# Caddy vs Traefik

> Pick Caddy for the simplest config file with automatic HTTPS and a built-in file server; pick Traefik for dynamic routing that follows Docker and Kubernetes labels.

## Verdict

Caddy is the easiest web server and reverse proxy to configure by hand: a few lines of Caddyfile give you HTTPS on every site. Traefik is the better choice when services come and go in Docker or Kubernetes and you want routes created from labels without editing a central file.

- Best for Caddy: Static sites and hand-configured reverse proxies with automatic HTTPS
- Best for Traefik: Docker and Kubernetes clusters with frequently changing services

## Key differences

| Aspect | Caddy | Traefik |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Language/stack | Go, single binary with plugin modules | Go, single binary |
| Architecture | Web server and proxy configured by Caddyfile or JSON admin API | Edge router fed by providers such as Docker, Kubernetes and file config |
| Standout features | HTTPS on by default, static file server, on-demand TLS | Service discovery, middlewares, built-in dashboard, TCP/UDP routing |
| Learning curve | Low: short, readable Caddyfile | Moderate: routers, services and middlewares concepts |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | Caddy | Traefik |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 77,243 | 65,081 |
| Forks | 5,079 | 6,229 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 331 | 846 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Latest release | v2.11.7 | v3.7.13 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Go | Go |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/caddyserver/caddy | https://github.com/traefik/traefik |

App pages: [Caddy](https://appsgit.com/apps/caddy), [Traefik](https://appsgit.com/apps/traefik)

## FAQ

### Can Caddy serve static files?

Yes, Caddy is a full web server with a file_server directive. Traefik is only a proxy and router and cannot serve files on its own.

### Does Caddy work with Docker labels?

Not natively. A community plugin, caddy-docker-proxy, adds label-based configuration, while Traefik supports it out of the box.

### Which handles HTTPS better?

Both automate Let's Encrypt. Caddy enables HTTPS by default for every site with no extra configuration.

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