Which Laravel Version Is Right for You? Full History Inside

Laravel has earned its place as one of the most popular PHP frameworks for modern web application development. Known for its elegant syntax, rich ecosystem, and developer-friendly features, Laravel powers everything from simple content sites to large-scale enterprise platforms. Whether you’re a solo developer, a startup founder, or part of a large enterprise team, Laravel offers a structured yet flexible approach to building web applications. But with so many versions released over the years — each packed with unique enhancements, breaking changes, and different support lifecycles — one pressing question often arises: Which Laravel version is right for your project?

Choosing the wrong version can lead to unnecessary development overhead, limited support, or even future compatibility issues. On the other hand, choosing the right version ensures better performance, long-term support, security, and access to the latest features tailored to your project’s needs.

This blog takes a deep dive into the complete Laravel version history, outlining the key features, release timelines, and long-term support status of each major version. You’ll also gain clarity on which version best suits beginners, business-critical applications, startups, or freelance projects in 2025.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of:

• How Laravel’s versioning system works
• What’s new in the latest Laravel releases
• The major differences between LTS and standard versions
• Which Laravel version to choose based on your use case

Let’s explore Laravel’s evolution and help you decide which version is the perfect fit for your development journey.

Laravel Versioning System Explained

Understanding how Laravel handles versioning is essential before choosing the right version for your project. Laravel follows semantic versioning (SemVer), which provides a clear and predictable structure to its release cycle. This versioning strategy helps developers manage dependencies, plan upgrades, and maintain long-term project stability.

🔹 What Is Semantic Versioning?

Semantic versioning uses a three-part format:

MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g., 10.3.5), where:

• MAJOR: Introduces breaking changes. Upgrading to a new major version may require rewriting parts of your code.
• MINOR: Adds new functionality in a backwards-compatible manner.
• PATCH: Bug fixes or security updates that do not break existing functionality.

Laravel strictly adheres to this format, allowing developers to anticipate the level of effort required when upgrading between versions.

🔹 Laravel’s Release Cycle

Laravel follows a well-defined release cycle:

• One major release per year
• Minor releases every few months
• Security fixes for 2 years after a major version release
• Bug fixes for 1 year for non-LTS versions

This predictable schedule makes it easier for teams to plan their development roadmaps and maintain long-term projects without disruption.

🔹 Laravel LTS (Long-Term Support) vs Standard Releases

Every two years, Laravel releases an LTS (Long-Term Support) version designed for projects that prioritize stability over access to the latest features.

LTS Version Highlights:

• Bug fixes for 2 years
• Security updates for 3 years
• Ideal for enterprise or mission-critical applications

In contrast, standard releases receive:

• Bug fixes for 12 months
• Security updates for 18 months

While standard versions are great for accessing the latest tools and features, LTS versions offer peace of mind for large applications with extended maintenance timelines.

🔹 Why This Matters When Choosing a Version

Selecting the correct Laravel version means balancing:

• Stability vs Innovation
• Security support vs Feature access
• Project timeline vs Upgrade flexibility

For example, if you’re starting a new project in 2025 and prefer access to the latest features, Laravel 11 is likely the best option. However, if you’re building a long-term platform that must remain stable and secure for years, an LTS version like Laravel 10 might be more suitable.

Complete Laravel Version History (2011–2025)

Since its initial release in 2011, Laravel has evolved dramatically—transforming from a simple PHP framework into a robust, full-featured platform capable of supporting large-scale web applications. Below is a complete historical walkthrough of major Laravel versions, including their release dates, breakthrough features, and relevance in 2025.

🔹 Laravel 1.x (2011)

• Release Date: June 2011
• Key Features: Built-in authentication, Eloquent ORM, RESTful routing
• Notes: Created by Taylor Otwell as an alternative to CodeIgniter, with better built-in tools. No support for Composer yet.

Why it matters: Laravel’s foundation was laid here, emphasising clean syntax and developer experience.

🔹 Laravel 2.x (Late 2011)

• Key Features: Introduced controllers (MVC support), validation, and IoC container
• Breaking Changes: Removed built-in ORM in favour of external libraries
• Notes: Early sign of Laravel’s willingness to evolve quickly

🔹 Laravel 3.x (2012)

• Key Features: Bundles (precursor to packages), Artisan CLI, database migrations
• Notes: Laravel began to feel like a modern framework; community started growing.

