cache” on ON stands.
IT I
What does Cloudflare ESI do?
Cloudflare ESI (Edge Side Includes) helps to better integrate dynamic content, i.e. parts of a website that change frequently, into static websites.
With ESI, these dynamic parts can be loaded and stored separately, while the rest of the page remains the same. This means the web page loads faster because only the parts that change are updated.
In general, this function is only needed in rare cases.
Image Optimization
Page Optimization
Important: Always test your site as a guest (in incognito mode) to see if it still works well. Mobile and desktop. 🙂
When is it worth switching to Litespeed?
Switching isn't always necessary. But as a website owner, you (and your visitors) will usually notice a faster page speed.
A change to LiteSpeed can bring significant benefits in various scenarios. Here are some situations where switching is worthwhile:
- High website traffic numbers
- LiteSpeed can handle large amounts of traffic more efficiently than other web servers like Apache or NGINX, especially with dynamic content.
- Performance problems with Apache
- If your website has slow loading times or crashes frequently, LiteSpeed can help due to its asynchronous processing and improved caching features.
- Optimization of loading times
- Thanks to features like LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) and image optimization, LiteSpeed significantly improves the loading times of WordPress pages.
- More security needed
- LiteSpeed offers integrated security features such as Anti-DDoS protection and Brute force protectionthat can better protect your website from attacks.
- Save resources (RAM/CPU)
- LiteSpeed uses less CPU and RAM compared to Apache and nginx.
That's it! Any questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments.
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