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Robbie Cahill
Robbie Cahill

Posted on • Originally published at softwareengineeringstandard.com

The Best ngrok alternative for Mac: Tunnelmole - Open Source

#ngrok #mac #tunneling #opensource

The Best ngrok Alternative for Mac: Meet Tunnelmole (Open Source & Free)

If you’re a developer on macOS searching for an ngrok alternative for Mac, you’re not alone. Whether you’re testing webhooks, sharing a local site, or collaborating remotely, you need a reliable way to expose your local server to the internet. While ngrok is popular, it’s not the only option—especially if you want something open source, free, and easy to use on your Mac.

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • Why developers look for ngrok alternatives on Mac
  • What makes Tunnelmole a standout choice
  • How to install and use Tunnelmole on macOS
  • Key differences between Tunnelmole and ngrok
  • Real-world use cases and tips for Mac users

Why Look for an ngrok Alternative on Mac?

ngrok is a well-known tunneling tool, but it comes with some limitations:

  • Free plan restrictions: Limited concurrent tunnels, session timeouts, and random subdomains.
  • Closed source: You can’t audit or self-host the service.
  • Pricing: Advanced features require a paid subscription.
  • Installation friction: Some users report issues with ngrok’s installer or prefer a Homebrew-free workflow.

If you want a tool that’s open source, free to use, and works seamlessly on macOS, it’s time to check out Tunnelmole.

Introducing Tunnelmole: The Open Source ngrok Alternative for Mac

Tunnelmole is a simple, open source tool that gives your locally running HTTP(s) servers a public URL—just like ngrok, but with a focus on transparency, developer freedom, and ease of use.

Key features:

  • Open source: Both client and server are open source (MIT/AGPLv3).
  • Free HTTPS URLs: Get a secure public URL for your local server in seconds.
  • No account required: Start tunneling instantly—no sign-up or login needed.
  • Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows: Native binaries and npm install options.
  • Custom subdomains: Available with a subscription or self-hosted.
  • Self-hosting: Run your own Tunnelmole server for full control.

How to Install Tunnelmole on Mac

Tunnelmole is designed for a frictionless install on macOS. You have two main options:

1. Install via Shell Script (Recommended for Mac)

Open your terminal and run:

curl -O https://install.tunnelmole.com/xD345/install && sudo bash install
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The script auto-detects your OS and installs the right binary for your Mac.

2. Install via npm (Requires Node.js 16.10+)

If you already use Node.js, you can install Tunnelmole globally:

sudo npm install -g tunnelmole
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Tip: If you use Homebrew, you can install Node.js with brew install node.

How to Use Tunnelmole on macOS

Let’s say you have a local web app running on port 8080. To get a public URL:

tmole 8080
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You’ll see output like:

https://cqcu2t-ip-49-185-26-79.tunnelmole.net ⟶ http://localhost:8080
http://cqcu2t-ip-49-185-26-79.tunnelmole.net ⟶ http://localhost:8080
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Now, anyone can access your local app via the provided HTTPS URL.

Common use cases:

  • Test webhooks from Stripe, GitHub, or IFTTT on your Mac
  • Share your local React, Node.js, or static site with teammates
  • Preview mobile versions of your site on real devices
  • Demo your work to clients without deploying

Tunnelmole vs ngrok: Feature Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison for Mac users:

Feature Tunnelmole ngrok (Free)
Open Source ✅ Yes ❌ No
Free HTTPS URLs ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Custom Subdomains ✅ Paid/Self-host ✅ Paid only
Self-Hosting ✅ Yes ❌ No
Works on macOS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

Real-World Example: Testing Webhooks on Mac with Tunnelmole

Let’s walk through a typical developer workflow:

  1. Start your local server (e.g., Express app on port 3000):

    node app.js

  2. Expose your server with Tunnelmole:

    tmole 3000

  3. Copy the HTTPS URL from the output.

  4. Paste the URL into your webhook provider (e.g., Stripe, GitHub, IFTTT).

  5. Trigger the webhook—your local Mac app receives the request instantly.

No firewall changes, no router config, no ngrok account required.

Advanced: Integrate Tunnelmole with npm Scripts

You can automate Tunnelmole in your project’s package.json:

{
  "scripts": {
    "start": "node app.js",
    "start-public": "npm run start && tmole 3000"
  }
}
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Now, run:

npm run start-public
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This starts your app and exposes it with a public URL in one step.

FAQ: Tunnelmole for Mac

Is Tunnelmole really open source?

Yes! Both the client and server are open source. See the code on GitHub.

Can I use Tunnelmole for free?

Yes, the default hosted service is free for public URLs. Custom subdomains require a subscription or self-hosting.

Can I self-host Tunnelmole?

Absolutely. Instructions here.

Summary

If you’re looking for the best ngrok alternative for Mac, Tunnelmole is a top choice: open source, free, easy to install, and packed with features for developers. Whether you’re testing webhooks, sharing your work, or collaborating remotely, Tunnelmole makes exposing your localhost on macOS effortless.

Next Steps

Happy tunneling!

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