fastwebsockets
fastwebsockets: A focused Rust library for WebSocket frames, handshakes, clients, and servers. Ranked #42 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for rust developers building WebSocket clients or servers.
At a glance
- Editor score4.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forRust developers building WebSocket clients or servers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports raw frame parsing plus frame reading and writing.
- Includes client-side handshakes and server-side HTTP upgrades.
- Offers optional Hyper and Axum integration.
Where it doesn't
- Does not support permessage-deflate.
- Is a library, not a managed WebSocket service.
- Does not provide pub/sub functionality.
Our verdict on fastwebsockets
For Rust developers implementing WebSocket clients or servers, fastwebsockets provides an RFC 6455 library that can operate as a raw frame parser or as a higher-level client/server implementation. It covers frame reading and writing, client-side handshakes, and server-side HTTP upgrades. The library is open source and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it suited to teams that want protocol-level building blocks in a Rust application rather than a hosted service.
Its scope centers on protocol mechanics. FragmentCollector can assemble fragmented messages, and automatic close and pong handling are available as options. The published project description states that permessage-deflate is not supported, so applications that require that extension should assess other implementations. This is a focused choice for teams that want control over WebSocket behavior and are prepared to integrate a library into their own application, not a broader messaging layer.
Integration options include Tokio, with optional Hyper support for server upgrades and documented Axum integration. Those connections make it relevant to Rust applications already using that ecosystem, while the library model means deployment and service operation remain part of the application team's work. There are no paid tiers described; it is open source. Choose fastwebsockets when frame-level access or Rust client/server implementation is the goal. Teams seeking managed connections, pub/sub features, or permessage-deflate should look elsewhere.
fastwebsockets pricing
fastwebsockets fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Library |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | No |
| Self-hosting available | No |
| Client SDKs | Rust |
| Protocol support | RFC 6455 WebSocket |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Hyper, Axum, Tokio |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
fastwebsockets integrations
fastwebsockets lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Hyper
- Axum
- Tokio
Alternatives to fastwebsockets
- Socket.IOAn open-source library for real-time apps, with transport fallback and reconnection built in.9.3
- Ably Pub/SubFeature-rich managed pub/sub, with a free tier and paid plans from $29/month.8.8
- Azure Web PubSubA managed Azure service for real-time apps that need WebSockets, pub-sub, and scale.8.7
See all fastwebsockets alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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