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My 7 Picks For The Best Load Balancing Software

January 31, 2025

Best load balancing software

Your website gets hit with a surge of traffic during a peak business hour. That's great, right? But, without effective load balancing, your servers could buckle under the pressure, leading to slowdowns or even crashes. As an IT professional, you know how crucial it is to maintain smooth performance—any disruption can not only frustrate users but also impact your business’s bottom line.

That’s where the best load balancing software comes in. These tools distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers, ensuring no single system bears the entire load. By keeping resources balanced, they improve speed, reliability, and overall performance.

As an SEO content specialist, I’ve spent the past year exploring various tools that help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure. Load balancing software stood out to me because of its impact on network stability and efficiency.

If you’re looking to improve performance, redundancy, or reliability, this guide will help you find the right tool for your needs. Let’s dive in!

My top 7 best load balancing software recommendations for 2025

When I first explored IT infrastructure, I was fascinated by how businesses keep their applications running smoothly under heavy loads. The best load balancing software turned out to be a key player, making websites, apps, and networks more resilient and scalable.

Evaluating these tools gave me firsthand experience in how different solutions handle network traffic and optimize performance. I soon realized that there are several types of load balancing software, each suited to different needs:

  • Global load balancers distribute traffic across multiple data centers worldwide.
  • Cloud load balancers manage traffic in cloud environments, ensuring scalability.
  • DNS load balancers direct traffic at the domain level for redundancy and performance.
  • Application load balancers optimize traffic at the application layer for smarter routing.
  • Network load balancers distribute lower-level traffic for high-speed performance.

In this article, I’ll share my personal picks for the best load balancing software in 2025. The list includes a mix of different types of load balancing software. I’ll highlight what makes them stand out and how they improve reliability. Pick the one that best aligns with your individual or business needs. 

How did I find and evaluate the best load balancing software?

I evaluated reviews for the top load balancing software to assess their ability to distribute network traffic efficiently, ensure high availability, and optimize performance across various environments. To gain a deeper understanding, I also consulted with IT professionals to understand their challenges with traffic management and how these tools could meet their specific needs. Additionally, I used AI to analyze user feedback and reviews on G2 and G2’s Grid Reports, gathering insights into each tool’s performance, usability, and overall value. By combining expert insights and user reviews, I’ve compiled a list of the best load balancing software to help you choose the right solution for your business's needs.

What makes load balancing software worth the investment: My opinion

When evaluating the best load balancing software, I focused on a few key factors to evaluate how well they address the complex needs of IT professionals:

Scalability: It is one of the most crucial aspects for load balancing software, as it ensures that the system can handle traffic spikes without impacting performance. I'd look for a tool to automatically scale based on demand—whether that’s by adding new servers to the pool or dynamically allocating resources to existing ones. This ensures consistent performance during peak periods or sudden surges in traffic, such as seasonal sales or events. The ability to scale both vertically (upgrading server capacity) and horizontally (adding more servers) is essential to maintain high availability and optimal load distribution. 
 
Ease of configuration: The software must be easy to configure with minimal manual intervention, especially when deploying across multiple servers or cloud environments. I would pick tools that provide intuitive, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that help speed up configuration without needing to manually tweak complex configurations or scripts. Pre-configured templates for common setups, like round-robin or least-connections methods, can dramatically reduce setup time. I would also look for load balancers with automation capabilities that reduce the manual workload, such as the ability to automate scaling, failover, or updates.
 
Traffic distribution algorithms: The ability to fine-tune how traffic is routed to backend servers is essential. I would choose load balancers that offer a range of advanced distribution algorithms that are configurable to meet the specific needs of the infrastructure: 
 
  • Round robin: This method should evenly distribute incoming traffic to all available servers in a rotation, ensuring no single server is overwhelmed.
  • Least connections: The system should route traffic to the server with the least number of active connections, helping to balance the load based on server utilization rather than a simple round-robin approach.
  • Weighted round robin: I look for flexibility in adjusting the number of requests each server should handle based on its capacity. This method ensures more powerful servers take on a larger share of the traffic.
  • IP hash: This method ensures session persistence by hashing the client’s IP address, directing repeated requests from the same client to the same server. This is useful for applications that require session affinity (sticky sessions) for user state management.
  • Latency-based routing: This advanced algorithm routes traffic based on the lowest response time of the server, ensuring faster delivery of content.
High availability and failover: The software must ensure that traffic is always routed to healthy servers, even if some servers fail. In the event of a failure, it should automatically perform failover, seamlessly rerouting traffic to the remaining healthy servers with minimal disruption. I would always suggest a system that would regularly monitor the health of servers and services using health checks, ensuring only responsive servers handle traffic. Furthermore, geo-redundancy is essential for high availability, especially for businesses with global traffic. The ability to failover not just within a single region but across multiple geographic locations is vital.
 
