Compare software

http-server vs Simple HTTP Server: catalog facts
http-server	Simple HTTP Server
Free Free and open source under the MIT license.	Free Free and open source under the MIT license.
Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Serves a directory with a simple command Can run through npx without a global install	Directory listing, uploads and basic auth in one binary Range requests, compression and CORS support
Requires Node.js or an installation method such as Homebrew	HTTPS requires building with the optional tls feature No published GitHub releases
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.