
09: When to Use Laravel vs Rails Intermediate
Overview
After exploring Laravel's capabilities, you might wonder: "Should I use Laravel or stick with Rails?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Both frameworks excel in different scenarios.
This chapter provides a practical decision framework to help you choose the right tool for your project, considering team skills, performance needs, hosting constraints, and business requirements.
Prerequisites
Before starting this chapter, you should have:
- Completed Chapter 08: Ecosystem, Community, Packages or equivalent understanding of Laravel's ecosystem
- Understanding of both Rails and Laravel fundamentals from previous chapters
- Experience making technical decisions for projects
- Estimated Time: ~45-60 minutes
What You'll Learn
- Decision framework for choosing frameworks
- When Laravel is the better choice
- When Rails is still the right choice
- Performance and cost comparisons
- Team and hiring considerations
- Migration strategies from Rails to Laravel
- Real-world scenarios and recommendations
- Using both frameworks together
📦 Code Samples & Resources
Reference implementations for framework comparison:
- TaskMaster in Laravel — Complete production-ready Laravel application
- Code Samples for All Chapters — Comprehensive examples across all topics
Compare frameworks:
git clone https://github.com/dalehurley/codewithphp.git
cd codewithphp/code/rails-developers-love-laravelObjectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Evaluate project requirements against a seven-factor decision framework
- Identify when Laravel is the optimal choice for your project
- Recognize when Rails remains the better option
- Compare performance, cost, and deployment complexity between frameworks
- Plan migration strategies from Rails to Laravel when appropriate
- Apply real-world decision-making principles to framework selection
- Understand hybrid approaches for using both frameworks together
The Decision Framework
When choosing between Laravel and Rails, consider these seven factors:
1. Team & Skills
Choose Laravel if:
- ✅ Team knows PHP already
- ✅ Easier to hire PHP developers (larger pool)
- ✅ Team wants stricter type safety
- ✅ Coming from Symfony/WordPress background
Choose Rails if:
- ✅ Team is already proficient in Ruby/Rails
- ✅ Team prefers Ruby's syntax
- ✅ You have Rails expertise to leverage
- ✅ Team is productive with Rails
Reality Check:
"The best framework is the one your team knows best." - Every experienced developer
Hiring Considerations:
| Factor | Rails | Laravel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer Pool Size | ~50,000 active | ~200,000+ active | PHP has larger ecosystem |
| Junior Developer Availability | Moderate | High | More PHP bootcamps/courses |
| Remote Hiring | Good | Excellent | More global PHP developers |
| Average Salary (US, 2024) | $90k-$130k (mid) | $85k-$120k (mid) | Rails slightly higher |
| Time to Productivity | 2-3 months | 1-2 months (for Rails devs) | Laravel easier for Rails devs |
| Freelance Rates | $80-$150/hr | $70-$140/hr | Similar ranges |
| Enterprise Demand | High | Very High | Laravel in more enterprises |
Key Insight: While Rails developers may command slightly higher salaries, Laravel offers a larger hiring pool and faster onboarding for Rails-experienced developers.
2. Performance Requirements
Choose Laravel if:
- ✅ High-traffic application (10k+ req/min)
- ✅ CPU-intensive operations
- ✅ Cost optimization is critical
- ✅ Need lower memory footprint
- ✅ Serverless deployment needed
Performance Benchmarks:
| Metric | Rails 7.x + Ruby 3.3 | Laravel 12 + PHP 8.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Simple JSON Response | ~5,000 req/sec | ~15,000 req/sec |
| Memory per Worker | ~100-150 MB | ~30-50 MB |
| Cold Start Time | ~2-3 seconds | ~0.5-1 second |
| API Response (P95) | ~50ms | ~20ms |
Real Cost Impact:
Example: 1 million requests/month
Rails Infrastructure:
- 2x 4GB servers: $40/month
- Total: $40/month
Laravel Infrastructure:
- 1x 2GB server: $12/month
- Total: $12/month
Savings: $28/month ($336/year)For startups and small businesses, this matters!