SSL offloading and security features: It is a must-have for any load balancing software I evaluate. By terminating SSL connections at the load balancer level, I can offload the resource-intensive encryption and decryption tasks from backend servers, allowing them to focus on serving content. This improves server performance and reduces latency for users. In addition to SSL offloading, I need the software to support secure connections and provide additional security features:
 
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) integration to protect against common vulnerabilities and threats such as SQL injection or XSS attacks.
  • DDoS protection to mitigate large-scale attacks aimed at overwhelming the servers.
  • Traffic encryption to ensure that sensitive data is protected during transit, even if the network is compromised.
  • Access control and authentication features to restrict which IPs or users can access certain resources behind the load balancer.
Integration with existing infrastructure: The load balancing solution must integrate smoothly with the existing IT infrastructure, which often includes a mix of on-premise data centers and cloud environments. I look for software that can integrate with existing monitoring tools, networking solutions, and orchestration platforms. The ability to automatically configure load balancing rules based on real-time changes in the infrastructure is also crucial, especially in dynamic environments where new servers or services are frequently added or removed.

Monitoring and reporting capabilities: I look for a tool to offer real-time insights into the health of the network, including server performance, traffic distribution, and load balancing efficiency. Key metrics such as response times, server CPU utilization, and throughput should be tracked and available in real-time on an easy-to-read dashboard. Additionally, the software should provide historical data so that It teams can identify trends and potential areas for optimization. Custom alerts are important for notifying administrators of abnormal traffic patterns, potential failures, or security threats. 

The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best load balancing software category page. To qualify for inclusion in the category, a product must:

  • Monitor incoming network traffic and distribute it across multiple servers using algorithms like round-robin, least connections, random distribution, or IP hash
  • Scale workloads dynamically to accommodate fluctuating traffic demands, ensuring efficient use of resources and consistent performance
  • Continuously monitor server status to detect failures or underperformance and reroute traffic to available servers to maintain uninterrupted service
  • Provide failover mechanisms to sustain operations by redirecting traffic during server outages or unexpected failures
  • Support secure data transmission with secure sockets layer(SSL)/transport layer security (TLS) termination or seamless integration with external security tools to ensure robust encryption and decryption processes
  • Manage backend server pools with the ability to dynamically add or remove servers as needed
  • Perform basic server health checks to ensure traffic is only routed to operational servers

This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. HAProxy

Based on my review of G2 user feedback, HAProxy is often praised for its ability to act as a fast reverse proxy for both TCP and HTTP-based applications. G2 users frequently highlight this feature as a major strength, as it allows for efficient handling of diverse network traffic across various applications. This capability ensures that users can manage network demands effectively, regardless of the type of traffic they’re dealing with.

Many G2 reviewers also emphasize the value of Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancing, which allows traffic distribution based on both IP/port (Layer 4) and application-specific data like URLs or HTTP headers (Layer 7). This flexibility is frequently appreciated by users who need tailored traffic management for complex infrastructure setups. The dual-layer approach ensures that HAProxy is adaptable to different network needs, improving both scalability and performance.

A commonly appreciated element in G2 reviews is the smooth setup process. Users regularly mention how easy it is to integrate HAProxy with various Linux distributions and cloud platforms. This seamless deployment experience, without compatibility issues, seems to be a standout feature, especially when setting up HAProxy in different environments, from on-premise servers to cloud-based solutions.

Another feature that often gets praise from users is HAProxy’s customization options. According to feedback, the tool's flexibility allows users to adjust configurations for specific needs, whether it's optimizing performance, enhancing security, or fine-tuning routing. This adaptability is crucial for users managing unique network environments and looking for tailored solutions to their infrastructure needs.

From what I’ve seen, advanced request routing is another standout capability. Many G2 users mention the ability to direct traffic based on custom rules, which is especially useful when dealing with multiple services or instances of the same application. This feature, combined with health checks, ensures that backend servers are consistently monitored, preventing downtime or service issues in the event of server failures.

Load balancing software: HAProxy

However, according to feedback I gathered from G2 users, TCP logging is a common area of frustration. Many reviewers point out the difficulties they faced with syncing logs to the fusion control plane. This integration process seems to be more cumbersome than expected, limiting visibility into critical network processes and complicating troubleshooting efforts, particularly when analyzing application performance or diagnosing network traffic.

