Ratchet
Ratchet: A free, self-hosted PHP library for building basic asynchronous WebSocket servers. Ranked #45 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PHP developers adding a basic asynchronous WebSocket server.
At a glance
- Editor score4.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPHP developers adding a basic asynchronous WebSocket server
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Composer-based installation fits PHP development workflows.
- Composable interfaces and reusable components support custom server applications.
- Includes connection handlers, path routing, and message broadcasting.
Where it doesn't
- It is a server library, not a hosted WebSocket service.
- Its documented feature set is focused on core server tasks.
- Support is through community resources and documentation.
Our verdict on Ratchet
Ratchet is an open-source PHP library for developers building real-time applications that need an asynchronous WebSocket server. It runs in the developer’s own environment rather than providing a hosted service, so it suits teams prepared to operate their server application. Composer installation, an echo-server example, and handlers for connection open, message, close, and error events give PHP developers a starting point for building their own behavior.
The central strength is a focused server toolkit rather than a broad real-time platform. Applications can be composed from interfaces and reusable components, route WebSocket endpoints by path, and broadcast incoming messages to other connected clients. These building blocks cover basic server-side patterns, but the published feature set centers on WebSocket server implementation; teams that need a broader managed service should consider a hosted alternative instead.
Ratchet is free and open source, with self-hosted deployment. That avoids a hosted-service plan choice, while leaving operation of the server application in the developer’s environment. Support channels are community and documentation. The project description says maintainers are working to revive and update it, which is relevant for buyers considering ongoing project activity. PHP developers who want a basic, composable server and can manage their own deployment are the clearest fit; those seeking a managed endpoint or a wider feature set should look elsewhere.
Ratchet pricing
Ratchet fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Library |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | Yes |
| Self-hosting available | Yes |
| Client SDKs | Not verified |
| Protocol support | WebSocket |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | socketo.me |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Ratchet
- 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 Ratchet alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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