3. Hosting & Deployment
Choose Laravel if:
- ✅ Shared hosting required (client projects)
- ✅ Limited server access
- ✅ Need simplest deployment possible
- ✅ Want serverless option (Vapor)
- ✅ Budget is very tight
Choose Rails if:
- ✅ Full server control available
- ✅ Using Heroku (excellent Rails support)
- ✅ Team comfortable with Capistrano
- ✅ Infrastructure already Rails-optimized
Deployment Complexity:
Rails Deployment:
# Need:
- Reverse proxy (Nginx)
- Application server (Puma/Unicorn)
- Process manager (systemd/Foreman)
- Asset compilation
- Background job processor (Sidekiq)
# Configuration files:
- puma.rb
- database.yml
- secrets.yml
- nginx config
- systemd servicesLaravel Deployment:
# Need:
- Web server (Apache/Nginx)
- PHP-FPM
# Configuration:
- .env file
- Server config (simpler)
# Laravel Forge: One-click setupLaravel deployment is objectively simpler.
4. Integration Requirements
Choose Laravel if:
- ✅ Integrating with WordPress/Drupal
- ✅ Legacy PHP systems exist
- ✅ Need to use PHP libraries
- ✅ Working with PHP-heavy ecosystem
Choose Rails if:
- ✅ Integrating with Ruby systems
- ✅ Need specific Ruby gems
- ✅ Working with data science (Ruby + Python bridges)
- ✅ Existing Rails apps/services
Example Scenario:
Client has WordPress site (5M visits/month) and needs custom admin panel.
Laravel wins: Easy to integrate with existing WordPress database, can share authentication, deploy on same server, use same PHP stack.
5. Project Type
| Project Type | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Content Management | Laravel | Easier integration with WordPress/headless CMS |
| SaaS Application | Laravel | Laravel Spark, better type safety |
| E-commerce | Tie | Both excellent (Spree vs Lunar/Bagisto) |
| API-First | Laravel | Faster, built-in Sanctum, better docs |
| Real-time Apps | Rails | Better WebSocket support (ActionCable) |
| Data Processing | Rails | Better Ruby data libraries |
| Marketplace | Tie | Both work well |
| Social Network | Tie | Both work well |
6. Development Speed
Laravel is Faster for:
- ✅ API development (built-in auth, resources)
- ✅ Admin panels (Nova/Filament)
- ✅ File handling (built-in storage)
- ✅ CRUD apps (resource controllers)
- ✅ SaaS (Laravel Spark)
Rails is Faster for:
- ✅ Prototyping (rails generate scaffold)
- ✅ Test-driven development (RSpec matchers)
- ✅ Convention-heavy apps
- ✅ Apps with complex business logic (Ruby's expressiveness)
Reality: Both are equally fast for experienced developers.
7. Long-Term Maintenance & Support
Choose Laravel if:
- ✅ Need predictable LTS releases (every 2 years)
- ✅ Want frequent security updates
- ✅ Prefer clear upgrade paths
- ✅ Need active community support
Choose Rails if:
- ✅ Comfortable with Rails' release cycle
- ✅ Have Rails maintenance expertise
- ✅ Using stable, mature Rails version
- ✅ Team handles Rails updates well
Maintenance Comparison:
| Aspect | Rails | Laravel | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTS Releases | Every 2-3 years | Every 2 years | Tie |
| Security Updates | Regular | Very regular | Tie |
| Breaking Changes | Major versions | Major versions | Tie |
| Upgrade Guides | Comprehensive | Excellent | Tie |
| Community Support | Strong | Very Strong | Tie |
| Documentation | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
Reality: Both frameworks have excellent long-term support. Laravel's LTS schedule is slightly more predictable (every 2 years), but Rails' LTS versions are supported longer (5+ years).