Another issue that’s frequently mentioned in reviews is HAProxy’s custom configuration language. Some users express frustration with the syntax, finding it difficult to understand, especially without extensive experience with this type of tool. This challenge, combined with the reliance on text-file configurations, seems to be a recurring theme in user feedback, with some feeling that the setup is prone to errors and more difficult to manage compared to graphical interfaces offered by modern tools.

Lastly, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around HAProxy’s lack of service mesh features. Many users point out that the tool falls short in supporting service mesh functionalities, especially in modern microservices environments. There’s a noticeable absence of native tools for managing network topologies within Kubernetes, making HAProxy less suitable for large-scale, containerized setups that rely heavily on Kubernetes orchestration for service-to-service communication.

What I like about HAProxy:

  • From what I’ve seen, HAProxy’s reverse proxy capabilities for TCP and HTTP-based applications are highly regarded, allowing for fast and reliable traffic handling across services.
  • Based on my review of G2 user feedback, HAProxy’s customization options are frequently praised, as users can fine-tune configurations for performance, security, and traffic routing.

What G2 users like about HAProxy:

"My company has been using HAProxy since I started six years ago, and all I can say is when a tool is rock solid and works, it just works. We have three proxies load-balanced between our staging and production systems, and they handle traffic perfectly. The support in the Slack channel is a highlight, especially when you're trying to find a solution for a rule or optimize it. Overall, I highly recommend HAProxy for anyone looking for a robust and efficient load-balancing solution. It also offers WAF support if you don’t want to deal with a dedicated WAF provider."

- HAProxy Review, Juwuan S.

What I dislike about HAProxy:
  • I’ve noticed that TCP logging integration with the fusion control plane often frustrates users, as syncing logs can be cumbersome and hinder effective network troubleshooting and performance monitoring.
  • From my review of G2 feedback, HAProxy’s custom configuration language is frequently mentioned as a challenge, particularly for users without extensive experience, with the syntax creating a barrier to smooth configuration.
What G2 users dislike about HAProxy:

"We recently encountered an issue where the server directives only cached a single IP from the load balancer. It would be helpful to make the documentation a bit more intuitive to avoid such issues in the future."

- HAProxy Review, Rahul T.

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2. Progress Kemp LoadMaster

Progress Kemp LoadMaster is a standout feature of Progress Kemp LoadMaster. G2 users often highlight this capability, appreciating how it streamlines the application delivery infrastructure by reducing the need to switch between multiple management tools. This centralized approach is frequently praised for making system control more efficient, particularly for users managing complex environments with various load balancing needs.

Many users also mention the real-time alerts as a crucial feature. From what I’ve seen in reviews, these alerts are highly valued for quickly notifying users of any performance issues, security threats, or capacity constraints. The immediate notifications allow for quick action, which many users find essential for preventing disruptions and ensuring smooth application delivery.

I frequently see G2 reviewers highlight the intelligent analytics and reporting tools within LoadMaster. These tools are often described as invaluable for gaining deep insights into application delivery performance and infrastructure utilization. Users appreciate the data-driven approach, which helps them assess system performance and identify areas for improvement, contributing to better overall management.

Load balancing software: Progress Kemp LoadMaster

However, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the initial configuration process. Many G2 users express frustration with the complexity of setting up LoadMaster, especially without extensive technical knowledge. Feedback indicates that the setup requires assistance from an engineer and involves configuring network settings, licensing, and system parameters, which some users find daunting, particularly those with limited experience in network management.

Another common theme in G2 reviews is the learning curve. Several users point out that the tool’s terminology and feature structure aren’t immediately intuitive. It seems that many users, even those with engineering backgrounds, had to spend considerable time familiarizing themselves with the system, often referring to the documentation more than they expected. This is a frequent point of feedback, indicating that users can struggle to get up to speed quickly.

While the documentation is generally mentioned as helpful, I’ve noticed G2 users express frustration with occasional lack of clarity. Some reviewers mention that the documentation's explanations can sometimes be ambiguous, which creates confusion and leads to increased reliance on additional support. Clearer, more concise documentation is something many users feel is needed to improve troubleshooting and streamline the configuration process.

One recurring issue that I’ve noticed in G2 reviews is the limitations in sorting filters. Many users mention that the available sorting and filtering options are not sufficient when dealing with large datasets. There’s a consistent request for more advanced sorting features to enhance data management and analysis, allowing users to find relevant information more quickly and improve overall efficiency with the tool.

