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Tornado

Free#31 of 36 in Web Server Software

Tornado: A focused open-source choice for Python applications with long-lived connections. Ranked #31 of 36 in Web Server Software by our editors (5.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for asynchronous Python web applications.

5.9/10Editor score
Visit Tornado
Tornado5.9 Visit Tornado

At a glance

  • Editor score
    5.9 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Asynchronous Python web applications
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • HTTP/3 support
    No
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
Tornado screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Non-blocking HTTP server with WebSocket and long polling support
    • Asyncio, WSGI, Twisted, and C-Ares interoperability
    • Free open-source software for Linux, macOS, and Windows

  • Where it doesn't

    • HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 are not supported
    • Windows is not officially supported or recommended for production
    • No commercial support plan

Our verdict on Tornado

Tornado combines a Python web framework, HTTP server, asynchronous HTTP client, and networking library for applications that handle many open connections. It is suited to developers building services around long polling, WebSockets, asynchronous request handling, and other long-lived client connections. Core capabilities include request handlers, URL routing, templates, UI modules, authentication utilities, an event loop, and asyncio integration. Tornado is open source, supports self-hosted deployment, and runs on Linux, BSD, macOS, Solaris, and Windows.

Its strongest fit is the asynchronous Python ecosystem. The framework connects with asyncio and provides WSGI interoperability, while integrations with Twisted and C-Ares broaden its compatibility with existing networking components. The published feature set also includes both WebSocket server and client support, an asynchronous HTTP client, and a non-blocking HTTP server. That combination gives teams a focused toolkit for applications where concurrent connections and persistent communication matter more than broad protocol coverage. Developers choosing Tornado should be comfortable with asynchronous application design and self-hosted deployment.

Tornado’s scope is narrower around newer HTTP protocols: HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 are not supported. Windows runs, but it is not officially supported or recommended for production, making Linux, BSD, macOS, or Solaris more natural deployment targets. There is also no commercial support plan, so organizations seeking vendor-backed support should consider an alternative. Choose Tornado for open-source Python services centered on WebSockets, long polling, and asynchronous networking; look elsewhere when HTTP/2 or HTTP/3, production-oriented Windows support, or commercial assistance is essential.

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

Tornado pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on tornadoweb.org

Tornado fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
HTTP/2 supportNo
HTTP/3 supportNo
WebSocket supportYes
Supported platformsLinux, BSD, macOS, Solaris, Windows
Plugin or module systemYes
Windows supportYes
Commercial supportNo
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsLinux, macOS, Windows
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations4 integrations: asyncio, WSGI, Twisted, C-Ares
PricingFree plan
Websitetornadoweb.org
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Tornado integrations

Tornado lists 4 integrations on its own site.

  • asyncio
  • WSGI
  • Twisted
  • C-Ares

Alternatives to Tornado

See all Tornado alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Tornado 5.9/10

Tornado is listed in our Web Server Software 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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