uWebSockets
uWebSockets: A feature-rich server library for performance-focused C++ and Node.js applications. Ranked #14 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for performance-focused C++ or Node.js servers.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPerformance-focused C++ or Node.js servers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Founded2016 · Sweden
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- WebSocket pub/sub, routing, compression, and backpressure are included.
- TLS 1.3, SNI, and IPv6 support broaden server capabilities.
- Includes a Node.js native V8 addon alongside the C++ library.
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted library requires you to manage deployment.
- SDK coverage is limited to C, C++, and Node.js.
- Commercial consulting and support are separate offerings.
Our verdict on uWebSockets
uWebSockets is an open-source C++17 library for building HTTP and WebSocket servers, aimed at developers who want to run server code themselves rather than adopt a hosted service. It combines HTTP handling with WebSocket lifecycle handlers, pub/sub topics, URL routing, TLS support, compression, and backpressure management. The project runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, and includes uWebSockets.js, a Node.js native V8 addon. Its focus is server-side infrastructure, making it a fit for teams with C++ or Node.js experience and a need to control their own deployment.
Its feature set is broad for a server library: wildcard and parameter URL routing sit alongside WebSocket pub/sub, permessage-deflate compression, and streaming responses. TLS 1.3, SNI, and IPv6 support are also part of the published capabilities. The asynchronous event loop uses one app per thread. This makes uWebSockets relevant where performance-sensitive server work and protocol-level control matter; it is not positioned as a turnkey hosted WebSocket service or a general client SDK suite.
The library is open source under the Apache License 2.0, and the free offering includes the core server features. There is no published vendor subscription price; uNetworking AB offers commercial development and support separately. Documentation, email, and community channels are listed for support. Choose uWebSockets if self-hosting and C++ or Node.js fit your stack and you want integrated server features. Teams looking for managed hosting, wider SDK coverage, or a service with established presence signals should consider alternatives.
uWebSockets pricing
uWebSockets 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 | C, C++, Node.js |
| Protocol support | WebSocket, HTTP, TLS 1.3 |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to uWebSockets
- 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 uWebSockets alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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