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Lwan

Free#30 of 36 in Web Server Software

Lwan: A focused self-hosted server for small Lua and WebSocket deployments. Ranked #30 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for small Lua and WebSocket deployments.

6.0/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
6.0 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Small Lua and WebSocket deployments
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Lua request handlers and Lua Server Pages
- WebSocket text-frame, binary-frame, and read operations
- Static files, FastCGI, rewriting, and configurable modules
Where it doesn't
- HTTP/2 support is unavailable
- TLS listener support is experimental
- Windows is not supported

Our verdict on Lwan

Lwan is an open-source, self-hosted web server for developers and operators who want a focused deployment built around static content, Lua, WebSockets, and configurable request handling. It supports static file serving with directory indexes and precompressed files, Lua request handlers, Lua Server Pages, FastCGI request proxying, URL rewriting, redirects, and container images. The project documents support for Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and macOS, while Windows is not supported. Lwan is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or later.

Its strongest fit is a small service that needs Lua at the request layer or WebSocket functionality without adopting a broader application platform. WebSocket operations include upgrades, text frames, binary frames, and reads. Built-in modules and handlers can be configured by URL prefix, giving operators a way to shape request behavior within the server. Static serving also covers directory indexes and precompressed files, which suits compact sites and services that need direct file delivery. FastCGI proxying, redirects, rewriting, and container image support extend that focused core without changing its self-hosted model.

The main trade-offs matter for deployment planning. HTTP/2 support is unavailable, and TLS listener support is experimental, so teams with firm HTTP/2 or mature native TLS requirements should choose a different web server. Lwan is also intended for people comfortable building and configuring server software rather than for teams seeking a managed setup experience. Choose it when Lua handlers, WebSockets, modular URL configuration, and open-source self-hosting are central requirements. Look elsewhere when Windows support, HTTP/2, or established TLS capabilities are prerequisites.

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

Lwan pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on lwan.ws

Lwan fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
HTTP/2 support	No
HTTP/3 support	Not verified
WebSocket support	Yes
Supported platforms	Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, macOS
Plugin or module system	Yes
Windows support	No
Commercial support	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Linux, macOS
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	lwan.ws
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Lwan

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Featured on iTechGuides

Lwan 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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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update