When comparing Apache License 2.0 vs GPLv2, the Slant community recommends Apache License 2.0 for most people. In the question“What are the best open-source licenses?” Apache License 2.0 is ranked 2nd while GPLv2 is ranked 7th.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro It's like MIT but more complicated... Which is fine
Pro Ensures that derivitave works are also protected by copyleft
Ensures that the software and its derivatives remain licensed under the same license to keep the software free and open source.
Pro Guarantees that all changes are given back
Pro Ensures that the software does not become proprietary
Cons
Con Incompatible with GPL2
Cannot be included in projects using GPL2 such as the Linux kernel
Con Cannot be linked with other licenses
Software licensed under the GNU GPLv2 is incompatible with all other licenses, with the exception of GPLv3 in most cases. This means that code from a GPLv2 program cannot be combined with code under another license in the same program.
Con Long and complicated
The license is very long and complicated, making it hard to read and comprehend. However, there is a simplified version available here.