Yii vs Laravel: Which PHP Framework To Choose For Your Project?

Table of Contents

Introduction

PHP is one of the preferred programming languages for web app development. When it comes to PHP frameworks, Laravel is the top most preferred framework for application development. Whereas Yii used to be one of the preferred choices in past years. This blog post will help you understand more precisely which one to choose between Yii vs Laravel 2025, as both are open-source PHP frameworks that work on MVC (Model View Controller) architecture.

Moreover, below mentioned Google Trend graph showcase the demand for Laravel and Yii, where Laravel clears wins in the current situation. For more understanding, let’s first go through the stats of both frameworks.

Statistics of Laravel

Laravel has been used to develop more than 1,573,000 websites worldwide, and on Github, it has significant community support, which makes it the most preferred back-end development PHP framework. On Github, it has 70.5K Star and 22.8K Fork. In addition, Laravel provides the latest version to offer secure and high-performing development. The newest version of Laravel is 9.3.1.

Statistics of Yii

For web application development, Yii has been used on more than 325,000 websites and also has community support of platforms like Github. On Github, it has active community support with 14K Star and 7k Fork, which is much less than Laravel. The below-mentioned graph also showcases the usage downfall of Yii in previous years.

Yii vs Laravel: Comparison Overview

Yii Framework vs Laravel: Comparison Factors

Here we are presenting the head-on comparison between the benefits and features of both Laravel and Yii.

Yii vs laravel: Performance

When it comes to Yii vs Laravel performance, both frameworks are excellent until and unless it is not tested for real-time applications. Yii is the fastest framework that offers high performance in the development of applications. On the other hand, Laravel is also a fast-performing framework but is a bit slow compared to Yii.

When it comes to developing heavy applications, Yii works excellent, and for smooth, stable, and secure development, Laravel can be the preferred choice.

Routing

For routing in Yii, there is no requirement to declare the route for every action as it provides by default automated routing in the controller. Whereas in Laravel, you must declare a route for every step in the controller. However, you are allowed to declare a collective path in one go with the help of resource routing. It permits allocating the route to the controller using a single line of code.

Requirements

Yii is just compatible with the PHP 5.4 version or the higher ones however when it comes to Laravel; it is more compatible with the different versions of PHP which include the PHP5.4 version and higher options, MCrypt PHP extension, and PHP JSON extension as well. So, in case you want to have proper compatibility with the higher versions of PHP choosing Yii would be a good idea. But in case you want compatibility with more versions, then hire the Laravel development services.

Installation

The ease of installation is another important factor to consider. Yii tends to be a bit easier when it comes to the installation process. All you have to do here is download the application to run your software, and the process is completed very smoothly without any difficulties. You don’t have to be a professional expert or experienced web developer in for the installation of this framework.

In the case of Laravel, there is a Composer PHP uses for the process of installation. It means that the installation process will accurately take place without any particular bugs. Along with that, Laravel installer also comes with an installation guide which can be used to simplify the process of installation further. You will find an instruction manual which can be a great help. I found the installation process to be very simplified and easy with the installation guide in hand.

Testing

When we are talking about testing, Yii will be able to support a large number of tools which can be used for the process of testing. However, it doesn’t support Codeception testing and PHP unit testing. But in the case of the Laravel framework, there are many different testing tools such as BrowserKit, HttpKernel, and DomCrawler, which is supported properly by the framework.

Debugging

There is a comprehensive console for debugging present in the Yii framework, and it has multiple level options for logging. This can be a great help when the developers need to request the database logging, and it also provides the debugging benefits as well.

Laravel can be a slightly better option if not equal when there is a talk about debugging because of the different actions that take place in the framework, which include Imho and logging. Imho can be a bit limited in options, but it is very beneficial when there are some issues related to the Laravel-debugbar extension.

Migration

There is a very effective migration tool provided in Yii, which can be used very efficiently by the developers. The tool is functional and makes the process of migration very easy in the Yii framework. But then when we talk about a Laravel development company, the developers will get an ability to include seeders so that the migration process becomes hassle-free and easy to use. Also, this is a great assistance when it comes to static directory filling and testing process.

