It is difficult to determine which is "better" between PHP and Node.js in 2023 as the choice between the two largely depends on the specific requirements and use cases of a project. Both PHP and Node.js have their own strengths and weaknesses and are well-suited for different types of applications.
For example, if a project requires a server-side scripting language for building a traditional, server-rendered web application, then PHP is likely to be the better choice. On the other hand, if a project requires real-time, event-driven communication between the server and the client, then Node.js is likely to be the better choice due to its efficient handling of events and non-blocking I/O.
Ultimately, the choice between PHP and Node.js will depend on a number of factors, including the specific requirements of the project, the experience and skill level of the development team, and the resources available for the project. Both technologies have active communities and a wealth of resources available, so it is possible to build robust, scalable applications using either technology.