hostcMicrosoft dev tunnels alternative: hostc vs Microsoft dev tunnels
Microsoft dev tunnels, also built into VS Code, are private by default and need a sign-in. hostc takes the opposite approach: no account, and a link anyone can open, so it suits sharing with people outside your organization.
| hostc | Microsoft dev tunnels | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Nothing beyond Node.js | devtunnel CLI, or VS Code |
| Account | None | Microsoft, Entra ID or GitHub account |
| URL | New on every start, kept across reconnects | Can stay the same for as long as you need |
| What visitors see | Your app, with no page in front | Only you by default; anonymous access is opt-in |
| Traffic | HTTP, WebSocket, Server-Sent Events | Several ports per tunnel, HTTP and HTTPS |
| Limits | 256 requests at once, 1024 waiting, no monthly quota | Public preview; unused tunnels go after 30 days |
From each product's documentation on 2026-11-06. Products change, so check theirs before you decide.
When hostc is the better choice
- You want a public link to a dev server in seconds, on any machine with Node.js.
- You share with people or services that shouldn't need an account or a click-through.
- You use hot reload, WebSockets or Server-Sent Events.
When Microsoft dev tunnels is the better choice
- The link must stay private by default.
- You need several ports on one tunnel.
- You already work in VS Code and want it built in.
Try hostc
npx hostc@latest 3000