Speed Of Learning Curve

Yii can be considered as one of the world-class and high-performing frameworks of PHP. So, it is often touted to be the top choice when it comes to the development of mobile applications and networking websites. This is because of the learning speed curve of the framework, which is exceptional to work with. The framework is pretty easy to use and can be installed and operated by any developer very easily. You don’t have to be an expert here to operate this framework.

Laravel, on the other hand, might have some issues with the learning speed curve, but these are minimal issues and can be solved very easily. For example, the speed when it comes to the response communication can be a bit slow in case of Laravel. Also, the real-time collection of data takes a bit of time. So, in case you are on the lookout for a slow and steady performing framework, then using this one would be a good option. On the other hand, the framework is very easy to use and efficient as well. There are 6 databases present in both frameworks. However, Yii has the speed factor with it.

Extensions

The number of extensions is also an essential criterion for deciding the worth and functionality of a particular PHP framework. To be precise, there are about 2800 extensions present in the Yii framework. The number might be a little lesser than the number of extensions present in Laravel which amounts to about 9000 in total. While there might be a huge difference between these two frameworks when it comes to the number of extensions, and you might have a lot of options if you choose Laravel, both these frameworks are equally appealing to the customers out there.

Security

Both Laravel and Yii stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this competition of security options because both of these frameworks come along with multiple levels of security choices such as authentication, passwords, Cross-Site Request Forgery, SQL Injections, Site Scripting along with a lot of other amazing options.

Use Cases of Yii

Yii has played an important role in the development of applications and also has worked as the main technology for product development in many organizations. Yii is preferred for quick application development to reduce the development time and money.

Yii allows the development of web applications, and CRUD applications and is also used for the development of Rest API CRUD apps.

Use Cases of Laravel

Laravel is widely used in web application development and has provided immense support in the development of enterprise-grade applications, microservices, and many more. The below section provides a few lists of development use cases of Laravel.

Enterprise Grade App Development

Laravel has been the preferred choice of business owners who are looking for the development of enterprise-grade web app development. It is preferred due to its flexible, scalable, and secure development behavior that helps serve various industries, including eCommerce, media, healthcare, etc.

Development of PreBuilt Apps

In this fast-moving world, business owners also want rapid app development. Here, Laravel plays a significant role in helping developers to use prebuilt templates based on their business requirements available on Laravel’s official website for fast web application development.

Database Management Applications

Laravel is highly used in web app development, especially backend database management applications. The type of development includes CRM platform to offer high scalability to manage large databases and to bring high-end security with the help of the Laravel framework.

When to Choose Which Framework?

Laravel and Yii have their pros and cons, which we discussed in the blog post, and what to choose when will indeed depend on business and project requirements. However, between Yii vs Laravel, whenever product owners are looking for large-scale, enterprise-grade app development, Laravel is the best available choice. Also, Yii can be used to develop small and medium-scale web applications to fullfill business requirements.

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Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which framework is suitable for web development?

Several front-end and back-end frameworks are available that can be used for web application development. The list of frameworks includes Laravel, Yii, Angular, .NET Core, etc. However, choosing a framework for your subsequent product development will depend on your project and business requirements.

Should I switch to Yii or keep using Laravel on my projects?

Switching to another framework is not recommended if the existing framework is fulfilling your business requirements as both the frameworks have their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, in today’s time, Laravel is the most preferred and popular PHP framework.

Is it worth learning Yii in 2025?

Eversince Laravel has become the popular choice for web development. It is not recommended to invest time learning Yii. However, if someone wants to grab a wide range of skills and knowledge, they might know Symfony or CodeIgniter, the second preferred framework after Laravel.

Is Laravel worth learning in 2025?

Yes, it is worth learning Laravel in 2025 as it is highly recommended and uses the PHP framework for web application development. According to the survey done by Statista, 10.12% of developers and business owners worldwide use Laravel for web development.

Is Yii better than Laravel?

Both the PHP framework can be used for full stack web app development. However, Laravel is a more preferred and popular framework for web app development as it offers high security and reliable app development.