libwebsockets review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

libwebsockets is a free, MIT-licensed C library for implementing network clients and servers. It is aimed at developers building applications that need WebSockets alongside other transports, especially C developers who want to host and integrate the networking layer themselves. The project supports Windows, macOS and Linux, and its description also identifies Unix-like systems, embedded platforms and FreeRTOS. It is distributed as source code rather than as a managed real-time messaging service, so it suits teams that want a library to incorporate into an application, not buyers looking for a hosted endpoint or service plan.

Transport breadth is the main reason to consider it. The library supports WebSocket client and server roles, HTTP/1.x, HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 client and server support, WebTransport, WebSocket over HTTP/2 or HTTP/3, an MQTT client role, and raw TCP, UDP and file roles. Optional TLS is available across supported roles. Its nonblocking event loop supports single- or multi-threaded service threads, and integrations include poll, libuv, libevent, libev, glib, sdevent and uloop. That range makes it relevant when one C library needs to cover multiple protocol roles or fit an existing event-loop choice; teams seeking only a narrow WebSocket client may not need this scope.

The project is configured with CMake and supports cross-building, but the source-code distribution means application integration is part of adopting it. It is self-hosted and open source, with no hosted service plans described; the published licensing and pricing model is free and MIT-licensed. Support channels are community and documentation, rather than a stated managed-service support arrangement. Choose libwebsockets when control over deployment and a broad set of transports matter and the team can work in C. Consider a managed real-time service instead if you want the provider to operate the messaging infrastructure, or a library for another language if C is not a fit.

libwebsockets pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Supports HTTP/1.x, HTTP/2, HTTP/3, WebSockets, WebTransport and MQTT.
  • Offers optional TLS and integration with several event-loop libraries.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with CMake configuration and cross-building.
• Where it doesn't
  • It is source code to integrate into an application, not a hosted service.
  • The client SDK is C, which narrows its fit for teams using other languages.
  • Support channels are community and documentation.

libwebsockets fact sheet, pricing and score →

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Last updated 9 Oct 2026 · How we research and update