websocket-client
websocket-client: A configurable, open-source Python client library for WebSocket connections. Ranked #44 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python developers needing a configurable WebSocket client.
At a glance
- Editor score4.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPython developers needing a configurable WebSocket client
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Offers both low-level operations and a callback-driven WebSocketApp interface
- Configures headers, cookies, TLS, timeouts, and HTTP or SOCKS proxies
- Includes ping/pong handling, tracing, and reconnect behavior
Where it doesn't
- Client library, not a hosted WebSocket service
- Does not support permessage-deflate compression
- Focused on Python client connections, not managed pub/sub
Our verdict on websocket-client
websocket-client is an open-source Python library for connecting to WebSocket servers and sending and receiving data. It suits developers who need to build a client connection in Python, from direct connect, send, receive, and close operations to longer-lived connections managed through WebSocketApp callbacks. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and implements the hybi-13 WebSocket protocol.
Its connection controls are the main draw for applications that need to adapt to different endpoints or network environments. Developers can set custom HTTP headers, cookies, origin, host, and subprotocols, as well as socket timeouts and TLS options. HTTP and SOCKS proxies are supported, with optional authentication. The library also handles WebSocket ping and pong control frames. For inspection or interactive use, it includes a command-line tool with tracing and raw-output options. Reconnection is available through an asynchronous dispatcher and a non-zero reconnect delay, so this is a client-side behavior rather than a managed connection service.
The project is free and open source, with documentation and community support. Its scope is intentionally client-focused: it is a library to run in your own application, not a hosted service, and it does not provide managed pub/sub. One specific protocol limitation is that permessage-deflate compression is unsupported. Choose websocket-client when Python code needs configurable WebSocket connections and control over client behavior; look elsewhere if you need a hosted platform, managed pub/sub, or that compression extension.
websocket-client pricing
websocket-client 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 | Python |
| Protocol support | WebSocket hybi-13 |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | websocket-client.readthedocs.io |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to websocket-client
- 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 websocket-client alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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