Security & Updates:
- Both frameworks receive regular security patches
- Both have active security teams
- Both follow responsible disclosure practices
- Laravel: Security updates typically within 24-48 hours
- Rails: Security updates typically within 24-72 hours
Upgrade Considerations:
- Laravel: Clear upgrade guides, automated upgrade tools (Laravel Shift)
- Rails: Comprehensive upgrade guides, community tools
- Both: Breaking changes primarily in major versions
- Both: Provide migration paths and deprecation warnings
When to Choose Laravel
Scenario 1: High-Performance API
Requirements:
- 50,000+ requests/minute
- Low latency (< 50ms P95)
- Cost-conscious
- API-only backend
Why Laravel:
- ✅ 3x faster request handling
- ✅ Lower memory usage = fewer servers
- ✅ Built-in API authentication (Sanctum)
- ✅ Laravel Vapor for auto-scaling
- ✅ Better API documentation tools
Example:
Mobile app backend serving 1M users
Rails Setup:
- 5x 4GB servers
- Load balancer
- Sidekiq workers
- Cost: ~$200/month
Laravel Setup:
- 2x 2GB servers
- Queue workers included
- Cost: ~$50/month
Savings: $150/month ($1,800/year)Scenario 2: Client Projects
Requirements:
- Multiple client sites
- Shared hosting sometimes
- Easy deployment
- Handoff to clients
Why Laravel:
- ✅ Works on any hosting
- ✅ Clients can manage easier
- ✅ Lower hosting costs
- ✅ More hosting providers
- ✅ Simpler stack
Real Example:
"We build websites for small businesses. Switching from Rails to Laravel cut our hosting costs by 60% and made client handoffs easier." - Agency Developer
Scenario 3: Legacy PHP Integration
Requirements:
- WordPress integration
- Existing PHP codebase
- Use PHP libraries
- Shared database with PHP app
Why Laravel:
- ✅ Native PHP interop
- ✅ Can share WordPress database
- ✅ Use existing PHP libraries
- ✅ Team already knows PHP
- ✅ Same server, same stack
Scenario 4: Startup with Tight Budget
Requirements:
- MVP development
- Limited funding
- Need to scale quickly
- Pay-per-use infrastructure
Why Laravel:
- ✅ Laravel Vapor (serverless)
- ✅ Lower server costs
- ✅ Laravel Forge ($12/month)
- ✅ Better performance = fewer servers
- ✅ Free admin panel options (Filament)
Cost Comparison:
Year 1 Costs:
Rails Stack:
- Heroku Dyno: $25/month × 12 = $300
- Redis: $15/month × 12 = $180
- Database: $50/month × 12 = $600
Total: $1,080
Laravel Stack:
- DigitalOcean: $12/month × 12 = $144
- Laravel Forge: $12/month × 12 = $144
- Database included
Total: $288
Savings: $792 (73% less)Scenario 5: Type-Safety Critical
Requirements:
- Financial application
- Medical records
- Compliance required
- Type safety essential
Why Laravel:
- ✅ Strict types built-in
- ✅ IDE type checking
- ✅ Static analysis (Larastan/PHPStan)
- ✅ Compile-time error catching
- ✅ Better refactoring safety
Example:
<?php
// Laravel - Type errors caught immediately
declare(strict_types=1);
function processPayment(
User $user,
int $amountInCents,
Currency $currency
): PaymentResult {
// Type-safe!
}
// This fails at runtime:
processPayment($user, "100", "USD"); // TypeError!# Rails - Duck typing, errors at runtime
def process_payment(user, amount_in_cents, currency)
# Might work, might not
end
# This might fail much later:
process_payment(user, "100", "USD") # No error until much laterWhen to Choose Rails
Scenario 1: Team is Rails-Expert
Requirements:
- Team of Rails developers
- Existing Rails codebase
- High productivity with Rails
- Rails infrastructure in place
Why Rails:
- ✅ Team expertise maximized
- ✅ No retraining needed
- ✅ Leverage existing knowledge
- ✅ Faster development (for your team)
- ✅ Maintain existing apps
Reality Check:
"Switching frameworks for small performance gains when your team is Rails-expert is usually a bad trade-off."
