ngrok vs LocalStack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ngrok and LocalStack 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ngrok
Secure tunnels to localhost
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • ngrok is a tool for exposing local servers to the internet instantly
- • It creates secure tunnels for testing webhooks and sharing local development
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Best for you if:
- • Run AWS services locally for development
- • Emulate S3, Lambda, DynamoDB and more
| At a Glance |  ngrok |  LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 86/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | ngrok | LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 56 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How ngrok and LocalStack Compare
ngrok
Secure tunnels to localhost
Free tier available · 86/100 score
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ngrok
Want the highest-rated option?
ngrok: 86/100. LocalStack: 83/100.
Go with: ngrok
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ngrok
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
ngrok scores higher: 86/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
ngrok
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 83
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LocalStack
- More community upvotes (56)
The Bottom Line
ngrok (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ngrok or LocalStack better?
ngrok scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ngrok and LocalStack used for?
ngrok: Secure tunnels to localhost. LocalStack: AWS cloud emulator.
What does ngrok cost vs LocalStack?
ngrok is freemium (free tier + paid plans). LocalStack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.