Workerman
Workerman: An open-source, self-hosted PHP framework for building WebSocket and other network services. Ranked #43 of 55 in WebSocket Tools by our editors (4.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PHP developers building self-hosted WebSocket servers.
At a glance
- Editor score4.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPHP developers building self-hosted WebSocket servers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports WebSocket servers and ws-protocol client connections.
- Handles HTTP, TCP, UDP, text, frame, and custom protocols.
- Provides event-driven callbacks and SSL-enabled WebSocket examples.
Where it doesn't
- Requires developers to install and run it in a compatible server environment.
- Self-hosted rather than a managed WebSocket service.
- The documented support channel is docs.
Our verdict on Workerman
Workerman is an open-source, event-driven PHP framework for network applications, including WebSocket servers and clients. It suits PHP developers who want to build and run their own services rather than subscribe to a managed WebSocket platform. The published capabilities cover real-time messaging alongside HTTP services and device communications, making it relevant when a project needs more than a WebSocket endpoint but can be maintained as a PHP application.
Its protocol breadth is a practical strength: Workerman supports WebSocket, ws client connections, HTTP, text and frame protocols, TCP, UDP, and custom protocols. Event-driven callbacks handle connection and message activity, while the documentation includes examples for messaging and SSL-enabled WebSocket services. That combination gives developers control over protocol handling and application behavior in one framework. It also means this is a framework/library to integrate into a server-side application, not a ready-made hosted endpoint; teams should be prepared to manage deployment and operation themselves.
Workerman is installed through Composer and runs on a compatible server environment, with Linux and macOS listed as platforms. It is self-hosted and open source, so it can fit projects that prefer to operate their own infrastructure and work directly in PHP. The support channel listed is documentation, which makes the available guidance most relevant to developers comfortable working from examples and technical references. Choose Workerman for a PHP-centered, self-managed service that benefits from multiple network protocols. Look elsewhere if the requirement is a managed service or if the team does not want responsibility for running the server.
Workerman pricing
Workerman fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| Free concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Pub/sub messaging | Yes |
| Self-hosting available | Yes |
| Client SDKs | PHP |
| Protocol support | WebSocket, ws, HTTP, text, frame, TCP, UDP, custom |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | workerman.net |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Workerman
- 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 Workerman alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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