Scenario 2: Real-Time Features
Requirements:
- WebSocket connections
- Live chat
- Real-time notifications
- Live updates
Why Rails:
- ✅ ActionCable built-in
- ✅ Better WebSocket support
- ✅ Hotwire/Turbo for reactive UIs
- ✅ Mature ecosystem
Laravel has broadcasting, but Rails' ActionCable is more mature.
Scenario 3: Data Science Integration
Requirements:
- Machine learning
- Data processing pipelines
- Python integration
- Scientific computing
Why Rails:
- ✅ Better Python bridges (via microservices)
- ✅ Ruby data libraries
- ✅ Jupyter notebook integration
- ✅ Academic community
Though PHP can work with Python, Ruby's ecosystem is stronger here.
Scenario 4: Heroku-Optimized
Requirements:
- Heroku deployment required
- Need Heroku add-ons
- 12-factor app methodology
- Git-push deployment
Why Rails:
- ✅ Best Heroku support
- ✅ Rails-specific buildpacks
- ✅ Better documentation
- ✅ Seamless integration
Laravel works on Heroku, but Rails is first-class citizen.
Scenario 5: Ruby Gem Dependency
Requirements:
- Specific Ruby gem needed
- No PHP equivalent
- Gem is critical
- Can't rewrite functionality
Why Rails:
- ✅ Access to Ruby gems
- ✅ Native Ruby ecosystem
- ✅ No reimplementation needed
Example:
Need specific payment processor with Ruby-only SDK? Stick with Rails.
The Hybrid Approach
You don't have to choose just one! Many companies use both:
Strategy 1: Rails for Core, Laravel for API
Architecture:
- Rails: Main application (web interface)
- Laravel: Public API (high-performance)
Benefits:
- Rails for complex business logic
- Laravel for API speed
- Best of both worldsCompanies doing this:
- Large e-commerce platforms
- SaaS with public APIs
- Enterprises with multiple stacks
Strategy 2: Microservices
Microservice Architecture:
- User Service: Rails (complex auth logic)
- Payment Service: Laravel (high performance)
- Notification Service: Laravel (high volume)
- Admin Panel: Laravel (Nova)
- Main App: RailsBenefits:
- ✅ Use right tool for right job
- ✅ Scale services independently
- ✅ Team can specialize
Strategy 3: Gradual Migration
Migration Path:
1. Start: 100% Rails
2. New features: Laravel
3. Performance-critical parts: Laravel
4. Eventually: Mixed codebaseWhen this works:
- Large existing Rails app
- Performance issues in specific areas
- Team learning Laravel gradually
- Risk-averse migration
Migration Strategies
From Rails to Laravel
Option 1: Big Bang (Not Recommended)
- Rewrite entire app
- High risk
- Long timeline
- Business disruption
Option 2: Strangler Fig Pattern (Recommended)
Phase 1: Run both apps
- Rails handles existing routes
- Laravel handles new features
- Nginx routes based on path
Phase 2: Migrate modules
- One module at a time
- Test thoroughly
- Roll back if needed
Phase 3: Complete migration
- All features in Laravel
- Deprecate Rails appOption 3: API Gateway
Architecture:
- API Gateway (Laravel)
- Rails app (internal)
- Gradually move logic to Laravel
- Eventually decommission RailsCode Migration Example
Rails Model:
# app/models/post.rb
class Post < ApplicationRecord
belongs_to :user
has_many :comments, dependent: :destroy
has_many :tags, through: :post_tags
validates :title, presence: true, length: { maximum: 255 }
validates :body, presence: true
scope :published, -> { where(published: true) }
scope :recent, -> { order(created_at: :desc) }
def excerpt(length = 100)
body.truncate(length)
end
endLaravel Equivalent:
<?php
// app/Models/Post.php
namespace App\Models;
use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsTo;
use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\HasMany;
use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Relations\BelongsToMany;
use Illuminate\Support\Str;
class Post extends Model
{
protected $fillable = ['title', 'body', 'published', 'user_id'];
protected $casts = [
'published' => 'boolean',
];
public function user(): BelongsTo
{
return $this->belongsTo(User::class);
}
public function comments(): HasMany
{
return $this->hasMany(Comment::class);
}
public function tags(): BelongsToMany
{
return $this->belongsToMany(Tag::class);
}
public function scopePublished($query)
{
return $query->where('published', true);
}
public function scopeRecent($query)
{
return $query->latest();
}
public function excerpt(int $length = 100): string
{
return Str::limit($this->body, $length);
}
}Laravel FormRequest (Validation):
<?php
// app/Http/Requests/StorePostRequest.php
namespace App\Http\Requests;
use Illuminate\Foundation\Http\FormRequest;
class StorePostRequest extends FormRequest
{
public function authorize(): bool
{
return true; // Or add authorization logic
}
public function rules(): array
{
return [
'title' => 'required|string|max:255',
'body' => 'required|string',
];
}
}Nearly identical patterns!