What I like about Progress Kemp LoadMaster:

  • One standout capability, according to users, is LoadMaster’s centralized management, which simplifies configuring, monitoring, and controlling load balancers from a single interface, streamlining infrastructure management.
  • Something G2 reviewers seem to really appreciate is LoadMaster’s real-time alerts, which notify users of performance issues, security threats, and capacity constraints, enabling quick action to prevent disruptions.

What G2 users like about Progress Kemp LoadMaster:

"I've been with an organization that has used Kemp for almost 10 years, and I can confidently say it's top-notch and will continue to be a key part of our infrastructure for many years to come. We use it as a reverse proxy, WAF, and load balancer. Whenever I have an issue, I pick up the phone, and support is always helpful. It's by far the best vendor I work with."

- Progress Kemp LoadMaster Review, Justin S.

What I dislike about Progress Kemp LoadMaster:
  • I’ve noticed that the initial configuration process can be overwhelming for many users, often requiring engineer assistance for setting up network settings, licensing, and system parameters, especially without deep technical knowledge.
  • Many users on G2 point out a steep learning curve, with terminology and feature structure being particularly challenging, even for those with an engineering background, leading to frequent reference to documentation.
What G2 users dislike about Progress Kemp LoadMaster:

"Writing WAF exception rules can be cumbersome, and integrating SSL certificates with certain cloud environments may present challenges."

- Progress Kemp LoadMaster Review, Verified User in Financial Services

3. Cloudflare Application Security and Performance

Cloudflare Load Balancing's ability to route traffic away from unhealthy origin servers is consistently praised as one of its standout features. G2 users highlight this capability as a major advantage, ensuring zero downtime during server failures by automatically redirecting traffic to healthy servers. This level of reliability is crucial for users managing high-traffic platforms, as it guarantees continuous service availability even in the event of technical failures.

Something G2 reviewers seem to really appreciate is the ease of setup. Many users mention how straightforward it is to configure the load-balancing system, which evenly distributes traffic across healthy servers to prevent any single server from being overwhelmed. This feature is often highlighted for its role in maintaining performance and delivering a smooth user experience during peak traffic periods.

A commonly appreciated element is the flexibility in server monitoring. G2 users frequently mention how the tool allows them to monitor servers at configurable intervals, checking for specific status codes, response text, and timeouts. This flexibility is highly valued, as it enables users to detect and resolve issues promptly, contributing to better system reliability and performance.

From what I’ve seen in G2 reviews, Cloudflare’s multi-data center support is another frequently mentioned advantage. Many users note that the system works seamlessly across different data centers, ensuring intelligent traffic routing no matter the user's location. This global and local load balancing, combined with fast delivery, is especially crucial during high-traffic periods, as it helps maintain platform performance on a global scale.

There’s a lot of love for how Cloudflare helps users with caching. G2 users often highlight this feature, especially during peak load times. Cloudflare allows users to cache versions of their platform without directly interacting with their servers, providing a cached version of content and reducing server strain. This ensures high performance even under heavy load, a feature that many users rely on for managing traffic spikes.

Load balancing software: Cloudflare

However, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the slight increase in latency introduced by routing traffic through Cloudflare’s servers. Some G2 users point out that this can lead to slower load times, particularly during periods of very high traffic. While this is generally not a major issue, it can become noticeable depending on the cloud infrastructure in use.

Another challenge that some G2 reviewers mention is with SSL configuration. Several users note that setting up SSL certificates properly on Cloudflare requires careful attention to detail. There are occasional concerns about disrupting existing networks and services, as configuring SSL can be tricky and requires extra caution to avoid issues.

Based on feedback I gathered from G2 users, a recurring frustration is with false positives in default settings. Some users report that the system may mistakenly block legitimate traffic by identifying benign requests as threats. This can lead to service disruptions, particularly when users are not aware of the potential for these false positives and do not proactively monitor for them.

What I like about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance:

  • One feature that I see getting a lot of praise is Cloudflare Load Balancing’s ability to ensure zero downtime, as it routes visitors away from unhealthy servers, providing exceptional reliability during server failures.
  • I frequently see G2 reviewers highlight Cloudflare Load Balancing’s easy setup process, which allows users to distribute traffic evenly across healthy servers, ensuring smooth performance during peak traffic times.

