thttpd
thttpd: A free, focused HTTP server for operators who need low-resource serving. Ranked #28 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for basic, low-resource HTTP serving.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBasic, low-resource HTTP serving
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free software with HTTP/1.1 and CGI 1.1 support
- Includes throttling, IPv6, virtual hosting, and multihoming
- Offers chroot isolation, authentication, custom errors, and logging
Where it doesn't
- Does not support HTTP/2
- Does not support Windows
- Documentation is dated
Our verdict on thttpd
thttpd is a small, portable HTTP server from ACME Laboratories for operators managing Unix-like systems. It supports FreeBSD, SunOS, Solaris, BSD/OS, Linux, and OSF, and can be compiled and installed on a server managed by the operator. Its focus is basic HTTP serving rather than a broad application platform, making it a fit for low-resource deployments that need core web-server functions without a paid plan.
The published product details show a free distribution with HTTP/1.1 serving and CGI 1.1 support. Operators can configure URL-based traffic throttling, IPv6, virtual hosting, multihoming, custom HTTP error pages, and logging through syslog or files. Basic authentication uses .htpasswd files, while chroot-based filesystem isolation adds an available isolation mechanism. This feature set gives thttpd useful coverage for straightforward websites and CGI-based services, particularly where resource use and a narrow server role matter more than a large ecosystem.
Its limitations define the choice. HTTP/2 is not supported, and Windows is not among the supported platforms, so deployments requiring either should choose another web server. The documentation is dated, which may increase the effort required to interpret configuration and installation guidance. thttpd is therefore suited to operators who want a free, compact HTTP/1.1 server with throttling, CGI, IPv6, authentication, and logging on supported Unix-like systems. It is a weaker fit for modern protocol requirements, Windows environments, or projects seeking a broader platform with current documentation and newer web capabilities.
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thttpd pricing
thttpd fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| HTTP/2 support | No |
| HTTP/3 support | Not verified |
| WebSocket support | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | FreeBSD, SunOS 4, Solaris 2, BSD/OS, Linux, OSF |
| Plugin or module system | Not verified |
| Windows support | No |
| Commercial support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | acme.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to thttpd
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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