Side by side

freenginx vs ngrok

Both stand on reverse proxy software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

freenginx

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

freenginx covers several server and proxy roles, with multiple protocol and upgrade options. Consider whether self-hosting and mailing-list support fit your operations.

Visit freenginx

ngrok combines secure tunnels with request policies and support for varied traffic types. The free plan has stated usage limits, and exhausted Hobbyist credit suspends endpoints until the billing cycle resets.

Visit ngrok

The facts

	freenginx	ngrok
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	No
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows	API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Hobbyist: $10 a month
Plans published	1	4
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	freenginx.org	ngrok.com
On reverse proxy software	#9 of 33	#13 of 33

freenginx: what it does well

Supports HTTP/2 and HTTP/3.
Offers caching, load balancing, and fault tolerance.
Supports IMAP, POP3, and SMTP proxying.
Reloads configuration without interrupting client service.
Source and documentation use a 2-clause BSD-like license.

What to know first

Self-hosted deployment is required.
Mailing-list posting requires an email subscription.
Support is through mailing lists.

ngrok: what it does well

Secure tunnels work without firewall changes.
Traffic Policy supports routing, authentication, rate limits, and WAF controls.
Supports HTTP, TLS, TCP, and several named protocols.
Free plan includes $5 one-time usage and 3 endpoints.
Webhook signature verification covers more than 70 providers.

What to know first

Free usage is limited to 3 endpoints and 1GB data transfer.
Hobbyist endpoints stop when usage credit runs out.
Enterprise pricing is not listed.

Alternatives to freenginx Alternatives to ngrok The whole list