What G2 users like about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance:

"Cloudflare is a highly reliable and robust application. It effectively accelerates real-time traffic, balancing network congestion. As a load balancer for both local and global web content transfer, it ensures smooth and efficient data flow. The DDoS protection is exceptionally strong, providing a high level of security. Additionally, the comprehensive set of APIs allows for strong access management and integration, enhancing its usability and flexibility."

- Cloudflare Application Security and Performance Review, Sam P.

What I dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance:
  • I’ve noticed that routing traffic through Cloudflare’s servers can lead to slight latency increases, especially during high-traffic periods, which may result in slower load times and potentially impact the user experience.
  • From my review of G2 feedback, SSL configuration on Cloudflare is often mentioned as requiring meticulous attention, as improper setup can disrupt the network and cause issues with existing services.
What G2 users dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance:

"One concern is increased latency, as your website's traffic passes through their servers, which may result in slightly slower load times. Additionally, entrusting Cloudflare with your website's data raises data privacy concerns despite their strong security measures. Cloudflare's caching practices can also limit your control over content management, which may lead to unexpected issues with dynamic content. Furthermore, relying on a third-party service like Cloudflare means that any downtime or server-related issues on their part could impact your site's availability. However, these drawbacks vary in significance depending on your specific website or business needs."

- Cloudflare Application Security and Performance Review, Chandra Shekhar T.

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4. F5 NGINX Ingress Controller

F5 NGINX Ingress Controller earns praise for its strong combination of performance and security, which many users say meets the high demands of modern applications. G2 reviewers especially appreciate how the tool integrates seamlessly with Kubernetes environments while offering advanced traffic management capabilities.

One standout feature often highlighted in G2 reviews is the DevOps-friendly distributed cloud DNS load balancer. Users note that it consistently delivers high performance and global resiliency, enabling seamless application operations across multiple clouds, geographies, and availability zones. This has been particularly valuable for organizations with globally distributed workloads.

Many G2 users also commend the tool’s geolocation-based load balancing, which ensures a high-quality, consistent user experience across different regions. According to reviewers, this capability helps optimize application delivery by directing users to the most suitable resources based on location—improving speed and reducing latency.

Another commonly praised element is the global Anycast network. G2 feedback highlights how this feature enables fast, efficient routing by directing client requests to the nearest available application instance. This plays a critical role in ensuring minimal latency and high performance, especially for applications with large, geographically diverse user bases.

Security is another strong point, according to many users on G2. The integrated WAF, DDoS mitigation, API security, and bot detection  capabilities receive frequent positive mentions. Users find that these layers of protection work well together, providing robust security and helping reduce vulnerability to external attacks.

Something relatively new that’s been catching users' attention is the AI assistant in the F5 Distributed Cloud Console. While still early in development, G2 reviewers are optimistic about its future. Some note that it's beginning to offer helpful insights and could eventually become a valuable asset for simplifying complex configurations and management workflows.

Load balancing software: F5 NGINX Ingress Controller

That said, not all feedback is glowing. A common challenge I noticed in G2 reviews is the limited community support and sparse documentation. Several users mention that finding detailed or real-world use cases online can be difficult, which makes troubleshooting or customizing configurations more time-consuming.

Another issue G2 users frequently bring up is the need to manually create WAF-like components. While experienced professionals might be able to manage this, it adds setup complexity and could pose a challenge for those less familiar with application security or NGINX configuration practices.

Finally, G2 reviewers often point out that initial setup can be overwhelming, especially for users new to Kubernetes or ingress controllers. The tool’s powerful feature set can require a steep learning curve, and the lack of beginner-friendly guidance may slow down implementation for less technical teams.

What I like about F5 NGINX Ingress Controller:

  • One standout capability, according to users, is F5 NGINX Ingress Controller’s integration of performance and security, which allows for smooth operation across various clouds and geographies while meeting the high demands of modern applications.
  • I’ve noticed that the global Anycast network is highly appreciated, as it directs clients to the nearest application instance, minimizing latency and enhancing the overall user experience.

What G2 users like about F5 NGINX Ingress Controller:

"Our company has been using the F5 NGINX Ingress Controller for many years to manage traffic for our Kubernetes systems, and it’s the best controller available for traffic management. The best part is that it’s very easy to use and implement. It also integrates well with various other solutions. Whenever we face any issues or concerns, we receive excellent customer support, often with instant assistance. We use it daily, and it consistently provides high reliability and sustainability."

- F5 NGINX Ingress Controller Review, Amruta C.

