// compare
lrok vs localtunnel. localtunnel is free + open source. lrok is paid but reliable.
localtunnel is the classic free option: an npm install, no account, instant tunnel. The catch is uptime — the public server is community-run and goes down for hours at a time. If you want a solo-built tunnel with a generous free tier that still has a maintained roadmap, see how lrok compares to [Telebit](/compare/telebit). If you have also tried [Serveo](/compare/serveo) and hit the same wall, lrok is the paid-but-stable answer when "the demo URL works at 9am tomorrow" matters. lrok is the paid-but-stable answer when "the demo URL works at 9am tomorrow" matters.
Free tier
| Feature | lrok | localtunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free plan | Free |
| Uptime SLA | Best effort, single edge | Community-run, frequent outages |
| Reserved subdomain (kept forever) | 1 included | Subdomain hint, no guarantee |
| TLS | Auto, valid cert | Yes (Lets Encrypt) |
| Request inspector | Yes | No |
Pro tier
| Feature | lrok | localtunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Pro plan exists | $9 / mo | No paid tier |
| TCP support | Yes | No |
| Custom domains | Yes | No |
Where localtunnel still wins
We're up-front about the gaps. Some are on the roadmap; the enterprise / specialized ones probably won't be.
| Feature | lrok | localtunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Open source self-hosting | No (commercial only) | Yes |
| Zero account | Email signup | Truly anonymous |