The Best ngrok Alternative for Windows: Meet Tunnelmole (Open Source & Free)

If you’re a developer on Windows searching for an ngrok alternative for Windows, you’re not alone. Whether you’re testing webhooks, sharing a local site, or collaborating remotely, you need a reliable way to expose your local server to the internet. While ngrok is popular, it’s not the only option—especially if you want something open source, free, and easy to use on Windows.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why developers look for ngrok alternatives on Windows
• What makes Tunnelmole a standout choice
• How to install and use Tunnelmole on Windows
• Key differences between Tunnelmole and ngrok
• Real-world use cases and tips for Windows users

Why Look for an ngrok Alternative on Windows?

ngrok is a well-known tunneling tool, but it comes with some limitations:

• Free plan restrictions: Limited concurrent tunnels, session timeouts, and random subdomains.
• Closed source: You can’t audit or self-host the service.
• Pricing: Advanced features require a paid subscription.
• Installer friction: Some users report issues with ngrok’s installer or prefer a portable, no-login workflow.

If you want a tool that’s open source, free to use, and works seamlessly on Windows, it’s time to check out Tunnelmole.

Introducing Tunnelmole: The Open Source ngrok Alternative for Windows

Tunnelmole is a simple, open source tool that gives your locally running HTTP(s) servers a public URL—just like ngrok, but with a focus on transparency, developer freedom, and ease of use.

Key features:

• Open source: Both client and server are open source (MIT/AGPLv3).
• Free HTTPS URLs: Get a secure public URL for your local server in seconds.
• No account required: Start tunneling instantly—no sign-up or login needed.
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux: Native binaries and npm install options.
• Custom subdomains: Available with a subscription or self-hosted.
• Self-hosting: Run your own Tunnelmole server for full control.

How to Install Tunnelmole on Windows

Tunnelmole is designed for a frictionless install on Windows. You have two main options:

1. Download the Windows Binary (Recommended)

1. Download tmole.exe
2. Place it somewhere in your PATH for easy access.

Now you can run tmole from any command prompt or PowerShell window.

2. Install via npm (Requires Node.js 16.10+)

If you already use Node.js, you can install Tunnelmole globally:

npm install -g tunnelmole

Tip: Download Node.js from nodejs.org if you don’t have it installed.

How to Use Tunnelmole on Windows

Let’s say you have a local web app running on port 8080. To get a public URL:

tmole 8080

You’ll see output like:

https://cqcu2t-ip-49-185-26-79.tunnelmole.net ⟶ http://localhost:8080
http://cqcu2t-ip-49-185-26-79.tunnelmole.net ⟶ http://localhost:8080

Now, anyone can access your local app via the provided HTTPS URL.

Common use cases:

• Test webhooks from Stripe, GitHub, or IFTTT on your Windows machine
• Share your local React, Node.js, or static site with teammates
• Preview mobile versions of your site on real devices
• Demo your work to clients without deploying

Tunnelmole vs ngrok: Feature Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison for Windows users:

Real-World Example: Testing Webhooks on Windows with Tunnelmole

Let’s walk through a typical developer workflow:

1. Start your local server (e.g., Express app on port 3000):

   node app.js

2. Expose your server with Tunnelmole:

   tmole 3000

3. Copy the HTTPS URL from the output.

4. Paste the URL into your webhook provider (e.g., Stripe, GitHub, IFTTT).

5. Trigger the webhook—your local Windows app receives the request instantly.

No firewall changes, no router config, no ngrok account required.

Advanced: Integrate Tunnelmole with npm Scripts

You can automate Tunnelmole in your project’s package.json:

{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node app.js",
    "start-public": "npm run start && tmole 3000"
  }
}

Now, run:

npm run start-public

This starts your app and exposes it with a public URL in one step.

FAQ: Tunnelmole for Windows

Is Tunnelmole really open source?
Yes! Both the client and server are open source. See the code on GitHub.

Can I use Tunnelmole for free?
Yes, the default hosted service is free for public URLs. Custom subdomains require a subscription or self-hosting.

Can I self-host Tunnelmole?
Absolutely. Instructions here.

Summary

If you’re looking for the best ngrok alternative for Windows, Tunnelmole is a top choice: open source, free, easy to install, and packed with features for developers. Whether you’re testing webhooks, sharing your work, or collaborating remotely, Tunnelmole makes exposing your localhost on Windows effortless.

Next Steps

• Download Tunnelmole for Windows
• Read the full documentation
• Star Tunnelmole on GitHub

Happy tunneling!