Are you looking for an alternative to XAMPP, and considering switching to ServBay? ServBay stands out with numerous advantages over XAMPP, including broader host support, enhanced programming language compatibility, and superior database support. Let's delve into a detailed comparison to see why ServBay is the superior choice.
| Features\Products | ServBay | XAMPP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing | 🆓 free / 💰 paid | 🆓 free |
| Free version | 5 hosts, Ulimited functions | 1 host |
| Free trial | / | / |
| Functions | ||
| macOS support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Package upgradeable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Security updates | ✅ Yes | ❌ No, outdated version |
| Oprating System | ||
| Non-intrusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Launch at login | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Start with system | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| CLI support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| APP UI | ||
| Newbie friendly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Quick control/Menubar | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Service control panel | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multilingual | ✅ Yes, 11 languages | ❌ No |
| Easy to use APP | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Configurable via UI | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Easy backup | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hosting | ||
| Multiple Hosts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Max Hosts | 🆓 5/💰unlimited | 1 |
| Custom Domains | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple Domains/Alias | 💰Yes | ❌ No |
| SSL support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Local private CA | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom PHP Version | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Static Web Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Reverse Proxy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Docker/Node.js Proxy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Redirection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Programing Languages | ||
| PHP support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple PHP versions | 🆓 5.6 - 8.4 | 8.0/8.1/8.2 (Independent install package, each comes with only 1 version) |
| 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 | ❌ No |
| Caddy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Databases | ||
| MySQL support | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Multiple MySQL versions | / | / |
| Instantly switch MySQL versions | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| MariaDB support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple MariaDB versions | 🆓 10.4 - 11.5 | ❌ No, only 10.4 |
| Instantly switch MariaDB versions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| PostgreSQL support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple PostgreSQL versions | 🆓 10 - 16 | / |
| Instantly switch PostgreSQL versions | ✅ Yes | / |
| Redis support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Memcached support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| SQLite 3 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Tools | ||
| phpMyAdmin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Adminer | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| OpenSSL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Composer | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| cURL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| npm | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Mail Server | ||
| Built-in Mail Server | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| DNS | ||
| Built-in DNS Server | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| host domain resolution via /etc/hosts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| host domain resolution via local Built-in DNS Server | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common PHP Modules | ||
| APC/APCu | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| xDebug | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| opcache | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| IMAP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| gd | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| cURL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| OpenLDAP | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| mysql | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| pgsql | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| sqlite | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| pdo-* | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| sodium | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| MongoDB | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| redis | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| memcache | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| memcached | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 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 | ❌ No | |
ServBay shines with its free version supporting up to 5 hosts and offering unlimited functions, while XAMPP limits users to just 1 host in its version. Moreover, ServBay's pro version allows for an unlimited number of custom domains and multiple domains/aliases, a feature absent in XAMPP. ServBay's SSL support and local private CA fortify its position as a more secure and versatile option.
ServBay’s edge is evident in its programming language support. It accommodates multiple PHP versions from 5.6 to 8.4 and offers instant switching between them, a feature not available in XAMPP. Additionally, ServBay's Node.js support, with the ability to switch between versions 12 to 22 instantly, is missing in XAMPP. While XAMPP supports Apache HTTPd, ServBay is soon to introduce NGINX, and already supports Caddy, providing more flexibility in web server choices.
ServBay outperforms XAMPP in database support as well. It facilitates multiple MariaDB versions (from 10.4 to 11.5) and PostgreSQL versions (from 10 to 16), with the ability to switch instantly. This feature is notably absent in XAMPP, which only offers MariaDB version 10.4. ServBay also supports Redis , SQLite 3, and Memcached, which XAMPP does not.
ServBay's distinctive features include support for multiple PHP and Node.js versions, rapid version switching, local DNS, and an independent development package. These aspects, especially its broad software version support, set it apart from XAMPP. Additionally, ServBay’s toolset includes phpMyAdmin, Adminer, Composer, and npm, providing a more comprehensive environment compared to XAMPP.
ServBay offers a wider range of common PHP modules like APC/APCu, xDebug, opcache, and modules for MongoDB, Redis , and Memcached, many of which are not supported by XAMPP. ServBay also provides robust support options, including email and paid support, further enhancing its user experience compared to XAMPP.
In conclusion, ServBay clearly outperforms XAMPP with its extensive host support, programming language versatility, comprehensive database support, and a wide array of tools and features. Whether it’s for a beginner or a seasoned developer, ServBay offers a more secure, flexible, and user-friendly experience, making it the ideal choice for software development needs.