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FrankenPHP

Free#17 of 36 in Web Server Software

FrankenPHP: A focused open-source server for modern PHP applications, containers, and real-time updates. Ranked #17 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Open source; best for modern PHP applications and containers.

7.5/10Editor score
Visit FrankenPHP
FrankenPHP7.5 Visit FrankenPHP

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.5 / 10
  • Pricing
    Open source
  • Best for
    Modern PHP applications and containers
  • Paid from
    Free
  • HTTP/3 support
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
FrankenPHP screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Supports classic and worker-mode PHP execution
    • Includes HTTP/2, HTTP/3, automatic HTTPS, metrics, and tracing
    • Runs through standalone binaries, Docker images, and Kubernetes

  • Where it doesn't

    • PHP-centered scope limits its fit for non-PHP application stacks
    • Self-hosted deployment requires team-managed operations
    • Real-time delivery centers on Mercure rather than native WebSockets

Our verdict on FrankenPHP

FrankenPHP is an open-source PHP application server built on Caddy. It is aimed at teams running modern PHP applications, including Laravel, Symfony, API Platform, and WordPress, as well as containerized deployments using Docker or Kubernetes. Classic PHP server mode supports conventional applications, while worker mode targets long-running PHP applications. FrankenPHP runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with self-hosted deployment options for teams that want control over the serving environment.

Its strongest appeal is the combination of application serving and platform features in one product. FrankenPHP provides automatic HTTPS certificate generation and renewal, native HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 support, structured logging, compression, Prometheus metrics, tracing, hot reloading, and graceful reloads. Standalone self-executable application binaries support portable deployments, while Docker images are available in Debian and Alpine variants. The built-in Mercure hub adds real-time updates, and integrations with Caddy, Laravel, Symfony, API Platform, WordPress, Docker, Kubernetes, and Mercure give it a clear fit within PHP-focused ecosystems.

The main trade-off is its narrow focus. Teams serving PHP applications can benefit from the worker model, framework integrations, and deployment choices, but organizations supporting primarily non-PHP stacks should look for a server designed around broader language coverage. FrankenPHP also places deployment, updates, and operational ownership with the self-hosting team. For real-time features, its documented path is Mercure rather than native WebSocket support, so projects built around WebSocket-specific requirements should evaluate another option. Choose FrankenPHP for PHP applications that need modern protocol support, container workflows, and flexible execution modes; choose an alternative when non-PHP breadth or native WebSockets is central.

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

FrankenPHP pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on frankenphp.dev

FrankenPHP fact sheet

Free planNot verified
Paid fromFree
HTTP/2 supportYes
HTTP/3 supportYes
WebSocket supportNo
Supported platformsLinux, macOS, Windows, Docker, Kubernetes
Plugin or module systemYes
Windows supportYes
Commercial supportYes
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportEmail
Built forSmall business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations8 integrations: Laravel, Symfony, API Platform, WordPress, Docker, Kubernetes …
PricingOpen source
Websitefrankenphp.dev
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

FrankenPHP integrations

FrankenPHP lists 8 integrations on its own site.

  • Laravel
  • Symfony
  • API Platform
  • WordPress
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes
  • Mercure
  • Caddy

Alternatives to FrankenPHP

See all FrankenPHP alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — FrankenPHP 7.5/10

FrankenPHP is listed in our Web Server Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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