Harp
Harp: A focused open-source choice for Node.js sites that need preprocessing and static output. Ranked #28 of 35 in Static Site Generators by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple Node.js sites with preprocessing.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple Node.js sites with preprocessing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Content sourcesMarkdown
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Preprocesses Markdown, EJS, Jade, LESS, Sass, Stylus, and CoffeeScript
- Compiles projects into deployable HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files
- Works with layouts, partials, metadata, caching, and live compilation
Where it doesn't
- Focused on static sites and client-side applications
- Requires developer-oriented Node.js and command-line workflows
- No built-in AI features
Our verdict on Harp
Harp is an open-source, Node.js-based static web server and generator for developers creating static sites or client-side applications. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its workflow centers on preprocessing source files into static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Markdown, EJS, Jade, LESS, Sass, Stylus, and CoffeeScript are supported without configuration, making Harp a fit for solo developers and small teams that want several preprocessing options in one tool.
Its strongest area is the connection between local development and deployable output. Harp provides a local development web server with live request compilation, command-line project initialization, layouts and partials for reusable structures, and directory and site metadata through JSON data files. Production-mode caching is also included. Express and Node.js middleware usage extends its fit for existing Node.js projects, while deployment integrations include GitHub Pages, Netlify, Cloudflare Pages, Amazon S3, Heroku, Microsoft Azure, Apache Cordova, and PhoneGap.
Harp is free and open source, with self-hosted deployment rather than a hosted publishing service. The published feature set makes it a practical choice for straightforward Node.js sites where preprocessing, local compilation, and static files matter more than a broad content workflow. It is less suitable for teams seeking a wider modern content system or built-in AI features. Developers who want control over their local server and deployment path should consider Harp; teams looking for a more expansive content workflow should compare other static site generators.
Your product? Our editors can test Harp in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Harp pricing
Harp fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Content sources | Markdown |
| CMS integration | Not verified |
| Incremental builds | Not verified |
| Multilingual support | Not verified |
| Local preview server | Yes |
| Supported languages | Node.js, JavaScript, CoffeeScript |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Express, Node.js, GitHub Pages, Netlify, Cloudflare Pages, Amazon S3 … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | harp.sh |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Harp integrations
Harp lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Express
- Node.js
- GitHub Pages
- Netlify
- Cloudflare Pages
- Amazon S3
- Heroku
- Microsoft Azure
- Apache Cordova
- PhoneGap
Alternatives to Harp
- GatsbyA broad React framework for static, dynamic, multilingual, and CMS-connected sites.9.4
- HugoA free, flexible choice for fast, content-rich websites across major desktop platforms.9.2
- PubliiA free desktop CMS for bloggers who want visual editing and static hosting flexibility.9.0
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Harp for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Featured on iTechGuides
Harp is listed in our Static Site Generators 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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