Qt WebSockets
Qt WebSockets: A free-software Qt module for adding WebSocket clients and servers to Qt applications. Ranked #38 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for C++ and QML applications already using Qt.
At a glance
- Editor score4.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forC++ and QML applications already using Qt
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports client and server roles in a Qt application
- Offers C++ and QML interfaces with CMake and qmake integration
- Includes secure WebSocket examples and handshake options
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide pub/sub features
- It is a library, not a hosted WebSocket service
- Its interfaces and build integration are for Qt applications
Our verdict on Qt WebSockets
Qt WebSockets is a library module for adding bidirectional communication over the WebSocket protocol to Qt applications. It gives applications C++ and QML interfaces and can support client, server, or combined roles. That makes it a fit for developers already building with Qt who want protocol-level WebSocket functionality within their application. The module is not a hosted real-time service, so teams looking for a managed endpoint rather than an application component should consider a different kind of product.
The published licensing information describes Qt WebSockets as available under free software licenses as well as commercial licenses, subject to their terms. It is therefore an open-source option, but licensing choice still matters for a project: teams should review the relevant license terms for their intended use. The module's project integration supports both CMake and qmake, which keeps it aligned with Qt application builds. Its interfaces and build integration are useful strengths for Qt projects, but they do not make it a general-purpose SDK for applications outside that ecosystem.
Its scope is focused on WebSocket communication rather than higher-level real-time messaging. Features include WebSocket server support, handshake options, CORS authentication support, and secure client and server examples using wss; examples also cover clients, servers, and chat. Those are useful building blocks for applications that need to implement their own connection behavior. There are no pub/sub features, so teams that need that messaging model will need another product or additional components. Choose Qt WebSockets when you want a library that fits an existing Qt application; look elsewhere if you need a hosted service or built-in pub/sub.
Qt WebSockets pricing
Qt WebSockets fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Library |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | No |
| Self-hosting available | No |
| Client SDKs | C++, QML |
| Protocol support | WebSocket (RFC 6455) |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | doc.qt.io |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Qt WebSockets
- 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 Qt WebSockets alternatives →
Used Qt WebSockets? 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 Qt WebSockets 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
Qt WebSockets is listed in our WebSocket Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/qt-websockets/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/qt-websockets.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Guides on WebSocket tools
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. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update