What I dislike about F5 NGINX Ingress Controller:
  • Many users on G2 point out issues with community-driven support and documentation, which often lack comprehensiveness, with limited use cases and insufficient detailed guidance to navigate the platform effectively.
  • Based on my review of G2 user feedback, the setup process is frequently mentioned as overwhelming, particularly for those less familiar with Kubernetes and ingress management, as it requires significant technical expertise, making it challenging for beginners.
What G2 users dislike about F5 NGINX Ingress Controller:

"It has limited community-driven support and documentation, and there are fewer use cases available online."

- F5 NGINX Ingress Controller Review, Shubham S.

5. Azure Application Gateway

Azure Application Gateway is often appreciated for its versatile load-balancing options. Users highlight the ability to distribute traffic based on URL paths, HTTP headers, and cookies as a major benefit, especially for managing complex web applications with varying routing needs. This level of control helps ensure smoother delivery of services across diverse environments.

A commonly praised capability in reviews is the Layer 7 load balancing. Many G2 users point out how the advanced routing at the application layer enables traffic distribution based on specific attributes. This not only provides more precise control over backend traffic but also enhances the overall reliability and efficiency of web application delivery.

One feature that I see getting a lot of praise is the built-in web application firewall (WAF). According to several reviewers, the integrated WAF adds a strong security layer by protecting applications from vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Users appreciate that this feature is embedded directly into the gateway, eliminating the need for separate tools to secure their web apps.

Across multiple G2 reviews, the SSL termination feature stands out for its role in offloading encryption tasks from backend servers. This improves server performance and ensures smoother, faster communication between users and applications. Many users find this especially useful when scaling applications or handling secure traffic more efficiently.

Another commonly highlighted benefit is session affinity. Users frequently mention that maintaining session consistency across requests enhances the stability of applications, particularly those that require session persistence. This feature ensures that users stay connected to the same backend instance, improving the user experience for session-dependent services.

According to feedback I gathered from G2 users, the URL-based routing is also widely appreciated. It gives users granular control by enabling traffic direction to specific backend pools based on URL paths. This routing flexibility is especially beneficial for applications with multiple services or microservices structures.

Load balancing software: Azure Application Gateway

However, I’ve noticed that G2 users often call out setup complexity as a drawback. While the platform is powerful, the configuration process is described as overwhelming by several users. Many mention relying heavily on documentation and support, indicating that a more intuitive setup experience could significantly improve usability.

Another recurring concern is around limited customization. Some users express a desire for greater flexibility in tuning certain settings. While the tool provides a robust set of features, feedback suggests that more advanced configuration options would make it easier to adapt to specific business or infrastructure requirements.

I’ve read multiple reviewers mention struggles with header-based routing. Users report that the lack of native support for this feature forced them to implement workarounds using other tools. While these workarounds are functional, they add unnecessary complexity and could be avoided if the gateway supported header-based routing directly.

Finally, there’s noticeable dissatisfaction around gateway-level caching for sticky sessions. While session affinity performs adequately, some users feel that the absence of caching at the gateway level leads to inefficiencies—especially under heavy traffic. According to a few G2 reviewers, this limitation can result in performance slowdowns, and adding caching could improve consistency and responsiveness for high-volume applications

What I like about Azure Application Gateway:

  • One feature that I see getting a lot of praise is Azure Application Gateway’s flexibility in load balancing, particularly with URL path, HTTP headers, and cookies, which offers greater control over traffic distribution across multiple web applications.
  • Something G2 reviewers seem to really appreciate is the integrated web application firewall (WAF), which provides protection from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), adding a valuable layer of security for applications.

What G2 users about Azure Application Gateway:

"Azure Application Gateway provides a comprehensive suite of Layer 7 load balancing features. At the application layer, it routes traffic based on attributes like URL or cookie, offering advanced load balancing. It also includes a built-in Web Application Firewall (WAF) to protect web applications from common threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. The gateway handles SSL termination, relieving backend servers from the heavy lifting of encryption and decryption. With session affinity, it ensures that subsequent client requests are directed to the same backend server, improving stability. Additionally, the URL-based routing feature enables precise traffic distribution to various backend pools based on specific URL paths, giving more control over routing configurations."

- Azure Application Gateway Review, Gajan A.

What I dislike about Azure Application Gateway:
  • I’ve noticed that the setup process can be overwhelming for some users, with numerous configuration options leading to frequent reliance on documentation and support resources, suggesting a need for a more user-friendly approach.
  • From my review of G2 feedback, limitations in customization options for certain features are commonly mentioned, as users struggle to adapt the system fully to their needs, reducing overall productivity and flexibility.
What G2 users dislike about Azure Application Gateway:

"Azure Application Gateway is not very user-friendly and requires some expertise to configure. In comparison, the AWS Application Load Balancer is much easier for beginners to set up. Additionally, it only supports the HTTP protocol, so it can’t be used for other applications like an SMTP server. Another limitation is that it can only be used with applications hosted within the Azure ecosystem."