🔹 Laravel 4.x (2013) –

Major Rewrite

• Release Date: May 2013
• Key Features: Full Composer integration, service container, better file structure, queuing system
• Notes: Marked Laravel’s maturity with dependency management and modular development

🔹 Laravel 5.x Series (2015–2019) –

Foundation Expansion

Laravel 5.0

• Introduced middleware, new directory structure, and contract interfaces

Laravel 5.1 (LTS)

• First LTS release
• Introduced event broadcasting, simplified testing

Laravel 5.3 to 5.8

• Blade improvements, Laravel Passport for API authentication, Laravel Scout, mailables, and more

Why it matters: 5.x cemented Laravel as a go-to enterprise-grade framework

🔹 Laravel 6.x (LTS) – 2019

• Release Date: September 2019
• Key Features: Semantic versioning begins, Laravel Vapour support, Lazy collections, Ignition error pages
• LTS Status: Yes (bug fixes till Sept 2021, security till Sept 2022)
• PHP Compatibility: 7.2+

🔹 Laravel 7.x (2020)

• Release Date: March 2020
• Key Features: Blade component tags, Laravel Sanctum, HTTP client
• Notes: Shorter support cycle; major step forward for SPA and API integrations

🔹 Laravel 8.x (2020)

• Release Date: September 2020
• Key Features: Laravel Jetstream, model factory classes, dynamic blade components, job batching
• Notes: Prepared the ecosystem for Laravel 9’s modernisation

🔹 Laravel 9.x (LTS) – 2022

• Release Date: February 2022
• Key Features: Symfony 6, route listing improvements, Flysystem v3, improved test coverage
• LTS Status: Yes (Bug fixes till Feb 2024, security till Feb 2025)
• PHP Compatibility: 8.0+

Why choose it now: Still suitable for enterprise projects requiring LTS support

🔹 Laravel 10.x (LTS) – 2023

• Release Date: February 2023
• Key Features: Native type declarations, invokable validation rules, Artisan improvements, full PHP 8.1+ compatibility
• LTS Status: Yes
• Support Timeline: Bug fixes till Feb 2025, security till Feb 2026

Why choose it now: Recommended for long-term applications and large teams

🔹 Laravel 11.x – 2024/2025 (Latest as of now)

• Release Date: Q1 2024
• Key Features: Modular structure, native attributes, improved scheduler, simplified bootstrap process
• Notes: Focus on performance, developer efficiency, and scalability
• PHP Compatibility: 8.2+

Why choose it now: Ideal for new projects needing modern features and performance boosts

🔹 Summary: Laravel Version Timeline

This timeline helps developers and teams easily determine whether their current Laravel version is outdated or due for an upgrade.

🟦 Laravel LTS vs Standard Releases – Which One Should You Use?

When choosing the right Laravel version, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a Long-Term Support (LTS) version or a standard release. Each option comes with distinct advantages depending on your project’s lifecycle, maintenance plan, and risk tolerance.

🔹 What Is Laravel LTS?

Laravel LTS (Long-Term Support) versions are specifically released to offer extended maintenance, making them ideal for production applications that need long-term stability.

✅ LTS Version Support Policy:

• Bug Fixes: 2 years
• Security Fixes: 3 years
• Release Frequency: Every 2 years

Laravel currently has four official LTS versions:

• Laravel 5.1
• Laravel 6.x
• Laravel 9.x
• Laravel 10.x (active)

These versions are built with long-term projects in mind—such as enterprise platforms, SaaS tools, or government systems—that cannot afford frequent upgrades or breaking changes.

🔹 Standard Laravel Releases

Standard versions are released yearly and are packed with the latest features, updates, and developer improvements. However, their support window is much shorter:

⏳ Standard Version Support Policy:

• Bug Fixes: 1 year
• Security Fixes: 18 months

These versions are ideal for:

• MVPs or startup applications
• Projects with shorter development cycles
• Developers who want early access to the latest Laravel features

Example: Laravel 11.x brings cutting-edge improvements like modular architecture and simplified configuration, but it is not LTS, meaning support will end sooner than an LTS release.

