LocalToLink vs localtunnel
Quick comparison
| Feature | LocalToLink v1.0 | localtunnel |
|---------|------------------|-------------|
| Install | npx localtolink | npx localtunnel |
| Node required | ≥ 22.14 | Yes |
| Account | No | No |
| Custom subdomain | No (v1.5 Pro) | Free (--subdomain) |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
| WebSocket | Yes | Limited |
| Auto port detection | Yes | No (manual --port) |
| Reconnect same URL | 10-minute grace | Varies |
| Request inspector | No | No |
| Infrastructure | Dedicated LocalToLink server | Shared public server |
Reliability
localtunnel uses a shared public server (localtunnel.me). Under load, users report 503 Tunnel Unavailable errors. LocalToLink runs on dedicated infrastructure with policy enforcement and operational monitoring.
See LocalTunnel Not Working? for troubleshooting.
npm workflow
Both run via npx with no global install:
# LocalToLink
npx localtolink --port 5173
# localtunnel
npx localtunnel --port 5173
LocalToLink adds auto port detection (omit --port if one app is running) and a terminal QR code.
Custom subdomains
| | localtunnel | LocalToLink | |-|-------------|-------------| | Free custom subdomain | Yes (may collide) | No | | Random subdomain | Yes | Yes (10-char) |
If you need a memorable free subdomain today, localtunnel's --subdomain flag works — with collision and reliability caveats. LocalToLink custom subdomains are planned for v1.5 Pro.
Session limits
| | LocalToLink | localtunnel | |-|-------------|-------------| | Duration | 2 hours (enforced) | Not strictly enforced | | Bandwidth | 1 GB (enforced) | Not enforced | | Rate limit | 10 req/s | Not enforced |
When to use which
- LocalToLink: Webhook testing, OAuth, mobile QR testing, WebSocket/HMR
- localtunnel: Quick share with a chosen subdomain name, accepting reliability trade-offs
Limitations
LocalToLink v1.0: no request inspector, no free custom subdomain, 1 tunnel per IP.
Try it now
Start a tunnel from your project directory — no account required.
$ npx localtolink