- Azure Application Gateway Review, Dheeraj B.

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6. Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode)

Akamai Connected Cloud is known for providing robust edge and cloud computing capabilities, particularly in the context of load balancing and application availability. The built-in load balancer is one feature that I see getting a lot of praise. Based on G2 user reviews, many appreciate being able to set up a load-balanced web server without requiring additional infrastructure. This helps simplify operations and allows teams to prioritize application performance over backend configuration.

Session affinity is another capability that gets called out positively. Across multiple reviews, users highlight how this feature consistently routes users to the same origin server during normal operations. This is especially useful for high-traffic or complex applications where persistence is critical to delivering a seamless user experience.

Instant failover to edge backups is frequently mentioned as a strong point. From what I’ve gathered, users value how the system automatically redirects traffic to backup origins during outages. This helps maintain uptime and provides flexibility during maintenance or updates without affecting end users.

Real-time traffic and server monitoring also receive praise. According to feedback I gathered from G2 users, the dashboard offers visibility into live traffic patterns and CPU usage, making it easier to monitor server health and proactively address issues before they escalate.

Load balancing software: Akamai

That said, the user interface and onboarding experience are areas where I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction. G2 users often call out that the environment isn’t beginner-friendly, and navigating through advanced settings can be overwhelming, especially for those with limited server management experience.

When it comes to performance, data storage speed has been a recurring concern. I’ve read multiple reviewers mention delays in storing and retrieving large volumes of data, which could be a limitation for applications requiring fast data access.

Certificate management limitations also stand out. Many users on G2 point out issues with the lack of multiple certificate support under a single load balancer. This forces teams to purchase separate instances for each HTTPS domain, increasing both cost and complexity.

Looking at the broader review trends, limited global server coverage appears to be a common theme. I’ve noticed users mention gaps in infrastructure across Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, which can result in higher latency and inconsistent service availability in those regions.

What I like about Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode):

  • One feature that I see getting a lot of praise is Akamai Connected Cloud’s native load-balancing, which allows users to set up a load-balanced web server without needing additional servers, simplifying the infrastructure and improving focus on application performance.
  • I frequently see G2 reviewers highlight the instant failover capability, which automatically reroutes user sessions to backup origins during outages, ensuring application availability during maintenance or updates without interrupting the user experience.

What G2 users like about Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode):

"It offers a native load balancer, which many budget VPS providers lack. This feature allows me to easily set up a load-balanced web server without needing extra servers to manage the balancing. It’s especially helpful during updates and testing, as I can remove individual servers from the mix and re-add them as needed."

- Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode) Review, Verified User in Design

What I dislike about Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode):
  • I’ve noticed that the environment’s navigation can be difficult for newcomers, with an interface that, while functional, can be overwhelming due to the numerous settings and options, making it challenging for those without server administration expertise.
  • Negative feedback tends to focus on slower performance when storing large amounts of data, with delays in storing and retrieving big data becoming a significant challenge, especially for applications requiring fast data processing.
What G2 users dislike about Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode):

"The environment is not very user-friendly, which can create complications for new users. Additionally, it tends to be slow when storing large amounts of data and does not connect directly to a computer."

- Akamai Connected Cloud (formerly Linode) Review, Suraj S.

7. Google Cloud Load Balancing

Google Cloud Load Balancing stands out in reviews for its versatility and global distribution capabilities. From what I’ve gathered, users are consistently impressed with how well it routes traffic across multiple instances to ensure availability and reliability at scale.

A commonly appreciated element is support for multiple load balancing protocols. I frequently see G2 reviewers highlight the flexibility to choose from HTTP(S), TCP, SSL, and UDP options, allowing teams to meet a variety of application needs with a single platform.

Flexible deployment options are another strength users call out. According to feedback I reviewed, the ability to implement external and internal load balancing configurations for TCP, UDP, and HTTP(S) traffic gives teams the adaptability they need across different infrastructures and scenarios.

One standout capability, according to users, is how the platform manages heavy traffic loads. Reviewers frequently mention that their applications stayed responsive during traffic surges thanks to smart distribution across regional resources, which also helped reduce latency and improve performance for end users.