🔹 LTS vs Standard: A Side-by-Side Comparison

🔹 Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick decision guide:

• 🏢 Enterprise Projects: Choose Laravel 9 or 10 LTS for long-term security and fewer upgrades.
• 🚀 Startups and MVPs: Go with the latest standard version (Laravel 11) to move fast and stay current.
• 🎓 Learners and Beginners: Use the latest release to benefit from updated documentation and tooling.
• 🧑‍💻 Freelancers & Small Agencies: Choose based on client needs — LTS for stable clients, latest for innovation.

Pro Tip: If you build Laravel packages or tools for the community, targeting an LTS version ensures broader compatibility for the next few years.

🟦 Which Laravel Version Should You Use in 2025?

With Laravel evolving rapidly and multiple supported versions available, the right choice depends on your project’s goals, technical demands, and long-term plans. Below, we break down which Laravel version is best suited for different use cases in 2025.

🔹 1. For Beginners and Learners- Which Laravel Version Is Right

Recommended Version: Laravel 11 (Latest)

If you’re just starting out with Laravel or building small experimental projects, Laravel 11 is your best bet. It offers:

• Cleaner file structure
• Modern PHP 8.2+ support
• Improved developer experience
• Updated documentation and community support

Learning the latest version means you’re investing time into current best practices — and future-proofing your skillset.

Why it matters: Beginners benefit most from using tools that reflect the current state of the ecosystem.

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🔹 2. For Startups and MVPs

Recommended Version: Laravel 11 (Standard Release)

Startups need speed, agility, and the ability to test ideas quickly. Laravel 11 gives you:

• Access to the latest features
• Improved performance
• Less technical debt from outdated practices

If your MVP succeeds, you can refactor or upgrade later—but building with the latest version gets your idea to market faster.

Key Laravel 11 benefits for startups:

• Simplified project bootstrap
• Leaner architecture
• Out-of-the-box modern features

🔹 3. For Enterprise Applications- Which Laravel Version Is Right

Recommended Version: Laravel 10 (LTS)

For large-scale apps with strict SLAs, security requirements, and long-term maintenance, Laravel 10’s LTS status is essential.

Why Laravel 10 is ideal for enterprise:

• Long-term support through 2026
• Mature, stable features
• Compatibility with enterprise tools and packages
• Lower risk of breaking changes

Whether you’re building financial systems, healthcare apps, or government platforms, LTS gives your team peace of mind.

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4. For Agencies and Freelancers- Which Laravel Version Is Right

Recommended Versions: Laravel 10 (LTS) or Laravel 11 (Latest)

If you’re working with diverse clients, you need flexibility. Here’s how to choose:

• For long-term projects: Stick with Laravel 10 LTS for extended support
• For fast-launch sites or prototypes: Use Laravel 11 to build faster with the latest tools

As an agency or freelancer, the ability to adapt your stack based on the client’s project lifecycle is crucial.

5. For Laravel Package Developers- Which Laravel Version Is Right

Recommended Version: Laravel 10 (LTS)

If you maintain or contribute to open-source packages, targeting Laravel 10 ensures:

• Your package remains compatible with the largest segment of Laravel users
• You avoid constant updates with every new Laravel release

Most package maintainers also offer Laravel 11 support, but use Laravel 10 as the base version for wide adoption.

Final Word

In 2025, Laravel offers a mature, flexible ecosystem regardless of your version. However, your version choice should reflect your priorities:

• Go with Laravel 11 if you want modern tools, bleeding-edge performance, and can upgrade frequently
• Choose Laravel 10 (LTS) if you value stability, backwards compatibility, and minimal upgrade cycles

Still unsure? Start with Laravel 11 in a staging environment and see how it fits your workflow.

Performance Comparison: Older vs Newer Laravel Versions

erformance is a critical consideration when selecting a Laravel version, especially for projects that expect high traffic, frequent data operations, or complex business logic. Laravel’s ongoing evolution brings consistent speed improvements, modern PHP support, and smarter resource handling. Here’s how Laravel’s performance has improved across its major versions.

Older vs Newer Laravel Versions

🔹 Laravel 5.x and 6.x – The Transitional Era

While stable and reliable, earlier Laravel versions like 5.x and 6.x lacked native support for newer PHP features and had heavier routing and service container operations. Key drawbacks included:

• Slower startup times
• Limited type safety
• Heavier application bootstrap
• No lazy collections or advanced optimisation tools

Use Case Fit: Still usable for legacy systems, but not recommended for new projects in 2025.

