Apache Tomcat is a widely used open-source web server and servlet container that is known for its scalability and stability. It is commonly used to deploy Java-based web applications and has been a popular choice among developers for many years. However, as technology evolves and new solutions emerge, there are several alternative web servers and servlet containers that offer similar or even better features than Apache Tomcat. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Apache Tomcat alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. Jetty

Jetty is a lightweight and highly scalable web server and servlet container that is often compared to Apache Tomcat. It is known for its excellent performance, low memory footprint, and easy integration with other Java frameworks. Jetty supports the latest Java Servlet, JavaServer Pages (JSP), and WebSocket specifications, making it an ideal choice for modern web application development. With its focus on speed, efficiency, and flexibility, Jetty is a strong alternative to Apache Tomcat.

2. Nginx

Nginx is a high-performance web server and reverse proxy server that is widely used in production environments. While it is not primarily designed as a servlet container like Apache Tomcat, Nginx can be used to serve static content and act as a reverse proxy for dynamic applications running on servlet containers. Nginx is known for its efficient handling of concurrent connections, robustness, and low resource consumption, making it a popular choice for high-traffic websites and applications.

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3. WildFly

WildFly, formerly known as JBoss Application Server, is a lightweight and flexible Java EE application server. It provides a complete implementation of the Java EE specification and offers advanced features such as clustering, load balancing, and high availability. WildFly is known for its ease of use, extensive documentation, and strong community support. With its focus on enterprise-level features and compatibility with Java EE standards, WildFly is a strong competitor to Apache Tomcat.

4. GlassFish

GlassFish is an open-source Java EE application server that provides a robust and scalable platform for deploying Java-based web applications. It offers a wide range of features, including support for the latest Java EE specifications, clustering, and high availability. GlassFish is known for its ease of use, developer-friendly tools, and seamless integration with popular IDEs such as Eclipse and NetBeans. With its strong emphasis on Java EE standards and developer productivity, GlassFish is a compelling alternative to Apache Tomcat.

5. Undertow

Undertow is a lightweight and high-performance web server and servlet container that is designed to be embedded in Java applications. It offers a simple yet powerful API for building fast and scalable web applications. Undertow is known for its small memory footprint, low latency, and efficient handling of high loads. With its focus on performance and simplicity, Undertow is an excellent choice for microservices architecture and cloud-native applications.

6. Resin

Resin is a fast and reliable Java application server that provides a secure and scalable platform for deploying Java web applications. It offers support for the latest Java EE specifications, including Servlet, JSP, and JavaServer Faces (JSF). Resin is known for its excellent performance, low resource consumption, and easy configuration. With its focus on speed, stability, and security, Resin is a strong alternative to Apache Tomcat.

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7. Payara Server

Payara Server is a fully supported and production-ready Java application server derived from GlassFish. It offers a robust and scalable platform for deploying enterprise-grade Java EE applications. Payara Server provides enhanced features and performance optimizations on top of GlassFish, making it a compelling choice for organizations that require commercial support and additional features. With its focus on stability, scalability, and compatibility with Java EE standards, Payara Server is a strong competitor to Apache Tomcat.

8. Jelastic

Jelastic is a cloud-native platform that allows developers to deploy and manage applications in the cloud. It offers support for various application servers and servlet containers, including Apache Tomcat, Jetty, and GlassFish. Jelastic provides an intuitive user interface, automatic scaling, and seamless integration with popular development tools. With its focus on cloud deployment and ease of use, Jelastic is an excellent choice for developers looking for a managed platform for deploying their applications.

9. Pivotal tc Server

Pivotal tc Server is a lightweight and fully compatible Java application server based on Apache Tomcat. It offers enterprise-level features such as advanced diagnostics, centralized management, and high availability. Pivotal tc Server provides additional tooling and support compared to Apache Tomcat, making it a compelling choice for organizations that require commercial-grade features and support. With its focus on compatibility with Apache Tomcat and enterprise capabilities, Pivotal tc Server is a strong alternative to Apache Tomcat.

10. WebLogic Server

WebLogic Server is a Java EE application server that provides a robust and scalable platform for deploying enterprise-grade applications. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including support for the latest Java EE specifications, clustering, and high availability. WebLogic Server is known for its scalability, reliability, and extensive management capabilities. With its focus on enterprise-level features and performance, WebLogic Server is a strong competitor to Apache Tomcat.

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In conclusion, while Apache Tomcat has been a popular choice for deploying Java-based web applications, there are several alternatives and competitors available in 2024 that offer similar or even better features. Whether you choose Jetty for its lightweight footprint and scalability, Nginx for its high-performance and reverse proxy capabilities, or WildFly for its complete Java EE implementation, each alternative provides unique features to meet the needs of different projects and organizations. Consider these top 10 Apache Tomcat alternatives and competitors to find the best fit for your web server and servlet container requirements in 2024.