HAProxy vs AWS Application Load Balancer
A detailed comparison to help you choose between HAProxy and AWS Application Load Balancer.
Quick Verdict
3.6/5
HAProxy
327 reviews
4.3/5
AWS Application Load Balancer
222 reviews
AWS Application Load Balancer is rated higher (4.3 vs 3.6). HAProxy is a free, open source, high-performance TCP/HTTP load balancer. Handles 100,000+ concurrent connections. Used by Reddit, Tumblr, and AWS. Known for reliability over many years. AWS ALB provides Layer 7 load balancing with host and path-based routing, content-based routing, WebSocket support, and gRPC support. Integrates with ECS, EKS, and Lambda.
HAProxy The reliable open source load balancer |  AWS Application Load Balancer Layer 7 load balancer with path-based routing | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 (327 reviews) | 4.3 (222 reviews)✓ |
| Pricing model | free | usage-based |
| Starting price | Free | Free tier available |
| Best for | High-traffic applications needing the most reliable open source load balancer for TCP/HTTP traffic | AWS teams building microservices architecture who need Layer 7 routing with AWS WAF integration |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen sourceself hostable | api accessus datacentereu datacenterapac datacenter |
| Visit HAProxy → | Visit AWS Application Load Balancer → | |
HAProxy
Pros
- + Handles 100,000+ concurrent connections
- + Very reliable — used by Reddit and AWS
- + Free and open source
Cons
- - No built-in GUI — configuration is file-based
- - Less feature-rich than enterprise solutions for advanced routing
AWS Application Load Balancer
Pros
- + Path and host-based routing for microservices
- + WAF integration with AWS WAF
- + gRPC and WebSocket native support
Cons
- - AWS complexity
- - Pricing per LCU unit complex to estimate
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