Top 5 PHP Frameworks for Web Development in 2025

Did you know that web development platforms like WordPress and Shopify are based on PHP? Its better security, performance, and ability to scale have made it very reliable for building websites and platforms. However, in order to use PHP technology for web development, you need to choose from 50 frameworks! Sounds a bit much? In that case, we’re guiding you with the best 5 available from which you can narrow down your options.

Top Frameworks for Web Development in 2025

Over the years, majority of developers have found the following PHP frameworks to be most user-friendly and efficient for website development:

1. Symfony

Based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, Symfony is used by approximately 45,000 companies being high performing PHP framework. Due to its robust infrastructure, it is used by developers to provide custom PHP development services. 

Some of the important features of Symfony include:

• It has modular components that offer many reusable components.
• Due to its flexibility, it is suitable for both full-stack applications and small developments.
• It is very convenient to use APIs efficiently on this platform.
• It provides good long-term support which ensures stability and security.

2. Laravel

Powering more than 700,000 websites, Laravel is known for its beautiful syntax, rich set of features, and strong community support. Complex web development tasks can be easily simplified by offering built-in solutions for authentication, routing, and caching. Laravel has made it simpler to develop scalable websites with PHP.

Some of the important features of Laravel include:

• Simplifies database interactions.
• Enables reusable UI components in a cleaner way.
• It has in-built security features for preventing cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and cross-site request forgery (CSRF) that makes it more reliable.
• Laravel helps in efficient deployment and is scalable to increase the scope of the work.

3. CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter gives a high performance and it is lightweight structure. It currently powers more than 300,000 live websites due to its simplicity of use and powerful features for building high-functioning websites. 

Some of the important features of CodeIgniter include:

• It has an easy setup with minimal dependencies due to its less configuration.
• The MVC architecture ensures cleaner and organized code.
• Being lighter than many other frameworks, its execution speed is faster.
• Its built-in security tools provide encryption and CSRF protection.

4. Phalcon

Phalcon is also adopted by many web developers while using PHP. Compared to traditional PHP frameworks, this can give some better performance. If you require custom PHP development services, then Phalcon is a great choice. 

Some of the important features of Phalcon include:

• It is made in C and compiled as a PHP extension, which make it faster than traditional PHP frameworks.
• It is optimized for minimal memory usage and is ideal for high-traffic applications.
• It has a well-structured development approach that makes large project development easy.
• Enhances testability and flexibility.

5. Yii 

Yii is known for its simplicity, and efficiency to develop high-performing apps and websites. It is one of the best options available if you need to develop a large-scale website like an e-commerce solution or a CMS platform.

Some of the important features of Yii include:

• It provides fast performance to boost speed.
• It has Yii code generator that simplifies operations.
• It provides authentication and features of authorization.
• Developers can get started quickly.

Which PHP Framework is Best for Your App?

These frameworks offer the best tools for developing efficient and secure websites with PHP in 2025. To choose the right one for your website, all you need is the best web development company with a team of PHP developers.