How to use localtunnel with a local HTTPS server?

Use the `--local-https` flag in CLI or set `local_https: true` in the API options, and provide certificate paths like `local_cert` for self-signed certs. This allows secure tunneling without deploying certificates publicly.

Localtunnel vs ngrok: which is better for development?

Localtunnel is free, open-source, and minimalist, ideal for quick sharing with zero config. Ngrok offers more features like web interfaces and paid plans, so choose localtunnel for simplicity and cost, ngrok for advanced tools.

Can I use a custom domain with localtunnel?

Not with the default service; you need to self-host the server from the separate project and configure DNS. The README points to the server details, but it requires additional setup and maintenance.

How to keep localtunnel running in the background?

Use process managers like PM2 or nohup, or integrate the Node.js API into your app to run it as a daemon. Since it's a CLI tool, scripting it with automation tools works for persistent tunnels.

Is localtunnel secure for testing sensitive data?

Traffic is encrypted via HTTPS, but it routes through a third-party server, posing privacy risks. For highly sensitive data, self-host the server or use a VPN to retain full control over the tunnel.

How to handle multiple ports with localtunnel?

Run multiple instances of localtunnel, each with a different port specified. There's no built-in multiplexing; manage them separately or script it using the API for concurrent tunnels.

Open-Awesome

localtunnel

MITJavaScript

Expose your localhost to the world for easy testing and sharing without DNS or deployment.

Visit Website GitHub

22.2k stars1.6k forks0 contributors

What is localtunnel?

Localtunnel is a tunneling service that creates a secure public URL for your local development server, allowing external access without deployment. It solves the problem of needing a public endpoint for testing webhooks, API callbacks, or sharing work-in-progress features with collaborators. The tool works by proxying requests from a public server to your local machine through an encrypted tunnel.

Target Audience

Developers who need to test webhooks, API integrations, or share local development environments with team members or clients without deploying to staging servers. Particularly useful for those working with services like Twilio, Stripe, or browser testing tools that require public URLs.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Localtunnel for its simplicity and zero-configuration approach compared to setting up complex tunneling solutions. It offers automatic reconnection, persistent URLs during development sessions, and both CLI and programmatic API access, making it versatile for different workflows.

Overview

expose yourself

Use Cases

Best For

Testing webhooks that require public URLs (like Twilio or Stripe callbacks)
Sharing local development progress with remote team members or clients
Browser testing with tools that need external access to localhost
Demonstrating features during remote pair programming sessions
Quickly exposing local APIs for integration testing
Developing applications that rely on OAuth callbacks or third-party services

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring permanent, custom-domain URLs for production deployments
Teams with strict data privacy policies that forbid routing traffic through third-party servers
High-traffic applications where the free tunnel server might have rate limits or downtime

Pros & Cons

Pros

Zero Configuration Setup

Just run `npx localtunnel --port 8000` to instantly get a public URL without any DNS or server deployment, as highlighted in the Quickstart section.

Automatic Reconnection

It smartly detects local server restarts and reconnects automatically, ensuring the tunnel stays active during development sessions without manual intervention.

HTTPS and Certificate Support

Supports tunneling to local HTTPS servers with options for custom certificates, detailed in the API for `local_https`, `local_cert`, and related settings.

Flexible API Integration

Offers both CLI and programmatic Node.js API, enabling automation in test suites or development workflows, as shown in the API usage examples.

Cons

Subdomain Availability Uncertainty

Requesting a specific subdomain is not guaranteed; the README notes 'You may not actually receive this name depending on availability,' leading to inconsistent URLs for testing.

Reliance on External Server

Defaults to using `https://localtunnel.me`, making it dependent on a third-party service with potential downtime or privacy issues; self-hosting requires separate server setup.

Limited Advanced Features

Lacks built-in monitoring, load balancing, or detailed analytics, which might be necessary for complex development or high-stakes testing scenarios.

Open Source Alternative To

localtunnel is an open-source alternative to the following products:

serveo

serveo is a tool that creates secure tunnels from local servers to the internet using SSH, allowing easy sharing of local development environments.

ngrok

Frequently Asked Questions

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