🔹 Laravel 7–8 – Modernization Phase

Laravel 7 and 8 introduced powerful improvements:

• HTTP Client for clean API calls
• Job batching for asynchronous workflows
• Dynamic Blade components for faster UI rendering
• Significant Blade performance enhancements

While not as fast as Laravel 10+, they represent a strong balance between modern PHP practices and system stability.

🔹 Laravel 9 (LTS) – Stable & Optimized

Laravel 9 brought:

• Full PHP 8.0+ compatibility
• Route: List performance boost
• Native Flysystem v3 integration for file storage speed improvements

Laravel 9 still holds its ground in terms of performance and is production-grade for large-scale systems.

🔹 Laravel 10 (LTS) – Major Leap Forward

Laravel 10 is a top performer thanks to:

• Full native type declarations throughout
• the framework
• Clean and efficient invokable validation rules
• Upgraded Artisan commands and testing tools
• PHP 8.1+ and attribute support, enabling faster function execution

With faster bootstrapping and reduced complexity, Laravel 10 is optimized for both developer productivity and runtime performance.

🔹 Laravel 11 – Optimised for Speed and Simplicity

Laravel 11 is the fastest and leanest version to date. Key highlights include:

• Modular structure reduces dependency overhead
• Slimmed down directory structure for faster application loading
• Native PHP 8.2+ compatibility leveraging JIT improvements
• Enhanced task scheduling performance
• Improved route cache loading

Laravel 11 removes unnecessary config and file clutter, leading to better performance out-of-the-box—even for smaller VPS or shared hosting environments.

🔹 Benchmark Summary (Indicative)

🔹 Performance Takeaway

If performance is critical to your app—especially under heavy traffic or for real-time processes—Laravel 10 and 11 are your best options in 2025. Their improved runtime speed, native PHP enhancements, and cleaner architecture make them ideal for scaling efficiently.

🟦 How to Safely Upgrade Laravel Versions

Upgrading Laravel can unlock better performance, strong

• Symfony 6 upgrade under the hood

er security, and access to new features—but only if done correctly. An improperly managed upgrade can introduce breaking changes, package conflicts, and production downtime. Whether you’re moving from Laravel 6 LTS to 10, or from Laravel 10 to 11, a structured upgrade process is essential.

🔹 Step 1: Review Laravel’s Official Upgrade Guide

Laravel provides a comprehensive upgrade guide for every version on its documentation site. These guides include:

• Breaking changes
• Deprecated methods or functions
• Updated configuration files
• Required PHP and package versions

Tip: Always read the guide from your current version to the target version. For example, going from Laravel 8 to 11 means reviewing:

• 8 → 9
• 9 → 10
• 10 → 11

🔹 Step 2: Use Laravel Shift (Recommended for Complex Upgrades)

Laravel Shift is a powerful automated tool that helps you:

• Analyze your existing Laravel project
• Apply necessary changes to match the target version
• Fix common issues and outdated dependencies

For large projects or enterprise apps, Laravel Shift saves hours of manual work and reduces upgrade risks.

🔹 Step 3: Upgrade PHP Version First

Laravel versions are tightly coupled with PHP versions. Make sure your server meets the requirements:

Action: Upgrade your local and production environments to match your Laravel target version before proceeding.

🔹 Step 4: Test in a Staging Environment

Never upgrade directly in production.

Set up a staging clone of your project and:

• Apply the upgrade
• Run automated and manual tests
• Validate key features, routes, APIs, and forms
• Use Laravel’s test suite or PHPUnit if available

Catch and fix breaking changes here—especially if your app uses third-party packages or has custom service providers.

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🔹 Step 5: Manage Dependencies Carefully

Run the following composer commands to update packages:

• composer update
• composer outdated
• Then update Laravel itself:
• composer require laravel/framework:^11.0

Watch for:

• Deprecated packages
• Conflicts with older libraries
• Required changes in config, routes, and providers directories

🔹 Step 6: Review and Merge Config Files

Laravel’s configuration files often change between versions. Use the following command to compare and merge updates:

• php artisan config: clear
• php artisan vendor: publish –tag=laravel-config
• Manually compare your project’s config files against the fresh Laravel version to ensure no options are missing.

