Localdock (site) gives local development projects a real HTTPS address so you can share your dev environment without the client installing anything. It's a one-time $9 payment for the macOS app — no subscription — and it works even from mobile devices. If you want a free option, a lower recurring cost, or cross-platform support, here are the alternatives, cheapest first.
| Product | Free tier | Starts at | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share local Docker Compose apps (Livecycle) | Yes | Not stated for the extension itself | Teams already using Docker Desktop who want quick review links |
| Local development with .local domains and HTTPS (LocalCan) | Yes | $8/mo | Publishing .local domains with HTTPS on a local network |
| Ngrok Alternative Without Subscription (LocalCan) | Yes | $8/mo | Public URLs/SSH tunnels beyond the local network |
| Reach your localhost server from the internet (LocalXpose) | Yes | $8/mo | Exposing localhost behind NAT/firewall via tunnel |
| Localdock | No | $9 one-time | macOS users who want a permanent local project address, no subscription |
Share local Docker Compose apps for real-time reviews
Livecycle is a Docker Desktop extension that creates a secure, shareable tunnel to your local environment so teammates can review code changes in real time, without waiting on CI builds or staging environments. It suits dev teams already running Docker Compose who want fast feedback loops. Pricing for the extension itself isn't stated; the brief only shows Docker Desktop's own subscription tiers (Personal free, Pro $9-11/mo, Team $15-16/mo). The limitation: you need to be on Docker Desktop already, and costs beyond the free tier are tied to Docker's plans, not a standalone price.
Local development with .local domains and HTTPS
This is LocalCan's original tool: it publishes .local domains on your local network using mDNS, with a reverse proxy handling HTTPS termination and port forwarding. It suits developers who mainly need HTTPS on their local network rather than a public internet link. There's a free tier (1 live Public URL, 60-minute sessions, 1 GB/month), with paid plans from $8/month (Solo), or a $189 one-time lifetime license. Limitation: the free tier's session length and bandwidth caps make it awkward for anything beyond quick local testing.
Ngrok Alternative Without Subscription
Also from LocalCan, this is the product's newer direction: full public URLs and SSH tunnels on *.localcan.dev or custom domains, built as a subscription-free-feeling alternative to ngrok. It suits developers who want tunnels reaching beyond the local network, not just .local HTTPS. Free tier covers ephemeral public URLs; paid plans start at $8/month (Solo), with Pro at $12/month, Teams at $45/month, and a $189 one-time lifetime option. Limitation: "without subscription" in the name is aspirational — the main paid tiers are still monthly plans.
Reach your localhost server from the internet with LocalXpose
LocalXpose is a reverse proxy/tunnel tool that exposes your localhost to the internet, aimed at developers, DevOps engineers, sysadmins, and even gamers working behind a NAT or firewall. The free starter plan includes 2 active tunnels; paid plans start at $8/month (Pro, billed annually at $96/year), with custom Enterprise pricing available. Limitation: the free tier's 2-tunnel cap means anyone running more than a couple of services locally will need to upgrade fairly quickly.
How to choose
If you just need HTTPS on your local network and don't mind session limits, start with LocalCan's free tier. If you need public tunnels reachable from anywhere, LocalCan's paid plans or LocalXpose both start at $8/month — cheaper than Localdock's $9, but recurring rather than one-time. If you're already in Docker Desktop, Livecycle avoids a new tool entirely. If you want to pay once and never think about it again, Localdock's $9 one-time fee is the only non-subscription option here.
FAQ
Is there a free way to get an HTTPS link for a local project? Yes — LocalCan's free tier and LocalXpose's free starter plan both offer this, with usage limits.
Is Localdock actually cheaper than the $8/month alternatives long-term? Yes, since Localdock is a one-time $9 payment while the $8/month options are recurring subscriptions.
Which alternative works if I'm already using Docker Desktop? The Livecycle extension is built specifically for Docker Compose setups and layers onto Docker Desktop's own pricing.