Local
What it is
Local is a free desktop application for developing WordPress sites on a computer. It installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for the site. Development tools provide root SSH access, WP-CLI, and hot-swappable PHP environments. Local includes native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, with switching between NGINX and Apache. Sites can be imported and exported with their files, databases, and configuration files. Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine; Connect is free, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan. Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive for project files, directories, and databases, but backups must be started manually through its interface. Live Links creates secure, persistent review URLs, and Image Optimizer compresses local images offline. An HTTP/HTTPS tunnel can expose sites to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux.
For and against
For
- One-click WordPress installation with SSL
- Includes WP-CLI and root SSH access
- Switches between NGINX and Apache
- Imports and exports complete sites
- Offline image compression
Against
- Cloud Backups are not automatic
- Hosting costs depend on selected hosting plan
- Telemetry includes service usage and configuration data
- Connect transfers are limited to Flywheel and WP Engine
The verdict
Local provides a free local WordPress workspace with server controls, migration tools, previews, and integrations. Its manual backup workflow and hosting-specific Connect support are key considerations.
Who it suits
It suits WordPress developers who want local site creation, server switching, migrations, previews, and testing tools. Teams can use Live Links and Connect for reviews or hosting transfers.
Plans and prices
Local
Free and always will be
Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
On the record
- Available desktop platforms
- Local's download form offers macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Windows, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux downloads.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Backup limitation
- Cloud Backups does not automatically back up sites; users start backups through its interface.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Cloud backups
- Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive and stores project files, directories, and databases.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Connect pricing
- Local Connect is free to use, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Development tools
- Local offers root SSH access, WP-CLI, and the ability to hot-swap PHP environments.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Host integrations
- Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Image Optimizer
- The Image Optimizer compresses local image files offline without cloud-based services.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Live Links
- Live Links creates secure, persistent URLs so clients and coworkers can review local sites.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- WP Engine says it collects service telemetry, including event data about service usage and success or failure rates, with software version and configuration information.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Local is a desktop application for developing WordPress sites locally.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Site migration
- Local can import and export sites with their files, databases, and configuration files.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Site setup
- Local installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for the site.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Local lists community forums, help documentation, and release notes as support resources.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Testing
- Local's HTTP/HTTPS tunnel can expose a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Web server options
- Local includes native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, and supports switching between NGINX and Apache.localwp.com · read 9 Oct 2026