There’s a lot of love for auto-scaling support. Based on G2 feedback, users find the automatic resource adjustment in response to changing demand extremely useful, especially since it minimizes the need for manual monitoring and keeps performance steady.

Another feature that gets recognition is the platform’s integration with Google Cloud Monitoring. G2 reviewers say this makes it easier to track performance, identify potential issues early, and maintain visibility into overall health without relying on external tools.

Load balancing software: Google Cloud Load Balancing

That said, configuring advanced load balancing rules seems to be a frequent challenge. I’ve seen some users express frustration with the complexity of setting up custom health checks or routing policies. While documentation is available, it often assumes a high level of technical expertise.

Despite a generally intuitive admin interface, lack of guidance for complex configurations is a recurring theme in reviews. I’ve read multiple users mention how auto-generated resource names—particularly from Google Kubernetes Engine—make it difficult to track which clusters or services are associated with specific load balancers.

I’ve also noticed feedback pointing out limitations in advanced configuration capabilities. Some users report needing workarounds for features like detailed header-based routing or more granular SSL control, as these aren't fully supported out of the box.

What I like about Google Cloud Load Balancing:

  • One standout capability, according to users, is Google Cloud Load Balancing’s versatility and global reach, which efficiently distributes traffic across various instances to ensure high availability and reliability, even under heavy load.
  • I frequently see G2 reviewers highlight the auto-scaling feature, which automatically adjusts resources based on changing traffic patterns, maintaining optimal performance without manual intervention.

What G2 users like about Google Cloud Load Balancing:

"I was impressed by how Google Cloud Load Balancing handled a huge peak in traffic. Its features helped protect our server from overloading, ensuring our website stayed online. The seamless autoscaling feature took the worry out of unexpected traffic spikes by redirecting them to other channels and regions worldwide, optimizing traffic flow efficiently."

- Google Cloud Load Balancing Review, Nicolas F.

What I dislike about Google Cloud Load Balancing:
  • I’ve noticed that configuring advanced settings, such as custom health checks and routing rules, can be more complicated than expected, requiring significant IT knowledge despite extensive documentation, which makes setup more challenging.
  • Many users on G2 point out struggles with autogenerated names from Google Kubernetes Engine, which lack clarity on which cluster or service the load balancer is associated with, making resource management more difficult.
What G2 users dislike about Google Cloud Load Balancing:

"Considerable IT knowledge is required, and while the admin panel is user-friendly, it’s still not enough for proper handling. Additionally, dedicated free customer support isn’t as readily available as needed."

- Google Cloud Load Balancing Review, Isabelle F.

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Best load balancing software: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. Which load balancing method is best?

The best load balancing method depends on your use case and the type of traffic you're handling. Common methods include round-robin, which distributes requests evenly; least connections, which sends traffic to the server with the fewest active connections; and IP hash, which routes traffic based on the client's IP address. For high-traffic applications, adaptive load balancing or methods with session persistence may offer better performance.

Q. What is DNS Load balancing?

DNS load balancing uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to distribute client requests across multiple servers. When a client makes a request, the DNS server responds with the IP address of one of the available servers, typically based on factors like availability or geographic location. 

Q. Which is better, load balancing or failover?

Load balancing distributes traffic across multiple servers to optimize performance and prevent overloading a single server. Failover provides backup servers that automatically take over if the primary server fails. The choice depends on whether your priority is performance optimization (load balancing) or redundancy (failover).

Q. Which is the best free load balancing software?

HAProxy is one of the best free load balancing solutions available. It’s an open-source, high-performance software that supports various load balancing algorithms and provides advanced features like SSL termination and health checks. Explore other free load balancing software. 

Q. What is the difference between an API gateway and a load balancer?

An API gateway acts as an entry point for API requests, handling tasks like routing, authentication, rate limiting, and load balancing. It often includes features specific to API management, such as monitoring and security. A load balancer, on the other hand, focuses solely on distributing incoming traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server is overwhelmed.

Stop your servers from throwing a tantrum!

After evaluating various load balancing software, I’ve realized that the right choice can make all the difference.

Without it, you risk facing slow performance, service outages, or even full-blown traffic jams in your infrastructure. Imagine trying to keep everything running smoothly with a broken GPS—servers just won’t know where to go, and it’s a mess.

But with the right tool, everything flows effortlessly, traffic is distributed evenly, and your team can focus on more important tasks instead of scrambling to fix avoidable issues.

So, choose wisely! If you don’t, you might end up with a system that’s more headache than help—and no one wants to be the IT person who has to explain why everything crashed.

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