Comparison

Expose HTTP Server vs Localhost Web Server & Files

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Expose HTTP Server

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a local HTTP/API server for seamless file sharing, mock API testing, and static site hosting on your Wi-Fi network. Easily connect computers, test devices, and other platforms without installing additional software.

Highlights
  • Local HTTP/API server
  • Wi-Fi file sharing
  • WebDAV server
  • Mock API testing
  • Static site hosting
  • HTTPS/TLS support
  • Access control
Features
Read full description

Expose turns your iPhone or iPad into a local HTTP/API server for the same Wi-Fi network. Use it as a file server, WebDAV server, static site host, and mock API workbench: computers, test devices, browsers, scripts, TVs, and dev boards can open your local URL or scan a QR code without installing another app. Use Expose for: - Wi-Fi file sharing: send photos, videos, documents, and folders to Mac, Windows, Linux, TV boxes, NAS workflows, and nearby devices - Local WebDAV: browse folders from Finder, Files, rclone, Cyberduck, and compatible clients; enable uploads or WebDAV write only when you choose - Mock API testing: create JSON, HTML, redirects, status codes, headers, latency, and conditional responses; match query, path, header, or request body values, inspect captured payloads, and replay requests - Dynamic response templates: insert request values, UUIDs, timestamps, and random data, then verify output with a live preview and sample inputs - Static site preview: serve a folder as a local website with index.html and SPA fallback - Automation: use Shortcuts or Siri to start, stop, or copy the running server URL - Session upkeep: bulk-select routes, sources, and logs to clear them fast; broken-source warnings flag missing files or photos; guided Local Network permission and actionable recovery when a start fails Expose stays local-first. It does not require a cloud account, does not upload your files, photos, routes, or logs to our servers, and does not publish your device to the public internet. You choose what to share and control access with token, Basic/Bearer auth, Host/CORS/IP allowlists, and HTTPS. Because iOS limits background execution, Expose is designed for user-started foreground local sessions. Keep Screen Awake and short background grace improve hands-on testing, but Expose is not a 24/7 background hosting platform. Privacy Policy: https://expose.bonjour.dev/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://expose.bonjour.dev/terms

About

Localhost Web Server & Files

Features
Read full description

HostPilot turns your iPhone or iPad into a small web server on your own Wi-Fi network. Point any browser on the same network at the address it gives you. FILE DROP Open HostPilot, start a File Drop, and any phone, tablet or computer on your Wi-Fi can open the page and send files straight to your device. Nothing leaves your network. No cable, no account, no cloud service in the middle. Scan the QR code to open the page instantly on another device. SERVE A FOLDER AS A SITE Import a folder of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, or write one in the built-in editor, and HostPilot serves it the way a real web server would: • index.html auto-serve and directory listing you can switch off • Live reload, so edits show up in the browser as you save • Single-page-app fallback for React, Vue and Angular builds • Range requests, so video seeks and resumes properly • Custom 404 pages, CORS headers and gzip • Correct ETag, Last-Modified and 304 handling REQUEST INSPECTOR Point a webhook or an API client at your device and watch requests arrive: method, path, headers and body, captured as they land. Useful when you are building something that has to call you back. BUILT-IN EDITOR Syntax highlighting, find and replace, and version history for every file in a site, so you can fix a line and see the result without leaving the app. ON IPAD Open HostPilot beside Safari in Split View. Both stay on screen, so you can edit a file on one side and reload the page on the other. HOW SERVING WORKS HostPilot serves while the app is on screen. When you leave the app, iOS suspends it and the server stops — HostPilot tells you it paused and brings it back with one tap when you return. Keep the app open while you are transferring files or previewing a site. HOSTPILOT PRO • Serve several sites and choose your own port • Password-protect a site with a username and password • Choose whether a site is reachable from the network or from this device only • Browser uploads into a running site • No ads SUBSCRIPTION AND PRICING • HostPilot Pro Lifetime — $19.99, one payment • HostPilot Pro Monthly — $1.99 per month, renews automatically • HostPilot Pro Annual — $9.99 per year, renews automatically • Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase • A subscription renews unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple Account settings Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://cosmovex.web.app/apps/hostpilot/privacy-policy Questions: trionapps@gmail.com

Screenshots

Expose HTTP Server4 screens
Localhost Web Server & Files4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Localhost Web Server & Files at none against Expose HTTP Server's 3. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Expose HTTP Server sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Localhost Web Server & Files asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Expose HTTP Server versus Localhost Web Server & Files: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterExpose HTTP ServerLocalhost Web Server & Files
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size26 MB49 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperBonjour, LLCSahana A S

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Expose HTTP Server

Subscriptions2
  • Expose Premium Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Expose Premium Annual7 Days trial$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • Expose Premium Lifetime$69.99
None

Localhost Web Server & Files

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Expose HTTP Server free?
Expose HTTP Server is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Localhost Web Server & Files free?
Localhost Web Server & Files is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Expose HTTP Server or Localhost Web Server & Files have ads?
Neither Expose HTTP Server nor Localhost Web Server & Files shows ads.

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