Decker runs local projects.
ngrok exposes network services.
Both can create public URLs, but they start from different jobs. Decker detects and operates supported local projects. ngrok routes, secures, and inspects traffic for services you already configured.
Different tools for different starting points.
Choose based on whether you need to operate the development server or expose, secure, and inspect an upstream service.
Choose Decker for project operations
Start with a project folder. Decker detects supported services, starts and stops them, assigns managed ports, and keeps local URLs, process status, and stdout/stderr logs together.
Choose ngrok for network ingress
Start with a running service or configured upstream. ngrok creates HTTP, TCP, or TLS endpoints and adds domains, Traffic Policy controls, and detailed traffic inspection with replay.
Compare the workflows
The rows below describe each product's current scope instead of treating different workflows as equivalent checkmarks.
Scroll horizontally to compare.
| Feature | ngrokNetwork ingress | DeckerLocal project operations |
|---|---|---|
| Run and manage local projects | ||
| Starting point | A running service at a known port, address, or URL | Select a supported project folder |
| Development server | Connects an endpoint to the configured upstream | Starts and stops supported services |
| Project setup | Endpoint and upstream configuration | Folder scan and supported-framework detection |
| Port handling | Routes to the port or URL you specify | Assigns an available managed port |
| Logs and status | Agent, endpoint, request traffic, and metrics | Development server status, stdout, and stderr |
| Expose and protect services | ||
| HTTPS public URL | Available on all current plans | Available with a paid membership for running web services |
| Provider-managed domain | Assigned Dev Domain on Free; selectable ngrok domain on paid plans | Stable *.rundecker.com URL |
| User-owned custom domain | Pay-as-you-go plan | Not available |
| Public endpoint protocols | HTTP and TCP; TLS on Pay-as-you-go | HTTPS for running browser-facing web services |
| Supported upstream | Local port, address, URL, or network service | Running browser-facing web service detected in a project |
| Access control | Traffic Policy: Basic Auth, OAuth/OIDC, JWT, IP rules, and more | Optional preview password |
| Public endpoint lifecycle | Agent Endpoint runs with the agent; Cloud Endpoint can stay online | Auto-stops after a selected 30 minutes to 24 hours |
| Inspect shared traffic | ||
| Request metadata | Request and response events in Traffic Inspector | Method, path, status, duration, and time |
| Request and response details | Headers and bodies through local inspection or Full Capture | Headers, bodies, and cookies are not captured |
| Request replay | Replay and replay with modifications | Not available |
| Reachability summary | Inspect and filter individual traffic events | Preview Check summarizes visits, page response, and failed requests |
Pricing snapshot
Pricing reflects different product scopes. This is not a total-cost-equivalence comparison.
Scroll horizontally to compare.
| Pricing item | ngrokCurrent plans | DeckerCurrent access |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free, subscription, and usage-basedPlan and usage limits apply | Starter, Monthly, and Lifetime$9 monthly or $69 once |
| Free access | $0 Free$5 one-time usage credit; up to 3 online endpoints | 1 saved project1 active device |
| Paid self-serve option | $8/month billed annually$10 billed monthly; $10 monthly usage credit | $9/month or $69 onceSame paid features, up to 3 devices |
| Advanced ingress option | $20/month + additional usagePay-as-you-go with custom domains and unlimited online endpoints | Not offeredNo usage-based network ingress plan |
Verified against ngrok's official pricing and documentation on July 17, 2026. This is a documentation-based comparison; ngrok was not installed for a hands-on benchmark.
Decker's paid membership includes unlimited saved projects, use on up to 3 devices, public previews, supported Vercel deployment, and GitHub backup snapshots.
Choose the workflow you need.
If local project management is the job, start with one project. If custom domains, raw TCP or TLS endpoints, Traffic Policy, or payload replay are required, ngrok is the better fit. Decker Lifetime includes a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Start with one project