Apache Traffic Server vs Varnish Enterprise
Apache Traffic Server
trafficserver.apache.org
Varnish Enterprise
varnish-software.comSide by side
| Figure | Apache Traffic Server | Varnish Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Caching Software | 8.9 (#2) | 7.1 (#18) |
| Purpose | Apache Traffic Server is a fast, scalable, extensible HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 caching proxy server. | Varnish Enterprise is a programmable delivery layer for live video, dynamic web and API traffic, and CI/CD artifact delivery. |
| Security | Security options include client access controls, client authentication, SSL termination, and access control via SSL. | The product page lists in-process TLS termination as included and an in-process WAF as an add-on. |
| Support | Users can seek help through the Users Mailing List or ASF Slack, and code questions through the developers discussion list. | The product page describes standard, 24/7, and fully managed service plans as expert support options. |
Plans
In their own words
Apache Traffic Server
Apache Traffic Server is a free, open-source caching proxy server for HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2. It stores frequently requested pages, images, and web service calls so they can be reused, with the stated aims of improving response time and reducing server load and bandwidth needs. It can also add keep-alive behavior, filter or anonymize requests, and balance traffic through a proxy layer. Deployment patterns include web proxy cache, reverse proxy, and cache hierarchy. As a layer 7 HTTP load balancer, it can choose next-hop servers using request attributes, weighted round robin, or URL consistent hashing. Plug-in APIs let teams add behavior such as changing headers, handling ESI requests, or implementing cache algorithms. Security options include client access controls and authentication, SSL termination, and SSL-based access control. It is self-hosted, with Linux and macOS listed as platforms. The project identifies enterprises, internet service providers, backbone providers, and large intranets as its intended audience. The listed stable release is 10.2.0; 9.2.15 is listed as the long-term support release.
Varnish Enterprise
Varnish Enterprise has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.