# Traefik vs Nginx Proxy Manager

> Pick Traefik for label-based, automatic routing of Docker and Kubernetes services; pick Nginx Proxy Manager if you want to add proxy hosts and SSL certificates through a simple web UI.

## Verdict

Traefik is the better fit for dynamic container setups where routes should appear automatically from Docker labels or Kubernetes resources. Nginx Proxy Manager is the friendliest option for homelabs: click to add a host, request a Let's Encrypt certificate and you are done, without touching config files.

- Best for Traefik: Container platforms that need automatic service discovery
- Best for Nginx Proxy Manager: Homelab users who want a point-and-click reverse proxy

## Key differences

| Aspect | Traefik | Nginx Proxy Manager |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Language/stack | Go, single binary | Node.js admin app on top of NGINX (OpenResty) |
| Architecture | Providers (Docker, Kubernetes, files) feed routes dynamically, no reloads | Web UI generates NGINX config; data stored in SQLite or MySQL/MariaDB |
| Standout features | Automatic Let's Encrypt, middlewares, TCP/UDP routing, metrics and tracing | Web UI for hosts, redirects, streams, access lists and Let's Encrypt certificates |
| Learning curve | Steeper: routers, services and middlewares in labels or YAML | Low: everything is done in the browser |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | Traefik | Nginx Proxy Manager |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 65,081 | 34,325 |
| Forks | 6,229 | 3,922 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 846 | 798 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Latest release | v3.7.13 | v2.16.0 |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Go | TypeScript |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/traefik/traefik | https://github.com/NginxProxyManager/nginx-proxy-manager |

App pages: [Traefik](https://appsgit.com/apps/traefik), [Nginx Proxy Manager](https://appsgit.com/apps/nginx-proxy-manager)

## FAQ

### Is Traefik harder than Nginx Proxy Manager?

Yes, at first. Traefik needs you to learn its labels and configuration model, while Nginx Proxy Manager is configured entirely through a web UI.

### Do both get free SSL certificates?

Yes. Both request and renew Let's Encrypt certificates automatically, including DNS challenge support for wildcard certificates.

### Can Nginx Proxy Manager discover Docker containers automatically?

No. You add each proxy host manually in the UI. Traefik reads Docker labels and creates routes as containers start.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/traefik-vs-nginx-proxy-manager
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