WampServer is a popular local development environment for Windows that bundles Apache, MySQL, and PHP. However, there are many excellent alternatives that offer additional features, better performance, or cross-platform support.
In this guide, we'll explore the best WampServer alternatives in 2026 to help you choose the right local development stack for your needs.
Best WampServer Alternatives in 2026
1. Laragon
Best Overall WampServer Alternative
Laragon is a modern, lightweight local development environment for Windows. It's incredibly fast, portable, and offers features that WampServer doesn't have, like automatic virtual hosts and SSL certificates.
Key Features:
- Automatic pretty URLs (project.test)
- One-click SSL certificates
- Portable - run from USB drive
- Supports PHP, Node.js, Python, Java, Go
- Quick app creation (WordPress, Laravel, etc.)
- Multiple PHP versions switchable
Price: Free
2. XAMPP
Most Popular Alternative
XAMPP by Apache Friends is the most widely used local server solution. It's completely free, cross-platform, and includes Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Includes phpMyAdmin for database management
- Easy control panel
- Large community and documentation
- Regular updates
Price: Free
3. Docker
Best for Professional Development
Docker isn't a traditional WAMP stack, but it's the modern standard for development environments. Using Docker containers, you can create isolated, reproducible development environments that match production.
Key Features:
- Containerized, isolated environments
- Match development to production exactly
- Version control your environment
- Easy to share with team members
- Supports any tech stack
Price: Free (Docker Desktop Personal)
4. MAMP
Best for macOS Users
MAMP (Mac, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is primarily designed for macOS but also works on Windows. The free version is great for beginners, while MAMP PRO offers advanced features.
Key Features:
- Easy one-click installation
- Supports PHP and Python
- Includes phpMyAdmin and phpLiteAdmin
- MAMP PRO adds virtual hosts, SSL, email testing
- Clean, user-friendly interface
Price: Free / MAMP PRO $99
5. Local (by Flywheel)
Best for WordPress Development
Local is specifically designed for WordPress development. It makes creating WordPress sites incredibly easy with features like one-click WordPress installs and live links for client previews.
Key Features:
- One-click WordPress installation
- Live Links for sharing sites
- Push/pull to Flywheel or WP Engine
- SSL support out of the box
- Xdebug and WP-CLI included
- Blueprint feature for site templates
Price: Free
6. AMPPS
Best for Auto-Installing Apps
AMPPS by Softaculous includes a software installer that lets you install 400+ apps like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal with a single click.
Key Features:
- Softaculous auto-installer (400+ scripts)
- Supports Apache, MySQL, PHP, Perl, Python
- Cross-platform support
- Easy domain management
- Regular updates
Price: Free
7. ServBay
Best Modern Alternative
ServBay is a new, modern local development environment that supports multiple languages and frameworks with a beautiful interface.
Key Features:
- Supports PHP, Node.js, Python, Go, Java
- Built-in database management
- Automatic SSL certificates
- DNS management
- Modern, clean UI
Price: Free tier available
8. Devilbox
Best Docker-Based Stack
Devilbox is a modern Docker-based PHP development environment that supports multiple PHP versions and many popular frameworks out of the box.
Key Features:
- Docker-based, fully containerized
- All PHP versions from 5.2 to 8.3
- Auto virtual hosts
- Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
- Email catch-all for testing
Price: Free and open-source
9. Herd (by Laravel)
Best for Laravel Development
Laravel Herd is a blazing-fast, native development environment for macOS and Windows. It's built specifically for PHP and Laravel developers.
Key Features:
- Native performance (no Docker needed)
- Automatic site detection
- Multiple PHP version support
- Built-in Node.js support
- Herd Pro adds database management, email testing
Price: Free / Herd Pro $99/year
10. EasyPHP
Best Lightweight Option
EasyPHP is a lightweight WAMP package that comes in two versions: Devserver for development and Webserver for hosting.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and fast
- Portable version available
- Easy module management
- Code editor included
- Virtual hosts support
Price: Free
Comparison Table
| Tool | Best For | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laragon | Overall Windows development | Windows | Free |
| XAMPP | Cross-platform simplicity | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| Docker | Professional teams | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| MAMP | macOS users | Mac/Windows | Free/$99 |
| Local | WordPress development | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| AMPPS | Auto-installing CMSs | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| ServBay | Modern multi-language dev | Mac/Windows | Free |
| Devilbox | Docker PHP development | Win/Mac/Linux | Free |
| Herd | Laravel development | Mac/Windows | Free/$99 |
| EasyPHP | Lightweight solution | Windows | Free |
Conclusion
The best WampServer alternative depends on your specific needs:
- Windows users: Try Laragon for its speed and features
- Cross-platform: XAMPP or Docker
- WordPress developers: Local is purpose-built for WordPress
- Laravel developers: Herd offers native performance
- macOS users: MAMP is a solid choice
- Teams: Docker ensures everyone has the same environment
All of these tools are free to use, so try a few to find the one that fits your workflow best!
