fastwebsockets review
A focused Rust library for WebSocket frames, handshakes, clients, and servers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 pros and cons
- 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.
fastwebsockets fact sheet, pricing and score →
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