🔹 Step 7: Deploy and Monitor

Once you’re confident in staging:

• Backup your production system
• Deploy your updated Laravel app
• Monitor logs (storage/logs/laravel.log) for any runtime issues
• Use services like Sentry, Bugsnag, or Laravel Telescope for real-time error tracking

🔹 Upgrade Checklist Summary

• Review Laravel upgrade docs
• Upgrade the PHP version
• Use Laravel Shift (optional)
• Test in staging
• Update and verify dependencies
• Merge new config files
• Deploy carefully and monitor

Pro Tip: Schedule upgrades during off-peak hours and communicate changes with your team or users if your app is customer-facing.

🟦 Common Questions About Laravel Versions (FAQ)

Whether you’re a beginner exploring Laravel for the first time or a seasoned developer managing legacy codebases, it’s natural to have questions when choosing or upgrading Laravel versions. Below are the most frequently asked questions in 2025—answered clearly and concisely.

❓ What is the latest Laravel version in 2025?

As of 2025, the latest Laravel version is Laravel 11. It introduces a cleaner architecture, modular structure, native PHP 8.2+ support, and improved performance features. Laravel 11 is ideal for modern applications and new development projects.

❓ Which Laravel versions are currently supported?

Here’s a quick overview of currently supported versions:

Laravel 9 and older are either nearing end-of-life or already unsupported. Always check Laravel’s support policy for the most up-to-date information.

❓ Can I still use Laravel 5 or 6 in 2025?

Technically, yes—but strongly discouraged. Laravel 5 and 6 are no longer supported, meaning:

• No bug or security fixes
• No compatibility with modern PHP versions
• Limited support from third-party packages

Upgrading to Laravel 10 or 11 is highly recommended for performance, security, and future-proofing.

❓ How often are Laravel versions released?

Laravel follows an annual major release cycle:

• New major version every February
• LTS versions are released every two years
• Minor improvements and bug fixes are released as needed

This consistent schedule helps developers plan migrations and stay current with new PHP features and tools.

❓ Is Laravel 11 stable enough for production?

Yes, Laravel 11 is stable and production-ready. Although it’s not an LTS version, Laravel 11 benefits from:

• A well-tested, mature codebase
• Contributions from a large global community
• Thorough documentation and automated tests

If your project demands the newest features and can accommodate future upgrades, Laravel 11 is a solid choice in 2025.

❓ Should I always use the latest Laravel version?

Not necessarily. It depends on your project type:

• For long-term apps → LTS versions (like Laravel 10)
• For new projects with modern tooling → Latest release (Laravel 11)
• For learning or hobby work → Latest version

The best practice is to balance feature needs, support cycles, and upgrade capacity when choosing a version.

❓ Will Laravel 12 be released in 2026?

Yes. Following Laravel’s predictable schedule, Laravel 12 is expected in February 2026. Projects starting late in 2025 should consider this when planning long-term development.

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Choosing the Right Laravel Version in 2025

Laravel has come a long way since its debut in 2011, evolving into one of the most developer-friendly and scalable PHP frameworks available today. With each version introducing new features, optimisations, and architectural improvements, choosing the right Laravel version in 2025 is no longer just a technical choice—it’s a strategic one.

Here’s a quick recap to guide your decision:

✅ Use Laravel 11 if you:

• Are starting a new project and want to use the latest features
• Prefer a leaner, modular, and modern structure
• Can handle regular upgrades and keep dependencies current
• Want better performance and simplified configuration

✅ Use Laravel 10 (LTS) if you:

• Are building enterprise-grade applications
• Need long-term support (until 2026)
• Prefer stability and fewer upgrade cycles
• Rely on third-party packages that require LTS compatibility

⚠️ Avoid older versions (Laravel 8 and below) if you:

• Need modern PHP support (8.1+)
• Expect long-term project maintenance
• Want access to community support and current tools

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Laravel offers solutions for every type of developer—from solo coders and startup founders to large enterprise teams. By understanding version differences, release cycles, and performance implications, you’ll be better equipped to build secure, scalable, and future-proof applications.

Whether you choose Laravel 10 LTS for long-term stability or Laravel 11 for cutting-edge innovation, the Laravel ecosystem is ready to support your journey.

🔗 Need Help with Laravel Development?

At Wbcom Designs, our team of Laravel experts can help you:

• Upgrade legacy Laravel applications
• Build secure and high-performing Laravel platforms
• Optimise Laravel projects for speed, SEO, and scalability

Contact us today to start your Laravel project with confidence.

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