WebSocket-Node
WebSocket-Node: A low-level Node.js library with client, server, routing and TLS support. Ranked #39 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for node.js projects needing a low-level WebSocket library.
At a glance
- Editor score4.8 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forNode.js projects needing a low-level WebSocket library
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelLibrary
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Provides both WebSocket client and server implementations for Node.js
- Includes path-and-protocol routing and TLS support
- Offers fragmentation controls, message limits and keep-alive pings
Where it doesn't
- Requires a Node.js project and self-hosted deployment
- Focuses on the WebSocket protocol rather than higher-level realtime features
- The latest repository version shown dates to April 14, 2021
Our verdict on WebSocket-Node
WebSocket-Node is an open-source JavaScript library for building WebSocket clients and servers in Node.js. It suits developers who want protocol-level building blocks inside an application rather than a hosted realtime service. The project implements protocol versions 8 and 13, including RFC 6455 framing and handshake behavior, and its W3CWebSocket class provides a browser-style API usable from Node.js and browsers.
Its feature set covers several details that otherwise require separate handling: fragmented-message assembly and outgoing fragmentation, configurable frame and message limits, keep-alive pings, cookie parsing and setting, and a router that mounts applications by path and protocol. TLS is supported for outbound clients and for servers backed by HTTPS. Distribution is through the npm package named “websocket,” and the project is licensed under Apache-2.0. This combination makes it a fit for teams that want control over connection behavior and are prepared to integrate and operate the library within their own applications.
WebSocket-Node is a protocol-focused library, not a higher-level realtime platform: the published feature set centers on client/server communication, routing and connection handling rather than pub/sub or presence. Its repository shows version 1.0.34, released April 14, 2021, so teams assessing maintenance expectations should review the project before adopting it. Choose it when a Node.js application needs direct WebSocket primitives and the team can own integration; look elsewhere if the requirement is managed hosting or built-in realtime abstractions.
WebSocket-Node pricing
WebSocket-Node fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Library |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | Not verified |
| Self-hosting available | Yes |
| Client SDKs | Node.js; W3C WebSocket API (browser) |
| Protocol support | WebSocket RFC 6455; protocol versions 8 and 13 |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to WebSocket-Node
- 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-Node alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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