Real-World Decision Examples
Example 1: E-commerce Platform
Requirements:
- 100k+ daily visitors
- Complex product catalog
- Multiple payment methods
- Admin panel
- Mobile app API
Decision: Laravel
Why:
- ✅ High traffic (Laravel's performance)
- ✅ Laravel Nova for admin panel
- ✅ Sanctum for mobile API
- ✅ Lower infrastructure costs
- ✅ Good e-commerce packages (Lunar)
Estimated Savings:
- Infrastructure: $500/month
- Admin panel: $199 one-time (vs $1000 custom)
- Development time: 20% faster API development
Example 2: Social Media Analytics
Requirements:
- Real-time data processing
- WebSocket connections
- Large data imports
- Complex queries
- Team of 5 Rails developers
Decision: Rails
Why:
- ✅ Team expertise (Rails developers)
- ✅ ActionCable for real-time features
- ✅ Better data processing libraries
- ✅ ActiveJob for background processing
- ✅ Team already productive
Why not Laravel:
- Team would need 3-6 months to learn
- No real performance bottleneck
- Existing infrastructure optimized for Rails
Example 3: Multi-Tenant SaaS
Requirements:
- Subscription billing
- Team management
- API for integrations
- Admin portal
- Startup budget
Decision: Laravel
Why:
- ✅ Laravel Spark ($99 - saves months)
- ✅ Built-in multi-tenancy packages
- ✅ Laravel Forge for easy deployment
- ✅ Better API performance
- ✅ Lower hosting costs
Cost Analysis:
Rails Custom Build:
- Subscription system: 80 hours × $100 = $8,000
- Team management: 40 hours × $100 = $4,000
- API development: 60 hours × $100 = $6,000
Total: $18,000 + $200/month hosting
Laravel with Spark:
- Laravel Spark: $99
- Customization: 20 hours × $100 = $2,000
- API development: 40 hours × $100 = $4,000
Total: $6,099 + $50/month hosting
Savings: $11,901 (66% less)Example 4: Enterprise Internal Tool
Requirements:
- Internal employees only (< 100 users)
- Complex business logic
- Integration with Rails services
- Existing Rails infrastructure
- Team of experienced Rails developers
Decision: Rails
Why:
- ✅ Low traffic (performance doesn't matter)
- ✅ Team expertise
- ✅ Integration with existing services
- ✅ Complex logic (Ruby's expressiveness helps)
- ✅ Existing infrastructure
Why not Laravel:
- No performance benefit needed
- Integration complexity
- Team would need training
- Higher risk, no clear benefit
The Honest Truth
What Marketing Won't Tell You
Laravel Marketing:
"Laravel is faster, more modern, better ecosystem!"
Reality:
- Laravel IS faster, but for most apps it doesn't matter
- Modern PHP is great, but Ruby 3 is also excellent
- Ecosystems are comparable in quality
Rails Marketing:
"Rails is mature, battle-tested, elegant!"
