Top ngrok Alternatives for Seamless Local Development
When software developers and website builders want to test out their web-based components locally, ngrok is a popular option. However, for various reasons, including specific feature needs, pricing models, or a preference for open-source solutions, many developers seek a reliable ngrok alternative. This article explores some of the best tools that offer similar, if not enhanced, capabilities for exposing your local development environment to the internet.
Top ngrok Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a web-based solution, an open-source option, or something with specific tunneling features, there's a strong ngrok alternative out there to meet your needs.
Pagekite
Pagekite is an excellent ngrok alternative for bringing your localhost servers online, making them globally visible. This open-source solution works with any computer and Internet connection, simplifying the process by abstracting away router and IP address complexities. It's available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and BSD, offering Freemium pricing and robust Networking and Web Server features.
Portmap.io
Portmap.io provides a port forwarding service perfect for exposing your local PC to the Internet, even from behind a firewall or without a real IP address. As a Freemium service available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it uses OpenVPN or SSH encrypted tunnels, making it a secure and convenient ngrok alternative with features like no installation, OpenVPN, Port Forwarding, and REST API support.
sish
sish is a compelling open-source, self-hosted ngrok alternative that provides HTTP(S)/WS(S)/TCP Tunnels to localhost using only SSH. It's completely Free, making it an attractive option for developers looking for full control over their tunneling solution, offering Raw TCP, SSH, and Tunnel features.
ZEIT Now
ZEIT Now aims to make cloud computing as easy and accessible as mobile computing, focusing on developers and designers. This Freemium and open-source platform supports Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and various other environments, making it a versatile ngrok alternative with powerful Serverless features.
beame-insta-ssl
beame-insta-ssl is a free and open-source ngrok alternative that simplifies secure communications for web developers. It provides a fully-qualified domain name and a free SSL certificate, allowing secure HTTP tunneling. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, it offers essential SSL, Tunnel, AES encryption, and Networking features.
Teleconsole
Teleconsole is a free, open-source service for sharing your terminal session, making it a unique ngrok alternative focused on collaboration and remote access. Users can join via SSH or browser over HTTPS, and it supports local TCP port forwarding. It's available on Mac and Linux, with SSH features for seamless sharing.
Beeceptor
Beeceptor is a powerful Rest API mocking tool, acting as a valuable ngrok alternative for API development and debugging. It allows users to define endpoints and mock API paths without coding, and can wrap existing API endpoints to inspect traffic. This Freemium web-based solution offers Development API, Mocking of APIs, Real-time traffic, and HTTPS Support features.
tmate
tmate is an instant terminal sharing software, forked from tmux, and a free, open-source ngrok alternative for those needing remote terminal access. It can be used as a daemon, and you can even host your own server. Available on Mac and Linux, it provides Remote desktop, Remote Support, SSH, Terminal emulator, and Terminal sharing features.
Packetriot
Packetriot simplifies exposing local and private network services and data to the Internet. As a Freemium and self-hosted ngrok alternative, it enables hosting static websites, dynamic web applications, and testing webhooks. It supports Mac, Windows, and Linux, offering features like Let's Encrypt support, End-to-End Encryption, Port Forwarding, Bypass Firewall, and HTTPS Support.
LocalXpose
LocalXpose is a robust reverse proxy for exposing your localhost to the internet. This Freemium ngrok alternative offers both GUI and CLI interfaces with unlimited connections, supporting HTTP/s, TLS, TCP, and UDP tunnels. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone, it includes features such as password-protected tunnels, custom subdomains, custom domains, and a built-in file server and Let's Encrypt integration.
Choosing the best ngrok alternative depends on your specific development needs, whether you prioritize ease of use, open-source flexibility, advanced features, or specific platform compatibility. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your workflow and enhance your local development experience.