LocalTunnel vs Netmaker: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LocalTunnel and Netmaker comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Netmaker is our overall pick for VPN workflows. Pick LocalTunnel if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LocalTunnel
Expose your local web service to the world with a public URL.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Exposes local web services to the internet.
- • Provides a unique, publicly accessible URL.
Netmaker
WireGuard network management platform
Best for you if:
- • You need VPN features specifically
- • Netmaker is an open-source WireGuard VPN management platform
- • It creates and manages secure mesh networks with an intuitive interface
| At a Glance |  LocalTunnel |  Netmaker |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | VPN |
Rating | - | - |
Choose LocalTunnel or Netmaker?
Choose LocalTunnel if
Expose your local web service to the world with a public URL.
- Easy to set up and use
- No DNS or firewall configuration required
- Provides secure HTTPS connections
- You want a fully free tool (Netmaker requires payment)
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not VPN-shaped
Choose Netmaker if
WireGuard network management platform
- Open source VPN
- WireGuard based
- Self-hostable
- Your work is VPN-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | LocalTunnel | Netmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Developer ToolsHosting & Deployment | VPNInfrastructure as Code |
In-Depth Analysis
LocalTunnel
Expose your local web service to the world with a public URL.
Strengths
- +Easy to set up and use
- +No DNS or firewall configuration required
- +Provides secure HTTPS connections
- +Useful for sharing development progress and testing
- +Supports webhook testing
Weaknesses
- -Requires NodeJS for global installation
- -Tunnel is active only as long as the local instance runs
- -URL is randomly generated and not customizable (based on provided info)
Key features
Netmaker
WireGuard network management platform
Strengths
- +Open source VPN
- +WireGuard based
- +Self-hostable
- +Good UI
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Documentation improving
- -Smaller community
- -Tailscale alternative
Key features
Pricing: LocalTunnel vs Netmaker
| Plan | LocalTunnel | Netmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Localtunnel | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $38 month Team |
| Tier 3 | N/A | custom Professional |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Business |
| Tier 5 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on LocalTunnel pricing and Netmaker pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LocalTunnel is free. Netmaker is freemium.
Go with: LocalTunnel
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LocalTunnel is free. Netmaker is freemium. Go with LocalTunnel if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LocalTunnel is a developer tools tool. Netmaker is in VPN. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Netmaker
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LocalTunnel
- Completely free
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Netmaker is our pick. That said, LocalTunnel is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LocalTunnel or Netmaker better?
Netmaker is rated in our evaluation. LocalTunnel is free and Netmaker is freemium.
What are LocalTunnel and Netmaker used for?
LocalTunnel: Expose your local web service to the world with a public URL.. Netmaker: WireGuard network management platform.
What does LocalTunnel cost vs Netmaker?
LocalTunnel is completely free. Netmaker is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.