Running Perl scripts on the web requires not just a hosting provider—but the right web server configuration. Whether you're managing classic CGI scripts or building scalable PSGI-based web applications, your tech stack needs to support Perl execution reliably, securely, and efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll first walk through the top 5 web servers for running Perl scripts, then introduce hosting providers that offer the best environment to use each one effectively.
Top 5 Web Servers for Hosting Perl Scripts
1. Apache HTTP Server (with mod_perl)
Apache is the most popular choice for running Perl via CGI or mod_perl. The mod_perl module embeds the Perl interpreter into Apache, drastically improving performance compared to standard CGI. It allows persistent Perl environments and faster execution of repeat scripts.
2. Nginx (with FastCGI or uWSGI)
Nginx is a lightweight, high-performance web server ideal for modern web frameworks. It doesn't natively support mod_perl, but it executes Perl scripts via FastCGI or uWSGI, especially when used in combination with Plack or PSGI-based apps like Mojolicious or Dancer2.
3. Starman (PSGI Application Server)
Starman is a dedicated, PSGI-compliant Perl app server. It’s the best choice for developers using modern Perl frameworks. It’s fast, supports preforking, and is usually deployed behind Nginx or Apache using Plack middleware.
4. Lighttpd
Lighttpd is a lightweight web server with CGI and FastCGI support. It’s well-suited for running small Perl tools or scripts on low-resource servers. It’s simple to set up and efficient, especially for one-off apps or automation tools.
5. Twiggy
Twiggy is a non-blocking Perl server built on AnyEvent. It's ideal for real-time or asynchronous Perl applications, such as chat servers, long-polling APIs, or WebSocket services.
Best 5 Perl Hosting in 2025
- HostGator - Hosting you can rely
- ScalaHosting - Anytime Unconditional Money-back Guarantee
- InMotion Hosting - InMotion Hosting: Where Speed, Reliability, and Success Come Together.
- Hostinger - Feature-rich website hosting for less
- Liquid Web - The Most Helpful Humans in Hosting
HostGator: Reliable Hosting with 99.9% Uptime, 24/7 Support & Easy One-Click Installs!
ScalaHosting: Reliable, Scalable, and Secure – 99.9% Uptime with an Anytime Money-Back Guarantee!
InMotion Hosting: Where Speed, Reliability, and Success Come Together.
Get More for Less with Hostinger – Power-Packed Hosting Made Affordable!
Liquid Web – High-performance managed hosting with enterprise-level security and 24/7 expert support
HostGator + Apache
Why it’s perfect for Perl:
HostGator runs Apache with built-in CGI and Perl support, making it an ideal match for traditional Perl websites. For developers using mod_perl, HostGator’s VPS and dedicated plans provide full root access, allowing for custom module installations and environment tweaks.
With strong customer support and reliability, HostGator is perfect for Perl developers maintaining older apps or building server-side logic in a tried-and-tested environment.
Pros
Unlimited email addresses
Long-term offers available
Award-winning customer service
Cons
Only 10GB of server space
Best price requires three-year commitment
ScalaHosting + Nginx
Why it’s perfect for Perl:
ScalaHosting offers powerful VPS solutions where you can configure Nginx + FastCGI or uWSGI for efficient Perl script execution. It supports root access, SSH, and custom stacks, making it easy to run modern Perl frameworks via Plack or PSGI.
Their unique SPanel is lighter than cPanel and gives you developer-level control. Combined with VPS scalability and automatic backups, ScalaHosting is ideal for running scalable, modern Perl applications.
Pros
Reliable uptime, ensuring consistent website accessibility.
Innovative SPanel, offering a lightweight and cost-effective control panel.
Responsive and helpful customer support.
Strong security with SShield, blocking 99.998% of attacks.
Cons
Limited dedicated hosting options.
Price increases upon renewal.
InMotion Hosting + Starman
Why it’s perfect for Perl:
If you’re developing with Dancer2, Mojolicious, or other PSGI frameworks, InMotion Hosting provides the technical flexibility and server control needed to deploy Starman app servers. Their VPS and dedicated hosting plans come with full SSH/root access and excellent U.S.-based support.
You can easily configure Apache or Nginx as a reverse proxy to your Perl-based PSGI server, allowing for a production-grade deployment pipeline with advanced logging and tuning.
Pros
Easy Setup
Inclusive accessibility features
Fast performance
24/7 U.S.-based support
90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Limited phone support hours
Higher renewal costs
Hostinger + Lighttpd
Why it’s perfect for Perl:
Hostinger’s VPS plans allow you to install Lighttpd, making it ideal for running lightweight Perl CGI scripts or automation tools. With low prices and excellent SSD-based infrastructure, it's a great budget option for developers working on small tools or cron jobs.
Although not as Perl-focused as others, Hostinger gives you enough control to manually configure Lighttpd, FastCGI, and basic Perl environments with low overhead and great performance.
Pros
Affordable prices
Highly responsive customer support team
Included DDoS protection
Cons
No free domain name
Limited bandwidth (100GB)
Liquid Web + Twiggy
Why it’s perfect for Perl:
Liquid Web is a premium hosting solution tailored for advanced, enterprise-grade Perl apps—especially real-time, async environments like those run on Twiggy. Their dedicated and VPS hosting gives full root access, performance optimization, and expert-level support to help deploy non-standard setups like Twiggy + AnyEvent.
If you're building a chat server, WebSocket app, or event-driven backend in Perl, Liquid Web offers the infrastructure and technical expertise to scale it professionally.
Pros
99.999% uptime
24/7 expert support
Scalable and customizable servers
Cons
Not beginner-friendly
No free domain
Choosing the right pairing of web server and hosting provider ensures your Perl scripts run efficiently, scale properly, and stay secure. From lightweight tools to enterprise applications, these combinations have you covered in 2025.
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