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CivetWeb

Free#19 of 36 in Web Server Software

CivetWeb: A free, open-source web server for embedding HTTP services into C/C++ applications. Ranked #19 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for embedded C/C++ web applications.

7.2/10Editor score

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CivetWeb7.2 Visit CivetWeb

At a glance

Editor score
7.2 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Embedded C/C++ web applications
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Founded
2013
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free and open source with standalone and embedded deployment options
- Supports CGI, SSI, Lua, JavaScript, WebSockets, and WebDAV
- Runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and other platforms
Where it doesn't
- HTTP/2 support is experimental and covers only a subset of features
- Embedding and configuration are oriented toward developers with C/C++ skills
- The feature set is focused on application integration rather than a broad hosting stack

Our verdict on CivetWeb

CivetWeb is a small C/C++ web server that can run as a standalone executable or be embedded directly into host applications. It is aimed at developers who need to add HTTP or HTTPS services to software, as well as teams seeking a self-contained server for Windows, macOS, Linux, UNIX, iOS, Android, or Buildroot environments. The project is free and open source, with an embedding API for C/C++ applications and support for both standalone and application-integrated deployments.

Its main strength is breadth within an embedded server footprint. CivetWeb serves static files and supports configurable CGI and SSI, Lua, server-side JavaScript, WebSockets, WebDAV, HTTPS through TLS libraries, URL rewriting, and IP-based access control. It can also operate as a Windows service or systemd service, which gives standalone deployments options for common operating-system service models. That combination suits software vendors building local interfaces, device services, administration consoles, or application-specific HTTP endpoints without adopting a separate full-scale web stack.

The clearest boundary is HTTP/2: the published capability is experimental, and only a subset of HTTP/2 features is supported. CivetWeb is therefore a stronger fit when embedded C/C++ integration, portability, and a self-contained executable matter more than mature HTTP/2 coverage or a wider platform ecosystem. Choose it for focused application services and lightweight standalone deployments; consider an alternative when your project depends heavily on advanced HTTP/2 functionality or expects a broader, less developer-oriented hosting environment.

Your product? Our editors can test CivetWeb in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

CivetWeb pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

CivetWeb fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
HTTP/2 support	Yes
HTTP/3 support	Not verified
WebSocket support	Yes
Supported platforms	Windows, Mac, Linux, UNIX, iOS, Android, Buildroot
Plugin or module system	Not verified
Windows support	Yes
Commercial support	Not verified
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to CivetWeb

See all CivetWeb alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update