Are you looking for an alternative to MAMP/MAMP Pro and considering a switch to ServBay? ServBay stands out with several advantages including support for multiple PHP versions, Node.js, a wide range of software versions, rapid version switching, local DNS, and an independent development package. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to see why ServBay might be the better choice for your needs.
| Features\Products | ServBay | MAMP/MAMP Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing | 🆓 free / 💰 paid | 🆓 free / 💰 $99 |
| Free version | 5 hosts, Ulimited functions | 1 host, Limited functions |
| Free trial | / | 14 days |
| Functions | ||
| macOS support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Package upgradeable | ✅ Yes | 💰❗️limited |
| Security updates | ✅ Yes | ❌ No, outdated version |
| Oprating System | ||
| Non-intrusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Launch at login | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Start with system | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| CLI support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| APP UI | ||
| Newbie friendly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Quick control/Menubar | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Service control panel | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multilingual | ✅ Yes, 11 languages | ❌ No |
| Easy to use APP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Configurable via UI | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Easy backup | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hosting | ||
| Multiple Hosts | ✅ Yes | 💰 Yes |
| Max Hosts | 🆓 5/💰unlimited | 🆓 1/💰unlimited |
| Custom Domains | ✅ Yes | 💰 Yes |
| Multiple Domains/Alias | 💰Yes | 💰Yes |
| SSL support | ✅ Yes | 💰Yes |
| Local private CA | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom PHP Version | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Static Web Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Reverse Proxy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Docker/Node.js Proxy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Redirection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Programing Languages | ||
| PHP support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple PHP versions | 🆓 5.6 - 8.4 | 7.4/8.2 💰5.4/5.6/7.3/7.4/8.1/8.2 |
| PHP 8.3 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple PHP instances | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Instantly switch PHP versions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Node.js support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple Node.js versions | 🆓 12 - 22 | / |
| Instantly switch Node.js versions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Web Servers | ||
| Apache HTTPd | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| NGINX | ❗️ No, Coming soon | ✅ Yes |
| Caddy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Databases | ||
| MySQL support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple MySQL versions | / | ❌ No, only 5.7 |
| Instantly switch MySQL versions | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| MariaDB support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple MariaDB versions | 🆓 10.4 - 11.5 | / |
| Instantly switch MariaDB versions | ✅ Yes | / |
| PostgreSQL support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple PostgreSQL versions | 🆓 10 - 16 | / |
| Instantly switch PostgreSQL versions | ✅ Yes | / |
| Redis support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Memcached support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| SQLite 3 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Tools | ||
| phpMyAdmin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Adminer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| OpenSSL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Composer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| cURL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| npm | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Mail Server | ||
| Built-in Mail Server | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DNS | ||
| Built-in DNS Server | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| host domain resolution via /etc/hosts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| host domain resolution via local Built-in DNS Server | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common PHP Modules | ||
| APC/APCu | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| xDebug | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| opcache | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| IMAP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| gd | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| cURL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| OpenLDAP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| mysql | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| pgsql | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| sqlite | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| pdo-* | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| sodium | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MongoDB | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| redis | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| memcache | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| memcached | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tunnels/Reverse Proxy | ||
| Cloudflared | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| frpc | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Development tools | ||
| Development Library | ✅ Yes, Independent package | ✅ Yes, built-in |
| Re-Compile support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Support | ||
| Documents | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Community | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | |
ServBay offers a free version with five hosts and unlimited functions, a clear advantage over MAMP/MAMP Pro's single host limitation and function restrictions in its free version. While both offer paid options, ServBay's free offerings are more generous, making it a more cost-effective solution, especially for users requiring multiple hosts.
ServBay excels with its hosting capabilities, allowing up to 5 hosts for free and supporting custom domains, SSL, and local private CA. In contrast, MAMP/MAMP Pro requires a paid version for similar features. This makes ServBay a more versatile and secure choice for hosting needs.
One of ServBay's standout features is its support for multiple PHP versions (from 5.6 to 8.4) and Node.js, along with the ability to run multiple PHP instances and instantly switch PHP and Node.js versions. MAMP/MAMP Pro, however, limits these features, offering fewer PHP versions and lacking Node.js support altogether.
ServBay supports MariaDB, PostgreSQL , and Redis with the ability to switch between different versions instantly, a feature not available in MAMP/MAMP Pro. This flexibility is crucial for developers working with various database technologies and versions.
ServBay offers a range of tools and special abilities like built-in mail and DNS servers, support for common PHP modules like MongoDB, and reverse proxy tools like Cloudflared and frpc. These features, particularly the independent development package, give ServBay an edge over MAMP/MAMP Pro, enhancing its utility for developers.
Both platforms are user-friendly. However, ServBay's commitment to a multilingual interface, easy backup, and comprehensive support through community, email, and paid support channels provides a more accommodating environment for a diverse user base.
In summary, ServBay stands out with its generous free version, robust hosting features, extensive support for programming languages and databases, a wide array of development tools, and superior user support. These aspects make ServBay a compelling alternative to MAMP/MAMP Pro, especially for those seeking versatility, scalability, and comprehensive development features.