Reality:
- Rails IS mature, but Laravel caught up quickly
- Both are battle-tested at scale
- Elegance is subjective
What Actually Matters
- Team Skills - The framework your team knows wins
- Project Requirements - Choose based on specific needs
- Cost Constraints - Laravel often cheaper
- Performance Needs - Laravel faster, but often doesn't matter
- Integration Requirements - Use what integrates best
- Maintainability - Both are equally maintainable
The Best Answer
"Use Rails if your team knows Rails and has no compelling reason to switch. Use Laravel if you're starting fresh, need better performance, or have PHP expertise."
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Rails | Laravel | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team is Rails-expert | ✅ | ❌ | Rails |
| Team knows PHP | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| High Performance Needed | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Tight Budget | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Real-time Features | ✅ | ❌ | Rails |
| API-First Application | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Type Safety Critical | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Complex Business Logic | ✅ | ❌ | Rails |
| Shared PHP Hosting | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Data Science | ✅ | ❌ | Rails |
| SaaS Application | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Admin Panel Needed | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
| Heroku Deployment | ✅ | ❌ | Rails |
| Long-Term Maintenance | ✅ | ✅ | Tie |
| Hiring Pool Size | ❌ | ✅ | Laravel |
Key Takeaways
- No Wrong Choice - Both frameworks are excellent
- Team Matters Most - Choose what your team knows
- Performance Usually Overrated - Unless you actually need it
- Cost Matters for Startups - Laravel often cheaper
- Don't Rewrite for Fashion - Switching has costs
- Both Can Scale - Both power huge applications
- Learning Both is Valuable - Polyglot developers are better
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before choosing, honestly answer:
Does my team know one framework significantly better?
- If yes → Use that one
Do I have actual performance requirements?
- If yes, and high → Laravel
- If no → Either works
Am I cost-constrained?
- If yes → Laravel (probably)
- If no → Either works
Do I need real-time features?
- If yes → Rails (ActionCable)
- If no → Either works
Is this greenfield or existing app?
- If existing Rails → Stick with Rails
- If greenfield → Evaluate all factors
Do I have legacy PHP integration?
- If yes → Laravel
- If no → Either works
Wrap-up
You've completed a comprehensive decision-making framework for choosing between Laravel and Rails. Here's what you've accomplished:
- ✅ Decision Framework - Seven key factors to evaluate (team, performance, hosting, integration, project type, development speed, long-term maintenance)
- ✅ Laravel Scenarios - Five specific situations where Laravel excels (high-performance APIs, client projects, PHP integration, budget constraints, type safety)
- ✅ Rails Scenarios - Five situations where Rails is still the better choice (team expertise, real-time features, data science, Heroku, Ruby gems)
- ✅ Hybrid Approaches - Strategies for using both frameworks together
- ✅ Migration Strategies - Practical approaches for moving from Rails to Laravel
- ✅ Real-World Examples - Four detailed case studies with cost analysis
- ✅ Decision Matrix - Quick reference table for common scenarios
- ✅ Honest Assessment - Realistic perspective on what actually matters
You now have the tools to make informed framework decisions based on your specific project needs, team capabilities, and business constraints. Remember: there's no universally "better" framework—only the right tool for your specific situation.
Further Reading
- Laravel Documentation — Official Laravel documentation
- Ruby on Rails Guides — Official Rails documentation for comparison
- Laravel Forge — Server management and deployment platform
- Laravel Vapor — Serverless deployment platform
- Laravel Spark — SaaS application scaffolding
- Strangler Fig Pattern — Martin Fowler's pattern for gradual migration
- Framework Comparison: Laravel vs Rails — Additional comparison resources
What's Next?
Now that you know when to use each framework, the final chapter provides a hands-on mini project where you'll build a complete application in Laravel, applying everything you've learned.
Continue Learning
Move on to Chapter 10: Hands-On Mini Project to build a complete task manager app in Laravel.