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PHPBrew

Free#14 of 30 in Runtime Version Managers

PHPBrew: A flexible open-source PHP version manager for custom local environments. Ranked #14 of 30 in Runtime Version Managers by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PHP developers building custom environments.

7.7/10Editor score

Visit PHPBrew

PHPBrew7.7 Visit PHPBrew

At a glance

Editor score
7.7 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
PHP developers building custom environments
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Automatic switching
Yes
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Builds multiple PHP versions with configurable variants and extensions
- Automatically switches PHP versions by project with .phpbrewrc
- Supports user-level installs, PHP-FPM, and several shell integrations
Where it doesn't
- Limited to macOS and Linux
- Source builds require local configuration and compilation
- Command-line workflow may not suit users seeking a graphical tool

Our verdict on PHPBrew

PHPBrew is an open-source command-line version manager for PHP developers who need control over local runtimes. It builds and installs multiple PHP versions, lets users switch versions temporarily or permanently, and supports installation in a user home directory without root permissions. System-wide installation is also supported. Its verified platform scope covers macOS and Linux, including several Linux distribution families.

The main strength is build control. PHPBrew can configure PHP builds with variants such as PDO, MySQL, SQLite, and debug, then install extensions from PHP source or PECL. It also manages PHP-FPM processes and configuration. Project-specific switching through .phpbrewrc files can pin a PHP version to a project directory, while Bash, Zsh, and Fish integrations support different shell environments. Homebrew and MacPorts are also supported for installation workflows.

PHPBrew is a strong fit for PHP developers who need several locally built runtimes, project-level version switching, or PHP configurations tailored to specific extensions and debugging needs. Its open-source model and free plan suit users who prefer a self-managed tool. The trade-off is its command-line, source-building approach: developers must work with local build configuration rather than a graphical interface or a simpler packaged workflow. Teams or individuals requiring Windows support, or those who want a less configuration-focused runtime manager, should consider an alternative. For macOS and Linux users comfortable managing PHP from the shell, PHPBrew offers a focused set of version, build, extension, and process-management controls.

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

PHPBrew pricing

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

See plans on phpbrew.github.io

PHPBrew fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Runtime types	Language
Automatic switching	Yes
Project version pinning	Yes
Version source	Source
Supported platforms	macos, linux
Team controls	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	macOS, Linux
Support	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	6 integrations: Bash, Zsh, Fish, PECL, Homebrew, MacPorts
Pricing	Free plan
Website	phpbrew.github.io
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

PHPBrew integrations

PHPBrew lists 6 integrations on its own site.

Bash
Zsh
Fish
PECL
Homebrew
MacPorts

Alternatives to PHPBrew

See all PHPBrew alternatives →

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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 PHPBrew 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

PHPBrew is listed in our Runtime Version Managers 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