OpenBSD httpd
OpenBSD httpd: A focused, free HTTP daemon for OpenBSD static and FastCGI workloads. Ranked #27 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for hardened OpenBSD static and FastCGI serving.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forHardened OpenBSD static and FastCGI serving
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with self-hosted deployment
- Supports static files, FastCGI, TLS, virtual hosting, and rewriting
- Chroot-based deployment with logging and basic authentication
Where it doesn't
- Tightly focused on OpenBSD-supported platforms
- No HTTP/2, HTTP/3, or WebSocket support
- No verified plugin or module ecosystem
Our verdict on OpenBSD httpd
OpenBSD httpd is a self-hosted HTTP daemon included with the OpenBSD operating system. It is intended for administrators running web services on OpenBSD-supported hardware platforms, with a focus on static file serving and FastCGI application handling. The server also provides TLS-enabled listeners, virtual hosting through server names and aliases, access and error logging, URL rewriting, redirects, basic HTTP authentication, custom headers, gzip-static responses, and chroot-based deployment.
The pricing model is straightforward: OpenBSD httpd is free and open source. Deployment is self-hosted, and configuration is managed through httpd.conf, with command-line validation and reload support. Its platform scope covers OpenBSD-supported platforms including alpha, amd64, arm64, armv7, hppa, i386, landisk, luna88k, macppc, octeon, powerpc64, riscv64, sparc64, and related OpenBSD environments. That makes it a practical fit for administrators who want a focused server integrated with an OpenBSD-based operating model rather than a cross-platform hosted service.
Its main trade-off is scope. OpenBSD httpd covers the core requirements for static sites and FastCGI applications, but it does not include HTTP/2, HTTP/3, or WebSocket support. The published scope also does not include a verified plugin or module ecosystem, and Windows is outside the supported platform focus. Choose it when OpenBSD deployment, a small feature surface, TLS, logging, authentication, rewriting, and chroot-based isolation are the priorities. Choose an alternative when modern HTTP protocol support, WebSockets, broader operating-system coverage, or an extensible module system is required.
Your product? Our editors can test OpenBSD httpd in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
OpenBSD httpd pricing
OpenBSD httpd fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| HTTP/2 support | Not verified |
| HTTP/3 support | Not verified |
| WebSocket support | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | OpenBSD-supported platforms: alpha, amd64, arm64, armv7, hppa, i386, landisk, luna88k, macppc, octeon, powerpc64, riscv64, sparc64 |
| Plugin or module system | Not verified |
| Windows support | Not verified |
| Commercial support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openbsd.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to OpenBSD httpd
- NGINXA focused self-hosted choice for serving, proxying, caching, and traffic control.9.4
- Apache HTTP ServerA mature, flexible choice for self-managed websites, applications, and HTTP traffic.9.3
- LiteSpeed Web ServerA capable Apache-compatible server for paid Linux hosting and control panels.8.9
See all OpenBSD httpd alternatives →
Also Ranked In
OpenBSD httpd is ranked in 2 of our directories.
Used OpenBSD httpd? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used OpenBSD httpd 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.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
OpenBSD httpd is listed in our Web Server Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/openbsd-httpd/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/openbsd-httpd.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update