vrok vs ngrok and WeTransfer
ngrok exposes a port. WeTransfer uploads a copy. vrok gives someone a temporary link to what is already on your machine: a file, a folder or a running app. Here is when each one fits.
At a glance
| If you need | vrok | ngrok / tunnels | WeTransfer / file hosts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share a running localhost app | Yes, vrok localhost:3000 |
Yes, their main job | No |
| Share a file or folder directly | Yes, with previews | Only if you run a file server | Yes, by uploading a copy |
| No account | Yes | Account required | Depends on the service |
| Link that expires or works once | TTL, download limit, password | Stays up until you stop it | Expires after their retention period |
| Recipient can get it after you go offline | No, by design | No | Yes, their main job |
Choose vrok when
- Someone needs what is on your machine now, and should not have it tomorrow.
- You want one tool for files, folders and localhost.
- You would rather not create an account or upload anything.
- You want the code: vrok is MIT licensed, and you can run your own relay.
Choose something else when
- ngrok or another tunnel service: you need a long-lived tunnel, a reserved domain, or request inspection and traffic policies.
- WeTransfer or a file host: the recipient must still have the file after your computer is off.
Questions
Is vrok a free alternative to ngrok?
For sharing a localhost app with someone, yes: free, open source and no account. For long-lived production tunnels with reserved domains, ngrok is built for that.
Is vrok an alternative to WeTransfer?
For sending files while you are online, yes, and without uploading them or any size limit. If the recipient needs the file after you go offline, use a file host.
Does vrok use Cloudflare?
By default it opens a free Cloudflare quick tunnel, with no
Cloudflare account. You can keep shares on your network with
--local, or run your own relay.
Is vrok open source?
Yes, MIT licensed, on GitHub.
Install vrok
One command on macOS and Linux. Free, MIT licensed, no account.
curl -fsSL
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AliJabbar034/vrok/main/install.sh
| sh
Homebrew, Scoop, Windows, Linux packages and verified archives are on the download page. Every command and flag is in the guide.