Pushpin
Pushpin: A self-hosted proxy that connects WebSocket clients to HTTP and messaging backends. Ranked #27 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams proxying realtime streams to HTTP backends.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams proxying realtime streams to HTTP backends
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Translates WebSocket events into HTTP requests and responses
- Supports streaming, long-polling, SockJS, and pub/sub
- Routes to HTTP, WebSocket, or ZeroMQ targets
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-managed deployment on Linux or macOS
- Primarily proxies traffic rather than providing a full real-time application service
- Publishing and subscriptions require backend integration
Our verdict on Pushpin
Pushpin is a self-hosted reverse proxy for API creators and service teams that need real-time delivery through existing web services. It lets clients connect over WebSockets, HTTP streaming, or HTTP long-polling while translating WebSocket activity into HTTP requests for a backend. The model suits teams that want realtime connections without making clients aware of the proxy, rather than teams seeking a complete real-time application platform.
Its protocol and routing breadth is the main differentiator. Pushpin supports SockJS translation and publish-subscribe channels, and can route traffic to HTTP, WebSocket, or ZeroMQ targets. Applications can publish to connected clients through an HTTP control API or ZeroMQ inputs, while subscriptions are managed through backend instructions. That makes it useful as an intermediary across several transport patterns, but it also means backend behavior and application logic remain part of the implementation. Teams needing a managed service or a platform that supplies more of the application layer should look elsewhere.
Pushpin is documented as an open-source project and can run as a self-managed service on Linux or macOS. That avoids a listed subscription tier, while placing deployment and operation with the team adopting it. Support channels include community and email. Small, mid-market, and enterprise teams are listed as fits, though the deciding factor is likely whether they can operate a proxy and integrate its control and publishing paths. Choose Pushpin when the need is specifically to bridge realtime protocols to HTTP-oriented services; choose a broader service when you want a managed, end-to-end real-time application environment.
Pushpin pricing
Pushpin fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | Yes |
| Self-hosting available | Yes |
| Client SDKs | Not verified |
| Protocol support | WebSockets, HTTP streaming, HTTP long-polling, SockJS, WebSocket-over-HTTP, GRIP, ZHTTP |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Email |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pushpin.org |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Pushpin
- Socket.IOAn open-source library for real-time apps, with transport fallback and reconnection built in.9.3
- Ably Pub/SubFeature-rich managed pub/sub, with a free tier and paid plans from $29/month.8.8
- Azure Web PubSubA managed Azure service for real-time apps that need WebSockets, pub-sub, and scale.8.7
See all Pushpin alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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